May Newsletter
May 1st, 2025
Hello Chapman Families,
We are down to the final weeks of school and there is so much happening at Chapman! Teachers and students are anxiously preparing for the upcoming learning showcase on May 14th. They are excited to show off a few projects that highlight the learning that has taken place this school year.
Classes are also fitting in their final out of the classroom learning opportunities. Many classes will be participating in field trips in the next couple of weeks. While these learning opportunities are fun and critical for a well-rounded educational experience. They are a lot of work. I am appreciative of the teachers who are willing to take on the task of paperwork and documentation. I am appreciative of the family members who are willing to donate their time (and fill out the paperwork) in order to make these experiences possible. In the past few weeks, Chapman students have participated in experiences at the Homer Harbor, the swimming pool, Yellowstone, and areas around Anchor Point. We are excited for the upcoming trips and I encourage you to take the opportunity to get your volunteer screening done so that you can accompany your child's class.
Next week there are some important meetings come up and I hope that you can attend via zoom or in person. On Monday, there is the final school board meeting of the school year. This meeting will give valuable insights into the budget and the district's plan moving forward. There is a Borough Assembly Meeting on Tuesday. This meeting will provide insights regarding the level of funds the school district can expect from the Borough. The State is continuing to jockey back and forth on the level of funding that they will provide public schools. Amid the uncertainty, Chapman continues to prioritize consistency, connection, and positive academic outcomes.
Testing for the the year has wrapped up. We are excited to share the progress with you that your child has made. Teachers will have test scores available at the learning showcase on May 14th. I urge you to look closely at this data. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's teacher. This information will guide supports and goals for next year. If you have a student in K-3, you may receive a direct phone call from me or your child's teachers. These phone calls align to the Alaska Reads Act. If your child is below proficiency in reading indicators, we must communicate that you have the right to request retention. Please bear in mind that the non-progression conversation serious decision. Chapman rarely encourages this option, the only exceptions to this is if a child is very young and not developmentally ready for 1st grade. Reading proficiency is truly one piece of how a child progresses. These phone calls will focus on giving you information about where your child is at and what is best for their future development.
In closing, I look forward to seeing you and your family at the many events that will be taking place in May. These events will focus on the learning that took place this year, opportunities for learning over the Summer, and goals for next year. As always, please reach out with any questions, concerns, or insights that you may have.
With Warm Regards,
Heidi Stokes
Congratulations to 3rd Quarter 6th-8th Grade High Honor Roll and Honor Roll!
Harmony Blunck
Tucker Bobo
AnnMarie Clark
Ben Shafer
Rox Shafer
Isaiah Silvis
Evan spencer
Makenna Trapp
Quarter 3 Honors
Jade Bernier
Allison Engebretsen
Lily Folkestad
Wyatt Grose
Breelynn Holcomb
Ezekiel Magee
Declan Poindexter
Nick Rice
Thelma Robinette
Kila Viers
Chloe Wilson
Thank you for your dedication and hard work!
Chapman Policy for Extended Absences
In preparation for the upcoming moose hunt and other family activities. Chapman wanted to communicate their updated policy for extended absences when students are gone for 5-10 days.
First, Chapman School acknowledges the importance of spending time together as a family and the educational value that comes from traveling. That being said, when students are absent, they miss out on valuable learning that takes place within the classroom. In an effort to support your child in their absence there is a form that needs to be completed. This form needs to be picked up from the office and completed by the student and teacher and signed by the parent and administrator. The form assists in the clear communication between families and school about what is expected while the student is gone.
**For absences longer than 10 consecutive days, as per Board Policy, the student would be unenrolled. Student access to district-provided digital resources and teacher provided work will cease after the 10th day of consecutive absences. The student will be re-enrolled upon return to school.
