11-3-25
Greetings Lynx Families,
Quarter 2 of the school year continues full throttle at NCS. Last week Nenana students participated in Halloween festivities, much of which was driven by the students themselves. The elementary Student Council ran a spirit week, culminating on Friday with a K-6 Halloween costume contest. Secondary students, staff, and families gathered in the afternoon for the annual Halloween march to hand out candy to costumed elementary students. Somehow, students still completed reading, writing, and math lessons throughout the week, making progress on their skills. Secondary Student Council hosted the annual Halloween Carnival later that evening. Thank you to all students, staff, and families who made Halloween a festive affair.
This week is a 4 day week. NCS will be hosting the Ice Cream Classic basketball tournament starting Friday, November 7th. Our volleyball team will travel to Tri-Valley for their weekend tournament. The following week we will be asking 3rd-12th grade students to participate in a principal feedback survey, and a school climate survey. If you do not want your student participating, please tell us in writing between now and November 10th. Additionally, school will be out on November 14th, in observance of Veteran's Day. Our after-school program will be hosting a Phlight Club for K-8th grade students. Please see Mrs. Bernardini or I for additional information. We would love to see you and your little one(s) on the 14th if possible!
Many of our Lynx have been doing phenomenal work, both in their classrooms and in their sports. Multiple Lynx wrestlers have done great work on the mats, Volleyball Lynx continue to earn sportsmanship awards and tournament trophies, and Jr. High Basketball Lynx have been recognized both on and off the court throughout the season. Students from Skook's Alaska Native class have been regularly selling their artwork. A special shoutout to our musicians, who rocked us with our annual fall concert last Wednesday.
I'd like to take a moment and recognize Richard Mangogna, better known to our Lynx students as "Mr. Mango." Mr. Mango was only with us for the first quarter, but in that short time made a strong impression on students K-12. His classroom presence in PE was a huge hit, especially with elementary students, and his support for secondary sports teams was legendary. A few weeks ago staff and students gave him a Lynx send-off.
We hope to see you this weekend in support of our Jr. High team, and next weekend at the Phlight Club.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Grants and Curriculum Director
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
10-24-25
Greetings Lynx Families,
Like most weeks, this week was a busy one at NCS. Secondary students working with Mrs. Emily on teaching our littles basic literacy skills have also started helping Ms. Brianna on Wednesday afternoons. Elementary students reconstituted their own student council thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Bernadette and the after school program. 3rd-6th graders made quick work of organizing themselves and developing an elementary Halloween spirit week. Secondary students have finished the first week of Quarter 2. We expect updated grades from staff and students at the end of next week. Student athletes should be aware and ensure they're heading into next Friday with a 2.0 GPA and no Fs to stay eligible. This is especially true for our junior high school basketball team, who will be impacted by this for our Ice Cream Classic.
Next week Friday NCS Student Council will host our annual Halloween Carnival, from 6:00-8:00pm. Consider grabbing a hot dog from concessions, proceeds go towards StuCo's prom fund. School Picture Day is next Wednesday, and the Music concert is Wednesday evening at 6:30pm. Volleyball and Wrestling teams travel next weekend for tournaments. Next Saturday NCS will host a legacy basketball tournament next Saturday from 8am to 6pm, 3v3. We're excited to see Lynx alumni in the building next weekend.
I'd like to take a moment and recognize our Lynx in Mrs. Whitney's carpentry class. We have a few picnic tables that we will be posting for sale soon. I'd also like to recognize Skook Irwin for her efforts in leading our Alaska Native Cultures class. Just about every day students are working on bead artwork, practicing their songs, writing about their subsistence stories, watching videos of elders, or reading books authored by or about Alaska Natives. Many art pieces are on display around the building, and are for sale by students. Consider asking Skook to connect you with the artist if you see something that catches your eye.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Greetings Lynx Families,
Like most weeks, this week was a busy one at NCS. Secondary students working with Mrs. Emily on teaching our littles basic literacy skills have also started helping Ms. Brianna on Wednesday afternoons. Elementary students reconstituted their own student council thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Bernadette and the after school program. 3rd-6th graders made quick work of organizing themselves and developing an elementary Halloween spirit week. Secondary students have finished the first week of Quarter 2. We expect updated grades from staff and students at the end of next week. Student athletes should be aware and ensure they're heading into next Friday with a 2.0 GPA and no Fs to stay eligible. This is especially true for our junior high school basketball team, who will be impacted by this for our Ice Cream Classic.
Next week Friday NCS Student Council will host our annual Halloween Carnival, from 6:00-8:00pm. Consider grabbing a hot dog from concessions, proceeds go towards StuCo's prom fund. School Picture Day is next Wednesday, and the Music concert is Wednesday evening at 6:30pm. Volleyball and Wrestling teams travel next weekend for tournaments. Next Saturday NCS will host a legacy basketball tournament next Saturday from 8am to 6pm, 3v3. We're excited to see Lynx alumni in the building next weekend.
I'd like to take a moment and recognize our Lynx in Mrs. Whitney's carpentry class. We have a few picnic tables that we will be posting for sale soon. I'd also like to recognize Skook Irwin for her efforts in leading our Alaska Native Cultures class. Just about every day students are working on bead artwork, practicing their songs, writing about their subsistence stories, watching videos of elders, or reading books authored by or about Alaska Natives. Many art pieces are on display around the building, and are for sale by students. Consider asking Skook to connect you with the artist if you see something that catches your eye.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
K-6 Spooky Week October 27-31st! See the flyer attached.
Monday - Black & Orange Day
Tuesday - Whacky Hair Day
Wednesday - Opposite Day
Thursday - Pajama Day
Friday - Halloween Costume Day
Monday - Black & Orange Day
Tuesday - Whacky Hair Day
Wednesday - Opposite Day
Thursday - Pajama Day
Friday - Halloween Costume Day
School Picture Day is on October 29, 2025! A School Picture Day Order Form is attached to this posting!
10/17/25
Greetings Lynx Families,
We have had an exciting, jam-packed end to quarter 1 at Nenana City School. Elementary students capped off the quarter with an Exhibitions of Learning on the afternoon of October 16th. Elementary students showed their friends, family, high schoolers, and community members all sorts of skills and lessons learned throughout the quarter. Student Council took the opportunity to promote their upcoming events, like the Halloween Carnival. Secondary students in health classes have been learning about webs of support and healthy relationships. Alaska History students have been studying everything from the 1964 Earthquake to land use and ownership. World History students have been learning about world religions. Native Cultures students have been turning out more beaded work than I've ever seen in my decade of experience at NCS. Some students took an impromptu field trip to the Coffey farm to pick corn, and middle school Science has been learning about the properties of matter. Students in Ms. Tasha's welding class have been learning how to read a tape measure before mastering their welds on MIG and oxy-acetylene rigs.
