The Eagle Express
Parent Newsletter: Week of March 2-6, 2026
Eagle Academy encourages academic excellence by integrating proven instructional methods with a challenging curriculum and high expectations.This combination provides every child with the foundation needed to achieve proficiency of Eagle Academy’s performance standards at each instructional level.
From the Principal's Desk
End of the Third Quarter Address
Families,
By the end of this week, the third quarter of school will be completed. You, students, and staff have worked tirelessly to achieve goals and break barriers this quarter. We have one more quarter left of this school year! Please note that learning and growing does not stop. The academic rigor does not dissipate just because the end of the year is near. Behavior expectations are still high. We, K-8, will continue to work hard to achieve the academic, behavioral, and social emotional success as we enter into the last quarter of the 25/26 SY.
We still need your help to motivate students to "Do their best, Be their best, Soar above the rest"! Our school is what we make it. Not what others say about it! Each day, let's strive to make it an excellent learning environment!
Thank you for your support and dedication of our staff, students, and school!
Your Principal,
Dr. Lynn Mills.
Anchorage School District Online Lottery
OPEN
Lottery Timeline:
Lottery opens: February 1
Lottery closes: March 31 at 5pm
Family notifications: April 7 beginning at 4pm
No need to complete an application if your child is already in the school!
March is...Celebrate Everyone Month
Women's History Month
National Nutrition Month
Music in Our Schools Month
Youth Art Month
"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women."
— Maya Angelou
March at a Glance
Mark Your Calendars
March 1-31- Idita-Read
March 6-20- Read-A-Thon
March 5- Breakfast, Blanket, & a Book 7:45 AM in the Gym
March 5- End of the 3rd Qtr
March 5- End of Kids' Heart Challenge 2026
March 6- Teacher In-Service Day/No Students
March 9-13- Spring Break
March 17- Step Into Eagle Success: Parent Seminar (Parent Orientation)
March 20- 3rd Qtr Awards Assembly, 1:15 PM
March 20- PLC Friday/Release at 2:30 PM
March 27- KHC Finale Assembly
March 27- PLC Friday/Release at 2:30 PM
Clubs
Middle School Makers Group from 3:20-4:30 PM
Sign Language Club from 3:20-4:20 PM
Events This Week
Idita-Read began Sunday, March 1, 2026.
8th Grade leaves for Germany, Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 1:20 AM
Breakfast, Blanket, & a Book, Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7:45 AM
Around Our Neighborhood
Chugiak HS Future Freshman Tour and Future Scheduling
When: March 3, 2026
Time: 10 AM to 12:15 PM
Boost Lab is on Tuesdays & Wednesdays for Invited Students!
Families,
If your child received a letter from their teacher inviting them to attend the afterschool Boost Lab on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they begin today! Boost Lab is hosted by Mrs. Caldwell. It begins at 3:20 PM and ends at 4:05 pm. Thank you!
Breakfast, Blanket, and a Book
Where: Eagle Academy Multi-Purpose Room
When: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 7:45-8:20 A.M. (before school)
Who: All Eagle Academy Elementary Students/Parents/Siblings
Bring a blanket and your favorite books. We will provide a donut (one per person) and milk for a donation for the Chugiak-Eagle River Food Pantry.
They need toothbrushes, toothpaste, bars of soap, and any other hygiene items you can think of. They also need tuna fish and macaroni and Cheese.
Please do NOT send in other food items. They are overstocked!
Students may dress as their favorite book character, author, or illustrator.
Students may not be dropped off early; they MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are expected to sit with their families.
This is a time of reading together as a family, not visiting with friends.
Front Office Blog
We are ensuring that we reach every family with different social media platforms. Please view our new website, PTO Facebook, EACS Facebook, and Instagram pages for any information and events occurring in out 'Nest'. However, if social media is not your cup of tea, please only view The Eagle Express for your one stop information center. As always, thank you for your support of Eagle Academy Charter School.
School Climate and Connectedness Survey
Families,
Please take a moment to let us know how we are doing! The school Climate and Connectedness Survey is an indicator used by the Anchorage School District. Please use the link below.
- Family Survey: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/aasb/asdfamily
Congratulations Are In Order....
Dr. Curtis and Dr. Wells at Eagle View Family Dental
This dynamic team has been selected by the Anchorage School District Small Business Partners as the 2026 "Spirit of Tomorrow" winners.Thank you for your dedication and service to Eagle Academy Charter School.
