The Scoop

Dear Chugach Families,

As we head into the month of September, I truly feel we are off to a great start of the new school year. Over the past couple of weeks, it was great to welcome all our returning and new students to Chugach and to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they wait at the “starting line” outside the learning hallway each morning.

While we are fortunate to be fully staffed again this year, please note that some things have changed in elementary education regarding Fine Arts (Art, Music). We will continue to have Art with Shoko the first semester (August-December), and in the second semester (January-May) we will have music. This year, 6th grade at Chugach and Denali Montessori will not have band or orchestra. This is part of the budget reductions the Anchorage School District faced last spring. I will work with our new music teacher, Brigid Donahue, to have something for uppers that exposes them to the various band and orchestra instruments in the second half of this year.

Thank you for all the support our families have (and continue) to show for our wonderful school, and I look forward to seeing you around the building.

Joel

Tuesday, September 1 - Kindy Open House (Library, 6:00pm-7:00pm)

Friday, September 4 - Parent Coordinator meeting (Music Room, 8:30am-9:30am), EARLY RELEASE DAY (Dismissal @ 11:15am)

Monday, September 7 - Labor Day Holiday [[NO SCHOOL]]

Tuesday, September 8 - CEC Board Meeting (Conference Room, 8:45am-9:45am)

Wednesday, September 9 - MAP Testing (Reading - Grades 3-6), Running Club (3:00pm-4:00pm)

Friday, September 11 - mClass Fall Testing (Grades K-3), Else's Family Group - Apple Picking Field Trip (9:00am-10:30am)

Monday, September 14 - School PICTURE Day!, Running Club (3:00pm-4:00pm)

Wednesday, September 16 - MAP Testing (Math - Grades 3-6), Running Club (3:00pm-4:00pm), CAM meeting (Library, 6:00pm-7:30pm)

Friday, September 18 - Jihee's Family Group - Apple Picking Field Trip (9:00am-10:30am), EARLY RELEASE DAY (Dismissal @ 11:15am), Middle Family Groups Open House (11:20am-11:50am)

Monday, September 21 - Running Club (3:00pm-4:00pm)

Wednesday, September 23 - Cross Country Jamboree (@ Bartlett, Time TBD)

Friday, September 25 - Upper - Earthquake Field Trip

Monday, September 28 Running Club End of Season Party (3:00pm-4:00pm)

Cross Country running will begin Wednesday, September 9! Please send in the attached permission slip to Polly. We will meet from 3-4 each practice day. We need a lot (20-30) of Group Leaders, so we can have several small groups of runners about the same speed. You don’t have to run, but can ride a bike if you would rather! Please see Polly if you are interested in being a Group Leader and please make sure you fill out the Volunteer Application online.

KINDERGARTEN RUNNERS MUST COME WITH AN ADULT.

Dates for Running Club:

Wednesday, September 9 practice 3-4 Meet in Gym

Monday, September 14 practice 3-4

Wednesday, September 16 practice 3-4

Monday, September 21 practice 3-4

Wednesday, September 23 Jamboree at Bartlett High School (Times to be announced)

Wednesday, September 30 End of Season Party 3-4

When to Keep Your Child Home from School

• Temperature of 100.4 F

• Vomiting more than 2 times in 24 hours

• A constant runny nose and/or a cough that is frequent and wet

• Experiencing nausea or is too tired and uncomfortable to function at school

When to Keep Your Children Home from School: HERE

Medications at School

If your child needs to take medication during the school day (prescription or over-the-counter, including cough drops) please get in touch with Nurse Maya. More details and medication forms can be found with this link: MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL

No nuts/peanuts policy in our classrooms

We ask that families pack a snack that does not contain peanuts or tree nuts for snack time. Peanuts and tree nuts are not allowed to be consumed in our classrooms.

Birthday Snacks or Shared Treats in the Classroom

Most of our classrooms have at least one student with food allergies, ranging from mild to severe Anaphylaxis. Before bringing food to share in your child’s classroom please check with their classroom teacher to see if there are any allergies or dietary restrictions so all children can enjoy the treat safely.

Student Health Screenings

Throughout the school year, school nurses will provide vision and hearing screenings according to AS 14.30.127(a). The extent of the routine screening depends on the grade. If your child has abnormal results in hearing or vision you will be contacted. However, any time a teacher or parent has a concern they can reach out to Nurse Maya.

