Nenana City School District - Home of the Lynx

Greetings Parents and the Nenana Community, Below is an interest survey, which is part of the year-one ACE Grant efforts to gain insight from our NCS stakeholders. Please take some time this week or next to complete the survey. Your input is very important to our program planning efforts moving forward. Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses. Please submit your survey by February 15, 2021. NNA NCSD ANC Interest Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LNC2KNP David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office) District Website: www.nenanalynx.org

Join Teena Calkin for UAF Night! Ever wonder what is out there for you at the University of Alaska Fairbanks? Like shared classes with the University of Alaska Southeast? This is the perfect night to join this Zoom - hear from admissions, financial aid, the Rural Honors Institute, eCampus, Alaska Advantage and more. Please join us to learn more - whether you think you will attend college or not, this would be a great opportunity for you to learn what’s out there so you have that information later on. Teena Calkin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: UAF Night Time: Feb 17, 2021 06:00 PM Alaska Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98507165840?pwd=bGtNTDhtSUFVSnB6OXM4MTNDbDhFZz09 Meeting ID: 985 0716 5840 Passcode: 2uw8SG

NCS New Staff Member Introduction 1-25-21 Dear Parents/Guardians. I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to formally introduce Mrs. Teena Calkin to our team at Nenana City School. Mrs. Calkin has recently joined us in her new position as Transition Coordinator and ACE Demo Grant Project Co-Director. This grant is in partnership with the Nenana Native Council. Please join us in welcoming Teena to the school community. Year one of the grant is written as a planning year. Teena's position is 0.5 FTE this year. In years 2-5 of the grant, Mrs. Calkin will transition to full time. Her responsibilities will expand to include leadership in our transition plan efforts for students in grades 7-12, along with other extracurricular offerings. The primary focus during the planning year is to survey stakeholders' interests in a variety of program offerings intended to increase access to college and career opportunities and also to begin networking with potential statewide agencies, universities and training facilities. The opportunities are endless, and Teena has already established a far-reaching network of contacts, viable partnerships and an impressive collection of next-level opportunities for our students. In the coming weeks, you will be asked to provide your feedback to Teena through the lens of a staff member. Parents and students (grade 7 -12) will also be asked to complete surveys. When the time comes please take some time to reflect on your tenure with NCSD (as a parent, student, staff member or any combination of the three), in providing Teena with your most genuine and constructive input. Survey responses will play an important role in decision making and the direction of our CTE and Afterschool Program offerings moving forward. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtful responses. David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office) District Website: www.nenanalynx.org

My previous posting was the NCS Update for Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

Dear Parents/Guardians and Nenana Community, As we move forward with semester two, I am writing to provide information regarding our plans for education at Nenana City School. With the recent changes being implemented in the FNSBSD, many folks are beginning to inquire as to whether Nenana City School will follow suit. First and foremost, we are very different from FNSBSD. One thing we do have in common is that we are both in the operational red zone (Alert Levels defined). As such, we are defaulting to our Smart Start plan, which states that we will operate with virtual instruction when COVID-19 case rates enter the high risk operational zone in Fairbanks and the surrounding region. The current case rates are roughly 4X greater than those indicated at the medium risk zone. At medium risk, we have a plan to transition to in-person schooling. The school's current approach is consistent with public health (DHSS) recommendations and received high approval from the State (DEED). Beyond the elevated case rates in Fairbanks, we have had recent community spread in Nenana. In-person schooling is unlikely until we see community spread stabilize and Fairbanks regional case rates fall below the high risk threshold. The safety of local students and those residing at the Nenana Student Living Center, along with that of the staff at both locations is of utmost priority. A return to in-person schooling is equally valued. Other considerations impacting the prospective return to in-person schooling include our teaching and LC staff who reside in the greater Fairbanks area, potential transmission from school to local families and elders, Nenana Head Start closure and associated child-care challenges, and a genuine uncertainty surrounding the degree of community spread in Nenana. Our current virtual delivery program has provided equal opportunities to all students, quality and continuity in instruction, and the ability for families to plan for child-care with consistency. Given our staff size and unique program needs, I am uncertain that we can deliver the same degree of quality instruction, safety, and support to all families if we attempt to provide both an in-person and remote option. Nonetheless, we will be exploring this option in the coming weeks. You can expect further communication on this if we see COVID-19 numbers continue to decline. Any return to in-person schooling would likely occur in phases, beginning with K-4, then 5-8, and ultimately high school. Screen Shot 2021-01-20 at 9.59.19 AM.png Our administrative, teaching, and support staff will continue to do all we can to meet and exceed the learning and social/emotional needs of all students. We will continue to monitor patterns and trends in COVID-19 case rates in our immediate region as well as other factors that determine our operational risk zone. Thank you for your continued flexibility, support, and perseverance. Kind regards, David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office) District Website: www.nenanalynx.org

