Schools Briefs: Nov. 10, 2015

Mat-Su Schools Foundation grants awarded to local schools

MAT-SU — Every year the Mat-Su Schools Foundation (MSSF) offers $1,000 grants for teachers to expand academic opportunities for Mat-Su Borough School District students. This year the organization received 15 proposals from teachers at 11 schools. Six were selected.

This year’s Gorilla Fireworks Grant recipient is Shane Artz of Houston High School. Artz intends to purchase 15 ergonomically designed chairs. This will augment the 28 music chairs the Houston music programs already use for concert choir, concert band, guitar lab and treble choir.

The five other MSSF grants were awarded to the following teachers:

• Emily Forstner, Wasilla High School — funds will be used to purchase technology such as professional quality cameras and accessories and a negative and document scanner for the journalism program.

• Prudence Plunkett and Trevor Townsend, Colony High School — funds will purchase four illuminated journal kits. Each kit offers students opportunities to combine creative writing, art and LED electronics to make ideas come to life on the page.

• Kaye Foster, Wasilla High School — funds will go toward a Warrior Music Booster Club coffee stand to include an espresso machine, cart and various supplies. Any gained revenue from the venture will be used to purchase updated sheet music, orchestral instruments, performance uniforms and recording equipment.

• Heidi Johnson, Tanaina Elementary School — funds will purchase additional books for the school’s “leveled book library,” where highly engaging books are matched to each student’s current reading level and interests.

• Shelli Franckowiak, Palmer High School — funds will go toward a 3D printer. Students will become familiar with cutting-edge digital technology through scanning existing objects and altering them, or creating original ceramics stamps and reproducing them in plastic.

Rotary club names Wasilla High principal Educator of the Year

WASILLA — Amy Spargo, principal at Wasilla High School, has been selected as the Educator of the Year from the women and men of the Wasilla Sunrise Rotary Club (WSRC).

“We are so pleased with the outstanding relationship Rotary has at Wasilla High School,” said Garry Forrester, President of WSRC. “That relationship starts with the positive climate and culture the principal projects to the school. Many Rotary exchange students and Interact students have graced the halls of WHS. Rotarians are so very appreciative of the opportunity to make a better community and better world, just like Ms. Spargo is doing at the high school.”

Spargo will be presented with a plaque this spring at the Mat-Su Borough School Board awards ceremony.

Wasilla Lake Christian School fundraiser, auction

Wasilla Lake Christian School is hosting its annual fundraiser and auction benefit at Wasilla Nazarene Church, 2001 Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. on Friday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. A $25 ticket gets attendees dinner and entrance into the auction, which will offer: a one-week vacation in Cabo San Lucas, fly-in salmon fishing trips, Knik Glacier flights, Alaska train rides, Alyeska hotel nights, guns, Diversified Tires, and gift certificates to Chepo’s, Locals, Hacienda and more.

Call 373-6439 for more information.

Houston High to host craft fair

A “Merchant’s Market” craft and baked goods bazaar will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Houston High. The first 25 people who show up will receive a free gift (limit one per family). There will be a cake ticket giveaway, drawings and door prizes as well as a concession stand.

‘Go for the Gravy’ runs Nov. 14

Fronteras Spanish Immersion Charter School is hosting its eighth annual “Go for the Gravy” races on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Wasilla High School. The outdoor 3k and 5k races start at 10 a.m., followed by an indoor kids’ fun run at 10:45.

Registration forms are available online at bit.ly/1MhVBBX. Entry fees are $10 for the kids’ race, $25 for the 3k and 5k races through Nov. 11. Discounts available for military and groups.

Race-day registration opens at 9 a.m. The first 100 to register and pay in full will receive a race t-shirt. Proceeds go to Fronteras and The Children’s Place.

UA encourages early enrollment

The University of Alaska is celebrating UA College Appreciation Week Nov. 16-20 by encouraging high school seniors to apply early for college.

“College is a game changer, leading to better careers and higher paying jobs. Alaska data shows that 63 percent of Alaska jobs will require a postsecondary education by 2018,” said Saichi Oba, associate vice president

for student and enrollment services at the UA System in a press release. “Applying early is not only a good first step, but it actually increases a student’s chance of success in college. Students that apply early have more time to apply for financial aid, make important decisions regarding classes and majors, and learn about campus life.”

High school seniors are encouraged to apply to the University of Alaska through uaonline.alaska.edu.

Butte Elementary to host bazaar

On December 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Butte Elementary PTA will host the Homespun Holiday Bazaar at the school, which is located at 4006 S. Butte Road. The Homespun Holiday Bazaar is a gathering of vendors with hand crafted items (Christmas items, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, blankets, clothes, food, hats, mittens, scarves, toys, household items, etc.) and direct selling companies (i.e. Avon, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, etc.). Santa will be on hand from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and reindeer and a sleigh will be on hand from noon to 2 p.m.

Throughout the day there is musical entertainment provided by students and local talent, a Gift Basket Silent Auction, a Book Fair and a concession stand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 746-0504.

Pioneer Peak plans bazaar

Pioneer Peak Elementary will hold a holiday bazaar at the school (1959 N. Trunk Road) on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 70 vendors will be on hand and there will be lots of holiday gifts and ideas. Free.