Hello Chapman Families,

Spring is in full swing, and with it comes wonderful ways that students are learning and exploring at Chapman both inside and outside the classroom. Many teachers have field trips planned this month and next so please make sure that you are reading class dojo messages and reviewing the classroom newsletter that go home.

As the weather warms, I want to emphasize the incredible benefits of outdoor play for children of all ages. Many students are excited to tell staff and classmates about their adventures outside. Spending time outside is more than just fun; it’s essential for kids' physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

• Physical Health: Outdoor play promotes exercise, builds strong bones and muscles, and improves overall fitness.
• Mental Well-being: Sunshine and fresh air can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance focus.
• Social Skills: Playing with peers outdoors fosters collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Cognitive Development: Exploring nature sparks curiosity, encourages creativity, and provides hands-on learning experiences.

I encourage you to make time for unstructured outdoor activities with your children. Whether it’s a trip to the park, a backyard adventure, or simply playing catch, these moments are invaluable.

Advocating for Our Students: Educational Funding

As your principal, I am committed to ensuring our students receive the highest quality education possible. This requires adequate funding at both the Borough and state levels. Chapman and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District are actively engaged in advocating for policies that support our schools and provide the resources our students need to thrive.

• We encourage parents to stay informed about upcoming budget discussions and legislative sessions. There is a Borough Assembly Meeting on April 1st @ 6:00 in Soldotna. Please consider making public testimony regarding the importance of funding to the cap. You can attend and give testimony virtually. Here is the link: https://yourkpb.zoom.us/j/83563583837?pwd=eTO44Um9ao1JJGaVtBJG86PXlsuNvm.1
• You can also email Willy Dunne, our borough assembly representative, at wdunne@kpb.us.
• If you live closer to Homer, your representative may be Kelly Cooper. Her email is kellycooper@kpb.us.
• Your voice matters! Consider contacting the Anchor Point area State Representative and or Senator to express your support for educational funding. Funding for Education is being debated now in the Senate. The KPBSD is facing considerable budget cuts that will have a direct impact on number of students in classrooms, the ability to offer sports and extracurriculars to Chapman Students and their access to the support of in school counselors.
• Representative Sarah Vance: Representative.Sarah.Vance@akleg.gov
• Senator Gary Stevens: Senator.Gary.Stevens@akleg.gov

By working together, we can ensure that our students have access to the resources they deserve.

State Testing: Supporting Student Success

The state testing window is now open. Students began testing last week and testing will continue for the next few weeks. We appreciate your support in helping your child perform their best. Here are some ways you can encourage success:

• Ensure Adequate Rest: A good night’s sleep is crucial for focus and concentration.
• Provide a Healthy Breakfast: Fueling the brain with nutritious food helps students stay alert.
• Maintain a Positive Attitude: Encourage your child to do their best and remind them that you are proud of their effort.

Remember, these tests are just one measure of your child's progress. We value their individual strengths and talents.

I want to communicate how much I appreciate the continued partnership between staff and families in educating the children who attend Chapman. The progress that students are making illustrates that collectively, the Chapman community is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment for all our students.

With Warm Regards,

Heidi Stokes

Harmony Blunck

Tucker Bobo

AnnMarie Clark

Ben Shafer

Rox Shafer

Isaiah Silvis

Evan spencer

Makenna Trapp

Quarter 3 Honors

Jade Bernier

Allison Engebretsen

Lily Folkestad

Wyatt Grose

Breelynn Holcomb

Ezekiel Magee

Declan Poindexter

Nick Rice

Thelma Robinette

Kila Viers

Chloe Wilson

Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

In preparation for the upcoming moose hunt and other family activities. Chapman wanted to communicate their updated policy for extended absences when students are gone for 5-10 days.

First, Chapman School acknowledges the importance of spending time together as a family and the educational value that comes from traveling. That being said, when students are absent, they miss out on valuable learning that takes place within the classroom. In an effort to support your child in their absence there is a form that needs to be completed. This form needs to be picked up from the office and completed by the student and teacher and signed by the parent and administrator. The form assists in the clear communication between families and school about what is expected while the student is gone.

**For absences longer than 10 consecutive days, as per Board Policy, the student would be unenrolled. Student access to district-provided digital resources and teacher provided work will cease after the 10th day of consecutive absences. The student will be re-enrolled upon return to school.

6th-8th Grade Track-Note Changes in Dates and Times

Start Date: March 24th

End Date: May 17th

Coach: Mrs. Anderson

Assistant Coach: Ms. Woods

Practices: M-T 2:30-4:00 pm

Game Schedule:

Thursday, April 17th--Homer Invite @ Homer Highschool 3pm

Friday, May 2nd--Kenai Invite @ Kenai Middle School 3 pm

Friday, May 9th--Sky View Invite @ Soldotna Highschool 3 pm

Tuesday, May 13th--Borough Prelims @ Kenai (Hosted by KMS) 12 pm field events/3:00pm Running Prelims

Saturday, May 17th--Borough Meet Finals @ Kenai High (Hosted by KMS & Kenai High) Running Finals begin @ Noon

Testing AK STAR/AK Science March 17th-April 18th

Testing MCLASS/I-Ready April 21st-May 9th

2nd: 8th grade trip fundraiser: Car Wash 2:45-5:00

4th: 6th Field Trip to Tiglax

10th: Sea Of Strings

11th: Early Release-Students Out At 1:00 pm

12th-20th: 8th Grade Yellowstone Trip

17th: Kinder Round Up @ 1:00-2:00

18th: No School-Vacation Day

22nd: Nest Day

24th: Site Council Meeting 2:45 pm

28th: Homer Step Up Day

28th-May 2nd: Swimming Lessons For 2nd/3rd Grade

29th: Mass Band @ Homer Middle

5th-9th: Swimming Lessons For Grades 4th/5th

6th: Band Concert @ 7:00 pm

7th: Salmon Celebration Johnson Lake K-3rd Grade

14th: Elementary Concert @ 7:00 pm

14th: Science Learning Showcase @ 7:00 pm

20th: Nest Day

21st: Kindergarten Graduation & 8th Grade Promotion @ 1:00 pm

22nd: K-4th Awards Assembly @ 8:00 am--Field Day 8:30-10:30--BBQ Schedule will follow student lunch schedule--5th-8th Awards Assembly @ 12:15-1:15 pm

23rd: Summer Vacation!!!!!

All Chapman volunteers and visitors to classrooms, the lunchroom, etc. must have a volunteer screening completed. If you plan on volunteering for clubs or sports as an assistant coach or parent helper, you must also have training on concussion and sudden cardiac arrest. Trainings are linked below. You do not need a screening completed to attend Chapman sponsored events such as award's assemblies, parent teacher conferences and family activities.