Clark Middle School

Volume 14, Issue 7

February 2023

Dear Clark Families,

We hope that the new year has started off well for all of you. We are busy with

learning and activities every day here at Clark Middle School.

Our focus remains to cultivate a positive climate and create the best learning

environment possible. High quality instruction and student learning are our

highest priorities. Everything that we do at Clark Middle School is designed to

help students learn in all areas and be successful well beyond their time in middle

school.

We believe the partnership between school and home is a key ingredient for

student success. With that said, we hope that your students are feeling safe and

supported. This is an interesting time in their lives and development and can be

challenging at times. If you have questions and or concerns, we want to hear from

you.

We had an amazing Spelling Bee that lasted 16 rounds. Congratulations to all our

participants and to our Spelling Bee winner, Raquel Mark!

S pelling

Clark Middle School

Bennetta Orchitt

Principal, Clark Middle

School

Clark’s Transitional Orientation Night

Thursday, February 23, 2023

@ 5:30 P.M.

We would like to cordially invite our new incoming students and

families to our “Transitional Orientation Academy”. These

informative sessions are designed for Clark’s incoming 5th and

6th grade students. Come and meet Clark’s staff, learn about

the plethora of programs offered, and ask questions.

We look forward to a great year of learning! If you have questions,

please give us a call at 742-7772.



Greetings Clark families from Lori Pathmann RN.

I have enjoyed meeting and caring for your students. I would like to remind families of the guidelines

regarding student medication at school.

Per Anchorage School District, students are not allowed to carry any prescription or over the counter

medications. This causes a major safety risk for other students that are allergic to the medication. If your

student needs medication at school, their guardian needs to bring it to the school nurse in its original

packaging. I am not allowed to take loose pills in a Ziploc bag.

In the nurse's office, I have a locked medication cabinet with the following over the counter medication for

students:

Acetaminophen 500 mg tablets

Ibuprofen 200 mg tablets

Tums antacid (calcium carbonate) 750 mg chewable tablets

Per ASD and my personal Alaska State Registered Nurse license, I require permission from the guardian

to give a minor child any over the counter medications. I am allowed to give the above medications one time

with verbal permission from the guardian via the telephone.

If you prefer not to be called every time your student comes to the nurse requesting ibuprofen,

acetaminophen or Tums, please complete the attached "non-prescription (over the counter)

medication authorization" form and have your student give it to me. Guardians may also email me the

scanned form directly to [email protected]rg . Please be aware that the form expires at the

end of student's current grade. A new form must be signed by their guardian at the start of every new

school year. I also have blank forms in my office. I am available Monday-Friday 8AM-3:30 PM if you

have any questions.

Lori Pathmann RN 907-742-7784

Form for NON-Prescription Medication

ASD Healthcare Services

NUR #0523 Page 1 of 1 Revised 4/2020

Anchorage School District

NON-PRESCRIPTION (OVER-THE-COUNTER) MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION

LAST NAME

FIRST NAME

M.I.

DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YYYY)

SCHOOL

GRADE

PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER NON-PRESCRIPTION (OVER-THE-COUNTER) MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Medication requests must be deemed necessary to maintain or improve the child’s health and participation in the school program. Each request will be assessed by the nurse

for the most appropriate intervention, and the child will be given the standard dosage recommended by the manufacturer.

I consent to the administration of the non-herbal, non-homeopathic over-the-counter medication(s) below. I understand that the school is not legally obligated to administer

medication to my child. Employees and agents of the Anchorage School District (“ASD”) strive to provide treatment consistent with the appropriate standard of care, but are

not infallible. I agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless ASD from any liability for the risks or results of the care, which may include INJURY, ILLNESS, or DEATH,

or the manner in which it is administered, including for NEGLIGENCE. I will notify ASD immediately if the medications or protocols change. I agree for the nurse to share health

information with ASD staff on a need-to-know basis for my child’s safety and to foster academic success. I understand that ANY remaining medication(s) will be disposed of

at the end of the school year, unless I pick up the remaining medication(s) by the last school day, as indicated on the ASD school year calendar.

