Petersburg Schools Newsletter
March 30th, 2026
Welcome back from Spring Break! We are excited to welcome our students back tomorrow morning as the days grow warmer and the sunlight stretches a little longer each day.
The next few months will move quickly as we head into a busy spring season. Alaska STAR assessments will begin soon, with grades 6–10 testing April 6–16 and grades 3–5 testing the week of April 20. You can help your student be prepared by ensuring they get a good night’s rest and start their day with a healthy breakfast—available at school each morning. Encouraging students to take their time and do their best on each question can make a big difference.
Spring activities are already in full swing across our schools. PHS track and baseball teams are practicing daily and eagerly awaiting clear fields. Our middle and high school Native Youth Olympic athletes are preparing to showcase their skills for the community on April 10 and 11. Middle school volleyball teams are getting ready for the annual Stikine Tournament April 16–18, while high school music and art students are preparing for their upcoming regional events.
Stedman Elementary is also buzzing with activity! Kindergarten registration will be held on April 9 from 5:15–6:15 p.m., and families are invited to join us for Math Night on April 16 from 6:00–7:30 p.m.
April is a busy and exciting time across our district—we look forward to all that lies ahead!
The Balancing Act
Petersburg School District is pleased to launch the Balancing Act tool as a way for you to try your hand at balancing the 2026-2027 budget, closing the district’s current budget deficit while learning more about the District’s budget and providing your ideas directly to PSD leadership.
https://petersburg-school-district.abalancingact.com/pete...
You can also visit our financial pages here:
What's Happening at my Child's School?
Click here for the latest updates:
Get your Stedman Spirit Wear!
Students of the Month
March Students of the Month- Ben, Levi, Sigrid, Vance, and Adalene
February Students of the Month- Tomi, Evelyn, Aiyana, and Helmi
Their hard work, respect for others, and dedication to learning make Stedman Elementary a better place each day.
February Students of the Month
The After School Chess Club
Enjoying the last few days of snow
Mitkof Middle School- Making Memories
Mitkof Middle School - Native Youth Olympics Games April 10-11th
Mitkof Middle School- Stikine Volleyball Tournament- April 16-18th
This past month Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), students focused on emotions, experiences , and conversation skills across grade levels.
6th grade students worked to identify aspects of basic emotional expressions. They also explored the specific information we get from these emotions. Improving our ability to recognize emotions and understanding their purpose are key aspects of integrating our emotional experiences. It also helps us take purposeful action rather than being reactive.
7th grade students identified on significant events from their life journey and reflected on growth that has come through these experiences. They learned how understanding our past experiences builds awareness of values, interests, beliefs, and significant relationships. By understanding where we have been and what has shaped us, we can choose a future path that aligns with what is important to us.
8th grade students practiced starting and sustaining conversations. They discussed how conversation skills aren’t just valuable in making new friends but are essential for social agility as they encounter situations in which they need to step outside their comfort zone. By practicing conversation skills in low-stakes situations, students can strengthen these skills and approach higher-stakes social situations with more confidence.
High School Happenings
Food Science students had the opportunity to learn from community knowledge bearer Victoria Moore, who visited our classroom to share her expertise about local fish species and traditional practices. Students learned how to fillet a salmon in a way that uses as much of the fish as possible, helping them understand both sustainability and respect for the resource. Victoria also shared stories about Indigenous methods of preserving fish and offered advice on preparing flavorful salmon patties.
Following this visit, students researched salmon patty ingredients and worked collaboratively to develop four different recipes. The recipes were then prepared and sampled, with both students and teachers participating as judges to help select the favorites.
This tasting event marks the first step in a larger collaboration between our Food Science and Culinary Arts classes. As part of the School Nutrition Culinary Education Grant, students are exploring nutrition by analyzing local ingredients, including the nutrient content and sustainability of Alaska wild salmon compared to other proteins.
2026 -2027 Budgeting Process & Meeting Dates
Are you interested in how the district’s budgeting process works? It’s a complex system with many interconnected pieces. We begin by projecting the revenue we expect to receive based on state statute, along with anticipated local and federal funding. From there, we build our expenditure plan, taking into account inflationary increases across all areas.
You are welcome to attend any of the meetings listed in the FY27 Budget Timeline graphic below. All meetings will take place in the PHS Library.
Community Resources Available
Petersburg Resource List - link will take you to a list of our community resources
211 Alaska – Call 2-1-1 or (800) 478-2221 for a statewide database of services, including education programs, job skills training, tax help, legal services, veteran resources, and mental health support.
UReCares – $1,000 stipend for relative caregivers who are not licensed foster parents. Simple application process; must be related to the child and have birth parents living outside the home.
Kin Support Program – Support for Southeast Alaska kinship families outside the foster care system,
including help with basic needs, legal decision-making, and community/cultural connections.