As we transition from fall to winter and quarter 1 to quarter 2, we also expect a few more transitions during this time. We anticipate hosting around a dozen students who have been displaced due to the storm in Western Alaska. NCS and LC staff have been working with partners to ensure we can provide as much support as possible to our new Lynx. We have also opened the NCS Principal position for next year, which can be found on the AERRC website. Please share this news far and wide. The students and staff at NCS deserve the best principal candidates we can find. We anticipate closing the listing at the end of the month, and conducting a public interview process sometime in mid-November with the top candidates.
As we transition into our second quarter, we will be conducting a series of surveys with 3rd-12th grade students. One of them will be the Student Voice survey from the Quaglia Institute. This survey is designed to capture some information on our school's climate and connectedness. We will also distribute a staff and parent version of the survey as well. These surveys will be administered the week of November 2nd. Additionally, I will ask 3rd-12th grade students to complete a principal feedback survey to assess my effectiveness as a building principal. Finally, we will be distributing a survey to 5th-12th grade students on their energy drink consumption, especially at school and the Living Center. All responses are anonymous. If you do not want your student to participate, or if you have questions or concerns about these surveys, please reach out to me or the school.
As we assess our school climate, staff are also working to assess student engagement. We will begin implementation of the "engagement continuum" school-wide, which will provide us with a common language around student engagement in lessons. Our goal is to better understand what works in engaging students in our lessons, so that we can improve student learning experiences.
Finally, I'd like to take a moment to recognize our amazing Lynx athletes. Nenana Lynx, both individually and as a team, consistently receive recognition and awards for sportsmanship. This has been relatively common in my time here, and it indicates the soul of the community. Nenana is a place where children understand the value of kindness and human decency, and that doesn't happen by accident. Thank you to all of you who have had a helping hand in these lessons.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Greetings Lynx Families,
We have had an exciting, jam-packed end to quarter 1 at Nenana City School. Elementary students capped off the quarter with an Exhibitions of Learning on the afternoon of October 16th. Elementary students showed their friends, family, high schoolers, and community members all sorts of skills and lessons learned throughout the quarter. Student Council took the opportunity to promote their upcoming events, like the Halloween Carnival. Secondary students in health classes have been learning about webs of support and healthy relationships. Alaska History students have been studying everything from the 1964 Earthquake to land use and ownership. World History students have been learning about world religions. Native Cultures students have been turning out more beaded work than I've ever seen in my decade of experience at NCS. Some students took an impromptu field trip to the Coffey farm to pick corn, and middle school Science has been learning about the properties of matter. Students in Ms. Tasha's welding class have been learning how to read a tape measure before mastering their welds on MIG and oxy-acetylene rigs.
As we transition from fall to winter and quarter 1 to quarter 2, we also expect a few more transitions during this time. We anticipate hosting around a dozen students who have been displaced due to the storm in Western Alaska. NCS and LC staff have been working with partners to ensure we can provide as much support as possible to our new Lynx. We have also opened the NCS Principal position for next year, which can be found on the AERRC website. Please share this news far and wide. The students and staff at NCS deserve the best principal candidates we can find. We anticipate closing the listing at the end of the month, and conducting a public interview process sometime in mid-November with the top candidates.
As we transition into our second quarter, we will be conducting a series of surveys with 3rd-12th grade students. One of them will be the Student Voice survey from the Quaglia Institute. This survey is designed to capture some information on our school's climate and connectedness. We will also distribute a staff and parent version of the survey as well. These surveys will be administered the week of November 2nd. Additionally, I will ask 3rd-12th grade students to complete a principal feedback survey to assess my effectiveness as a building principal. Finally, we will be distributing a survey to 5th-12th grade students on their energy drink consumption, especially at school and the Living Center. All responses are anonymous. If you do not want your student to participate, or if you have questions or concerns about these surveys, please reach out to me or the school.
As we assess our school climate, staff are also working to assess student engagement. We will begin implementation of the "engagement continuum" school-wide, which will provide us with a common language around student engagement in lessons. Our goal is to better understand what works in engaging students in our lessons, so that we can improve student learning experiences.
Finally, I'd like to take a moment to recognize our amazing Lynx athletes. Nenana Lynx, both individually and as a team, consistently receive recognition and awards for sportsmanship. This has been relatively common in my time here, and it indicates the soul of the community. Nenana is a place where children understand the value of kindness and human decency, and that doesn't happen by accident. Thank you to all of you who have had a helping hand in these lessons.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
10-3-25
Greetings Lynx Families,
The last two weeks feel like a whirlwind of activity here at NCS. Last week we hosted superintendents from across the state on Friday night. The roughly 1 hour whistle stop was part of the superintendent's conference in Fairbanks. Many came away impressed with all the hard work of Nenana residents, teachers, paraprofessionals, and of course students. The cross country team ran their regional competition last weekend, and NCS is sending Nia Peacock to state today. Our Lynx soccer team is currently competing in regionals. Meanwhile, junior high basketball season has started, with the team traveling this weekend to play in Tok. Wrestling season has also started. Make sure to see coach Jason Polcyn for more details. Student Council put on a spirit week to celebrate all of these fall sports, and ran two pep assemblies where they handed out Lynx shirts. We hope to see our Lynx sporting their gear during home games and events!
Next week we will be hosting representatives from the trade union in Ms. Tasha's classes, and firefighters from Clear in elementary classrooms. Junior high ball will be traveling next weekend down to Healy for their jamboree. Please consider making the drive and cheering for our Lynx. Next Saturday the Student Council will be hosting their first dance of the year. If you have a secondary student, please connect with them about their attendance to the dance. The following week is a short one, we have the 13th off to observe the federal holiday, and the 17th off as an in-service. October 16th is the end of the quarter, and elementary staff anticipate hosting an Exhibitions of Learning that afternoon.