I agree to supply medication for my child in its original packaging. I will notify the nurse if I give this medication to my child before arrival at school, while this request is

in effect, to prevent overmedicating. I affirm that my child has taken this medicine at least two times in the past without any adverse side effects.

Non-Prescription (Over-The-Counter) medication(s) to be given at school: _______________________________________________________

Reason for medication(s): ______________________________________________________________________________________________

PARENT / GUARDIAN NAME (PRINTED)

RELATIONSHIP TO CHILD

TELEPHONE NUMBER

PARENT / GUARDIAN (SIGNATURE)

DATE

STUDENT

PHOTO

Clark Middle School

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phone use during the school day has become a serious classroom distraction

and has increased tardies during passing periods. To keep the focus on learning,

and distractions to a minimum, cell phones must be turned off as soon as you enter

the school until the end of the school day. Cell phones may not be used during

passing periods.

We understand that families enjoy the convenience of communicating important

family news by cell phones. However, because conversations infringe on the teacher

and other students in the class, we ask families to leave emergency messages with our front office staff, by calling 742-

7763 and we will get the message to the student.

➢ Cell phones must be out of sight and sound upon entering the building. This includes all passing periods.

➢ A student must politely turn the cell phone off and relinquish it when asked by a staff member.

➢ Camera phones are not to be used on campus as they threaten privacy (locker rooms and bathrooms), and can

promote cheating (pictures of exam).

➢ Phones that have been confiscated by an administrator or staff, due to misuse or inappropriate actions can be

picked up by the student at the end of the day.

From p. III-2 Middle School Student Handbook:

7. Cell Phones/Electronic Communication Devices

Conditions of Use:

A student may possess a cellular telephone or other electronic communication device (ECD) (e.g. paging device/beepers,

personal digital assistants, and other devices designed to receive and send electronic signal)

in school…. as long as such activity does not interfere with the educational processes or

safety/security. As a condition of this permission, the student assumes all risk of loss,

damage or theft of the cellular phone or other ECD.

…. Elementary and middle school students (grades K-8) are permitted to use

cellular phones and other ECDs only before and after school. Cellular telephones and

other ECDs must remain off and put away at all other times during the school day.

There are phones in every classroom front office if need be.

News from The Academic Teams…

Grade ARISTOTLE

“Doing the right thing, in relation to the right

person, at the right time, to the right extent, in the

right manner, and the right purpose.”

Language Arts Marissa Ridgley Ridgley_maris[email protected]

Happy 3

quarter! This month in Language Arts, students will be concluding the novel Walk Two Moons with

an evaluation assessment of Unit 2: Powers of Change by writing an informative literary response. In writing,

students we will starting Unit 3 Identifying Claims in Arguments and concluding the unit with writing an

argumentative essay. In Science students will be learning about energy, concentrating on potential and kinetic

energy, and moving into different types of energy focusing this month on solar and thermal energy. In Social

Studies, students will be learning about "20

Century Conflicts". Understanding the impacts of conflicts

within a global, local and personal perspective. Analyzing the impacts on communities and people. As it

focuses on WWI, WWII, Cold War, and Terrorism. Students will understandings Global conflicts and their

outcomes, changes in balance of power, the industrialization and technology changes and the scale and nature of

warfare. Students will understand how in times of war, propaganda is used to unite a country and sway public

opinion, and motivations and actions of individuals the contribute to conflict or cooperation.

Writing Patrick Moran moran_p[email protected]

The 4

quarter of 6

grade Social Studies is titled "20

Century Conflicts." Understanding the impacts of

conflicts within a global, local and personal perspective. Analyzing the impacts on communities and people. A

focus on WWI, WWII, Cold War, and Terrorism. The following bullet points are the enduring understandings I

would like students to get out of the unit.

• Global conflicts and their outcomes change the balance of power.

• Industrialization and technology change the scale and nature of warfare.

• In times of war, propaganda is used to unite a country and sway public opinion.

• Motivations and actions of individuals and nations contribute to conflict or cooperation.

