Hello,

I’m Kate LaSota, the School Counselor. I’m new to Arctic Light, but I have been in Fairbanks for more than 30 years, and with the district for 12. I’m located in room 20 where I will be teaching Life Skills classes to all grades about twice each month. Social and Emotional Learning skills include self-awareness, self-compassion, awareness of others, compassion for others, and decision making. I teach through cooperative games, music, and brief mindfulness practices such as time to get calm, focusing on thoughts of gratitude, active listening, kindness, perspective taking, and problem solving. Lessons will start the second week of school. Come by room 20 for a visit, call, or send me an email at kate.lasota@k12northstar.org. I look forward to meeting more of you in this community soon.

On Wednesday and Thursday, August 21-22, there will be MAP Testing for students in 4^th-8^th grades starting around 9 am. These tests are given 3 times a year to measure each student’s academic growth compared to nationally normed averages by grade level. The tests are online and take an hour or two. There is no time limit. Third grade students will take the MAP Tests on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 27-28. If needed, students can test on other days.

Students in Kindergarten-2^nd grades, will have AIMSWeb Screening tests starting Wednesday, August 21^st. These tests are given to students on a one on one basis by trained staff to inform reading and math instruction.

If you have any questions, please contact the school: 356-2038 x 28020