Mrs. Polly Schwarz's Art Class
The class participated in the Youth Art Month this year. You saw the end results even if you did not know what you were looking at. The trash can that was placed in the front of the school was created and painted by our very own students. The trash can will be added to our Eagle River community once it has finished its show in the museum. Congratulations on a job well done and the recognition of the work!
It's Yearbook Time!
Families,
Please send any photos you may want to add to our yearbook to Mr. Pond. Any pictures you may have of your child, or child's class K-8 from this year, we would like you to send them in to add to our yearbook! Let's make it creative!
Commemorate Our 8th Graders
The yearbook would like to include a sendoff for our 8th graders. This would include a picture of your child as a baby or toddler, also include a note from you.
The note can be a quote, a funny family saying, or just a sentiment from you.
To get these arranged in the yearbooks in time for publication, I would need pictures and quotes not later than March 20th.
You can directly email these to pond_tyler@asdk12.org.
📘 Pre-Order Your Yearbook Today!
Don’t miss out on this year’s Eagle Academy yearbook! It’s packed with highlights, friendships, and special school memories.
Softcover: $26 | Hardcover: $33.64
Pre-order early to make sure your student gets one!
📘 Personalize Your Student’s Yearbook!
Did you know you can add 2 FREE custom pages to your student’s yearbook? Include photos from home, fun memories, and personal notes to make their yearbook extra special.
🗓️ Custom pages are due by April 6th.
See the flyer for more information and instructions.
EACS Personalized 8th Grade Promotion Stoles
Families,
It's that time of year! It's time to purchase your 8th grader's personalized promotion stole. This memorable item will be presented to your child during our final awards assembly. It's a great way to celebrate their hard work and achievement. Please rea the letter above for more information. Thank you for your support.
Parent Orientation
If you have not attended, please call the front office at (907) 742-3025 to schedule.
We have had some great discussions and inquiries at our parent orientation seminars. Come and join in!
Our next Parent Orientation Seminar will be on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 9 AM. If you have not signed up, please call the front office to do so. We hope to see you here!
All subsequent Parent Orientation Seminars will be held on Tuesdays each month until May. Get signed up!
It's the Law
This picture is a link to Alaska Ordinance NO 2019.51(s). Please read.
Raptor Technologies
Parents
You may use the Raptor School Security system (click on the picture) to complete your volunteer/background check on the Anchorage School District website. You may also log your volunteer hours. Once you get our confirmation email, scroll all the way to the bottom for the link! If you have any questions, feel free to contact the ladies in the front office.
Also, USE THE LINK TO LOG YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS! Raptor Video Guide It is important that you log your volunteer hours for two reasons, 1) we like to acknowledge our families who are dedicating their time and talents in our school and 2) we are obligated to keep a record of volunteer hours to report to the state at the end of the year. Please do not forget to log your hours!
Thank you!
School News
Links and All the Information
Hot Dog Tuesdays link opens on Wednesday mornings and closes on Fridays.
Nachos Thursdays link opens on Sundays and closes on Wednesdays.
Pizza Fridays link opens on Sundays and closes on Thursdays.
*Please remember that different organizations within the school set up the links to be prepared for the events.
As always thank you for your support of our wonderful school.
8th Grade Fundraiser-Hot Dogs & Chips Tuesdays \ February 17
The 8th grade fundraising has expanded to hot dogs and chips. The link below:
Opens Wednesdays / Closes Fridays
** Online Order (weekly or monthly) or bring cash the day of
https://hotdog-tuesday-copy.cheddarup.com
Price list: Hot Dog ONLY $2.00
Hot Dog & Chips $3.00
Hot Dog, Chips, & Drink $5.00
Hot Dogs & Chips Dates:
February 17
February 24
8th Grade Fundraiser-Nachos Thursday \ February 19, 2026
The link below:
Opens Sundays / Closes Wednesdays
** Online Order (weekly or monthly) or bring cash the day of
my.cheddarup.com/c/nacho-thursdays-copy
Nachos Dates:
February 19
Pizza Fridays
The link below:
Opens Sundays / Closes Thursdays
** Online Orders Only - No Cash Accepted
my.cheddarup.com/c/pizza-fridays-2025-2026-6th-grade-fundraiser-copy
Pizza Dates:
March
We will celebrate Kids' Heart Challenge this month!
Let's Go EACS Families!
Thank you to all of your support thus far with the KHC. We have a few more days to get students to complete Finn's Mission. This has been a phenomenal year so far! Thank you for taking the time out to raise not only money but awareness to the efforts of the American Heart Association. I cannot thank you enough!