I'd like to take a moment and recognize Bernadette Reboton for her work inside and outside of the classroom. I had the pleasure of sitting in on a recent lesson where Bernadette was teaching students the 2 CUBE method of solving math problems. Students were singing songs, moving their bodies to indicate operations, and even raced one another in math relays. It was a great reminder that any lesson can be made fun and engaging with the right mindset and preparation. Thank you Mrs. Bernadette for your continued dedication to learning and growth, both in yourself and in your students.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Greetings Lynx Families,
The last two weeks feel like a whirlwind of activity here at NCS. Last week we hosted superintendents from across the state on Friday night. The roughly 1 hour whistle stop was part of the superintendent's conference in Fairbanks. Many came away impressed with all the hard work of Nenana residents, teachers, paraprofessionals, and of course students. The cross country team ran their regional competition last weekend, and NCS is sending Nia Peacock to state today. Our Lynx soccer team is currently competing in regionals. Meanwhile, junior high basketball season has started, with the team traveling this weekend to play in Tok. Wrestling season has also started. Make sure to see coach Jason Polcyn for more details. Student Council put on a spirit week to celebrate all of these fall sports, and ran two pep assemblies where they handed out Lynx shirts. We hope to see our Lynx sporting their gear during home games and events!
Next week we will be hosting representatives from the trade union in Ms. Tasha's classes, and firefighters from Clear in elementary classrooms. Junior high ball will be traveling next weekend down to Healy for their jamboree. Please consider making the drive and cheering for our Lynx. Next Saturday the Student Council will be hosting their first dance of the year. If you have a secondary student, please connect with them about their attendance to the dance. The following week is a short one, we have the 13th off to observe the federal holiday, and the 17th off as an in-service. October 16th is the end of the quarter, and elementary staff anticipate hosting an Exhibitions of Learning that afternoon.
I'd like to take a moment and recognize Bernadette Reboton for her work inside and outside of the classroom. I had the pleasure of sitting in on a recent lesson where Bernadette was teaching students the 2 CUBE method of solving math problems. Students were singing songs, moving their bodies to indicate operations, and even raced one another in math relays. It was a great reminder that any lesson can be made fun and engaging with the right mindset and preparation. Thank you Mrs. Bernadette for your continued dedication to learning and growth, both in yourself and in your students.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
October 2025
Greetings Lynx and CyberLynx Parents!
Welcome back to another year in the GEARS Afterschool Program! We are well underway, ending our first month on a great note with positive feedback.
As a reminder, ALL students attending must have an application on file for the 2025-2026 school year. Current applications are required for grant compliance.
So, what is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant? It is the primary federal funding source for afterschool and summer programs, funded under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This program aims to help students meet academic standards, offers enrichment activities, and provides educational services to adult family members.
The goals and services that are provided include:
Academic Enrichment: provide academic help to improve core subjects like reading and math, offering activities to supplement students’ regular school programs. We call our intervention times “Study Buddies” for Kindergarten-6th grade, and “Office Hours” for our 7th-12th grade students.
Enrichment and Skill Building: A broad array of activities that develop students’ social, creative, and emotional skills.
Family Engagement: Family Nights to provide support for families as well as additional resources for those interested.
Our schedule provides different activities on each day, following grant parameters. New schedules are put out weekly; copies are available online and in the library.
So far, we have covered how to make Elephant Toothpaste, Ice-Cream in a bag, building towers, making pinch pots and much, much more. Everyone has been learning some form of academic enrichment, but we try not to make it feel like more school!
Monday: STEAM Squad focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Tuesday: Art Club brings out the creative side of our students using various mediums and experiences.
Wednesday: The Munch Bunch introduces new foods to try, along with some classic easy to make at home snacks!
Thursday: Community Hub is to bring our students and adults together as a community, celebrating our life here. This is a fun way for everyone to do activities together and do some good things together!
No programming on October 13th and 17th, 2025. We do not offer afterschool program on “no school days”.
We have a Family Night planned for October 24th, 2025, joining together with Lights On Afterschool. “Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.
The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do, and poetry—and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs.” (https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm)
Thank you for allowing your student to attend and spend time with us outside of school hours. Your support means the world to us (and your student!). Parents are always welcome to join your students or just watch what we do!
Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. Handbooks are available in paper form or online, on the school website. All staff are held at a standard with high expectations, with continuing training throughout the year.
Thank you and welcome back!
Elizabeth Bernardini – Afterschool Program Director
Schedule for Week of October 6-9 2025
Monday, September 29th — STEAM Squad
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Rainbow Milk
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Fitness Bingo
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Color Wheel Art
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Tuesday, September 30th – Art Club
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Tie-Dye (bring something to dye!)
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Just Dance Party
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: School Pride Sketch
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Wednesday, October 1st – The Munch Bunch
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Kitchen Safety Basics
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Running Games
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Quesadillas
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Thursday, October 2nd – Community Hub
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Letters to Elders
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Workout Bingo
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Envelope Decorating
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
--
Elizabeth Bernardini
GEARS Afterschool Program Director
Nenana City School District
PO Box 10
Nenana, AK 99760
ebernardini@nenanalynx.org
907-202-0866
Greetings Lynx and CyberLynx Parents!
Welcome back to another year in the GEARS Afterschool Program! We are well underway, ending our first month on a great note with positive feedback.
As a reminder, ALL students attending must have an application on file for the 2025-2026 school year. Current applications are required for grant compliance.
So, what is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant? It is the primary federal funding source for afterschool and summer programs, funded under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This program aims to help students meet academic standards, offers enrichment activities, and provides educational services to adult family members.
The goals and services that are provided include:
Academic Enrichment: provide academic help to improve core subjects like reading and math, offering activities to supplement students’ regular school programs. We call our intervention times “Study Buddies” for Kindergarten-6th grade, and “Office Hours” for our 7th-12th grade students.
Enrichment and Skill Building: A broad array of activities that develop students’ social, creative, and emotional skills.
Family Engagement: Family Nights to provide support for families as well as additional resources for those interested.
Our schedule provides different activities on each day, following grant parameters. New schedules are put out weekly; copies are available online and in the library.
So far, we have covered how to make Elephant Toothpaste, Ice-Cream in a bag, building towers, making pinch pots and much, much more. Everyone has been learning some form of academic enrichment, but we try not to make it feel like more school!
Monday: STEAM Squad focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Tuesday: Art Club brings out the creative side of our students using various mediums and experiences.
Wednesday: The Munch Bunch introduces new foods to try, along with some classic easy to make at home snacks!
Thursday: Community Hub is to bring our students and adults together as a community, celebrating our life here. This is a fun way for everyone to do activities together and do some good things together!