Greetings parents, guardians and community members. I hope the New Year is off to a good start! Last week, High School students were informed of an evening Peer Tutoring opportunity to support them in their efforts this semester. The NCS and LC staff have worked together to incorporate a peer tutor "hotline". There is an open Zoom session, Sunday - Thursday, in the evenings from 8:30-10pm. Both local and LC students may enter this Zoom room at any time to collaborate with each other, receive academic support from peers, etc. The link to the Peer Tutor Zoom is https://zoom.us/j/92707718953 David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office)

The Nenana City School District board meeting normally scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month (January 6, 2021), is rescheduled for January 13, 2021.

NCS Update 12-11-20 Good afternoon, I am writing again to pass along information pertaining to our operating plans for the second semester, specifically Quarter 3. In my communication last Friday, 12/4, I referenced our plans to continue with virtual instruction for the first two weeks of the quarter. This is to accommodate quarantines for students and staff returning from travel. The first day of classes for students is January 5th. The daily schedule will not change. In all reality, families should plan for continued virtual schooling well into semester 2. Given the current COVID case rates and predicted trends, we are unlikely to see numbers that allow us to transition into our medium risk operational zone any time soon. With that said, the current environment prevents us, and most districts in the state, from planning for a traditional winter sports season either. The details of what we are able to offer will continue to evolve into the new year. NCS administrators are in communication with public health officials and administration of neighboring districts. We will continue to monitor the situation and discuss options as we see changes in the COVID case rates and trends. Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility. David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office)

UPDATED POSTING FOR TODAY, Friday, December 4, 2020! Greetings Families and Friends, I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I'm writing with a brief update as we approach the final two weeks of Semester 1. Our teaching, support, and administrative staff are extremely proud of the effort students, parents, and LC staff have made to meet and exceed the challenges placed upon us by the COVID-19 constraints. It has not been easy, but students have shown perseverance and a true sense of appreciation for their education. For this you too should be proud! Students will be completing MAP Growth testing over the next two weeks. We look at student growth since the September testing as a measuring stick for the effectiveness of instruction and student learning. This information will help inform our practice second semester. As a reminder, we plan to continue with virtual delivery for at least the first two weeks of second semester. Please be on the lookout for further communication on semester two scheduling, sports updateds, etc. prior to break. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out at any time. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate these challenging times together. It really does take a community of positive-minded individuals to stay the course and support each other as we push forward. With Respect, David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office)

Greetings Families and Friends, I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I'm writing with a brief update as we approach the final two weeks of Semester 1. Our teaching, support, and administrative staff are extremely proud of the effort students, parents, and LC staff have made to meet and exceed the challenges placed upon us by the COVID-19 constraints. It has not been easy, but students have shown perseverance and a true sense of appreciation for their education. For this you too should be proud! Students will be completing MAP Growth testing over the next two weeks. We look at student growth since the September testing as a measuring stick for the effectiveness of instruction and student learning. This information will help inform our practice second semester. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out at any time. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate these challenging times together. It really does take a community of positive-minded individuals to stay the course and support each other as we push forward. With Respect, David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office)

Just a reminder for parents, based on the Nenana City School District calendar, school will be in session for two days this week, Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24. The school will be closed for the remainder of the week. We hope that your family enjoys the extended Thanksgiving weekend.

