Willow Wolverine Newsletter

Brian Porcello, Principal

Michael Wright, Administrative Assistant

907-495-9300

Principal's Message

AK STAR Testing April 13-17

AK STAR Testing for Math and ELA is April 13-17 for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. This is a statewide test that measures the progress of 3-5 grade students statewide. Make sure your kids get plenty of rest and a good breakfast so they have the energy to show what they know. 5th grade students took the science test this week and did a great job!

School Board Meeting at Willow Elementary April 15

The MSBSD School Board will hold their April meeting in the Willow Elementary Gym from 6-10PM on Wednesday, April 15. All are welcome! Our 5th grade students are working on a nice surprise to open the meeting.

Kindergarten Round Up and Open House

If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2026 join Ms. K for Kindergarten Round Up. See the classroom, get the Kindergarten Readiness Checklist, and schedule Kindergarten Orientation. We look forward to welcoming our future KG students:) Please tell your friends and neighbors about KG Round Up!

iReady Spring Diagnostic May 4-8

The iReady Spring Diagnostic in Reading, Writing, and Math is May 4-8 for KG through 5th grade. Make sure your kids come to school prepared for testing. A good night of sleep and a healthy breakfast is a recipe for success.

Spring Concert May 15

The Spring Concert is Friday, May 15 from 1:00-2:30 PM. Mrs. Korpi and our wonderful students are going to put on a great show:)

Field Day May 20

Field Day and the last day of school is Wednesday, May 20. Look for updates as we get closer to the end of the school year.

• Students must be dropped off at the car/drop-off line during morning arrival. Parents/guardians can then park and enter the building as needed.
• Students must be picked up from the gym via the car/pick-up line during dismissal. Parents can then park and enter the building with their kids under their supervision.
• Please call by 2:30 PM if you are picking up your student or another person is picking up for you, this allows us to ensure proper communication to the classroom and pick-up line.
• Reminder - Only parents/legal guardians are allowed to call in any changes to a student(s) pick up status.
• Any changes to the emergency contact list can be made via Parentvue by legal guardians.

Reminder - Only parents/guardians and emergency contacts are allowed to pickup students at school.

• Please call by 2:30 PM if a bus pass is needed for your student, this allows us to ensure proper communication to the classroom and bus drivers.
• Any student walking unsupervised to and from the bus stop must have written permission on file at the school office.

Reminder - Only parents/guardians and emergency contacts are allowed to pickup students at the bus stop.

To reach their full potential, we want your children to come to school every day. It’s okay to keep them home when they are sick. However, when they are healthy and well, send your kids to school to be an active member of the classroom. Don't let inclement weather interfere with regular attendance. When school is open, get your children to school.

The Plan: remodified since the spending freeze

• 100% attendance for the quarter earns a prize.
• Each qualifying student is then eligible for a grand prize drawing each semester.
• 1 grand prize per class each semester- drawing in Dec and May

Remember, ATTENDANCE MATTERS!

Outdoor Instructional Space by Fall 2026

We are working out the details for our outdoor instructional space thanks to a generous grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF). Willow Elementary and our Community Partners will be building an outdoor instructional space for classrooms to engage in learning outdoors. The shelter will also serve as a base for family activities during off school hours. Look for updates in upcoming newsletters and thank you MSHF!

Thank You Willow Elementary PTA!

Our PTA is an important part of Willow Elementary student and community support. Come to the next PTA meeting listed below and join the fun:)

Thanks for a fabulous Eggstravaganza!

Title 1 information is always available on the district website and in our front foyer. You can always stop in or call the school with any questions. Our Title 1 program is funded by the federal government to help with student achievement and success.

We'll have our Annual Title 1 Meeting at the start of the PTA Meeting on Monday, April 20th at 3:30 PM. We value your input and look forward to seeing you.

• Families must apply to see if their child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals. Just Click the link below:
• https://www.matsuk12.us/business-departments/nutrition-services/free-reduced-application
• Applications may be submitted at any point during the school year. Apply now to avoid any unnecessary charges. 
• Students will not be denied a meal due to insufficient funds; however, charges will continue to accumulate on meal accounts unless parents notify us that they do not want their child charging meals.
• Families will receive weekly email reminders if there is a negative balance on their student’s account.

Did you know, students who qualify for Migrant Ed status will also qualify for free breakfast and lunch as well as other Migrant Ed services. Qualifying for Migrant Ed status is not based on income. Check the district website to see if your family qualifies for Migrant Ed. 

Fresh Fruit Friday

Every Friday Willow Elementary students will have a chance to try a unique fresh fruit or vegetable courtesy of nutrition services. Look for a flyer with information on what was served or brought home each Friday. Thanks to our wonderful PTA for helping to make this possible.

Healthy Futures Challenge

The Healthy Futures Challenge is up and running thanks to our PE teacher Mrs. VanGorder. Children must get 60 minutes of physical activity during a day, for a least 15 days of the month. Time in PE and recess counts. If your child is participating in any physical activity after school or on the weekends, be sure they are documenting it on their Healthy Futures Log distributed each month. Get outside and get some exercise!

Important Dates

• April 13-17: AK STAR Testing (Gr 3-5)
• April 15: School Board Meeting at Willow Elementary 6-10PM
• April 16: KG Round Up 3:15-5:15 PM
• April 17: Lion's Club Skate Night: 5-7PM
• April 20: Title 1/PTA Meeting at 3:30 PM
• May 1: Professional Learning Day- No School
• May 4-8: iReady Diagnostic Testing (Gr K-5)
• May 15: Spring Concert (1:00-2:30)
• May 19: Report Cards sent home
• May 20: Field Day/Last Day of School
• May 21: First Day of Summer Vacation!