Knik Elementary Newsletter Traci Pedersen, Principal

PO Box 877830 ~ Wasilla, Alaska 99687 Ph (907) 352-0300 Fax (907) 352-0380

December Edition 2014 Holiday Greetings from the Principal:

Can you believe we are almost half-way through our school year? Our first semester ends on Dec. 19th. We only have three weeks of school in December and we have a lot of ground to cover as we reach the half-way point, so we hope to see all of our students in school, on time, and ready to learn every day in December! We want out students to end the semester strong and feel proud of all they have accomplished so far this year. We also want our students to enjoy their well-deserved holiday break. I recently read an article that reminded me that students, like adults, occasionally need a break from their routines in order to recharge their batteries. I hope the Christmas break is a positive, recharging time for all of our students. No one wants to do schoolwork over the break, but there are some creative ways you can help your children continue practicing their reading, language, and math skills (and they probably won’t even know it ). Check out this article for fun ideas on how to “Keep Skills Sharp During Winter Break”: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=1330 . The holidays are a special time to be with our family and friends. All of us at Knik wish you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season! As always, thank you for everything you do to support your child and our school. Merry Christmas! Traci Pedersen

Dates to Remember December 1st-12th ~ Personal Safety Class December 10th ~ Fourth Grade Field Trip to Finger Lake Recreational Park December 19th ~ 2nd Quarter Ends December 20th ~ Winter Break Begins January 6th ~ Back to School

Subs Needed Our teachers make it a priority to be in school every day. When a teacher cannot be in school, we rely on substitutes, or guest teachers, to step in and teach. We’ve had a shortage of subs this year, so we are looking for more people who are willing to join the substitute teacher ranks. Some of our best guest teachers over the years have been parents and grandparents of Knik students. If you have ever thought about subbing, We encourage you to contact MSBSD Human Resources Department and get on the sub list. You can select which school you’d like to work in, even if it is only our school. If you have questions about what is involved in subbing, contact Mrs. Pedersen or refer to the district website at http://www.matsuk12.us/Page/19739.

Scripps National Spelling Bee Our classroom spelling bee qualifying test was held in spelling class on Monday, November 24th. The test was comprised of 20 words from the Scripps National Spelling Bee Study List of 450 words. The School-wide Spelling Bee will be held on February 12th, 2015 in the Knik Elementary gym. All are invited to attend! Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the Knik Elementary School-wide Spelling Bee: THIRD GRADE FIFTH GRADE Ethan Hensley Quentin O"Brien Xander Brandt Nevahda Taber Emma Brouillet Addison Dobbs Kayleigh Antonovich Nicole Abadia Kimberlyn Zender Sarah Early Mason Brouillet FOURTH GRADE Roman Usoltseff Abigail Wilson Kaelin Dosch Collin Creegan Kaylee Smart Katie Stegall Kylie Willison McKayla Ketchum Grant Zehnder Jacob Bankston Jhayvion Williams Sasha Hall Nicole Datta

Aviana Prickett Ian Campbell Scott Earl Kolten Greathouse

The winner will compete in Anchorage at the Alaska State Spelling Bee on March 5, 2015.

MUSIC/CREATIVE ARTS CORNER NOW Happenings: We continue to have three rotations of music followed by one rotation of visual arts. Students are learning to read rhythmic and melodic notation, performing multi-layered pieces on recorders (4th and 5th grade students), barred and unhitched instruments, and singing in both unison and 2 part canon. 5th Grade students continue to learn guitar during recess and are gaining confidence to perform in front of an audience. It is exciting to see growth as our musicians learn to work as a team. In art, we are learning to use color with purpose and utilizing various line and contrast for variety and texture. Students are saving their best works to exhibit in an art show that we combine with our yearly talent show. Knik has some seriously talented artists! LOOKING FORWARD to these Happenings: - January 29 ~ 3rd Grade Winter Concert – February 10 ~ 4th Grade Anchorage Symphony Orchestra Field Trip – April 14 ~ 5th Grade Anchorage Symphony Orchestra Field Trip Personal Safety Class During the month of December our school will be teaching personal safety in science class. This class will be taught by Ms. Leavitt, our school counselor. Please read the letter and Family Resource Sheet included in this newsletter. For questions or to review lesson materials please contact Ms. Leavitt at 352-0332.

Notes from the Nurse: Ann Knobbe R.N. 352-0303 MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL All medications need to be brought in to the school nurse by a parent and the appropriate paperwork must be completed. Outdoor Clothing Now that the winter weather is upon us, please help your child be prepared for being out in the elements. Per district policy, all students go to outdoor recess unless the temperature reaches -10 degrees. Only then do we have indoor recess. Snow pants, warm jacket, hat, gloves and boots are the expectation for recess clothing. If you need help with any of these items, please call the nurse for assistance. We want all students warm and safe when outside. Mat-Su Special Santa Program Could your family or someone you know use a little help this Christmas? If so, check out the Special Santa program. Forms will be available at the school. For more information contact Nurse Ann. The deadline to turn in forms to specified locations is December 12th. Served 3400 children, newborn to 18, in 2013 and over 18,000 children since 1997. Asks Special Santas to fulfill wish lists of children of the Mat-Su Valley from Sutton to Talkeetna. Needs donations of money, books, toys, coats, electronics, personal items, or gift certificates. Teams with The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, food banks, agencies, and schools to help families in need. Appreciates the people of the Mat-Su Valley’s generosity in helping bring magic to children and families.

Volunteers Bring A Little Sunshine Knik Elementary is very lucky to have an outstanding group of volunteers who add some sunshine to our school. Whether it be leading a reading group, helping with classroom projects like bulletin boards or making copies, these people bring their talent and time to Knik, sharing their sunshine. We would like to recognize them as well as offer them an enormous THANK YOU!

