HUFFMAN NEWS
HUSKY TALES
Anchorage School District
http://www.asdk12.org/schools/Huffman/pages/
Volume 1, Issue 2
12000 Lorraine Street Anchorage, Alaska 99516 907-742-5650
October 7, 2016
SCHOOL BUSINESS PARTNERS http://www.alaskazoo.org/ http://www.trinityalaska.org/ http://www.h2oasiswaterpark.com/
CALENDAR
October 14th Movie Night 6:30pm
October 21st In-Service Day~ No School PTA Fall Carnival 6pm –8pm
October 26th P/T Conference school released at 12:30pm
October 27th P/T Conference school released at 12:30pm
October 28th In-Service Day ~ No School
November 2nd Picture Re-Take Day
Dear Huffman Families, We are approaching the end of the first quarter. It is amazing how time flies! It’s been an outstanding school year and the students are making great growth. A highlight for me this past week was listening to our student council candidates share their speeches. We are lucky to have such an amazing group of young people wanting to make a positive difference in their school community. Below are a few highlights to remember. Carnival Please join us for Huffman’s annual Fall Carnival on Friday, October 21, from 6-8pm. It’s sure to be a fun and exciting night. It’s a pirate theme with games, activities, and plenty of food trucks. Be on the lookout for PTA flyers with more detailed information. Parking Lot The darkness is creeping in. It’s that time again to remind folks to slow down and watch for kids along the roads and parking lots. We highly encourage attaching reflectors or reflection tape to backpacks and gear. Thanks for helping keep our students safe. Winter Gear Winter is just around the corner and it’s time to dig out the gear and see if it still fits. Once the snow flies and the temps remain below freezing, students are required to have their 5 points of gear: hat, gloves, jacket, snow pants, and boots. We believe students should have time outdoors everyday. In Alaska, a big part of that is being prepared, no matter what the weather brings. If your family needs assistance, please contact Mr. Opitz or Nurse Lisa privately, and we’ll develop a plan. First Quarter Conferences First quarter conferences will take place on October 25, 26, and 27. The online conference scheduler is now open. Please log in to the following link to schedule your conference. We look forward to sharing your students’ growth and answering your questions. Please remember, if your family chooses to take vacation during this week, conferences will generally not be made up. Of course, if you have specific concerns, we are always available to meet. http://www.asdk12.org/ConferenceScheduling/StudentScheduleStartExt.aspx Alternate Site Evacuation Drill As part of our emergency preparedness plans, all Huffman staff, students, and visitors will evacuate to Huffman’s alternative site location, Trinity Church, on Wednesday, October 12 at approximately 2pm. This drill is an extension of our standard evacuation drills and will occur once per year to ensure staff and students understand procedures in case of a real evacuation. During the drill, no students will be released to parents or guardians and no visitors will be allowed in the school, so please plan ahead. If you need to pick up your student early on this day, please plan to do so by 1:30pm. The drill will be concluded by approximately 3:10 pm and all staff and students will return to Huffman Elementary to conclude their day. As always, don’t hesitate to call or email if you have questions or concerns. Have a wonderful day. All the best. Chris 907-742-5650
opitz_chris@asdk12.org
Page 2
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
Parent Teacher Conferences
Conference Days Lunch Schedule
The upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences will be held October 25 th-27th. Tuesday, October 25th conferences will start at 3:45. Wednesday and Thursday, October 26th & 27th conferences will start at 12:45 pm. There is no school on Friday, October 28th.
Lunch Schedule: October 26th & 27th
Conferences offer parents the opportunity to find out how their child is getting along with classmates, how they're progressing in school and what can be done at home to build upon strengths and overcome challenges. Parents now have the ability to schedule conference times online. The Conference Scheduler will be available for your convenience on October 7th. Scheduling early offers you the opportunity to secure conference times that work best for your family. Please visit the online scheduler at:
www.asdk12.org/parents **If you are unable to use the online Conference Scheduler, please contact your student’s teacher via phone or email.
