The Scoop

Dear Chugach Families,

It is hard to believe the start of the next school year is just around the corner, and I hope everyone was able to make some wonderful summer memories with your loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who dedicated your time and talent to submitting the charter school application to the Anchorage School District earlier this summer.

As of this writing, Chugach is still waiting to hear if one or both of the teaching positions we lost last spring will be reinstated. Once I have confirmation on whether we are getting one or both positions back, I will begin moving forward with the interview process, and I will keep our community up to date on any progress. My priority would be to make sure our primary classes (1st/2nd) have 3 grade-level teachers and then look to filling positions in middle and upper if I am able to.

Enjoy these sunny days while they last, and I look forward to seeing everyone at our back-to-school night in a few weeks.

Joel

Now-August 18 - ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR RETURNING STUDENTS (https://www.asdk12.org/register)

Now-August 23 - PRE-ENROLLMENT for KINDERGARTEN AND New-to-ASD STUDENTS IS OPEN

(https://www.asdk12.org/schools/enrollment/online-pre-enrollment)

Monday, August 17 - Back-to School Picnic (5pm-7pm on the playground)

Wednesday, August 19 - First day of school for grades 1-6

School Day Starts @ 8:10am with dismissal @2:50pm

Wednesday, August 26 - First day of school for Kindy

School Day Starts @ 8:10am with dismissal @2:50pm

Kindy Family Group Supply List

Primary Family Group Supply List (Grades 1 & 2)

Middle Family Group Supply List (Grades 3 & 4)

Upper Family Group Supply List (Grades 5 & 6)

Head back to school in style! Shop our online spirit wear store and have it shipped directly to you. We’ve included new styles and brought back some favorite past designs in a wide range of color and size options. Visit our store HERE.

The Anchorage School District updated their cellphone policy last year for all students. Under the new ASD policy, use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices (e.g., smart watch) is not allowed in class at any time, in any grade. Students must put them away, and they must be off or in airplane mode. In elementary schools, students are not allowed to use their cellphones at any time during the school day, including lunch and recess. Students may use their communication devices before or after school hours at Chugach Optional (i.e. before 8:10am and after 2:50pm).

One of the things that makes Chugach Optional so special is the partnership between our families, staff, and students. We encourage all adults to complete their ASD Volunteer Application as soon as possible. ASD requires an approved volunteer application for any volunteer activity in the building, and processing times vary since applications are handled outside of our office.

New this year: Volunteers serving more than 4 hours per week will complete a brief Mandatory Reporter Training as part of the application.

When applying:

• Select any volunteer roles that interest you.
• Be sure to also select "Other." Your volunteer preferences cannot be edited later, and selecting "Other" gives you the flexibility to help with opportunities that arise throughout the year.
• Your approval is valid for the entire 2026–2027 school year.

Interested in driving for field trips? Get a head start by submitting your Driver Volunteer Form, driver's license, insurance declaration page (showing coverage limits), and current vehicle registration. Driver approvals are processed in our office, and completing them early helps ensure field trips run smoothly.

Thank you for partnering with us to make Chugach such a wonderful community!

The annual request for our "Early Release" Fridays has been submitted to ASD and the Department of Education and Early Development. While we are still awaiting final approval for the 2026-2027 school year, the TENTATIVE early release Friday dates are listed below.

September 4, 2026

September 18, 2026

October 2, 2026

November 6, 2026

November 20, 2026

December 4, 2026

January 15, 2027

January 29, 2027

February 12, 2027

March 26, 2027

April 9, 2027

April 23, 2027

May 7, 2027

May 21, 2027

On these days, students are dismissed for pick up at 11:15am.

If students are staying for a school lunch they must be picked up by 11:30am

Please note the dates listed above are tentative and may change.

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.

Camp Fire Alaska is returning to Chugach Optional Elementary this year to provide an After School Program. Please see the flyer below for more information.

Parking spots at Chugach Optional Elementary are very limited. Luckily, we have two wonderful neighbors that allow us to use their parking spots for morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. Families are welcome to park across E Street at the New Hope Compassionate Ministries and also at the Municipal Emergency Management Building just to the south of the school.

The Emergency Management Building staff have asked us to remind parents of the following to help them continue to maintain their readiness posture while also continuing to share the parking:

1. ALL SIGNED SPOTS MUST REMAIN AVAILABLE TO STAFF IN THIS BUILDING. They are clearly marked for who they belong to, and constitute all of the parking in the middle of the lot
2. All parking along the north fence line (between our parking lots), and the east facing fence line shared with the playground are the spaces available to share
3. Speed in our parking lot MUST stay at a reasonable speed, for the sake of the families and children as well as for the sake of emergency services personnel

In ALL available parking lots, PLEASE refrain from parking in any of the "RESERVED" parking spots, the fire lane or the loading dock area. We would appreciate your help keeping these areas clear for emergency and delivery vehicles at all times.

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.

Opportunities

• We are in need of Noon Duty attendants to assist with outdoor recess and lunch room supervision. Please go to the ASD website to apply under the West Area School Based Temporary (26/27SY) or ask for more details at the front office.