No programming on October 13th and 17th, 2025. We do not offer afterschool program on “no school days”.
We have a Family Night planned for October 24th, 2025, joining together with Lights On Afterschool. “Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.
The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do, and poetry—and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs.” (https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm)
Thank you for allowing your student to attend and spend time with us outside of school hours. Your support means the world to us (and your student!). Parents are always welcome to join your students or just watch what we do!
Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. Handbooks are available in paper form or online, on the school website. All staff are held at a standard with high expectations, with continuing training throughout the year.
Thank you and welcome back!
Elizabeth Bernardini – Afterschool Program Director
Schedule for Week of October 6-9 2025
Monday, September 29th — STEAM Squad
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Rainbow Milk
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Fitness Bingo
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Color Wheel Art
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Tuesday, September 30th – Art Club
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Tie-Dye (bring something to dye!)
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Just Dance Party
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: School Pride Sketch
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Wednesday, October 1st – The Munch Bunch
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Kitchen Safety Basics
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Running Games
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Quesadillas
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Thursday, October 2nd – Community Hub
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Letters to Elders
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Workout Bingo
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Envelope Decorating
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
--
Elizabeth Bernardini
GEARS Afterschool Program Director
Nenana City School District
PO Box 10
Nenana, AK 99760
ebernardini@nenanalynx.org
907-202-0866
SPIRIT WEEK SEPTEMBER 29TH - OCTOBER 3RD!
Monday - PJs
Tuesday - 2000s Style
Wednesday - Sports/Jersey
Thursday - Black and Yellow
Friday - Twinning
Monday - PJs
Tuesday - 2000s Style
Wednesday - Sports/Jersey
Thursday - Black and Yellow
Friday - Twinning
October 2025
Greetings Lynx and CyberLynx Parents!
Welcome back to another year in the GEARS Afterschool Program! We are well underway, ending our first month on a great note with positive feedback.
As a reminder, ALL students attending must have an application on file for the 2025-2026 school year. Current applications are required for grant compliance.
So, what is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant? It is the primary federal funding source for afterschool and summer programs, funded under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This program aims to help students meet academic standards, offers enrichment activities, and provides educational services to adult family members.
The goals and services that are provided include:
Academic Enrichment: provide academic help to improve core subjects like reading and math, offering activities to supplement students’ regular school programs. We call our intervention times “Study Buddies” for Kindergarten-6th grade, and “Office Hours” for our 7th-12th grade students.
Enrichment and Skill Building: A broad array of activities that develop students’ social, creative, and emotional skills.
Family Engagement: Family Nights to provide support for families as well as additional resources for those interested.
Our schedule provides different activities on each day, following grant parameters. New schedules are put out weekly; copies are available online and in the library.
So far, we have covered how to make Elephant Toothpaste, Ice-Cream in a bag, building towers, making pinch pots and much, much more. Everyone has been learning some form of academic enrichment, but we try not to make it feel like more school!
Monday: STEAM Squad focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Tuesday: Art Club brings out the creative side of our students using various mediums and experiences.
Wednesday: The Munch Bunch introduces new foods to try, along with some classic easy to make at home snacks!
Thursday: Community Hub is to bring our students and adults together as a community, celebrating our life here. This is a fun way for everyone to do activities together and do some good things together!
No programming on October 13th and 17th, 2025. We do not offer afterschool program on “no school days”.
We have a Family Night planned for October 24th, 2025, joining together with Lights On Afterschool. “Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.
The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do, and poetry—and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs.” (https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm)
Thank you for allowing your student to attend and spend time with us outside of school hours. Your support means the world to us (and your student!). Parents are always welcome to join your students or just watch what we do!
Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. Handbooks are available in paper form or online, on the school website. All staff are held at a standard with high expectations, with continuing training throughout the year.
Thank you and welcome back!
Elizabeth Bernardini – Afterschool Program Director
Schedule for Week of September 29- October 2
Monday, September 29th — STEAM Squad
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Classic Slime
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Capture the Flag
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Slime Monster Drawing
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Tuesday, September 30th – Art Club
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Paint Your Partner (Portraits)
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Freeze Dance
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Partner Storytelling
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Wednesday, October 1st – The Munch Bunch
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Healthy Snacks 101
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Food Group Relay
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Veggie Critters
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Thursday, October 2nd – Community Hub
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Color Walk
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Buddy Bingo Walk
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Group Color Mural
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
--
Elizabeth Bernardini
GEARS Afterschool Program Director
Nenana City School District
PO Box 10
Nenana, AK 99760
ebernardini@nenanalynx.org
907-202-0866
Greetings Lynx and CyberLynx Parents!
Welcome back to another year in the GEARS Afterschool Program! We are well underway, ending our first month on a great note with positive feedback.
As a reminder, ALL students attending must have an application on file for the 2025-2026 school year. Current applications are required for grant compliance.
So, what is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant? It is the primary federal funding source for afterschool and summer programs, funded under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This program aims to help students meet academic standards, offers enrichment activities, and provides educational services to adult family members.
The goals and services that are provided include:
Academic Enrichment: provide academic help to improve core subjects like reading and math, offering activities to supplement students’ regular school programs. We call our intervention times “Study Buddies” for Kindergarten-6th grade, and “Office Hours” for our 7th-12th grade students.
Enrichment and Skill Building: A broad array of activities that develop students’ social, creative, and emotional skills.
Family Engagement: Family Nights to provide support for families as well as additional resources for those interested.
Our schedule provides different activities on each day, following grant parameters. New schedules are put out weekly; copies are available online and in the library.
So far, we have covered how to make Elephant Toothpaste, Ice-Cream in a bag, building towers, making pinch pots and much, much more. Everyone has been learning some form of academic enrichment, but we try not to make it feel like more school!
Monday: STEAM Squad focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Tuesday: Art Club brings out the creative side of our students using various mediums and experiences.
Wednesday: The Munch Bunch introduces new foods to try, along with some classic easy to make at home snacks!
Thursday: Community Hub is to bring our students and adults together as a community, celebrating our life here. This is a fun way for everyone to do activities together and do some good things together!
No programming on October 13th and 17th, 2025. We do not offer afterschool program on “no school days”.
We have a Family Night planned for October 24th, 2025, joining together with Lights On Afterschool. “Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.
The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do, and poetry—and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs.” (https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm)
Thank you for allowing your student to attend and spend time with us outside of school hours. Your support means the world to us (and your student!). Parents are always welcome to join your students or just watch what we do!
Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. Handbooks are available in paper form or online, on the school website. All staff are held at a standard with high expectations, with continuing training throughout the year.
Thank you and welcome back!
Elizabeth Bernardini – Afterschool Program Director
Schedule for Week of September 29- October 2
Monday, September 29th — STEAM Squad
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Classic Slime
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Capture the Flag
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Slime Monster Drawing
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Tuesday, September 30th – Art Club
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Paint Your Partner (Portraits)
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Freeze Dance
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Partner Storytelling
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Wednesday, October 1st – The Munch Bunch
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Healthy Snacks 101
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Food Group Relay
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Veggie Critters
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
Thursday, October 2nd – Community Hub
3:30–4:00 Snack, Connections, & Study Buddies
4:00–4:20 Enrichment Club: Color Walk
4:20–4:50 Turbo Time: Buddy Bingo Walk
4:50–5:20 Mini Activity: Group Color Mural
5:20–5:30 Clean-Up & Reflections
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Elizabeth Bernardini
GEARS Afterschool Program Director
Nenana City School District
PO Box 10
Nenana, AK 99760
ebernardini@nenanalynx.org
907-202-0866
9-19-25
Greetings Lynx Families,
Despite a phone catching fire, learning still happened this week in Nenana City School. 5th and 6th graders have been learning how to support claims using information from the text, no small feat for that age group. 3rd and 4th graders have been working on their multiplication in math, while 1st and 2nd grade continue to get into small groups for literacy instruction. Elementary interventions are going strong now in the afternoon between music and PE. Meanwhile, secondary students are halfway through their first quarter. We are seeing average numbers of students ineligible, but with a fewer number of Fs overall. Students with Fs should come to school early for additional help.
This Sunday we will host a scrimmage between the Lady Lynx volleyball team and UAF Nanooks! The elementary side door will open to the public at 1:45pm. The game starts at 2:00pm. Come cheer on our Lady Lynx!
Next Wednesday is Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you have a 7th-12th grade student, please sign up for conferences using this link: http://bit.ly/47NGikJ . You can also contact your student's teachers. If you do not have their contact information, please contact the front office. Please hurry, as their time is first-come-first-served.
Next Friday evening NCS will host superintendents from across the state. Some staff will join us to discuss our literacy efforts, pre-school, student discipline paradigm, and more. We are excited to showcase all of the hard work of our staff and students.
I'd like to take a moment and recognize Jerry Babcock and Guy Layfield for their efforts earlier in the week keeping students safe. Both men acted swiftly and appropriately when a cell phone caught fire in a classroom. Thank you both for working so students are not harmed.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Greetings Lynx Families,
Despite a phone catching fire, learning still happened this week in Nenana City School. 5th and 6th graders have been learning how to support claims using information from the text, no small feat for that age group. 3rd and 4th graders have been working on their multiplication in math, while 1st and 2nd grade continue to get into small groups for literacy instruction. Elementary interventions are going strong now in the afternoon between music and PE. Meanwhile, secondary students are halfway through their first quarter. We are seeing average numbers of students ineligible, but with a fewer number of Fs overall. Students with Fs should come to school early for additional help.
This Sunday we will host a scrimmage between the Lady Lynx volleyball team and UAF Nanooks! The elementary side door will open to the public at 1:45pm. The game starts at 2:00pm. Come cheer on our Lady Lynx!
Next Wednesday is Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you have a 7th-12th grade student, please sign up for conferences using this link: http://bit.ly/47NGikJ . You can also contact your student's teachers. If you do not have their contact information, please contact the front office. Please hurry, as their time is first-come-first-served.
Next Friday evening NCS will host superintendents from across the state. Some staff will join us to discuss our literacy efforts, pre-school, student discipline paradigm, and more. We are excited to showcase all of the hard work of our staff and students.
I'd like to take a moment and recognize Jerry Babcock and Guy Layfield for their efforts earlier in the week keeping students safe. Both men acted swiftly and appropriately when a cell phone caught fire in a classroom. Thank you both for working so students are not harmed.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Special Lynx Families Letter for 9-16-25
Today was an eventful day at NCS. Shortly before 10am this morning a student's phone caught fire during classroom instruction. As soon as the device began smoking, the teacher exited all students from the room. Our Dean of Students reacted swiftly, grabbed the phone, and ran it out of the building. The teacher then brought his students down the hallway, away from the smoke. At this point we pulled the fire alarm. Maintenance was notified.
EMT and Troopers were notified and responded quickly. Students and staff assembled appropriately. After we cleared the building, maintenance and I began to air out the building. We opened up all available classroom windows and doors and used every fan at our disposal to quickly air the building out. At this time EMS arrived and began to assess and treat all students directly impacted by the cell phone fire. Troopers began a short investigation and indicated that there was no foul play to school officials. Maintenance turned off our air circulation systems to minimize the spread of smoke and toxins.
At this point we brought elementary students back to classrooms and secondary students were sent to the gym while the secondary hall continued to air out. Clear firefighters arrived around 10:30am, and used sensors to determine whether toxic chemicals were present in the hallway and classroom. Their sensors indicated all clear. We resumed scheduled classes at 10:45am with secondary students, except for classes hosted in the original room.
The families of all students directly impacted by this event have been notified.
Due to this disruption, we will not be hosting middle school basketball. After school program is still planned. We anticipate business as usual tomorrow. If you have questions or concerns, please direct them my way.
Thank you to all parties involved in keeping our students safe.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Today was an eventful day at NCS. Shortly before 10am this morning a student's phone caught fire during classroom instruction. As soon as the device began smoking, the teacher exited all students from the room. Our Dean of Students reacted swiftly, grabbed the phone, and ran it out of the building. The teacher then brought his students down the hallway, away from the smoke. At this point we pulled the fire alarm. Maintenance was notified.
EMT and Troopers were notified and responded quickly. Students and staff assembled appropriately. After we cleared the building, maintenance and I began to air out the building. We opened up all available classroom windows and doors and used every fan at our disposal to quickly air the building out. At this time EMS arrived and began to assess and treat all students directly impacted by the cell phone fire. Troopers began a short investigation and indicated that there was no foul play to school officials. Maintenance turned off our air circulation systems to minimize the spread of smoke and toxins.