K, 1st & 2nd Recess 11:00 – 11:15 Lunch 11:15 – 11:35 3rd & 4th Recess 11:25 – 11:40 Lunch 11:40 – 12:00 5th & 6th Recess 11:45 – 12:00 Lunch 12:00 – 12:20
We are excited about this upcoming opportunity for teachers and parents/guardians to discuss important information that will help students throughout their education.
Happenings in the Health Room We have been learning very important safety skills and safety lessons for the past month in Health. The next two weeks we will be focusing on the following lessons: K-1st -Making safe choices and when to tell an adult about an unsafe situation. 2nd -Safety signs in our community, what they mean and why we have them. Students will walk around the school to learn more about these important signs. 3rd -After reading, “Officer Buckle and Gloria” by Peggy Rathmann, students will create their own safety tip stars. Come see their stars in the halls of Huffman. 4th –Learning about fire safety and creating a home evacuation route. I encourage all Huffman Families take the time to review and practice their plan. For a guideline see: http://www.sparky.org/parentpage/ pdf/Escape_plan.pdf 5th -Learning about First Aid, students have practiced making a splint using scarves and sweatshirts, how to use an epi-pen, and we will be learning the Heimlich maneuver. 6th -How to be safe on the internet and what to do if cyber-bullied. We are also focusing on strategies for safe decision making to avoid unintentional injuries. Please feel free to email if you have any questions. Jennifer Phillips
Release bell 12:30
Page 3
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
Page 4
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
PAW PRINTS 9-12-16
PAW PRINTS 9-19-16 Kindergarten
Kindergarten Carlson
Halen Withrow, Havana Buck
Carlson
North Dittman, Jocelyn Dingle
McDaniel
Dylan Hood, Annie Baldessari
McDaniel
Emma Harter, Zane Dammad
Sterling
Nolan Scott
Sterling
Britney Stephens, Brooklyn Escomienda
1st Grade
1st Grade Sooter
Julia Silberberg, Oliver Rossier
Sooter
Sadie Condlin, Beck Harth
Weaver
Reine Hibbert, Devin Berg
Weaver
Devlin Thomas, Molly Whitlock
2nd Grade
2nd Grade Barrett Jungwirth
Riley Harby, Ella Swanson Rakel Nevzoroff, Colin Digel
Kay
Shane Leathers, Camille Johnson Miley Monahan, Neil Lefler
Ziegler
Heyden Buck, Alannah Harris Jackson Clark
Levi Shivers, Kaeli Clark
Calabro Kay
Shaylee Johnson, Charlee Carroll Maya Tirpack, Ellie Edge
Carroll Ziegler
Kellan Witter, Grant Chythlook Isabella Schuld
5th Grade
5th Grade McGregor
Jungwirth
4th Grade
4th Grade Carroll
Sinan Dammad, Capri Reynolds
3rd Grade
3rd Grade Calabro
Barrett
Alli Ward
McGregor
Tahlia Carroll, Brianne Wang
Ziegler
Tali Novakovich
Tjaden
Sam Bilbao
Tjaden
Elizabeth Page
Ziegler
Jacob Whitt
6th Grade
6th Grade Mitchell
Ashley Huang, Zoe Witter
Mitchell
Ellie Schuld, Ashlyn Richards
Simmons
Ada Putman, Cody Tirpack
Simmons
Jade Butterfield, James Shivers
Tjaden
Sam Goldman
Page 5
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
PAW PRINTS 9-26-16 Kindergarten Carlson
PAW PRINTS 10-3-16 Kindergarten
Penny Martin, Oscar Salazar-Clement