Grade TEAM GALILEO

Writing Yuan Bank bank_yuan@asdk12.org

Hello, we are thrilled to be in the second month of the New Year! This

month, students will be learning about producing narratives in Writing.

In Language Arts we are creating advertisements and decoding

persuasive real-world advertisements. In Social Studies, students will

continue working on National History day and preparing for final project

presentations the first week of March. In Science we are finally completing frog dissection for students

that have turned in their safety contract. We will be moving onto physics in the coming month. All work

for Science for the first 4 weeks of the quarter will be due February 10th.

AKSD NEWS…. Jessica Randolph randolph_je[email protected]

January was a busy month getting back and running with our students. The

students were very engaged in our discussions and have learned so much!

As we move closer to Spring Break, please check your student’s grade and

reach out to us for any needs you may have! Our doors are always open

and welcome to our families! If you would like to stop by and see what we

are doing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

AKSDHH gear are available to order! We have hoodies, vests, t-shirts, hats and more! If you would like to

order anything or see the inventory list, please contact Clara Baldwin (Assistant Director of AKSDHH) via

email at [email protected].

Clark staff are welcome to purchase hoodies for $40, we are doing a pre-order inventory. The deadline to

submit cash/check payable to Alaska State School for Deaf is on February 3rd. Hand it to Ms. Jessica Randolph.

The size ranges from XS to XXL, attached is a picture of front/back of the hoodie. A small proceeding of the

purchase will go towards AKSD Fund 5, we thank you for your support!

Upcoming events for AKSDHH:

• Next Pizza Night – February 16 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Round Table

• Family Sign Night – February 7 and 21 – 5:00 – 6:00pm

• Annual Ski Trip (April) – more information to come

• AKSD Annual Retreat (April) – more information to come

Grade TEAM SOCRATES

Socrates Team:

Welcome back to the second semester of 8th Grade. Socrates is

looking towards high school readiness and getting your students

prepared for the next step of their education during this semester. In

Social Studies, students will teach their class about the historical or

culturally significant topics they chose to research in January. Our

Littletown Economics project will also be on display on Feb 23,

2023 when Clark Middle School hosts the 5th grade Transition and

Social Studies night. In Science 8 we are using pre-AP strategies, class

discussions, and activities galore! February will be a full month of

learning as we continue delving into the concepts of light, color, astrophysics, and cosmology. We will be

understanding our universe through the discoveries of NASA's flying telescope, SOFIA. In Language Arts,

students will continue reading The Giver. Students will focus on recognizing dystopian societies and the

parallels between various forms of government that are case studies of dystopian worlds. Writing will be

continuing to work on creating our own narratives using historical details to create a new fictional story.

Writing Department: Scott MacDonald m[email protected]

As the Writing Department continues to look at writing narratives, we will also be focusing on how to

respond to other texts with specific detail, which is a key skill that helps students become successful writers.

Students will continue to work on developing narrative structure and using different pieces of figurative

language, along with sharing their own narrative creations with their classmates.

MATH DEPT NEWS…

The Math department is continuing to work hard to keep your students on track or get caught back up in the

curriculum after all the snow days. Teachers are also going to start thinking about and deciding what class

would be best suited for your students next year. I can't believe that time of year is almost here!

Geometry will be working on Right Triangle Theorems.

Algebra 1 will be working on Exponential Functions and Sequences.

Pre-Algebra will be working on Factors, Fractions, Exponents and Rational Numbers.

Math 8 will be working on Functions and Exponents.

Math 7 will be working on Solving One and Two-Step Equations. There is a big test coming up.

Math 6 will be working on Ratios and Rates.

2023 Artistic License Plate Competition

The Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) invites artists of all ages to submit their design for the 2023 Artistic

License Plate Competition. The winning design will be distributed and sold at DMVS across the state through

2027. The spirit of this competition is to encourage creativity, celebrate our unique experiences living in Alaska,

and highlight the importance of engaging with art in our daily lives. ASCA administers this competition in keeping

with their mission to advance creativity as a core civic value and identity for Alaska. Semi-finalists will receive

a $250 honorarium, and the selected artist will be awarded $1000. Additionally, applicants under the age of 18

are eligible for a $50 honorarium, awarded by grade level.

