Tiger Tracks

Dear Tiger Families,

November brings opportunities to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate the traditions that connect our school community. I am grateful for our students, our dedicated staff, and the families who make Northern Lights ABC such a special place to learn and grow.

As we recognize Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the men and women who have served our country, including the veterans in our own Tiger families. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and example of commitment to others.

Our Thanksgiving feast is another special opportunity to come together and enjoy a beloved school tradition. Sharing a meal reminds us of the connections we build at school and the many ways we care for one another. Whatever traditions your family celebrates this season, I hope they bring time for connection, gratitude, and joy.

With colder weather on the way, please make sure your child comes to school with full winter gear: a warm coat, snow pants, boots, a hat, and gloves or mittens. Please label every item with your child’s name. This simple step helps us return misplaced belongings and keeps our lost and found from overflowing. If something is missing, please encourage your child to check!

Please also help us care for our school community by keeping your child home when they are sick. Time to rest and recover supports your child’s well-being and helps keep classmates and staff healthy.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the kindness you bring to our school. I am thankful to be part of this Tiger community!

Warmly,
Mrs. Martin
Principal

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on two important values: humility and patriotism. Humility reminds us that our blessings are not achieved alone, but through the contributions, sacrifices, and generosity of others. It teaches our children to be grateful, recognize the efforts of those around them, and understand the importance of giving back to their community.

Patriotism reminds us to appreciate our country's history, freedoms, and shared values. At Northern Lights ABC, our annual Thanksgiving Feast brings these principles to life. Since 1978, NLABC families have come together to carry on this special tradition, demonstrating that our school is more than a place of learning; it is a community built on shared values, service, and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves.

The Feast is a reflection of who we are as an NLABC family. It takes the time, generosity, and involvement of parents, staff, volunteers, and students to make this tradition possible. It reminds us that the strength of our community comes from people willing to contribute, support one another, and preserve the traditions that connect generations of NLABC families.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, may we remember that humility calls us to appreciate others, patriotism calls us to value our shared heritage, and community calls us to show up for one another. These are the lessons we hope to instill in our children, not just during the Feast, but throughout their lives.

Dear NLABC Families,

November is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and I am especially grateful to be an

NLABC Tiger! I am thankful for the opportunity to work with our students in Character

Education, Academics, and Career Development to build their confidence, and grow into

responsible, productive citizens.

I am also grateful for our families and the opportunity to partner with you as we help our young

people navigate life’s challenges. Sometimes students need guidance, encouragement, and a little

PUSH! As Dr. John Gaines reminds us, P.U.S.H. means “Persevere Until Something

Happens!” We want our students to know that challenges are opportunities to learn, grow, and

keep moving forward.

What Is the Role of a School Counselor?

My role is to support students, families, and staff by helping students develop the skills they need

to succeed in school and beyond. I am here to encourage, guide, and help students find

solutions--not judge families or replace the important role you play in your child’s life.

Here are a few ways I support our students:

• Character Education: Building responsibility, respect, perseverance, and positive

decision-making.

• Academic Success: Encouraging organization, goal setting, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.

• Coping Strategies: Teaching practical ways to navigate challenges, emotional stressors,

and make positive choices.

• Student Check-Ins: Providing encouragement, follow-up, and short-term individualized

support when needed.

• Family & Staff Support: Collaborating with parents and teachers to support student

growth and success.

We Are Better Together!

Parents and Caregivers, you know your children best! Your partnership is essential, and I

welcome opportunities to work alongside you to help your child grow, overcome challenges, and

recognize their potential.

This November, let us remember to be thankful for the little blessings, the lessons that help us

grow, and the people who encourage us along the way.

I am grateful to serve NLABC and blessed to be part of this community. Let’s continue to

encourage our Tigers to keep believing, keep growing, and keep P.U.S.H.ing!

Please don’t hesitate to call or email me if you have any concerns, questions, or just want

clarification of something. I am here as a support.

My direct line is: 907 742-7521 and email is: congdon-mcgee_elizabeth@asdk12.org.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth Congdon-McGee M.Ed

Elementary Music

Our elementary students are doing a great job in their music classes.

We are singing songs, playing instruments together, moving with the music, and working on our music literacy skills. We’re also singing our traditional NLABC Thanksgiving songs in preparation for the feast!

If you’d like, ask your Kindergartener about the song “Pumpkin for the Pie”,

your 1st grader about the turkey at the back door, your 2nd grader about “A Turkey Named Bert,” your 4th grader about their Red White and Blue songs, and your 5th grader about the “Song of Thanksgiving.”

All City Students

Congratulations to the following NLABC students for making it into ASD All City!

