Nunaka Valley Elementary enrolls the most pre-kindergarteners in the Anchorage School District. As special-ed and pre-K are capped at smaller class sizes, the neighborhood questions if this capped ratio is reflected in the 66% utilization of the school?
Nunaka Valley is a true neighborhood school, as many kids walk to school. Families chose to live in Nunaka for its walkability. The school promotes learning through its unique setting: adjacency to Russian Jack Springs trails and other parks, inspiring mountain views and the neighborhood roads are safe with little traffic. A volunteer Nunaka Valley community patrol helps at the school’s crosswalk, and neighbors will volunteer at a ski program this winter. It’s a Title 1 school providing meals and resources for students whose families may be struggling in these expensive times.
Nunaka Valley Elementary staff know their students and families well. A small school environment can individually and immediately attend to kids’ needs, preventing specialist interventions for issues that become even more costly if not caught early (ie: counseling, tutoring and occupational therapy). The six ASD schools suggested for closure are not the last cuts if state budget funding for kids’ education is not increased; more loved schools and programs will suffer. I’m voting for NEA-Alaska candidates and I oppose this school consolidation (especially of Title 1 schools) plan.
— Mary Krusen
Anchorage
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