Alpenglow Snow Leopards

The mission of the Alpenglow Elementary School staff to create confident learners for academic and social success.

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that our school is on the traditional lands of the

Dena'ina People of Upper Cook Inlet. For thousands of years, the Dena'ina People have continued to be the stewards of this land. ASD is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it is with honor and respect that we recognize all Indigenous people who live and learn in our community.

The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and snow has already made its appearance—fall is in full swing at Alpenglow! As the first quarter comes to a close, parent-teacher conferences are just around the corner. In this edition, you’ll find important updates on conferences, safety protocols, and preparing for winter.

We are so grateful for your continued support and partnership. Each child is growing in wonderful ways, and we can’t wait to share their progress with you at conferences.Denise Demetree-Trombley

With gratitude,

Principal, Alpenglow Elementary School

demetree_denise@asdk12.org

Parent/Teacher Conferences are a valuable opportunity for families and teachers to connect, celebrate student progress, and partner together to support each child’s learning and growth. These conversations strengthen the school-to-home connection and help ensure we are working together as a team for student success.

Conference Dates:

• Wednesday, October 22

• Thursday, October 23

Some teachers may also hold conferences Wednesday evening or Friday morning for families needing extra time or wishing to discuss student data, AK Reads, or other topics in depth.

The Online Conference Scheduler is now open—please sign up soon to ensure every child has a meaningful conference. You can access the scheduler in several ways:

• ASD home page → Families Tab → Learning Section

• ASD home page web slider: https://www.asdk12.org/conferences

• ASD Mobile App

• Parent Connection → Quick Links

If you do not have web access, please contact your student’s teacher to schedule a conference time.

Schedule Notes:

• Early release at 11:30 a.m. on conference days

• No school Friday, October 24

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your child’s progress together!

Since 2016–17, ASD has used the ALICE program for emergency response training. After careful review, ASD decided to phase out ALICE and introduce new safety protocols from The “I Love U Guys” Foundation for the 2025–26 school year.

The foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Standard Reunification Method (SRM) provide clear, easy-to-follow guidance for a wide range of emergencies and safely reuniting students with families.

At Alpenglow, we regularly practice safety drills to ensure our students and staff are prepared for different situations, including evacuation drills (once a month), lock-down (once per semester), shelter-in-place (once a year), and earthquake drills (two per year).

More information is available here: I Love U Guys Foundation

Student and staff safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your support as we take this next step forward.

On Wednesday, October 16 at 10:16 a.m., Alpenglow will join schools across the country participate in The ShakeOut, a one-minute earthquake drill. This annual date was chosen in 2009 as the best time for most schools.

ShakeOut is for everyone, everywhere! Whether you’re at home, at work, or at school, you can practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if a major earthquake were happening. Stay in this position for one minute or longer, and use the time to reinforce earthquake safety habits for yourself and your family.

Participating helps ensure that everyone knows how to protect themselves during an earthquake—making our communities safer and more prepared.

As temperatures drop and termination dust appears in the mountains, it’s time to start preparing for winter’s arrival. While you winterize your home, car, and garden, don’t forget to dig out your child’s winter gear! Please take a moment to label coats, hats, gloves, snow pants, and boots—to help reunite lost items.

Children will spend 30 minutes outdoors at recess unless the wind chill is below -10°F. Please dress them in warm, well-fitting clothing and consider a face mask or scarf for sensitive skin.

Alpenglow Elementary School is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in the following positions:

• Noon Supervisors/Crossing Guard: Support and supervise students during lunch and recess, and help ensure their safety before school while crossing Driftwood Bay Drive.

• Building Plant Operator (BPO): Maintain a clean and welcoming school environment by ensuring the building is well-kept and functional.

• Substitute Teachers: Provide temporary instructional support in various classrooms as needed.

To apply for these positions, please visit the Anchorage School District employment portal.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Mrs. Demetree-Trombley at 907-742-3300.

We look forward to welcoming new team members who are committed to fostering a positive and productive learning environment at Alpenglow Elementary.

If you would like to discuss your student’s health-related concerns please stop by, call or leave a message on my direct line (742-3304). I am available between the hours of 7:30-3pm.

To start off the school year, I would like to share a few reminders regarding medications and care plans for students with certain health conditions. School nurses work closely with medical providers to assist students that require additional health care services during the school day. A medical provider and parent completed consent form is required for most of the following:

• Prescription medications,
• Food allergy notification for cafeteria manager,
• Care Plans for anaphylaxis, asthma, seizures, diabetes, tube feeding & other medical concerns,

  
  

Over the counter (OTC) medications, including cough drops, are considered a medication and must be stored in the nurse’s office. All OTC medications must be FDA approved, brought in the original container and require a parent consent (OTC medication form).

If your child has activity restrictions that prevent participation in PE and/or recess, please have your medical provider provide a note to the school nurse. A parent can excuse a child for up to three days from PE and recess. After that, a signed doctor's note is needed.

See this link for medication and care plan Forms and reach out if you have questions. I am looking forward to a great year!

Sally Netter, RN

School Nurse

Alpenglow Elementary School

AK Choice @ Alpenglow

netter_sally@asdk12.org

907-742-3304

Fall is in full swing, and our library is busier than ever! We love seeing our students excited about reading, discovering new stories, and checking out books each week. Thank you for supporting their reading journey at home!