Keep us informed

Please get in touch with Nurse Maya if your child has a new medical/health condition that the school should be aware of, starts a new daily medication or has an injury that affects their ability to participate in recess and/or gym class. Having up to date health information on our students helps us support student needs and ensure their safety.

Hello Chugach Families!

I am so excited to be joining the community this year as your school counselor! Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and I can feel the heart for learning that lives throughout each person connected to Chugach Optional. It is a privilege to be part of a community that so deeply values curious, lifelong learning. I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share a bit about what you can expect from our school counseling program this year.

I had the joy of growing up in Anchorage, attending multiple schools in ASD, and graduating from West High School. I went on to attend UAA, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and later completed my Master of Education in School Counseling through Liberty University. I have served as a school counselor for six years, including last year with ASD at Tyson Elementary. Prior to that, I worked at an international school in Kazakhstan. This year, I am thrilled to be supporting Chugach and Inlet View! Outside of school, I love a good book, time outside with my pup Minnow, and being creative sewing and crafting.

This year at Chugach, I am excited to partner with teachers and the community to deliver a supportive school counseling program. Working with each Family Group, we will tailor support to be both developmentally appropriate and relevant. Each group will partake in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) through a mixture of lessons, projects, read-alouds, discussions, and/or activities. My goal is to weave these experiences alongside our theme studies and school-wide values, like the Chugach We’s. In addition to Family Group SEL, I will also host small groups and offer individual counseling on a requested or referred basis. Prior to forming a small group or meeting regularly with a learner, I will be in touch with their caregivers at home to discuss the opportunity.

To start out the year, I will be inviting our primary, middle, and upper learners to participate in "Minute Meetings" with me. Held in the counseling office, these quick (about 5 minutes or less) check-ins give learners the opportunity to share their favorite hobbies, discuss how they handle stress, identify a trusted adult, and let me know if they currently want any additional support. It is my hope that these meetings help students feel comfortable accessing counseling support and familiarizing themselves with the counseling office space.

If you have any questions or would like to connect further, please reach out at any time. I am available via email at mccracken_molly@asdk12.org. You can also find me in the building all day on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as Friday mornings until 10:55 AM. Please stop by and say hi when you drop off your learner (my office is right by the kindy rooms). It is always wonderful getting to meet the amazing adults in our community. Thank you!

Molly McCracken

School Counselor

The Chugach Educational Corporation (CEC) invites you to our first Community Assembly Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the library. Join us for a fun and friendly orientation to Chugach Optional! Meet Chugach families; find out more about the CEC, as well as learning about Chugach, culture, and family participation. The CEC will provide light refreshments, and we are organizing childcare to be provided in the gym.

We want to raise awareness about fragrance sensitivity. This condition can be triggered by a variety of everyday products, including (but not limited to) toiletries, cosmetics, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, and pesticides.

While fragrance sensitivity is different from an allergy, the symptoms it causes can significantly affect a person's ability to learn and work effectively. We're sharing this information to help raise awareness and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone in our community.

For more information, check out the ASD Fragrance Sensitivity page

Dear community,

I wanted to share a personal piece of my life. For the past 6 years, I have had complications with fragrances, both natural and synthetic. I have found fragrances at school challenging for me. Some of the biggest 'offenders' are fabric softeners, cleaning solutions, and perfumes/lotions. I never know how fragrances will affect me physically. When I am exposed to fragrances, it affects my workday as well as my home life. The list that ASD shares is very accurate: headaches, sinus burns, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, unable to stay awake/hitting a brick wall, having difficulties driving home due to confusion and fatigue, etc.

At home, I am able to control my 'fragrance-free' environment. Outside of my home, it has been challenging. I share this with you to explain if I step away from you or your children, I don't mean to be rude. When I smell a fragrance, my body automatically tries to protect itself by moving away from the source.

Thank you for allowing me to share.

Many thanks!

Amy

School Picture Day is September 14! Order forms were sent home with students for families who would like to preorder a photo package. Families may also wait to view their child’s picture before deciding whether to purchase a package.

Missed Picture Day or need another smile? Retakes will be October 19

- These funds power classroom programs, supplies, and experiences that make Chugach such an awesome place to learn and grow. Our goal is to raise $33,000 for our Chugach community.

Saturday, October 10th hosted by the Primary Family Groups

- Come celebrate the fall season with games, cider, and fun family activities.