Casen Jenkins, Abigail Madsen, Jaselle Marquez, Josephina Reid, Mykayla True, Lillian Voigt, Marah Xavier

Here is their rehearsal schedule:

All City Rehearsal Schedule:

Thursday, Dec. 10, 6:00-8:30 pm

Friday, Dec. 11, 9:30-5:00 **missing school

Saturday, Dec. 12: rehearsals start at 10:15am and vary by group–see your student packet

Concert at 4:00 pm at West.

Solo and Ensemble

Middle School students will have the opportunity in Dec. and Jan. to sign up for Solo and Ensemble Festival. Start thinking about your music, and talk to your director if you want to sign up!

Choir

Choir students are doing a wonderful job preparing for December concerts. They’ve also launched our first NLABC Choir Fundraiser! I’m so proud of our students for their efforts and design. If you buy a student-designed shirt, part of the proceeds go back to the choir for much needed supplies. You can buy your shirts here through November 18th. The T-shirt is $20 and the hoodie is $35.

Join the Choir!

Singing is an irreplaceable part of your child’s education, but the benefits of choir are often misunderstood. Here are some of the benefits of singing in a choir:

1. Singing releases endorphins–think of how you might feel after singing along with your favorite song in the car.

2. Singing together is especially effective at creating social bonds and helping people to make friends.

3. Singing in a choir is considered an aerobic activity because it requires so much breathwork! It also improves posture, which is so important in today’s world.

4. Singing in a choir increases self-confidence.

5. And, new data is coming out showing that singing in a choir is effective in promoting neural connection, cognition, and overall brain health.

Developing singing skills in youth provides life long benefits.

Students who know how to sing in a choir are prepared to sing with others later in life. And just like it does now, in late life, singing in choir can improve cognitive function, reduce loneliness and boost immunity!

There are more benefits to come in future newsletters. In the meantime, think about joining choir!

If you have questions, you can reach me at

congdon_darinda@asdk12.org

Congratulations to Jaselle Marquez, Josephina Reid, and Marah Xavier for making it into All-City Choir! Lillian Vogt (cello) made it to the All City Orchestra. Mykayla True (Oboe, First Chair), Casen Jenkins (trumpet) and Abigail Madsen (flute) were selected for the All City Band.

All City is a competitive auditioned group, with top Middle School musicians from across ASD competing to be a part.

We are so proud of you, Jaselle, Josephina, Marah, Lillian, Mykayla, Casen and Abigail for your hard work and dedication. Way to represent NLABC! 🙂

A shout out to Caroline Kim and Jacob Sangalang who were in the Demo Competition at the 37th HMA World Tae Kwon Do Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.The team successfully defended its championship title for the second time. There were more than 850 competitors from the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Bolivia.

11/5 PTA meeting @2:45 pm

11/6 Popcorn Friday

11/11 NO school (Veteran's Day)

11/12 In-person School Tour @8:15 am

11/19 NLABC PAC meeting @3 pm

11/20 Popcorn Friday

11/25 Thanksgiving Feast (please see below)

12/3 School Spelling Bee

12/3 PTA meeting @2:45 pm

12/4 Red, White and Blue Assemblies, 4th grade presenting (please see below for details)

12/8 NLABC PAC meeting @3 pm

12/8 MS Band and Orchestra Winter Concert @6pm

12/9 Winter Choir Concert @6pm

12/11 Popcorn Friday

Hi families and friends! Our school is partnering with Art to Remember for a creative fundraiser featuring keepsake products customized with your child's art. With 60+ items (many under $20), these make great gifts, and a portion of every purchase supports our school. Click the link below, enter your online order code or search for your child's artwork, and start shopping!

https://arttoremember.com/school/837676

*Students are listed by their first 2 - 6 letters of their first name.

*Free shipping to your home for orders over $89.85.

*You can always upload an image of your choice to add to your order…..even photographs!

*For free shipping to our school for orders under $89.85. Orders must be submitted on-line by 11/13. Those orders will arrive on 12/10/26 and be delivered to your child.

Any questions, please email Mrs. Easton at: easton_miriam@asdk12.org

All students are invited to enter the 2026-2027 Yearbook Cover Contest!

• Submissions should be colorful and represent our school.
• Do not use characters that belong to someone else (for example: Mickey Mouse or Sonic the Hedgehog.)
• You may submit more than one entry, but they should be 8.5 x 11 inches or larger in size. If you want your design to cover the front and back, they should be 17 x 11 inches or larger.
• Turn in your design to Mr. Pierce or Mrs. Easton by the end of November, 11/30/26.

We are looking for photos of field rips, class parties, assemblies, sports, fun, and learning in and outside of the classroom, and anything that shows all the exciting things happening at NLABC!

If you have pictures you would like to see in the yearbook, please email them to Mr Pierce: Pierce_Andrew@asdk12.org