Check Out the November Literacy Cafe Flyer!

Greetings Friends and Families, A reminder, there will not be classes on Friday, November 11th. Teaching staff and administration will be engaging in an in-service throughout the day. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and upcoming holiday season! Kind regards, David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office)

Students of the Month for October 2020 - Congratulations to Sophia Stone and Abigail Landrum!

Virtual Literacy Cafe is now available for October, check it out here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jULXoI1O7fABJ--xokXUmDiAeJfsFXI9/view

Dear Parents/Guardians, Although unconventional, students and teachers have worked together to navigate the first quarter of classes at Nenana City School. Looking ahead, it is important to take time to process the experience together. To that end, we are planning to hold Parent/Teacher Conferences at the end of the month. Teachers are collaborating this week to discuss the structure of these conferences. We envision some level of student involvement and will communicate further with details as they become final. The conferences will be held virtually, either via Zoom or over the phone. Andy Corbin has created conference schedules for parents/guardians of students in grades K-8. She will be including schedules in the grade reports that will be mailed out this week. You may contact either Ms. Corbin or your students' teacher if changes are needed. Teachers of students in grades 9-12 will be communicating with students assigned to their Homeroom to schedule conferences. Please begin discussing your availability with your student to assist in this scheduling process. Below are the days and times that conferences will be held. Thursday 10/29 2pm - 5pm Friday 10/30 8am - 2:05pm (LUNCH noon - 12:45pm) Kind regards, David R. Huntington Principal, Nenana City School dhuntington@nenanalynx.org 907-832-5464 (NCS office)

Greetings Parents, Students, Guardians, and Community Members, This message details operating procedures moving forward for Quarter two (Q2), as well as a look at the weeks following Winter break. There will be Q & A sessions on Friday, 10/16 to clarify any questions and address any concerns. Please join the Zoom meeting at the designated times if you wish to participate. Friday 3:30pm K - 8 parents/students. Friday 4:30pm. 9-12 parents/students Zoom meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/93512578335 Nenana City School will continue with virtual delivery for the weeks ahead. This approach is a function of elevated case rates in Fairbanks, Denali Borough, and potentially the immediate Nenana community. Ongoing collaboration with local and state healthcare professionals suggests there are a number of uncertainties surrounding community spread. With case rates well into the High operational zone, there may very well be asymptomatic, undetected cases present within the localized Nenana and/or school community. The implications of this reality cannot be underestimated. Screen Shot 2020-10-14 at 5.09.53 PM.png source: https://coronavirus-response-alaska-dhss.hub.arcgis.com/ There is a strong desire to pilot in-person attendance for local K-12 students on Fridays, along with that of NSLC students. Doing so safely will be dependent on a decrease in the general upward trend in positive cases in the region, AND confirmation from public health professionals that there are no active COVID cases in the immediate Nenana community. If/when the above-mentioned precursors are met, students may be invited to attend school in-person on select Fridays during Q2. This decision will be assessed weekly and communication to families will follow. High School students residing at the NSLC are likely to see opportunities for in-person schooling before other populations of students in Nenana. Having undergone quarantine upon arrival, engaged in active symptom screening, and refrained from any recent exposure to the outside community - students at the LC are symptom free and assumed to be virus free. These variables, in combination with the strictly controlled living and learning environments of the NSLC and NCS suggest students residing at the NSLC can operate safely in proximity to staff, regardless of COVID-19 case rates in Fairbanks and/or the local community. Again, this is dependent on strict adherence to safety protocols by both students and staff when in district buildings and public spaces, as well as when in proximity to one another. Both NSLC and NCS staff are routinely reminded of this and actively engage in these practices on a daily basis in the school building and Living Center. Local families who wish to pursue student-residence at the NSLC are encouraged to contact Joe Digrande, Director. This option is available for 9th-12th grade students only at this time. After a two-week quarantine, local students residing at the NSLC will be permitted to participate in all activities available to LC students. Examples include; open gym, pre-season basketball, peer tutoring, structured evening study environment, regular food service, weekend activities, communal cooking, gaming, walks and talks. Screen Shot 2020-10-14 at 6.18.56 PM.png source: https://coronavirus-response-alaska-dhss.hub.arcgis.com/ DATA SHOWING CURRENT AND PROJECTED UPWARD TREND Tentative Friday Schedule for Q2 10/23 Virtual 10/30 8am-11am Virtual Instruction, 11:40am - 2pm Conferences (more info coming soon) 11/6 in-person 11/13 In-Service, No School 11/20 in-person 11/25. Holiday, No School 12/11 in-person 12/18. in-person 12/25 Holiday, No School SEMESTER TWO Delivery will be virtual for K-12 students during the first two weeks of semester two. Staff traveling out of state will be expected to work remotely from Jan. 4 - Jan. 15. NSLC students traveling home for the winter break will quarantine for 14 days upon their return. In person schooling for these students will begin on Jan.18. In an effort to provide local Nenana students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to also attend school in-person beginning Jan.18, local families will be provided the opportunity for their student(s) to reside at the NSLC beginning Jan.4. Students will be required to quarantine for 14 days prior to attending school in-person. They will also be expected to adhere to all program operating procedures and health and safety protocols at the NSLC. This quarantine period will ensure that all student residents at the NSLC (local and otherwise) are symptom and virus free. We feel strongly that the combination of quarantine, removal from potential road-system exposures, and the controlled living and learning environments of the NSLC and NCS will enable students and staff to operate safely, regardless of COVID-19 case rates in Fairbanks and/or the local community. As mentioned above, local famili