Hello families! It is time again for our Healthy Futures Challenge. Please see the attached Parent Letter for all the details and the Physical Fitness Activity log. Please fill out each day that you do a cumulative of 60 minutes of activity (i.e., PE, recess, playing outside, walking the dog, soccer, swimming etc) At the end of the month please turn it in to Polly for an incentive award.

Welcome to our library!!!

For over 50 years, our library has been the heart of Chugach Optional.

I am honored to be a part of our Chugach philosophy and history.

When I say ‘our library’, that is exactly what I mean.

If you would like to open a library account for you or a younger sibling,

please come and see me!

My ‘Checking Out Books’ Philosophy

I feel strongly about having books in students’ hands. When students ask how many books they can check out, I ask them what they think is appropriate for them and their family plan. Each family is different so each student has a different plan. Please talk with your child(ren) about your family library plan – how many library books can be checked out at a time, how library books travel to and from school (in a bag is really important with all of this rain!), where the books are kept at home and if a book is lost or ruined, how it will be replaced. There are times when I help families make a family plan for a student has a hard time remembering to return books. Please feel free to share these plans with me. Thank you for talking about this responsibility with your child(ren).

Any questions or thoughts, please feel free to connect with me in the library or email me: brabec_amy@asdk12.org

Many thanks!

Amy

Welcome to all new and returning families in the Chugach community! We are excited to help you find meaningful ways to support our wonderful teachers and school community.

Family involvement is the foundation of our community. Your participation directly supports student development, strengthens classroom programs, and fosters a rich environment for everyone.

How to Find Volunteer Opportunities:

· Attend family group Open Houses

· Connect directly with your family group Parent Coordinators (PCs).

· Visit the Chugach Community Volunteer Page to explore ways to help in the classroom, from home, or during school events. (https://www.chugachcommunity.org/what-we-do/volunteer)

We are so glad you chose to be part of the Chugach Optional community. Our rich learning environment is dependent on a strong community of involved families and appreciate your commitment to supporting our school!

Please remember: Anchorage School District requires all volunteers—including parents and guardians—to complete an ASD volunteer application before participating in any volunteer activity at school.

Our library couches have been loved since our remodel in 2006. After 20 years, they needed some sprucing up. The seat cushion fabric was worn thin and the cushions were wearing out. Chugach Optional’s Community Assembly (our parent group) raised money to reupholster the couch seats. We worked with Lugo’s Upholstery, a fantastic local company, to give our couches the TLC they needed.

Thank you to Lugo’s Upholstery for their support, professionalism and going above and beyond.

Thank you to our Community Assembly for your support.

Our students were thrilled to see and use our updated couches.

Parents/Guardians must call the Attendance Line by 9:15 a.m. when their child will not be at school for the day. Please provide the following information on the attendance line:

Student name

Parent/Guardian Name

Reason for Absence

If your child’s absence is not called in by 9:15am or if a reason for the absence is not provided, parents/guardians will receive an automated ASD phone call regarding their unexcused absence.

Excused Absences: Absences may be excused for health reasons (including medical appointments), family emergencies, participation in religious activities, or other reasons as approved by the principal. If no reason is given the absence will be considered unexcused.

Pre-Arranged Absences: If you know your child will be out for longer than a few days please fill out a Pre-Arranged Absence Form, available in the Front Office. Travel/Vacation is generally considered a Pre-arranged Unexcused Absence (unless otherwise determined by the principal).

Late arrivals: Students are considered Tardy if arrival at school is between 8:20am -9:10am. Arrival after 9:10am is considered a morning absence. Please be sure to check in with the office when arriving after 8:20am to let them know you are here and to have your school lunch counted.

Check out Chugach’s online spirit wear shop and have your new swag shipped directly to you!

Outer wear

• Chugach Optional students go outside for morning and lunch time recess in almost all weather. The only exception is when the outdoor temperature falls below -10F. Please make sure your student(s) come to school with the appropriate outdoor gear.

Please encourage your student(s) to be prepared.

• Please refrain from parking in any of the "RESERVED" parking spots, the fire lane or the loading dock area. We know parking is tight but for safety and courtesy reasons these areas/spots must be respected.

Parent/Visitor Sign-in

• All parents, visitors, and volunteers who are going to be in the school after 8:30 am need to sign in at the office using the RAPTOR kiosk. Please have your driver's license ready to scan when entering the building.