At this point we brought elementary students back to classrooms and secondary students were sent to the gym while the secondary hall continued to air out. Clear firefighters arrived around 10:30am, and used sensors to determine whether toxic chemicals were present in the hallway and classroom. Their sensors indicated all clear. We resumed scheduled classes at 10:45am with secondary students, except for classes hosted in the original room.
The families of all students directly impacted by this event have been notified.
Due to this disruption, we will not be hosting middle school basketball. After school program is still planned. We anticipate business as usual tomorrow. If you have questions or concerns, please direct them my way.
Thank you to all parties involved in keeping our students safe.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
9/12/25
Greetings Lynx Families,
Our Lynx have just finished out week five of our school year. Believe it or not, we are halfway through our first quarter. The school is full of students doing their best to learn and grow. Kindergarten students have been learning how to hold pencils and write their letters. First and second graders are reading texts out loud to one another. Third and fourth graders have been working on their times tables, and fifth and sixth graders have been learning how to find evidence in a text to support a claim. High school students in ETT have all passed their first test towards certification. Welding students have been working on learning how to read tape between welding sessions.
Parent teacher conferences are just around the corner, on September 24th. We will host families from 11am to 6:30pm for conferences, which means there will be no school that day. Soccer players have been taking part in the Tri-Valley tournament this weekend, and will be playing three home games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We would love to see a great show of support for our Lynx! Cross country has a meet this weekend as well.
Our after school program has begun as well. This includes driver's education courses for secondary students. Reach out to Elizabeth Bernardini for more details.
I would like to take a moment and recognize one of our new paraprofessionals, Jennifer Tester. Jennifer has worked tirelessly to support our students, often learning on-the-job. She has proven to be a quick study, and combined with a good heart has made an excellent addition to the team. Jen continues to learn and grow daily, exemplifying the kind of attitude and grit it requires to serve the students of Nenana with excellence. Welcome, Jen!
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Grants and Curriculum Director
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Greetings Lynx Families,
Our Lynx have just finished out week five of our school year. Believe it or not, we are halfway through our first quarter. The school is full of students doing their best to learn and grow. Kindergarten students have been learning how to hold pencils and write their letters. First and second graders are reading texts out loud to one another. Third and fourth graders have been working on their times tables, and fifth and sixth graders have been learning how to find evidence in a text to support a claim. High school students in ETT have all passed their first test towards certification. Welding students have been working on learning how to read tape between welding sessions.
Parent teacher conferences are just around the corner, on September 24th. We will host families from 11am to 6:30pm for conferences, which means there will be no school that day. Soccer players have been taking part in the Tri-Valley tournament this weekend, and will be playing three home games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We would love to see a great show of support for our Lynx! Cross country has a meet this weekend as well.
Our after school program has begun as well. This includes driver's education courses for secondary students. Reach out to Elizabeth Bernardini for more details.
I would like to take a moment and recognize one of our new paraprofessionals, Jennifer Tester. Jennifer has worked tirelessly to support our students, often learning on-the-job. She has proven to be a quick study, and combined with a good heart has made an excellent addition to the team. Jen continues to learn and grow daily, exemplifying the kind of attitude and grit it requires to serve the students of Nenana with excellence. Welcome, Jen!
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Grants and Curriculum Director
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Attention Parents !
No School September 24th due to Parent Teacher Conferences.
Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for:
Wednesday September 24th
11:00am-6:30pm
Elementary parents have been pre-scheduled. Schedules will be mailed to parents.
For 7th through 12th grade students, parents please contact teachers directly or call the school office at 907-832-5464 to set up your PT Conferences.
Remember - No School September 24th!
No School September 24th due to Parent Teacher Conferences.
Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for:
Wednesday September 24th
11:00am-6:30pm
Elementary parents have been pre-scheduled. Schedules will be mailed to parents.
For 7th through 12th grade students, parents please contact teachers directly or call the school office at 907-832-5464 to set up your PT Conferences.
Remember - No School September 24th!
Hello Nenana and CyberLynx Families, welcome back to another school year!
The GEARS Afterschool Program is well underway and will begin on September 8th, 2025. We have a whole new program schedule with lots of new activities planned!
Your student will participate in a fun academic program that won’t feel like school (yay!). Some activities planned for the first week include making ice-cream and a nature journal. Elephant toothpaste is also on the schedule, but I promise that it’s not actually toothpaste! This is a super fun science activity that kids will love doing and learning about chemical reactions.
Driver’s Education is scheduled for October, Seniors and Juniors will have priority. Please make sure your student has all necessary information to participate! Selected students will be given detailed information.
Program schedule for the 2025-2026 academic school year:
Monday-Thursday: 3:30pm-5:30pm
Includes afterschool snack
(No programming on days that are no-school days, unless specified)
Students must have a new application on file to attend, copies available in the Library and will be distributed to your child.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions and we look forward to seeing your student (and you!) this year!
Elizabeth Bernardini
GEARS Afterschool Program Director
Nenana City School District
PO Box 10
Nenana, AK 99760
ebernardini@nenanalynx.org
907-202-0866
The GEARS Afterschool Program is well underway and will begin on September 8th, 2025. We have a whole new program schedule with lots of new activities planned!
Your student will participate in a fun academic program that won’t feel like school (yay!). Some activities planned for the first week include making ice-cream and a nature journal. Elephant toothpaste is also on the schedule, but I promise that it’s not actually toothpaste! This is a super fun science activity that kids will love doing and learning about chemical reactions.
Driver’s Education is scheduled for October, Seniors and Juniors will have priority. Please make sure your student has all necessary information to participate! Selected students will be given detailed information.
Program schedule for the 2025-2026 academic school year:
Monday-Thursday: 3:30pm-5:30pm
Includes afterschool snack
(No programming on days that are no-school days, unless specified)
Students must have a new application on file to attend, copies available in the Library and will be distributed to your child.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions and we look forward to seeing your student (and you!) this year!
Elizabeth Bernardini
GEARS Afterschool Program Director
Nenana City School District
PO Box 10
Nenana, AK 99760
ebernardini@nenanalynx.org
907-202-0866
Greetings Lynx Families,
We can say with confidence now that staff and students at the school are back into the swing of things. Everyone in school is busy learning and growing. Last week our 5th and 6th graders went on a class field trip to Denali National Park. Our Park partners and teachers reported an excellent showing by our Lynx. If you have a 5th or 6th grader who went, please thank them on our behalf. This week between the K-6 elementary students visited the Coffey farm between their benchmark assessments. They learned about farming and the different crops the Coffeys grow. Afternoon preschool started up last week, with preschoolers already starting to learn about the different sound combinations in the English language.