The submission deadline is 9:59 PM AKDT, February 28, 2023. Eligibility

• Applicants must be an Alaska resident; all ages are welcome.

• Applications are limited to one design per applicant, except in the case of teachers who may

submit up to 20 entries with 1 entry per student.

• All applications must be submitted through CaFE; no paper applications will be accepted.

• Design must be original and not a reproduction or a copyright violation.

Design Review Criteria

Jurors will review works based on creativity, quality of design and legibility. Imagery must be suitable

for the public.

Cultural Appropriation Statement

Any form of cultural appropriation will not be accepted. Submissions that use or reference traditional

Indigenous designs must be submitted by Indigenous artists or artists who have received tribal approval.

If applicants are unsure whether their license plate design is a form of cultural appropriation, we

encourage them to seek information from the resources below:

• Anchorage Museum: Considering Cultural Appropriation

• Coffee & Quaq: Art and Cultural Appropriation

• Still unsure? Contact an ASCA staff member at asca.info@alaska.gov

2023 Artistic License Plate Competition

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted through www.callforentry.org for review by a celebrity

jury.

• Applicants new to CaFE should plan to create a profile and become familiar with the

image specifications before the deadline.

• The deadline for submitting applications is 9:59 PM Alaska Daylight Savings Time,

February 28, 2023.

• The celebrity jury will review submissions and select semi-finalists in March 2023.

• Semi-finalist designs will be posted for public voting in April 2023.

• Finalists will be notified by May 2023.

• The production of a custom plate may take up to 4 months following approval of the

design by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Terms and Artist Rights

Semi-finalists will receive a $250 honorarium, and the selected artist will be awarded

$1000. Applicants under the age of 18 are eligible for a $50 honorarium, awarded by

grade level.

The winning design may undergo further refinement by a professional graphic designer to meet the DMV

guidelines.

Artists whose work is selected for license plate production will be required to sign an agreement with ASCA

with the following terms:

Derivative expressions of the selected design are limited to photographs for documentary and archival purposes

and for publication in articles for information about ASCA, the work of art and the artist, may be made and

distributed by ASCA and the DMV. This includes publication in both public and private sector publications

(for-profit as well as non-profit) publications, electronic publication on a website.

Artist Rights do not include reproduction for profit-making undertakings such as postcards, posters, mini-

collector plates, etc. by ASCA and DMV unless coordinated with the selected Artist. The Artist retains all other

rights not addressed in this agreement unless transferred by written agreement.

Have a question or need assistance with the application process?

Contact Alaska State Council on the Arts at [email protected] or (907) 269-6610.

ACCESS Testing Information

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Beginning February 1st our school will be conducting a state required assessment for English Language

Learners. This assessment is called ACCESS and provides important feedback about the progress of our

English Language Learners in Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. Students will take the test using our

school’s computers. Only students who are currently identified as members of the English Language Learners

(ELL) Program will be assessed. Most of the assessments will be completed during the first two weeks of

February but some may continue into March. More information about the ACCESS assessment can be found

on the Alaska Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s ACCESS page,

http://education.alaska.gov/assessments/elp.

If you have any questions about this test, you are encouraged to contact us here at school 907-742-4700. You

may also contact the District’s ELL Department at 907-742-4452. Information about the English Language

Learners Program in the School District can be found on ASD’s website.

As always, with testing, we ask that families plan so that their students are in school and are well rested for

testing. Your patience and support for this process is very much appreciated as this assessment does provide

useful information that helps our district and school improve programs for English Language Learners.

Sincerely,

Bennetta Orchitt

Clark MS Principal

ACCESS Testing Information Continue….