Carlson
Bode Heisten, Emery Waller
McDaniel
Abby Leathers, Jason Mitchell
McDaniel
Hyunah Song, Mickenzie Runion
Sterling
Anastasia Gapeshina, Cody Egeland
Sterling
Sean Riordan, Anastasia Gapeshina
1st Grade
1st Grade
Sooter
Andy Gallagher, Harlyn Hegna
Sooter
Addison Harshbarger, Gage Dufour
Weaver
Kyla Fairbanks, Colby Roberts
Weaver
Nevaehly Cachola, Adalyn Johnson
2nd Grade Barrett Jungwirth
2nd Grade Gabby Worst, Elias Sandberg Corrine Hunt, Avigayil Cohen
3rd Grade
Barrett Jungwirth
Leutian McDonald, Ilanna Carroll Spring Smith, Sean Ferguson
3rd Grade
Calabro
Landon Gasaway, Chris Ayagalria
Calabro
Shaniah Adams, Nevaeh Reynolds
Kay
Camryn Aldrich, Junior Lefano
Kay
Lilian Coy, Edi Pelumbi
4th Grade Carroll Ziegler
4th Grade Ryan Lee, Jarrett Gage Stella Baldessari, Chloe Wilson
5th Grade
Carroll Ziegler
Anna Boltz, Ryder Cochran Grace Barrett
5th Grade
McGregor
Toby Carlson, Chase Berg
McGregor
Joshua Christian, Cory Driver
Tjaden
Gavin Yi
Tjaden
Elizabeth Page
6th Grade Mitchell Simmons Tjaden
Ziegler Luke Beard, Kenzie Klingbeil Daniella Jameson, Anna Seryozhenkov Joe Baldessari
Bailey Scott
6th Grade Mitchell
Grainne Rogacki, Catie Mackenzie
Simmons
Colette Zidek, Cody Tirpack
Tjaden
Campbell Tuminella
Page 6
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
WANTED: SQORD (KIDS FITBIT) PROGRAM DIRECTOR LOOKING FOR FUN, TECHNOLOGY FRIENDLY PARENT WHO LOVES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND FITNESS WE ARE OFF AND “RUNNING “ IN GRADES 3-6 BUT THERE ARE SO MANY MORE FUN CHALLENGES AND ACTIVITIES WE CAN DO. LETS TAKE SQORD TO NEW LEVELS AT HUFFMAN SEE MRS. BERGT OR MRS. ARMBRUST IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
Halloween “Sweet Treat” Silent Auction Monday, October 31st Please stop by & bid from 9 am to 3:45 pm in the Staff lounge for “Sweet Treats” created by Huffman Staff. Bids close at 3:45pm All proceeds to United Way Charitable Giving
Page 7
HUFFMAN HUFFMAN NEWSNEWS
Notes from the Nurse Flu Vaccine Information – This year the Anchorage School District will be administering the Flu Vaccine injections free to students. The State of Alaska provides ASD with the vaccine. The Flu nasal mist immunization is not available this year. Huffman will be partnering with Goldenview this year to provide the immunizations to our students. During Parent/Teacher conference half days, if you would like your student to receive a flu shot, bring them to Goldenview and they will receive a free flu immunization. The following is a schedule of when the flu immunizations will be available at Goldenview: October 26th – 12pm to 3pm October 27th – 12pm to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm
There are also other clinics available in Anchorage: Alaska Regional Hospital – Free Flu Shot Clinics, drive – through, participants must be 13 and older, 6pm-8pm, October 11, 18, 19 and 26th Charter College Anchorage – Free Community Health, Wellness, and Safety Fair, Saturday, October 15, 9am to 1pm
Another successful harvest at Huffman. 1500 lbs. of potatoes and 200 lbs. of carrots were donated to Beans Café.
