Dear ASD Community,

May is one of the most meaningful times of the school year across the Anchorage School District. In these final weeks, our schools are filled with milestones that reflect a year of hard work and growth. Graduation ceremonies are underway. Student performances, celebrations, and end-of-year events are bringing school communities together. These are moments years in the making, and they reflect the effort and commitment of our students, families, and staff.

Over the next two weeks, Team ASD will share these moments with our community through senior spotlights, behind-the-scenes stories, and live graduation coverage from the Alaska Airlines Center. From backstage preparations to the walk across the stage, we invite you to follow along on our social media channels as we celebrate the Class of 2026.

This time of year also provides an opportunity to recognize the people who make these moments possible. During Teacher Appreciation Week, we recognize the educators who support, challenge, and inspire students every day. Their work strengthens our schools and has a lasting impact on the lives of our students. We also recognized School Nurses Day this week. Our nurses play a critical role in supporting student health, safety, and well-being across our schools.

At the same time, we recognize this has been one of the most challenging school years ASD has faced. The decisions required this year were difficult, and their impact will continue to be felt throughout our community. The work ahead remains complex, and I will continue to address our financial challenges directly while making decisions that position ASD for long-term stability.

I will also continue to advocate for the resources our schools need, maintain a clear focus on strong classroom instruction, and support safe and effective learning environments.

As we close out the school year, I encourage our community to take time to recognize the progress our students have made.

Thank you for your continued support of ASD.

With gratitude,

Jharrett Bryantt, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Anchorage School District

Canvas Outage Information

The Anchorage School District (ASD) is aware of the temporary global Canvas outage on Thursday, May 7, related to a security incident involving Instructure, the company that operates the Canvas platform.

According to Instructure, the incident involved unauthorized activity within its cloud environment and did not involve any direct compromise of ASD internal networks or systems. Services have since been restored.

ASD is awaiting additional information from Instructure regarding the nature and scope of any data potentially involved to determine any necessary next steps related to FERPA compliance and privacy protections.

For more information and updates from Instructure, visit: https://www.instructure.com/incident_update

As we celebrate our 2026 ASD graduations, we’ll be highlighting members of the Class of 2026 with a special series of senior spotlights—sharing their stories, achievements, and what’s next on their journey.

Please Click Here To Watch the Entire 2026 ASD Graduation Spotlight Playlist

For More Information On ASD 2026 Graduations, Please Click Here

Download The Schedule

Team ASD will do live coverage complete with interviews with graduates and families for the traditional 8 high schools and Alaska Middle College School.

BDEAHS JROTC Shines on the National Stage

The Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School (BDEAHS) U.S. Army JROTC Territorial Cadet Guard is making its mark on the national stage!

At the Rocky Mountain Western Drill Championships in Denver, the team competed against 60 JROTC programs from across the country—and delivered an outstanding performance.

🥇 1st Place – Varsity Color Guard

🥈 2nd Place – 5280 (JV) Color Guard

🥉 3rd Place – Unarmed Regulation Drill

⭐ Top 5 – Armed Exhibition Solo

From precision and poise to leadership and teamwork, these cadets continue to prove they are among the best in the nation. We’re proud of this incredible accomplishment!

Summer of Heroes is a partnership program between Alaska Communications and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, promoting education, awareness, and support for youth development programs throughout the state.

During the Summer of Heroes, May 5-June 14, 2026, Alaska Communications is seeking nominations from across the state for youth who are doing good in their local communities.

To Submit A Nomination Please Click Here

Buried in 1976. Opened in 2026.

Fifty years ago, Chugiak High School students buried a time capsule beneath their school during America’s Bicentennial celebration.

Now, decades later, the wait is finally over.

Please Click Here To Watch the Chugiak HS Time Capsule History and Unveiling

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re spotlighting teachers districtwide including Taku Elementary kindergarten teacher Hallie Crain.

Ms. Crain shared how much she loves teaching at Taku and the importance of consistency in helping students succeed. Thanks to her dedication and steady support, every student in her class is reading at proficiency — an incredible accomplishment!

Thank you, Ms. Crain, and all ASD teachers, for the difference you make every day.

Please Click Here To Watch the 2026 Teacher Appreciation Week Playlist

It’s Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

This month, we celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and voices that enrich our schools and community. Together, we honor the stories, achievements, and contributions of AANHPI students, staff, and families.

Check out our podcast, ASD Shine Bright, which highlights the awesome things students and staff are doing in the Anchorage School District.

Listen to amazing stories, journeys, challenges, and successes.

Check out the latest episodes below:

This episode of ASD Shine Bright features a group of Romig Middle School 7th graders sharing their middle school experiences and what helps them succeed each day.

