Spring Semester Update
From Superintendent Hankins
May 1, 2023
Dear parents, students, and the entire LKSD learning community,
Temperatures are rising, snow is melting, and birds are returning...it must be spring! It’s certainly a busy time of year as we shift into planning for the last weeks of school, wrap up student activities and assessments, and prepare for proms, graduation ceremonies and celebrations across the district. In the coming weeks LKSD will be featuring our 2023 graduates on social media. We will also highlight district employees who are retiring at the end of this school year. Please make sure to check out the LKSD Facebook page for these posts and for updates on end-of-year events.
Student Activities
Most recently the district celebrated LKSD student athletes who participated in the State NYO competition held April 21-22 in Anchorage. LKSD had several athletes place in the top five in their event, including two first place finishers. Way to go! During that same weekend the District also held the annual LKSD Dance Festival and welcomed student participants from around the region to Akula. You can find a link to a recording from the dance festival
here. Thank you to all of our student participants, chaperones, and event hosts for making this event a success!
State Testing & Assessments
The testing window for the AK STAR assessment closed on Friday, April 28th. The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED) anticipates releasing student scores in August, 2023, with statewide school accountability ratings to follow. LKSD will provide student score sheets to parents/guardians once received from EED. The District is nearing the end of assessment season, with only the MAP Growth assessment for students in K-2 and 10-12, and Y-CBM testing remaining. The testing window for these two assessments runs May 1st -19th.
Summer Construction Projects
LKSD has numerous construction projects in the works for this coming summer:
• Work will continue on the Ayaprun Elitnaurvik new school build in Bethel and on the Eek school addition and renovation project
• Work will commence on the phase two project of the Napakiak replacement school build, and on the Newtok partial school demolition project and the Mertarvik new school foundation project
Summer Programs for Students
LKSD will offer a variety of programs and learning opportunities for students this coming summer. This includes programs for students in migrant education, the LKSD Summer Academies, and individual school-based summer learning opportunities geared specifically toward math and literacy. Please check the
LKSD website and
Facebook page, as well as your child’s school’s website for more detailed information.
Thank you for your continued support of LKSD.
Wishing you well,
Kimberly Hankins
Superintendent