President VP
Cody Tirpack
Jade Whitt
Secretary
Toby Carlson
Sergeant at Arms
Tali Novakovich
Page 8
HUFFMAN HUFFMANNEWS NEWS
Notes from the
room
Happy Fall! We have started teaching lessons from the Young People’s Concert to students in grades 4-6. This annual concert is a great opportunity for our students to get to know the Anchorage Symphony and classical music. The concert is Tuesday, November 15th. 4th – 6th grade families – please be looking for a permission slip soon! 3rd graders are exploring Alaska through music and Native legends. This week, they are learning the Alaska Flag song and adding sign language as well. 2nd graders have composed patterns using locomotor and non-locomotor movement. They are also working on Italian musical terms. 1st graders are gaining confidence on rhythms. They are great singers, as well! Kindergarteners have explored up and down with melodies. They are learning about our classroom instrument families. Please keep these dates in mind: November 10th – Choir Concert at Goldenview Middle School November 17th – Choir Concert at Trinity Presbyterian With a song, Mrs. Elizabeth Hunt
PE News for October We have just finished up fitness testing and “dash for cash” and are now transitioning into having fun with cooperative learning games and scooter activities. Towards the end of October, students can look forward to using the climbing ropes and climbing wall. A Huffman favorite! Kindergarten Parents: We are testing the Kindergartners on running and galloping this quarter. Please work on galloping with your children. Remind them not to let their back leg “catch up”. Make it fun and funny- horsey games, etc. PE Pointer of the month/Healthy Futures News SHAPE America recommends school aged children accumulate at least 60 minutes or more of physical activity per day. This can be all at once or throughout the day. This goal ties in perfectly with ASD’s partnership with our Healthy Futures Program. We are doing the Healthy Futures logs at school with either the classroom teacher or in Health or Gym for grades 1-6 (K – sent home). See the attached log for the new SQORD option in grades 3-6. You are always welcome to do an extra log at home with your family. This reinforces the importance of Physical Activity. Each longer bout of physical activity should start with a warm up and end with a cool down to help reduce soreness and avoid injury. Let’s all get out and be active!
31 Pull-ups
Mrs. Bergt and Mr. Pemble
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
Page 9
For all of you Rick Riordan fans out there...here's a reminder about how his visit works. Please read all of the details. October 10- Monday 7pm-8pm @ West HS Auditorium Barnes & Noble and the Anchorage School District have partnered to bring bestselling author Rick Riordan back to Anchorage. We'll be one of only 9 locations for his tour celebrating his new book in the Magnus Chase series, 'Hammer of Thor'. We are SO lucky to have him come all the way up here! The format for the event is a presentation/book talk. 7pm-8pm The book talk will be held at the West High School auditorium, and signed copies of the book will be available at the event. IMPORTANT DETAILS!!! 1) WRISTBANDS *Wristbands are required for attendance. *Wristbands will be available when purchasing a copy of The Hammer of Thor at Barnes & Noble, Anchorage. *In order to accommodate families, the purchase of 1 copy of Hammer of Thor will allow for up to 3 wristbands. There is no book purchase limit. *Wristbands will be available, only at Barnes & Noble - Anchorage, starting Tuesday, Oct. 4th 2) BOOKS *THERE WILL BE NO SIGNING LINE AT THIS EVENT. *Signed copies of Hammer of Thor will be available to people attending the event. *Limited quantities of other signed Rick Riordan titles will be available for purchase at West High School beginning at 6:00pm Oct. 10th *When you purchase 'The Hammer of Thor' from Barnes & Noble, Anchorage you will get a ticket valid for 1 signed copy. Bring your ticket to West High School beginning at 6:00pm, Oct. 10th and you’ll be able to pick up your signed copy. 3) PHOTOS and videos are allowed during the presentation as long as they are not disruptive. 4) SEATING – The event will have open seating (no assigned seats). Seating begins at 6:00pm. 5) PARKING – Parking at West High School with overflow parking available at Romig Middle School. Mark your calendar for Oct. 4th to pick up your wristband & Oct. 10th for the big event!
Mrs. Bergt has a bucket in the Gym for donated shoes
Rei contributed several hours on bike repairs and majority bike parts for free for our adapted P.E. classes.