Meanwhile, secondary students have been off to the races. Students elected their Student Council, with Hunter Burmeister serving as President, Cassius Wholecheese as Vice President, Blaze Alexander as Secretary, Aiden Phillips as Treasurer, Sophia Stone as Parliamentarian, and Alisa Tyson as Student Body Representative. They are joined by 11 other students representing their classes. They have already begun planning a Homecoming Dance, pep assemblies, and the Halloween Carnival. We had our first ineligibility run last Friday, and had roughly 33% fewer students ineligible than average. The mighty Lynx played a game of soccer against our Warrior rivals, and while they lost the game they certainly won our hearts by playing with dogged determination and exquisite sportsmanship.
I would like to take a moment and recognize Liliana Titus. Liliana comes to us from Ruby and has schooled with us for four years. Lilana has been an excellent student throughout her time, but has increasingly picked up her welding game recently. She has been working on stitching together plates with excellent vertical welds, showing a great talent for pushing the puddle that would make many backwoodsmen jealous. Way to go Lilana!
I would like to take a moment and recognize our elementary staff, especially Mark Hornberger and Christy McMillan, for supporting two field trips back to back at the beginning of the school year. These trips provide great enrichment opportunities to our youth, and are often work to organize logistics and require extended days. Thank you to the elementary team for all of your work in making this happen for our youth.
Enjoy your long weekend with your Lynx. We look forward to seeing them again on Tuesday, September 2nd before 8:30am. For the hunters in the crowd, safe trails on your walk in the woods.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
We can say with confidence now that staff and students at the school are back into the swing of things. Everyone in school is busy learning and growing. Last week our 5th and 6th graders went on a class field trip to Denali National Park. Our Park partners and teachers reported an excellent showing by our Lynx. If you have a 5th or 6th grader who went, please thank them on our behalf. This week between the K-6 elementary students visited the Coffey farm between their benchmark assessments. They learned about farming and the different crops the Coffeys grow. Afternoon preschool started up last week, with preschoolers already starting to learn about the different sound combinations in the English language.
Meanwhile, secondary students have been off to the races. Students elected their Student Council, with Hunter Burmeister serving as President, Cassius Wholecheese as Vice President, Blaze Alexander as Secretary, Aiden Phillips as Treasurer, Sophia Stone as Parliamentarian, and Alisa Tyson as Student Body Representative. They are joined by 11 other students representing their classes. They have already begun planning a Homecoming Dance, pep assemblies, and the Halloween Carnival. We had our first ineligibility run last Friday, and had roughly 33% fewer students ineligible than average. The mighty Lynx played a game of soccer against our Warrior rivals, and while they lost the game they certainly won our hearts by playing with dogged determination and exquisite sportsmanship.
I would like to take a moment and recognize Liliana Titus. Liliana comes to us from Ruby and has schooled with us for four years. Lilana has been an excellent student throughout her time, but has increasingly picked up her welding game recently. She has been working on stitching together plates with excellent vertical welds, showing a great talent for pushing the puddle that would make many backwoodsmen jealous. Way to go Lilana!
I would like to take a moment and recognize our elementary staff, especially Mark Hornberger and Christy McMillan, for supporting two field trips back to back at the beginning of the school year. These trips provide great enrichment opportunities to our youth, and are often work to organize logistics and require extended days. Thank you to the elementary team for all of your work in making this happen for our youth.
Enjoy your long weekend with your Lynx. We look forward to seeing them again on Tuesday, September 2nd before 8:30am. For the hunters in the crowd, safe trails on your walk in the woods.
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
8/15/25
Greetings Lynx Families,
This marks the end of our first week back to school. This week was full of bustle and busy. Secondary students came into school with schedules created and went straight to class. Some even had homework on the first day of school! As the week progressed, students were able to change their courses to suit their academic needs. Starting Monday, most students should be on a stable schedule, with only a few exceptions. Almost all classes host 30 or fewer students. Meanwhile, elementary students have been gathering in the library in the afternoon to build community, play games, and learn about school expectations. Our academic intervention work will begin with K-6 students as soon as next week, depending on our initial assessment schedule.
Next week we will see a full week of regular school days. Preschool will begin on Monday at 12pm. Please reach out to Mr. J Tucker for more details. Remember to come early if you would like your student to receive a school breakfast, we stop serving at 8:15am. If you are running late, please let Ms. Jusette Hill know as she greets you so we can provide your student a snack. If you have a 7-12th grader at home, please send them to school early if they need extra help from teachers. Teachers have office hours from 7:45-8:30 on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and 8-8:30am on Friday. High school soccer and cross country travel on Friday.
I would like to take a moment and recognize Rhea Kanuk and Kiara Michel for graduating Rural Alaska Honors Institute over the summer. Both young ladies are exemplary Lynx. Way to go girls!
I would like to acknowledge all of the hard work our support staff have done to get school up and running. Chris Robinson, Lavender Tierney, Kaleb and Travis in maintenance, Molly, Keri, and Carolyn in custodial, and Mike Anderson and James Knutsen in the kitchen. A special shoutout to Tristan Gongaware and other summer hires who helped prepare the school for our return.
As always, we welcome your input and partnership. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher, or me directly. You can find us at 907-832-5464 or email me at scalkin@nenanalynx.org
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Greetings Lynx Families,
This marks the end of our first week back to school. This week was full of bustle and busy. Secondary students came into school with schedules created and went straight to class. Some even had homework on the first day of school! As the week progressed, students were able to change their courses to suit their academic needs. Starting Monday, most students should be on a stable schedule, with only a few exceptions. Almost all classes host 30 or fewer students. Meanwhile, elementary students have been gathering in the library in the afternoon to build community, play games, and learn about school expectations. Our academic intervention work will begin with K-6 students as soon as next week, depending on our initial assessment schedule.
Next week we will see a full week of regular school days. Preschool will begin on Monday at 12pm. Please reach out to Mr. J Tucker for more details. Remember to come early if you would like your student to receive a school breakfast, we stop serving at 8:15am. If you are running late, please let Ms. Jusette Hill know as she greets you so we can provide your student a snack. If you have a 7-12th grader at home, please send them to school early if they need extra help from teachers. Teachers have office hours from 7:45-8:30 on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and 8-8:30am on Friday. High school soccer and cross country travel on Friday.