Thank you for registering!!
EACS Families,
Thank you for registering students for Finn's Mission! We have 38 out of 216 students to complete it this year! We have achieved and surpassed our goaI of $5,000.00. Great work! I appreciate your endeavor to make healthy hearts awareness the forefront of information for our community.
I am so excited to have our finale assembly on Friday, March 27th. I think I may have another staff member or two to take on a pie in the face on Assembly day! But I will do what I say I will do!
Please remember the fun opportunities for students this year includes:
Our School wide Finale Assembly in the Gym on 3/27 at 1:15 pm
The top fundraising grade level (more than $250) will earn a spirit day and pizza on the principal!
The top fundraiser in each grade level (more than $250) will toss a pie in my or some other staff member's face at the final assembly!
It is always a pleasure and fulfillment to help raise awareness in our community about happy healthy hearts from the youngest of us to the eldest. I look forward to this great work!
Thank You in Advance,
Dr. Lynn Mills
EACS APB Corner
Eagle Academy Families and Staff,
Last week the Anchorage School Board voted to close Fire Lake Elementary School. Part of their Rightsizing plan includes offering Fire Lake to Eagle Academy. At this time, we are waiting to hear more information from ASD, including an offer or proposal for EACS to take over the building. As a charter school, Eagle Academy's Academic Policy Board (APB) will vote on whether to accept this offer from ASD.
The APB is committed to keeping our school community informed and involved through this process. As information becomes available, we will share it publicly. Please stay tuned for more updates from the school and APB, including how you can get involved. You are welcome to share your thoughts on a potential relocation to Fire Lake at any time by emailing Dr. Mills, myself, or any APB member. You are also welcome to testify publicly at an APB meeting. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 3 at 5:30PM at the school. Fire Lake will be discussed at the meeting, but the APB will not vote on accepting Fire Lake until a later date.
The agenda for our meeting this Tuesday is included below. If you have any questions or concerns for the APB, please reach out to me or any APB member. Contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.
Emily Morrison
APB Chair
PTO Post
Join us for the monthly PTO meeting on the first Wednesday evenings of each month, unless otherwise noted. If you are unable to attend and have information to share, please email Mindy Edison @ edison_mindy@asdk12.org.
Join us for our upcoming PTO meeting on Wednesday, March 4, at 6 PM! We're excited to discuss several important topics, including the adoption of new bylaws, the upcoming Book Fair, Iditaread, and our Read-a-thon fundraiser. Additionally, we will begin the process of electing new officers for the PTO. Your input is invaluable, and we hope to see you there! Please find the agenda attached to the newsletter.
Draft updated Bylaws: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qVJyzfA4G6KswR46E6YquQU-zOtA6jZ-vB-uWUdoJxU/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jsk5ec2wvlhq
Next PTO Meeting Wednesday, 03/04/2025
JOIN THE PTO FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
✨ Want to stay informed about what’s happening at school.
✨ Want to share ideas and help shape activities?
✨ Want to connect with other parents and teachers while building a welcoming community?
Join our PTO Facebook group and stay caught up! https://www.facebook.com/groups/eacspto
Sign up for job assignments at the link below.
Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Families,
Please use the link below to sign up for wonderful opportunities to volunteer at our school.
https://non-profit-volunteer-registration-form-53561.cheddarup.com
Idita-Read
EACS PTO Idita-Read & Read-A-Thon
🏁📚 EA PTO Idita-Read & Read-a-Thon 📚🏁
Our Idita-Read begins next week and our Read-a-Thon Fundraiser will kick off the same weekend as the legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race!
Just like the mushers racing across Alaska, our readers will be racing across the pages of their books!
📖✨ How It Works:
Every page read = 1 mile on the trail
Students will track their reading miles as they journey along the Iditarod route.
🏆 The big question is…
Who will finish first — the mushers or the readers?
🎯 Our Fundraising Goal: $4,000
Funds raised will help us purchase:
🎤 A new sound system for assemblies and dances
🖨️ A color copier to support our school community
Information will be coming home soon. Be sure to activate your reader’s account and get ready for the race!
Let the reading adventure begin! 🐕❄️📘
Use the link below to activate your student's Reader account:
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/kPzntc/1?utm=email
Inclement Weather
'Tis the Season
Temperatures will be starting to drop. We go outside (weather permitting, to 10 degrees below zero) for recess every day. Please, please, please start preparing to send your student(s) to school with appropriate winter outerwear. This means:
- warm coat
- winter hat
- mittens or gloves
- scarves
- snow pants
- boots
- Rain coat
- Rain Boots
It is always a good idea to mark your child’s name on all items. You would be surprised how many pairs of black snow pants we get!