Cindy Keller Huffman Elementary School Librarian
School Board
Anchorage School District In agreement with the Office of Civil Rights-U. S. Department of Education, this statement must be included in all ASD publications, including student handbooks, administrative manuals, parent documents and other District publications. Compliance/Equal Employment Opportunity Office REVISED: 8/2007; 8/2012; 5/2013; 7/2014 ASD Statement of Non-discrimination for ASD Publications The Board is committed to an environment of non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, economic status, union affiliation, disability and other human differences. No person shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any academic or extracurricular program or educational opportunity or service offered by the District. The District will comply with the applicable statutes, regulations, and executive orders adopted by Federal, State and Municipal agencies. The District notes the concurrent applicability of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, Title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act and the relevant
disability provisions of Alaska law. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the District’s Compliance/Equal Employment Opportunity Executive Director, who also serves as the Title IX and ADA/ADAAA Coordinator, ASD Education Center, 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99504-3135 (907) 742-4132, or to any of the following external agencies: Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Director of the Office for Civil Rights-U.S. Department of Education or
Name
Position
Tam Agosti-Gisler
President
Elisa Snelling
Vice president
Starr Marsett
Clerk
Kathleen Plunkett
Treasurer
Bettye Davis
Member
Pat Higgins
Member
Kameron Perez-Verdia
Member
Office of Civil Rights-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. EEO #024
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
Page 10
Your Huffman Team PTA October Bulletin The next PTA meeting is Monday, November 7@ 4:00pm in the Library. As a reminder, our general PTA meetings are now being held the first Monday of every month at 4 p.m…. Come one, come all! Kiddos are always welcome provided they have a quiet activity to do, the playground is also a wonderful option for them to go burn off some afternoon energy! If you would like to join the PTA or have your student in the Huffman School Directory please turn these forms in ASAP! The planning for our FALL CARNIVAL happening on Friday, 10/21 is in full swing. Help to make this event awesome for our kiddos is always needed and appreciated. Keep an eye out for the flyer with details or for more info contact huffmanteampta@gmail.com PTA MOVIE NIGHT on Friday October 14, from 6:30pm-8:00pm Save the date and join us for Zootopia and pizza! Write a check is in full swing! Keep your eyes open for the Write-A-Check thermometer, we’ll be sure to keep everyone updated on our progress towards our goal! The new super cool Huffman School Store will be having the grand opening at the Fall Carnival. With new spiritwear (an order form will be coming home too) and lots of other fun stuff. Signup.com for the “Bookaneer” Book Fair and Fall Carnival will be sent out this week… be sure to sign up, we’ll have a Pirate Good Time! Box Top Time!!! – Don’t forget to collect your Box Tops…October is collection month which means the competition is ON! As you collect them put them in a Ziploc that is labeled with your child’s name, grade, teacher & the quantity…turn them in (by 10/31) and hope to WIN! Thanks for participating with us to make Huffman a fun place to learn!
Movie Night October 14th 6:30pm-8:00pm
Page 11
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
Huffman Husky X-C Running Team News With the Jamboree, Huffman Fun Run, and Treasure Hunt over, we can officially say that running season at Huffman is a wrap for the year. We are hoping that this is not the end, but just the beginning of fall running, sports, and recreation for all you Huskies. Check out this link for the remaining Tuesday night Munchkin races. http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/TuesdayNightRaces.aspx
This year we had over 230 runners. WOW, that surely breaks some records for ASD, Alaska, and maybe the nation. Obviously, with such a giant team, safety is our main concern. We really could not do this without the help of so many of you. Here is how it works:
LEADER: Sharna Robbins leads the parent end of the running team, purchasing snacks, popsicles and prizes, and basically doing everything necessary to make our team great. She also coordinates an elaborate check-in/out system with many of you wonderful volunteers. She, with the help of her son Rylan, and daughter, Avy are also the last ones here after each practice, helping clean the gym and put away supplies. This is her last year at Huffman. (Avy is a 6 th grader). Please stop her in the hall and thank her for all her years of volunteer work at Huffman. She truly makes wonderful things happen every day.
