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The FUNd Stuff at PNA!
- Vol 7, Issue 8: Everyday Stories from PNA
- Mar 4, 2020
- 4 min read
The Power of Community
by Brenna McCormick | PNA Kindergarten Teacher
Creating the classroom community and culture is one of the most important aspects of teaching - and one of my favorites. It is a privilege to share my days with my students, seeing the world through their eyes and creating a place in which each of them know they belong, a place where they know we will share special, fun moments together throughout the year, a place where they know they will explore the world and start to find their place in it. I am excited about the community we have built (and continue to build), and each one of your sweet little ones is an important and treasured part of it.
"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." -Helen Keller
However, at PNA, there are not just strong classroom communities, but a strong school community and culture as well. Throughout the year, students are given ample opportunity to share special moments and events together, like Space Week, 100s Day and our recent Science Party, and to support one another in their endeavors.
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." -Margaret J. Wheatley
An important component of project based learning is a public product, which takes students beyond their classroom and shows them that what they do at school matters, that it is important on a deeper level, that others care about it too. Oftentimes, this aspect of PBL allows us to enrich and grow our school community by providing an opportunity for students to support one another in their inquiries, studies, and passion projects.
This week, our kindergartners were able to support first grade students by attending their lantern exhibition, oohing and ahhing over their magically lit creations. Our sweet mushers also felt the love as the school came together to truly make the Iditarod an enriching and meaningful event. First and second graders acted as check points, either being veterinarians or checking for the mandatory supplies. It was sweet to see how excited - and serious - they were about being part of something they treasured as kindergartners.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." -Coretta Scott King
Preschool students cheered our mushers on at the start of the race and the rest of the school cheered them on at the end, complete with signs and words of encouragement. When one student did not like the loud noise, students switched to silent cheers to usher her to the finish. It was a touching moment and a small example of the thoughtfulness and compassion we are able to build together by inviting students into each others' projects and events. It is wonderful to be part of a supportive community. I am happy we actively work to build that at PNA so that each of our sweet little ones knows they are valued, loved, and part of something special.Comments are closed.
PNA Science Party
PNA students spent an afternoon engaged in all things science related at our annual science party. Experts in the field visited the school and students participated in a myriad of hands-on acitivities while learning more about science related careers.
Guests Included:
Alaska Civil Air Patrol
Alaska Aviation Museum
Conoco Phillips
Anchorage Public Library
Alaska Resource Education
Renewable Energey Alaska Project
Alaska Department of Public Safety- Scientific Crime Detection Lab
University of Alaska Anchorage
Alaska Public Lands Information Center
Northern Electrical Engineering
Students also got to talk with a glaciologist, learn about sound science, visual science, and display their own science related projects.
A Huge Thank You...
to the PNA community for their generosity on the first annual PNA Day of Giving! We smashed our goal thanks to you, raising $2,915!
Thank you for sharing the love of PNA!
Postcards from the Classroom
Take a look at the exciting activities students were involved in last week!
Click any picture to jump into the slideshow.
Like What You See?
You Can Support It!
Your gift benefits today's students and everyone's future.
Spread the word, and don't let PNA be Anchorage's best kept secret. Let your friends know!
To make a donation or refer a family to PNA, Call (907) 333-1080 or click here to visit the giving page on our website.
Other Ways to Support PNA
Link your Fred Meyer rewards card:
Link your Rewards Card to Pacific Northern Academy by visiting
Whenever you use your Rewards card when shopping at Fred Meyer, you’ll be helping PNA earn a donation from Fred Meyer.
Rewards Customers still get the Rewards Points, Fuel Points and Rebates
Shop with Amazon Smile:
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization.
On your first visit to smile.amazon.com, you need to select Pacific Northern Academy from the list of charitable organizations before you begin shopping.
Pick.Click.Give
Pick.Click.Give. allows Alaskans to donate a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividend to causes they care about statewide.
While applying for your PFD online, your can choose to Pick.Click.Give to Pacific Northern Academy. All donations are tax deductible and donors will receive tax documentation from the State once their donations have been processed. Permanent Fund Dividend applications are available from January 1 to March 31, though Alaskans may choose to add or adjust their pledges online through August 31.
Coming Right Up...
April 18th -PNA Auction!
Tickets, Tables & Sponsorships
On Sale Now!
Click here for more info!
You can also check out all of the upcoming events on our website by clicking calendar under our about PNA tab.
Just One More...
Many Thanks To
John Hardwick and Ral West
As always, our continued success is shared with the people and companies that support us.
Skiva Investments LLC
The FUNd Stuff is a bi-monthly (or so) publication from the staff, students, parents, and teachers of PNA. Want to know more about anything we've highlighted here? Get in touch! (907) 333-1080 or jaho@pacificnorthern.org
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