Hear directly from students as they talk about classes, friendships, activities, challenges, and the habits that help them stay motivated and successful both inside and outside the classroom.

Click Here to Watch the ASD Shine Bright Podcast Playlist

Click Here to Listen to the ASD Shine Bright Podcast on Spotify

Through Career & Technical Education (CTE), work-based learning, and industry partnerships, Academies of Anchorage is helping students connect classroom learning to future careers.

From participating in student leadership organizations like HOSA, FFA, and SkillsUSA to exploring careers through Construction Day and visits to local colleges and industry sites, students are gaining hands-on experiences that build confidence, communication, collaboration, and career readiness.

These opportunities support ASD’s Portrait of a Graduate by preparing students to become fully engaged learners with a strong sense of purpose and direction for life after graduation.

The Anchorage School Board will hold a Special Meeting on:

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

10 a.m.

ASD Education Center

Boardroom

5530 East Northern Lights Boulevard

Anchorage, Alaska

The Board will discuss next steps for the FY27 budget, including a new resolution directing the administration to revise the proposed FY27 budget should the Alaska State Legislature approve and fund a $700 increase to the Base Student Allocation before June 30, 2026. The discussion will also focus on closing the structural deficit and planning for a balanced FY28 budget.

Public testimony will be taken during the meeting. These discussions are important to the future of our students and staff.

The new resolution, meeting agenda, and livestream information are available to read on the school board webpage.

The Anchorage School District 2025-26 school year calendar has been adjusted to reflect make-up days due to weather closures. Please mark your calendars with the following updates

Thursday, May 21 – New last day of school for students
Friday, May 22 – New last workday for teachers

For More Information On Calendar Changes Please Click Here

Pre‑Enrollment for Kindergarten will be available from

April 23 through May 29 and will re-open on July 15th.

Monthly tips, resources and events for our incoming Kindergartners and their families

Is your child starting kindergarten in the Anchorage School District?

Get ready with us!

Ready, Set…Kindergarten! helps families prepare for kindergarten with simple, practical supports focused on what matters most before the first day of school.

Sign up for monthly readiness resources and learn more here

Honoring Chin’an — “thank you” in Upper Cook Inlet Dena’ina — by sharing messages of gratitude from across our school community for those who make an impact every day

This week’s message spotlights Joni Hedman, a teacher at Klatt Elementary!

"Joni Hedman is a dynamic educator who consistently moves her students to higher levels of achievement. Her commitment to student growth is evident in both her instructional practices and

her dedication to meeting individual student needs. During the second half of the year, Joni went above and beyond by stepping into her partner teacher’s role as a resource teacher. In doing so, she created a learning environment that increased rigor and challenged students to reach new levels of success. Joni maintains strong communication with colleagues and families, ensuring collaboration and consistency in supporting students. She implements each student’s IEP with fidelity and care, demonstrating a deep commitment to meeting diverse learning needs. Beyond her role as a resource teacher, Joni is always willing to support all students and staff with both academic and behavioral needs. Her positive attitude, flexibility, and student-centered approach make her an invaluable member of the school community. Overall, Joni’s dedication, expertise, and leadership significantly contribute to the success of students and staff at Klatt Elementary."

- Kelsey Deiman-Szymanski, Principal

To read more Chin’an recognitions, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gvbUeEVm

School Board Meetings

Tues. May 12

Special School Board meeting - 10AM

Tues. May 19

School Board work session and School Board meeting

Tues. June 2

School Board work session and School Board meeting

Superintendent

Jharrett Bryantt, Ed.D.

Anchorage School Board

Carl Jacobs, President

Kelly Lessens, Vice President

Rachel Blakeslee, Treasurer

Margo Bellamy, Clerk

Dora Wilson

Paul McDonogh

Pat Higgins

Email all Board members

Anchorage School District

5530 E Northern Lights Blvd.

Anchorage, AK 99504

907-742-4000

asdk12.org

Anchorage School District

May 2026

Canvas Outage Information

BDEAHS JROTC Shines on the National Stage

Inlet View Elementary celebrates opening ribbon cutting ceremony

Canvas Outage Information

BDEAHS JROTC Shines on the National Stage

Summer of Heroes 2026 Nominations Summer of Heroes 2026 Nominations

Check out this news item on the Inlet View Elementary Ribbon Ceremony Check out this news item on the Inlet View Elementary Ribbon Ceremony

Chugiak High School 1976 Time Capsule Chugiak High School 1976 Time Capsule

ASD Shine Bright Podcast Episode 57 - The 7th Grade Experience - Romig MS ASD Shine Bright Podcast Episode 57 - The 7th Grade Experience - Romig MS