Alaska Quitline – Quit tobacco or vaping with free support from the Alaska Quitline. Visit
alaskaquitline.com/not-buying-it/#get-support to connect with resources, coaching, and tools to help you succeed.
Help Me Grow Alaska – An agency dedicated to promoting healthy child development statewide by providing support and information to individuals and organizations who care for and about children and young adults. Whether you are a parent, provider, teacher, or other caregiver with questions or concerns about a child in your life, we are here to help you. https://a2p2.org/help-me-grow-alaska/
Parents Against Vaping empowers families to fight the youth vaping crisis through education, advocacy, and awareness. Visit parentsagainstvaping.org to learn how you can help protect kids from the dangers of e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Event times can and do change. Please see your school's website for the most up to date information on upcoming events.
APRIL
2nd- Policy Committee 4:00 District Office
MS/HS Awards Assembly (Tentative)
3rd- Early Release-Quarter 3 ends
4th- PHS Music- Afternoon Tea
7th- PIE Stedman Meeting 4:00
8th- Region 5 Music Festival - Ketchikan
Baseball @ Sitka
9th- Region 5 Music Festival- Ketchikan
Baseball @ Sitka
Wellness Committee Meeting 3:15 PHS Library
Kindergarten Registration 5:15-6:15
10th- Early Release 1:30
Baseball @ Sitka
Region 5 Music Festival- Ketchikan
MMS Native Youth Olympics at PHS
11th- Region 5 Music Festival- Ketchikan
Baseball @ Sitka
MMS Native Youth Olympics @ PHS
15th- MMS Track Season Opens
PHS Native Youth Olympics @ UAA
Budget Committee Meeting 6:00 PHS Library
16th- PHS Native Youth Olympics @ UAA
MS Stikine Volleyball Tournament
Stedman Elementary Math Night 6:00-7:30
17th- NO SCHOOL FOR ELEMENTARY ONLY
EARLY RELEASE MMS/HHS 1:30
MS Stikine Volleyball Tournament
PHS Native Youth Olympics @ UAA
18th- PHS Native Youth Olympics @ UAA
MS Stikine Volleyball Tournament
21st- School Board Meeting 6:00 (PHS Library)
22nd- Track @ Ketchikan
23rd- PHS Region 5 Art Festival @ Haines
Track @ Ketchikan
24th- Early Release 1:30
Track @ Ketchikan
PHS Region 5 Art Festival @ Haines
MMS Activity Night
Baseball vs. Ketchikan
25th- PHS Region 5 Art Festival @ Haines
Baseball vs. Ketchikan
26th- PHS Region 5 Art Festival @ Haines
27th- PHS Region 5 Art Festival @ Haines
30th- Baseball vs. Hutchison
MAY
1st- Early Release 1:30
Baseball vs. Hutchison
2nd- PHS Prom
PHS SAT Test
5th- PIE Stedman Meeting 4:00
7th- Policy Committee 4:00 (District Office)
3rd-5th Grade Music Concert 6:30 (PHS Gym)
8th- Early Release 1:30
8th-12th Grade Teen Health Fair
Kindergarten- 2nd Grade Music Concert 12:45 (PHS Gym)
Baseball @ Ketchikan
9th- Baseball @ Ketchikan
14th- PHS Track & Field @ Juneau
15th- Early Release 1:30
PHS Track & Field @ Juneau
16th-PHS Track & Field @ Juneau
18th- PHS Music Concert 7:00
19th- School Concert during instructional day
School Board 6:00 PHS Library
Baseball @ Delta & Monroe
20th- MMS Music Concert 7:00
Baseball @ Delta & Monroe
21st- Track/Field Regional Championships @ Ketchikan
Baseball @ Delta & Monroe
22nd- Early Release 1:30
Track/Field Regional Championships @ Ketchikan
Baseball @ Delta & Monroe
23rd- Track/Field Regional Championships @ Ketchikan
Baseball @ Delta & Monroe
25th- No School- Memorial Day
28th- Track/Field State Championships @ Dimond HS in Anchorage
Last Day of School for Seniors
29th- Early Release 1:30
Track/Field State Championships @ Dimond HS in Anchorage
30th- Track/Field State Championships @ Dimond HS in Anchorage
JUNE
1st- GRADUATION 7:00 p.m.
3rd- Baseball State @ Palmer
4th- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS! 12:30 Release
Field Day K-2 8:00-10:00
Field Trip 3rd-5th 10:00-12:00
MMS/PHS Awards Assembly
Baseball State @ Palmer
5th- Teacher Work Day
Baseball State @ Palmer
6th- Baseball State @ Palmer
16th- School Board 6:00 PHS Library
Robyn Taylor, Superintendent
Petersburg School District
PO Box 289
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
877-526-7656
Vision: Inspiring all to become responsible and healthy citizens, positively contributing to our global community.
Mission: Petersburg Schools will advocate for continuous growth, promote a healthy environment, and provide diverse educational opportunities where all students achieve.