September 2020 Students of the Month Kayla Irwin Jace McBride

Check out the October 2020 Literacy Cafe Flyer (Virtual)

October 2nd, 2020 Greetings, I sincerely hope this letter finds you and your family well. As part of our literacy initiative, Nenana City School is engaging in quarterly book distributions. The plan is for the district to provide reading material to your student(s) to encourage reading at home. We hope to provide your student(s) with one book per school quarter. Due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, we were unable to go ahead with a planned quarterly book distribution in the building via your child’s classroom teachers. Instead, teachers asked their students about what kind of book they might like to receive and tried to order those books or similar ones if they were unavailable. While we can assure you that we did our best to deliver the specific book your student asked for, we also recognize that, sometimes, a story simply isn’t what you thought it was going to be. If your student starts reading this selection and it’s not for them, don’t feel bad! Trade it with a friend, share it with a family member, or simply bring it back to the school and exchange it for a different one. The book distribution is a part of a wider effort on behalf of Nenana City School to foster literacy in our students. We will also be inviting students and their families to monthly Literacy Cafes. Please keep an eye out for an invitation to these Cafes. In a low risk scenario, we plan on feeding you and your family a dinner, providing engaging activities for your child, giving you some time to decompress and ask questions with other adults and professionals, and provide you a book with instructions on specific reading strategies to use at home. In high risk scenarios, we will be delivering materials to you and your readers, and posting informative videos on specific reading activities you can do with your students, including with the books we’re distributing to you now! We also have a Literacy Council that we encourage you to join. The Council meets once a month, talks about literacy goals and programming, and helps guide decisions and processes in the school regarding literacy. We’d love to have your voice in the meeting! If you have questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to reach out to me. My email and phone number can be found at the bottom of the letter. I sincerely look forward to seeing your child in the building as soon as possible. Have a great early winter season, and please encourage your student to check out the included book(s)! Local students can find their quarterly book in the filing cabinet located at the elementary entrance to the school. Each book should have a slip of paper with the student's name on it tucked in the front of the book, along with our distribution letter. If you or your student cannot swing by to pick up their book, please contact Stephen Calkin to arrange for it to be mailed. Best Wishes, Stephen Calkin Social Studies Teacher/Literacy Grant Director scalkin@nenanalynx.org 503-395-7184