Spanish

Estimados Padres y Tutores Legales:

A partir del 1 de febrero nuestra escuela llevará a cabo una evaluación requerida por el estado para los

Estudiantes Aprendices de Inglés. Esta evaluación se denomina ACCESS. La misma proporciona información

importante sobre el progreso de los Estudiantes Aprendices de Inglés en lectura, conversación, comprensión

auditiva y expresión escrita. Los estudiantes realizarán la prueba utilizando las computadoras de la

escuela. Solamente los estudiantes identificados como participantes en el Programa de Aprendizaje del Idioma

Inglés (ELL) serán evaluados. La mayoría de las evaluaciones se completarán durante las dos primeras

semanas de febrero, pero algunas pueden prolongarse hasta marzo. Para más información sobre la evaluación

ACCESS, consulte la página ACCESS del Departamento de Educación y Desarrollo de la Primera Infancia de

Alaska, http://education.alaska.gov/assessments/elp.

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre esta prueba, le animamos a que se comunique con nosotros llamando al (school

phone number). También puede comunicarse con el Programa de Aprendizaje del Idioma Inglés (ELL),

llamando al 742-4452. En el sitio web del ASD podrá encontrar más información sobre el Programa de

Aprendizaje del Idioma Inglés del Distrito.

Como siempre, durante los exámenes, pedimos que las familias planifiquen bien para que sus estudiantes no

falten a la escuela y estén bien descansados para las pruebas. Les agradecemos mucho su paciencia y apoyo en

este proceso, ya que esta evaluación proporciona información valiosa que ayuda a nuestro distrito y escuelas a

mejorar los programas para Estudiantes Aprendices de Inglés.

Sinceramente,

Bennetta Orchitt

Clark MS Principal

DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE MEETING

Elizabeth Hermanson, Assistant Principal, Contact:907-742-4724

If you are interested in serving on the school Discipline Committee

Team or attending any of the discipline meetings, please let me know.

The committee meets at 7:30am each month in the Clark Library during

the school year. The meetings last thirty minutes and is a great wat to

provide input to the Administrative Team.

Friday, September 2, 2022

Friday, October 7, 2022

Friday November 4, 2022

Friday December 2, 2022

Friday, January 13, 2023

Friday, February 3, 2023

Friday, March 3, 2023

Friday, April 7, 2023

Friday, May 5, 2023

SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

Carl Snider, Assistant Principal, Contact: 907-742-7724

If you are interested in serving on the school Safety Committee

Team or attending any of the discipline meetings, please let me know.

The committee meets at 7:30am each month during the school year.

The meetings last thirty minutes and is a great wat to provide input

to the Administrative Team.

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Dates to Remember

February

2/1 X-C Ski

2/1 ACCESS ELL Assessment

2/1 Boys BB – C1-5:30, /C2-6:30@Mears

C3/C4@ Clark

2/2 Boys BB- JV-5:30, /V-6:30@Clark

2/2 Safety Committee Meeting

2/3 MS Solo Ensemble

2/3 Discipline Committee Meeting

2/7 Boys BB – JV-5:30, /V-6:30@ Romig

2/8 X-C Ski

2/8 Boys BB – C 3-4@ Begich 5:30,

C 1-2 @ Clark 6:30

2/9 Boys BB – JV-5:30, /V-6:30@ Clark

2/13 Sports Pics.

2/14 Boys BB – C-Team

2/15 X-C Ski

2/15 Boys BB - C1 5:30, C2 6:30 @ Clark,

C3 5:30, C4 6:30 @ Mirror

2/16 Boys BB- C-Team

2/18 Debate

2/20 Presidents Day Holiday

2/22 X-C Ski

2/22 Boys BB- C1-2 5:30, C3-4 6:30 @

Clark

2/23 Transition Orientation Night

5:30-6:30 – Wendy’s Chili

6:30-8:30 – Activities

2/28 X-C Ski

2/28 Boys BB – C1-2 5:30, C3-4 6:30

@ Hanshew

2/28 Application Deadline for Artistic

License Plate Competition

March

3/2 Safety Committee Meeting

3/2 Boys BB – C1-2 5:30 @ Clark,

C3 5:30 @Hanshew, C4 6:30 @

Gruening

3/3 Discipline Committee Meeting

3/13 Spring Break Begins

3/17 Spring Break Ends

3/29 8

Grade Cap & Gown Pictures

3/31 Sports Pictures