November 21, 2025

Friday, November 21, 2025

It's been a great week to be a Colt!

Way to go, Jae, Aniyah, and Finola!

Jae Austrie (6th Grade)

"Jae is a part of a group of students that have been fantastic volunteers. They stay behind to clean up while still managing their passing time really well, especially towards the end of the day! They have also been doing exceptionally well in class and with others around them!” - Ms. Anania

Aniyah Barney (7th Grade)

"Aniyah is always willing to help her peers in class. She always displays a positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning." - Mrs. Bondarenko

Finola Remley (8th Grade)

"We love having Finola as our 3rd period Office Aide! She is so helpful, funny, kind, and always ready to help with whatever is needed. Thanks for all of your help, Finny!" - Front Office Staff

Kelsey Cinnamon recently created a “Kindness Jar,” inviting students and staff to select uplifting messages written on small slips of paper. Each note carried words of encouragement, motivation, and positivity—simple reminders that every member of our Gruening community is valued.

During a recent lunch period, Kelsey even waited to be the very last in line for food to make sure everyone had the chance to pick from her jar first. Her thoughtfulness reached students across all grade levels as well as the entire staff.

This small but powerful gesture made a meaningful impact on our school community, brightening days and spreading kindness throughout Gruening. Thank you, Kelsey, for showing how one act of positivity can inspire so many!

❄️ Winter Sports Registration ❄️

We will officially open registration for Winter Sports on Monday, December 1st!

Stay tuned for more information in next week's newsletter.

☕ Coffee & Conversation ☕

Join Mr. Bell for the next Coffee & Conversation!

This is a time for you to learn more about Gruening, ask questions, and build community with other staff and families.

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2:00pm in the Library.

Anchorage youth ages 12 to 24 are invited to apply for a youth grant through Anchorage Youth Development Coalition. The youth group/organization may partner with a nonprofit or public sector organization to fund projects which are wellbeing-themed and created by youth, for youth.

Youth Matter Grant projects promote mental health, healthy relationships, and positive youth spaces across the municipality. The application deadline is Sunday, December 7, for projects to be implemented in January and completed by May 2026.

For more information about the grant please go to the website: https://safealaskans.org/our-work/programs-initiatives/aydc/youth-matter-grants/.

Hello Colt Families!

As we move into the season of cooler weather, warm meals, and time with loved ones, our focus in counseling this month is Gratitude—not just saying “thank you,” but building a mindset that helps students feel more positive, connected, and resilient.

🌟 Why Gratitude Matters for Middle Schoolers 🌟

Middle school can be exciting, busy, and sometimes overwhelming. Practicing gratitude helps students:

Build stronger friendships
Improve mood and reduce stress
Increase confidence and motivation
Focus on what’s going well instead of what’s stressful
Strengthen empathy and kindness
Even small habits can create big changes in how students feel each day.

T-minus 17 days until the end of the semester!! What does that mean for students?? Grade-Check on December 1. We know you are asking, “How can the family help my student(s)?” Us counselors are so glad you asked that question. Take a moment and have your student(s) pull up their canvas pages for their classes and see what is needed to be completed or turned in. If you have any questions, please reach out to any of us. We are here to help!!

Mrs. Rotante, Ms. Johnson, and Ms. Hart

rotante_amyjo@asdk12.org (8th Grade)

johnson_amanda@asdk12.org (7th Grade)

Hart_jennifer@asdk12.org (6th Grade)

Indigenous People Month:

This month has been a month of remembering and celebrating the Indigenous People. Last week Veteran's Day was celebrated and we would like to recognize a group that made a large impact during WWII. Thank you Indigenous Veterans.

Who were the Najavo Code Talkers?

https://youtu.be/O4F1zsVq2wU?si=JtMLrP9G9h9J1E01

Our Word of the Week is near and dear to our hearts: Eagle. Try it out!

https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/programs/for-educators/online-resources/denaina-word-of-the-week/denaina-word-of-the-week/dalika-bald-eagle/

11/27 - 11/28 - Thanksgiving Break

12/1 - Winter Sports Registration Opens!

12/2 - Coffee & Conversations, 2:00pm, Gruening Library

Sports & Activities Practices:

Volleyball: Monday-Friday, 7:30-9:00am (V, JV, C1, C2), 4:15-5:45pm (C3, C4, C5, C6)

Homework Help: Monday-Thursday, 4:15-5:45pm

D&D: Mondays, 4:15-4:45pm

Jazz Band: Tuesday-Friday, 8:30-9:15am

Looking to Volunteer at Gruening?

Any adults looking to volunteer at Gruening must go through the Volunteer Application process.

*This process must be completed for each school you are wanting to volunteer at. For more questions, email patterson_elizabeth@asdk12.org.

Friday, November 21, 2025

⭐ STUDENTS OF THE WEEK ⭐ ⭐ STUDENTS OF THE WEEK ⭐

Jae Austrie (6th Grade)

Aniyah Barney (7th Grade)

Finola Remley (8th Grade)

🤟 Kelsey's Kindness Jar 🤟 🤟 Kelsey's Kindness Jar 🤟

🔌 Stay Plugged In 🔌 🔌 Stay Plugged In 🔌

❄️ Winter Sports Registration ❄️

☕ Coffee & Conversation ☕

Anchorage Youth Development Coalition - Youth Matter Grants Anchorage Youth Development Coalition - Youth Matter Grants

💙 Counselor Corner 💙 💙 Counselor Corner 💙

Indigenous People Month:

Save The Date(s): Save The Date(s):

Have a Great Weekend! 🐎 Have a Great Weekend! 🐎

Looking to Volunteer at Gruening?