Wendy Bredburg Jennifer Burton Amy Campbell Shaunna Campbell Molly Dekruif Karleen Gilbert Wendie Greathouse Kristine Hill Jennifer Pinard Christine Rickkard Brianna Rikkard Bridget Swalling Andrea Toston JNYO Club Junior Native Youth Olympics Club will be meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. through December 17th. A Knik JYNO Team will be formed with qualifying students. These students will continue the same practice schedule through February 18, 2015. The State JNYO tournament will be held in Anchorage February 20th-22nd, 2015. Thanks to Coach Fischer for making JNYO possible at Knik. GONE FISHING The Knik 4th grade team will be taking part in another great field trip. They will be going ice fishing on December 10th at the Finger Lake Recreational Park. The field trip is sponsored by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and is free to all students. This will be a great experience for students who have never attempted ice fishing and a lot of fun for those who love to fish. Healthy Futures Healthy Futures has partnered with The Alaska Club to promote staying healthy through activity. Healthy Future Challenge participants and their families are welcome to participate in Family Fun Nights at The Alaska Club as an additional option for healthy activity. The Alaska Club is also sponsoring the all-new Healthy Futures Holiday Challenge. Registration for the Holiday challenge will be Dec 1 – 22; membership at the Alaska Club is not required to participate. Visit the website to sign up, http://www.thealaskaclub.com/healthy-future-challenge. This challenge is open to all elementary and middle school age children in Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, Fairbanks and Juneau.

Monday, Dec 15

Mozzarella Cheese

Sticks

Cooked Corn

Fruit Cocktail

Fresh Baby Carrots

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Beef & Bean Burrito

Tuesday, Dec 16

SW Chicken Burrito*

Refried Beans

Pineapple Tidbits

Garden Salad

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Mini Corndog Nuggets

& Green Beans

Wed., December 17

Battered Cod

Rice Pilaf

Applesauce

Cucumbers

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Sunbutter Sandwich

Thursday, Dec 18

COOKS CHOICE

Friday, Dec 19

COOKS CHOICE

Thursday, Dec 4

Italian Dunker

Sauce*

Dunker Stick*

Mixed Vegetables

Blueberries

Fresh Broccoli

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Beef & Bean Burrito

Friday, December 5

Sesame Chicken

over Brown Rice

Stir Fry Vegetables

Diced Pears

Fresh Baby Carrots

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Sunbutter Sandwich

Friday, December 12

Chicken Gravy

over Mashed

Potato

Diced Pears

Fresh Baby Carrots

Holiday Cookie

Milk

Monday, December 8

French Toast

Sticks

Sausage Links

Fruit Cocktail

Fresh Baby Carrots

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Beef & Bean Burrito

Tuesday, December 9

Hot Dog

Baked Beans

Applesauce

Cucumbers

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Sunbutter Sandwich

Wed., December 10

Chicken Nuggets

Cooked Corn

Pineapple Tidbits

Garden Salad

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Bean & Cheese Burrito

Thursday, Dec 11

Pasta & Meat

Sauce*

Diced Peaches

Fresh Broccoli

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: Pepperoni Pizza

Monday, December 1

Pork Eggroll

Cooked Corn

Apple Chips

Milk

Tuesday, December 2

Cheeseburger

Tater Tots

Pineapple Tidbits

Garden Salad

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: BBQ Chicken on Bun*

Wed., December 3

Chicken Nuggets

Baked Beans

Strawberry Fruit Cup

Fruit Panbread*

Cucumbers

Milk 2nd choice depending on

availability: BBQ* Meatballs & Carrots

Last day of school: Friday, December 19

Classes resume: Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Menus for

DECEMBER 2014

MSBSD PALMER-WASILLA

ELEMENTARY

Breakfast Prices Elementary Student $1.60 Reduce/Free Student $0.00 Elementary Adult/Visitor$3.50 Milk, 1/2 pint variety $0.50

Lunch Prices Elementary Student $2.95 Reduce/Free Student $0.00 Elementary Adult/Visitor$4.75 Milk, 1/2 pint variety $0.50 MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING UPON AVAILABILITY.

*Food Item is

made with love

from scratch

right here at our

Central Kitchen!

= Whole Grain

KNIK ELEMENTARY Traci Pedersen, Principal

PO Box 877830 Wasilla, AK 99687

Phone: 907-352-0300 Fax: 907-352-0380

December 1, 2014

Dear Parents and Guardians,

During the month of December our school will be teaching Personal Safety. We will be using a

program called the Michigan Model for Comprehensive School Health Education. This

curriculum has been approved by the district office and adopted by the School Board. It is

based on the fact that families and schools need to work together to help prevent abuse.

Each grade level includes a lesson on personal safety and teaches students how to protect

themselves from inappropriate touch. As a result of these lessons, students will learn assertive

self-protection skills and know whom they should ask for help. The goal is for every child to

know how to say NO, YELL for help, GET AWAY from the situation and TELL a trusting

adult.

Children need the knowledge and skills to protect themselves. The material in this program

teaches at the child’s level. Each idea is presented in a non-threatening way. This class will be

taught by Ms. Leavitt, our school counselor. If you wish to look over the materials used in this

lesson or speak with her, please call 352-0332.

Attached is the Family Resource Sheet for you to review and discuss with your family. With

more children accessing the internet and using texting on phones, it is very important to talk

about how to stay safe and not give out personal and family information. This sheet helps you to

start this type of discussion with your children and set family rules for safety.

Sincerely,

Traci Pedersen, Principal

Ann Knobbe, RN 352-0303

Carla Leavitt, School Counselor 352-0332