OFFICE: Tammy Miller processes all the permission slips and compiles the grade level check in lists. This is a HUGE job at a very busy time of year. These go up on the walls for each and every practice and a wonderful team of parents and staff members check in each grade for the day. Cheryl Armbrust helps her and also helps with all the Team details as well covering one of our exits. She is also our exceptional Team Photographer.
SECURITY: We keep our beautiful Huffman Park safe by running out at lunch to put up flagging at all the park exits. This helps insure that the students remain in the park on designated trails. During practice, an adult with a radio supervises each exit. HUGE thank you to Mrs. Armbrust, Mrs. Feucht, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Aichele, Mrs. Forbes, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Keller, Mrs. McGinnis, Mrs. Baldessari, Mr. Tom and all the parent volunteers (please forgive me if I forgot anyone). Nurse Lisa Sutherlin also stays during each practice as a safety back up.
RABBITS: We always send some very fast adults to run in front of the kids in case there is a moose or hazard on the trail. Thank you Mr. Pemble, Mrs. Calabro, Mr. Peichel and Ms. Phillips for being able to “hop to it”, even at a moments notice.
PATROL: At the end of practice we do a “sweep” just like ski patrol. We take down flagging, close outer areas first, and “herd” the students towards the main gate. We check, check, and double check all the areas a student could hide during this process.
CHECK OUT: Katie McDaniel, with help from Karen Simmons are the final check out queens. They will not let a student go until each parent or guardian checks in. The kids love seeing her because she also has a little treat to reward them for being so responsible.
Page 12
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS
PARENTS: We absolutely could not do this without all the wonderful parents on the trail and helping in so many ways. This is truly a community that cares about all of our Huffman children. Mr. Whitlock, has volunteered to take over the parent end next year. He deserves a huge high 5.
TRAIL CREW: Led by the fearless El Petrone Brown, a huge thank you goes out to this amazing trail crew who devoted their entire Sunday to this project. The list includes; Steve Carroll, John Weddleton, and the Petrone, Witter, Edge, Zipser, Whitlock, Partch and Sandberg Families. The Huffman Fun Run course is immensely improved and our ski trail will be functional with way less snow. You are awesome!!!
JAMBOREE: Many thanks also to the crew for the Jamboree. Mrs. Armbrust helps me set up the tent and tables in the early am. Mrs. Lefler (PTA) shops for the snacks and water. Lots of parents and grandparents handed out numbers and get kids to their races on time. The Jamboree is a chance for our school to show our true colors out in the community and we always get compliments on how friendly and fun the Huffman tent is.
HUFFMAN FUN RUN: Finally, a huge you to Rob and Jen Witter for heading up the Huffman Fun Run. With 3 kids and very busy schedules, they pull off this amazing event every year. Fiona Piechel once again did her registration magic and Steve Carroll stayed late after the Potato harvest, getting our sound system hooked up for super MC’s Sharna Robbins and Elizabeth Hunt. There were a ton of awesome parents here on Friday night, helping set up the course, and on Saturday helping run the event.
There are so many people to thank for all that makes the Running Team, Jamboree, Huffman Fun Run and Healthy Activities at Huffman so strong. Please know how much you are all appreciated. The X-C Team took in $2,448.49 and the Huffman Fun Run took in $1,095.00. Every penny, after minimal expenses, goes right back into our PTA general fund to help our school. Please thank a teacher, staff member, or parent today if your child enjoyed this valuable after school activity. This may have been one of the most successful X-C Running seasons ever thanks to all the staff and parent volunteers and a lot of help from Mother Nature. Huffman had some very enthusiastic and fast runners.
Once again, a big thank you to everyone for proving what a great community this is. Thanks again for such a great season!
Go Huskies!!!
Wonderful new Recess Cart paid for by your Healthy Future Logs. Awesome job students ! Keep up the great work!
Page 13
HUFFMAN NEWS HUFFMAN NEWS