I would like to take a moment and recognize Rhea Kanuk and Kiara Michel for graduating Rural Alaska Honors Institute over the summer. Both young ladies are exemplary Lynx. Way to go girls!
I would like to acknowledge all of the hard work our support staff have done to get school up and running. Chris Robinson, Lavender Tierney, Kaleb and Travis in maintenance, Molly, Keri, and Carolyn in custodial, and Mike Anderson and James Knutsen in the kitchen. A special shoutout to Tristan Gongaware and other summer hires who helped prepare the school for our return.
As always, we welcome your input and partnership. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher, or me directly. You can find us at 907-832-5464 or email me at scalkin@nenanalynx.org
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Principal
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Greetings Lynx Families,
The time has come, and we are so glad to welcome you and your students back to school. We are excited to see your students on Monday, August 11th. We will be opening the doors at 7:45am to students. Elementary classes will begin at 8:30am, with secondary students reporting to 1st hour at 8:40. School will be in session until 3:25pm for all students.
Next week we will be moving straight into classrooms to establish our routines early. Students will receive warm welcomes in each classroom, and as the year progresses Student Council will have an opportunity to develop and implement a welcome back assembly for 7th-12th grade students. Elementary students will gather in the afternoons to hear from staff on learner dispositions and more. Preschool families, please coordinate with Jarrett Tucker to schedule your family meeting. We will begin preschool programming the following Monday, August 18th.
This semester we will be joined by three student teachers from New York. Amber Ellis will work with Bernadette Reboton in the 3rd/4th grade classroom. Ciara Murphy and Richard Mangogna will be working with Kale Peacock to run our K-12 PE program. All three will also help supervise elementary lunch and recess. Please join me in a warm welcome of these interns.
We are also very excited to welcome back our partners at Railbelt Mental Health and Addictions and Alaska Behavioral Health. Brianna Ketzler will be joining us as our school social worker for the second year in a row, and Magen Spencer will provide services to students. Katie Kurnick from Alaska Behavioral Health will also return to us as a service provider. This team of dedicated professionals will be supporting staff and students in the Wellness Room and beyond, helping us strive towards the Board's vision of trauma-engaged education. This partnership has been groundbreaking in how we respond to student trauma, and we feel this is just the beginning of something greater.
If you have questions, or if you need support in your student's return to school, please contact us at 907-832-5464 or email me at scalkin@nenanalynx.org
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Grants and Curriculum Director
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
The time has come, and we are so glad to welcome you and your students back to school. We are excited to see your students on Monday, August 11th. We will be opening the doors at 7:45am to students. Elementary classes will begin at 8:30am, with secondary students reporting to 1st hour at 8:40. School will be in session until 3:25pm for all students.
Next week we will be moving straight into classrooms to establish our routines early. Students will receive warm welcomes in each classroom, and as the year progresses Student Council will have an opportunity to develop and implement a welcome back assembly for 7th-12th grade students. Elementary students will gather in the afternoons to hear from staff on learner dispositions and more. Preschool families, please coordinate with Jarrett Tucker to schedule your family meeting. We will begin preschool programming the following Monday, August 18th.
This semester we will be joined by three student teachers from New York. Amber Ellis will work with Bernadette Reboton in the 3rd/4th grade classroom. Ciara Murphy and Richard Mangogna will be working with Kale Peacock to run our K-12 PE program. All three will also help supervise elementary lunch and recess. Please join me in a warm welcome of these interns.
We are also very excited to welcome back our partners at Railbelt Mental Health and Addictions and Alaska Behavioral Health. Brianna Ketzler will be joining us as our school social worker for the second year in a row, and Magen Spencer will provide services to students. Katie Kurnick from Alaska Behavioral Health will also return to us as a service provider. This team of dedicated professionals will be supporting staff and students in the Wellness Room and beyond, helping us strive towards the Board's vision of trauma-engaged education. This partnership has been groundbreaking in how we respond to student trauma, and we feel this is just the beginning of something greater.
If you have questions, or if you need support in your student's return to school, please contact us at 907-832-5464 or email me at scalkin@nenanalynx.org
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Grants and Curriculum Director
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -
Attention all future service-members! The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test date is now scheduled for Monday, September 8th, at 9:30 AM. This comprehensive assessment is a crucial step for individuals considering a career in the armed forces. Whether you're aiming for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, the ASVAB test will help determine your aptitudes and strengths, guiding you towards the best-fit military roles. Sharpen your pencils and bring your determination, as this test will gauge your skills in various areas such as math, science, and mechanical comprehension. Join us on September 8th at 9:30 AM to take the first step towards your rewarding journey of service to the nation.
The 2025-2026 School Supply Lists for K-8th grade is now available...... See the attached!
5-9-25
Greetings Lynx Families,
The end of the year is upon us. Green up is right around the corner, the tripod is out, and the first of our thirsty mosquito friends have hatched. It seems like every year Nenana City School experiences a series of challenges. It is so easy to focus on the challenges, and miss the success stories. Throughout the year, so many children attending NCS have achieved levels of growth, achievement, and greatness that continue to inspire NCS staff. These wins are often personal, and can feel invisible. Perhaps the best part of being a principal is the ability to share in many of these wins, and feel the pride that comes with seeing young people learn and grow. I know this sentiment is shared by all NCS staff, and we hope families can reflect on these moments over the summer with their children as well.
Looking ahead to next year, Nenana City School will open to students on Monday, August 11th. Orientation for new LC students will take place the preceding weekend. We intend to begin school with minimal disruption. Teachers will return to the building on Monday, August 4th. Fall sports like soccer and cross country will begin July 28th. Elementary families, please look for class lists with your child's report card. Secondary families, please look for your child's class schedule. You should also find a copy of the school calendar. If you do not, please reference the school website. Please reach out to the school early and often with questions.
NCS leadership have been working on revising handbooks to better align them with policy, law, and reflect the core values set by the School Board. This will mean some change in how NCS conducts business. We will endeavor to create digestible reference materials for families and students. I would like to stress the importance of reviewing these handbooks as they are published so that families know their rights and responsibilities. We will post notices of their publication, along with links, on our school website and social media.
I would like to wish all of you a happy, healthy summer break. We look forward to seeing you and your children back
Thank you.
Stephen Calkin
Grants and Curriculum Director
Nenana City Public School
(907) 832-5464
https://www.nenanalynx.org/
- Do No Harm - Accelerate Learning and Growth -