Sand Lake Lions' Roar

• November 3 Staff Professional Development Day (No School)
• November 6 Junior Achievement Day at Sand Lake
• November 6 PTSA Meeting and Movie Night
• November 10 Tomo No Kai General Meeting
• November 11 Veteran's Day (No School)
• November 14 TNK Fall Family Dinner
• November 26 AND 27 Thanksgiving Holiday! (No School)

Dear Sand Lake Community,

What an incredible first quarter of the 2026–2027 school year! From exciting classroom discoveries to community celebrations, there is so much to be proud of at Sand Lake Elementary. Thank you to our students, staff, PTSA, and families for making this such a wonderful start to the year.

As our mornings grow darker, please make safety a priority during drop-off. Students should exit vehicles only in the designated drop-off lane, never in the passing lane. Children can be difficult to see in the dark, so please slow down, watch carefully, and help us keep every Sand Lake Lion safe.

Thank you also for making time for Parent-Teacher Conferences, which were very well attended. These conversations give us valuable opportunities to celebrate your children’s progress, discuss their needs, and set goals together. Your partnership makes a difference every day.

There was plenty of learning to share! Throughout the building, students have been exploring the Middle Ages, diving into Alice in Wonderland, discovering how hot air balloons work, and enjoying experiences such as a Halloween onigiri party. Their curiosity and enthusiasm bring our classrooms to life.

Our morning What I Need (WIN) groups are also off to a strong start. Students are participating in opportunities such as a third-grade book study of Roald Dahl’s The BFG, advanced math and reading activities through IXL, and targeted literacy support through the UFLI program. These groups are among the many ways our teachers help students build skills, extend their learning, and grow in confidence.

Supporting all of this learning is our very strong attendance data for the quarter! Thank you, families, for making regular attendance a priority and helping students arrive ready to learn and connect with their school community.

We also have a bright addition to look forward to! Mr. Halcro, a generous Sand Lake supporter, together with our PTSA, has made a new illuminated sign for our school entrance possible. The sign will display our school’s name in lights, along with the time and temperature. Our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Halcro and our PTSA for this wonderful gift to the Sand Lake community.

That same community spirit filled the building during our Fall Carnival. We were elbow to elbow in the halls, and the warmth was remarkable! A heartfelt Doumo Arigatou to our amazing PTSA for the creativity, dedication, and countless hours that made the event such a success. It was a joy to see families, students, and staff enjoying games, treats, and laughter together.

Our students showed their school spirit through athletics, too. We had an excellent cross-country running club this quarter, with students demonstrating perseverance and encouraging one another. Congratulations to our undefeated flag football team for going undefeated at the Fall Jamboree! We are proud of their teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship, and grateful to the coaches, staff, volunteers, and families who made these opportunities possible.

This quarter, we also welcomed Ms. Nelson and Ms. Francia to our team. Ms. Nelson brings strong teaching experience and has already shown herself to be a true Sand Lake Lion. Ms. Francia is new to Alaska, and we hired her while she was driving from North Carolina to Anchorage—before anyone else could snap her up! Both are wonderful additions, and we are thrilled to have them here.

Finally, thank you to all of our teachers and staff. Behind every engaging lesson, encouraging conversation, and school celebration are people who care deeply about our students. Their hard work and teamwork make Sand Lake a welcoming place to learn and grow.

As we begin the second quarter, we look forward to building on this strong start together. Thank you for being part of our Sand Lake community!

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please contact us:

Phone: (907) 243-2161
Email: Sandlakeattendance@asdk12.org

Betsy Watson, Ed.D., Sand Lake Elementary Principal

The cold and flu season is upon us. Please be aware of the guidelines for how sick is too sick for school. Also, hand-washing remains the most effective way to stop the spread of illness.

Feel free to contact me with any health related questions:

Nurse Laura BSN, RN, NCSN

907-742-9261

sandlakenurse@asdk12.org

aimonetti_laura@asdk12.org

Our school continues to be part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

for the 2026-2027 School Year!

This means every student in our school can enjoy a healthy

breakfast and lunch at no cost, every day.

What CEP Means for Your Family:

• No meal application needed. Every child automatically qualifies—just show up and eat!
• Saves time and money. Skip packing lunches or paying fees; we’ve got your student covered.
• Supports learning. Nutritious meals fuel focus, energy, and academic success.

Help Us Make the Most of CEP:

• Encourage your child to eat with us daily. Greater participation keeps the program strong.
• Families are encouraged to apply for programs such as: SNAP, TANF, and Migrant

Stay in the loop. Check out menu details, job opportunities, and much more at www.asdk12.org/nutrition

snadmin@asdk12.org

(907)348-5145