Just a few reminders!

Books are due back every week on your child’s library day. When books are returned on time, other students can enjoy them too! If a book is lost or damaged, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Library books love to go home with our students—but they also need to come back in good shape! Here are a few tips to help take care of them:

• Use clean hands when reading.
• Turn pages gently—no rips, please!
• Keep books away from pets and younger siblings.

Our books are shared by many students, and taking care of them means they’ll last longer for others to enjoy.

This month, we’re featuring fall-themed books, spooky (but not too spooky!) stories, and plenty of pumpkin fun! Ask your child what they’re reading—we’d love to hear about their favorite characters.

Thank you for being our reading partners at home.

📚 Mrs. Moncur
Alpenglow Elementary Librarian
📬 moncur_stacey@asdk12.org

September Healthy Futures log has ended, and October has begun! Please ensure the September log is filled out with a parent/guardian signature and turned into Coach Pandres ASAP so students can be entered into the database and receive their prize. Students are encouraged to record at least 60 minutes of physical activity on 15 or more days throughout the month to earn a prize.

September's Prize: a wrist disc

October's Prize: a wooden robot

Each month a student participates, they’ll also earn a raffle ticket for a grand prize drawing at the end of the year. The more months they participate, the greater their chances of winning!

Thanks for supporting healthy habits!

Providence Alaska Medical Center has donated reflective items for Alpenglow students. Next week students will have the opportunity to put a strip of reflective tape on the back of their backpack, as well as one on each strap to ensure APG students are seen in the upcoming dark months. If you would prefer your child to NOT put these on their backpack, please communicate that with them and send in a note so we are aware. Once students begin bringing winter jackets, we will attach the star zipper pulls.

This month in art, students are asking “How do artists reflect on their own work?” Students are learning to talk about their own artwork with peers.

When students bring artwork home, continue the conversation! But instead of asking, “What is it?” Try these questions:

• How did you make this artwork?

• What materials did you use?

• How did you get your ideas?

• What is something you learned while making this?

• What would you like to call it?

• What makes it special?

These kinds of questions focus on the process more than the end product and encourage exploration and learning.

Thank you for teaching your child that their artwork is original and creative!

Mrs. Upicksoun

Art Teacher

Alpenglow and Homestead Elementary School

upicksoun_sara@asdk12.org

ASD students’ artworks are displayed at the ASD Educational Building on 5530 E Northern Lights Boulevard. Next the artworks are displayed at the MK Gallery in the 5th Avenue Mall.

The art show is a moving show.

First at Main ASD Education Building Oct 6— Nov 2

5530 E Northern Lights Boulevard

Anchorage, AK 99504

Then at MK Gallery in 5th Avenue Mall Nov 4— Nov 27

320 W 5th Ave

Anchorage, AK 99501

Following the art shows, the artwork will be returned to the students at school.

Let’s give a big “Congratulations!” to Aaron Jan, Breanna Fowler, and Gunner Saghafi.

Thank you to all of my students for being creative, respectful, and responsible in the art classroom!

We want to give a huge THANK YOU to all of our amazing parents, students, and supporters for participating in our August Fundraiser! With your help, we raised over $10,500 - enough to host all of our planned events this school year!

Our Fun Run was also a great success - Thank you to everyone who volunteered, cheered, and participated. The kids had a wonderful time!

Upcoming October Events:

• 🍿 Popcorn Friday – October 3
  Students look forward to this fun monthly treat! Sign-up to volunteer here: Link

• 🍩 Donuts with Dads – October 7, 7–8 AM
  Join us in the morning for donuts, coffee, and connection before school.

• 🎨 Reflections Art Contest – October 8
  Encourage your student to showcase their creativity in this year’s art contest!

• ✨ Glow Dance – October 10, 6–7:30 PM
  A free, family-friendly evening full of music, glow fun, and dancing! We’re looking for volunteers to help with setup, activities, and cleanup. Sign-up here: Link

• 📅 PTA Meeting – October 27, 6 PM
  Come be part of the conversation and help us plan upcoming events.

Connect with Us:
📧 Email: alpenglow.alaska.pta@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://alpenglow.givebacks.com/
📱 Facebook: Alpenglow PTA Facebook Group

Together, we’re building a strong and supportive school community—thank you for being part of it! 💙

🎉 School Spirit Fridays!
Every Friday, show your Alpenglow pride by wearing an Alpenglow shirt or our school colors — black, teal, and silver.

OCTOBER 2025

3 Popcorn Friday

7 Donuts with Day

10 Glow Dance - PTA Family Fun Night

13 No School - Indigenous Peoples Day

16 Great Alaska Shake-out

17 No School for Students

20 - 23 Scholastic Book Fair

22 Parent/Teacher Conferences - Early Release @ 11:30

23 Parent/Teacher Conferences - Early Release @ 11:30

24 No School for Students

27 PTA Meeting

November 2025

2 Daylight Saving Time (fall back 1 hour)

7 Popcorn Friday

7 Board Game Night - PTA Family Fun Night

11 No School – Veterans’ Day

24 PTA Meeting

27 Thanksgiving

28 No School

Dates, times, and events are subject to change. Check the School Calendar on our Website for changes.