June Newsletter

Starting school with your kindergarten student can be scary for both you and them. As with most things, the unknown is usually the biggest factor when it comes to uncertainty in parent educating. But rest assured that you are not alone in this and a great deal of help is out there for you. Here are some tips on starting your homeschool journey with your kindergartner.

Homeschooling kindergarten should be a fun and enjoyable time for both you and your child. Below are some tips and ideas to help make it a memorable, and successful year.

• Schedule plenty of playtime – Playing is such an important part of childhood and learning, in fact, learning through play is very beneficial to young children since it allows them to be creative and explore the world around them.
• Read together – In addition to being a wonderful opportunity to snuggle and spend quality time together, reading to your child will help build their literacy, comprehension and communication skills.
• Go on field trips – From children’s museums to science centers to local parks, there is a world of learning not too far from wherever it is you call home. Be sure to pencil in time to go on educational field trips on a regular basis. The change of scenery will be welcome by all and provide plenty of opportunity to learn new things from a different perspective.
• Take advantage of your child’s curiosity – At this age, students are full of questions. Embrace that thirst for knowledge to learn about anything and everything your child is curious about.
• Keep an open mind – As a homeschooler, you have tons of flexibility, so don’t feel like you have to do things by the book. Be open to change and new opportunities that present themselves to learn. Remember, learning can happen anywhere and anytime.
• Be flexible – Don’t feel like you have to be confined to your house or follow a strict schedule. Some days may be challenging, and that’s ok. Go with the flow, and if you need to take the day off and head outside, so be it.
• Don’t forget to take frequent breaks – At this age, children have tons of energy. If you notice your child getting antsy or becoming short-tempered and losing focus, it’s probably time for a break. Whether it’s for a snack, to go on a walk or bike ride, quiet time, or even a nap, take breaks as often as needed.
• Use technology – Kids love using computers, tablets and apps to play, and nowadays, there are tons of educational options available to make screen time more meaningful. Using technology to learn will not only help your child improve fine motor skills, but it will also promote computer literacy, which is very important in today’s world.

From https://www.time4learning.com/

Enrollment is open for both new and returning students. Take just a minute and click the link below.

Have you ever wanted to play hockey? This summer there is a great opportunity for students to participate in hockey for free! Valley Roller Hockey is offering FREE instruction and games for players of all ages and skill level. They even offer equipment to borrow in case you don't have any. Organizer/founder Coach Buckmeier states, "I just want everyone to have the ability to play regardless of whether they can afford it or not." Of course donations are accepted, but not required to play. Families are welcome to come play together! Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, from 5-7pm (youth) and 7-9pm (Adult). For information, call Coach Buckmeier at (907) 717-6119

If you haven't been to the Anchorage Museum lately, make sure to make time this summer to visit. This is a world class museum that has many activities and programs offered for people of all ages.

From the website https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/:

"The Anchorage Museum is a place of ideas and transformation. It is a place of narratives and perspectives, resilient and relevant communities working toward a better future for all. The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and celebrates Alaska Native cultures through presenting voices, stories and cultural heritage pieces from the Smithsonian Institution. Art of the North and the history of Alaska combine throughout the museum, including our all-ages Discovery Center."

Visit their many different exhibits, or perhaps enjoy seeing the planetarium or activity center. Either way it is a great way to spend a day with the family.

Summer hours are 10-6 daily. May-September

It is always a proud and sad moment when the diplomas are signed for the year, and we say goodbye to our seniors. For those of you that cannot attend a commencement ceremony, here are some quotes form famous (and not so famous) commencement speakers:

10 Quotes for Graduates from the Famous (And Not So Famous)

Even a single quote can be meaningful and thought provoking. Here are 10 that are just that.

1. “A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that individuality is the key to success.” – Robert Orben
2. “Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.” – David Lloyd George
3. “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson
4. “Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.” – Art Linkletter
5. “Everything’s always ending. But everything’s always beginning, too.” – Patrick Ness
6. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth
   
7. “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A. A. Milne
8. “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.” – Lupita Nyong’o
9. “Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.” – Roger Babson
10. “It’s always a good move to listen to that inner voice… if it doesn’t lead to a crime.” – Lisa Kudrow

To all of our graduates: You are forever in our hearts. We wish you the very best life possible!

This year will be the last year for our beloved Judy Sweeney. Judy has been with Denali PEAK since 2018 and has been wonderful teacher/advisor to all that have worked with her. Judy has taught in the US, Germany, China, and UAE, with a focus on Science and STEAM and language development.

Ms. Judy, you will be greatly missed. Best of luck on your new adventures in science!