Remember to be Safe Outside
Families,
Please remind all students to:
Walk slowly and carefully, especially in shaded or untreated areas.
Wear footwear with good traction.
Use handrails when available and keep hands free to help maintain balance.
Report any icy spots or unsafe walkways to maintenance staff immediately.
Sponsor an Afterschool Activity
Looking ahead. We are hoping to find a handful of parents who would like to earn school service hours by sponsoring an after school activity next fall. After School Activities (ASA) will start approximately mid-late September and run through the first week of December (12 weeks) and are typically one day a week for an hour of instructional time. Parents who lead an activity will be able to help fulfill their annual school service required of 16 hours.
If you have a special skill, talent, or hobby that you would be willing to share with students please contact the front office.
Some Possible Activities Include:
Quilting/Sewing
Digital Photography
Dance
Ukulele
Beading
Chess club
Drama
Cross Country Running*
And More
Sign Language Club is Coming Soon!
Grades 3 & 4
Mrs. Pelton is hosting a sign language club on Tuesdays. Please pick students up at 4:15 PM.
Club Dates:
March 3
March 17
March 24
March 31
EACS MS Afterschool Makers Group
The Makers Group will be advised by Mrs. Katrina Cooper and Mrs. Alysia Thayer. It will begin Tuesday, February 17 and run through Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This club will have 20 spots available for middle school students. Please pick student up at 4:30 PM.
Makers Group Club Dates:
March 3
Academic Practice
EACS Families,
Did you know we have a way for you and your child(ren) to get more practice with Spalding phonograms on our website. Just visit https://www.asdk12.org/eagleacademycharter. Once there, choose "Families" then "Phonograms". There are videos made by our very own Mrs. Timberlake. Remember, this is a team effort to get our students the help they need to be successful in our wonderful school.
EACS PBIS Survey
EACS Families,
EACS is in Cohort 4 of the Anchorage School District Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) a part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process. This is mandatory of the Department of Justice for all Alaska school to implement. I want to know what you know to help guide our leadership team in making informed decision for the entire school. Please take a moment to complete the survey at the link below. Your results will only be shared with our school's leadership team. Thank you for your support of our wonderful school.
*You may need to switch the account to your email address.
School Snaps
Some Oldies but Goodies
3-5 Battle of the Books
Twin Day Spirit Day
The Work Towards Youth Art Month
Eagle Academy APB
Lynn Mills - Principal (mills_lynn@asdk12.org)
Emily Morrison - APB Chair (Morrison1623@hotmail.com)
James Thurston - APB Vice Chair
Heather Caldwell - APB Teacher (caldwell_heather@asdk12.org)
Emily D’Amico- APB Teacher (damico_emily@asdk12.org)
Sam Hernandez- APB Member (samuel.hernandez1999@gmail.com)
Paula Ayojiak - APB Community (paula@ayojiak.com)
Kari Blackburn- APB Community (blackburn_kari@asdk12.org)
ACADEMIC POLICY COMMITTEE SEATS AND ROLES
HEATHER CALDWELL – TEACHER SEAT A -PRIMARY MATTERS
EMILY D’AMICO – TEACHER SEAT B-INTERMEDIATE MATTERS
VACANT – PARENT SEAT C- CONTRACT & LEGAL
PAULA AYOJIAK--PARENT SEAT D-BUDGET & FINANCES
SAM HERNANDEZ– PARENT SEAT E-CURRICULUM & ACADEMICS
EMILY MORRISON – COMMUNITY SEAT F (CHAIR)-PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING
KARI BLACKBURN-COMMUNITY SEAT G-ALL SCHOOL RELATED MATTERS
Dr. LYNN MILLS - PRINCIPAL
Eagle Academy PTO
Mindy Edison - President: (edison_mindy@asdk12.org)
Melissa Crandall – Vice President
Sarah Martinez - Secretary: (907) 360-7310
Kari Blackburn– Treasurer: (Blackburn_kari@asdk12.org)
Jenna Pace– Co-Parent Representative
Jolene Sletten– Co-Parent Representative
Jan Gilbert- Teacher Rep
Lynn Mills - Principal (mills_lynn@asdk12.org)
Anchorage School District
Anchorage School District
Dr. Jharrett Bryantt- School Superintendent
Margo Bellamy-School Board President