August 14, 2018
Dear Neighbors,

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Rep. Kawasaki & young constituents during a picnic this summer
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Back to School Fun!
Now that the Tanana Valley State Fair has ended, it is time to go back to school! Make sure to check out the many back-to-school events the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) has to offer. Here are school supply lists and bus routes to make sure your kiddos have everything they need before the first day of school on Thursday, August 16. Click here for this year’s academic calendar.
Also remember to drive slowly and watch out for those flashing lights while in school zones as many students run, walk and bike to school!
Changes in the School District
This year, the FNSBSD is implementing a new full-day kindergarten program in all elementary schools. This program was put into place to give kids access to enriching activities, free time and adequate rest. If you are new to the district, you can click here to enroll your young ones and check out the Borough’s immunization requirements.
Another big change this fall is Arctic Light Elementary, Ladd Elementary and Joy Elementary will transition into K-8 schools. This shift comes from the School Board making K-8 schools a goal back in 2015. Each school has taken a unique approach to the K-8 curriculum, but all look to be promising and supportive of student growth.
This fall, the FNSBSD is looking for photos of your student’s first day at their new school! You can send photos to publicrelations@k12northstar.org.

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Rep. Kawasaki & Lathrop Basketball team in Juneau
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School Sports and Activities
The fall also marks the beginning of many outdoor and indoor sports seasons for kids of all ages. Football, cross-country running, swimming, basketball and volleyball teams are some of the many opportunities offered by schools across the district this year, so make sure to get those sports physical forms filled out and turned in!
Get Involved!
The fall is a great time to get involved in PTA activities. Whether it’s with the Fairbanks Council of PTAs or your local school’s PTA (found here), getting involved helps both teachers and students create a positive learning environment.
Check out the different nutrition services our District has to offer! If your child has allergies, make sure to report them to your school nurse so healthy alternatives can be established.

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Congrats to FNSBSD’s Dr. Karen Gaborik for being chosen as Alaska’s 2019 Superintendent of the Year!
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You can also set up a guardian account for your student’s PowerSchool. This will allow you to monitor your child’s grades and attendance and make sure your child stays on track throughout the school year. If you have more than one student, the FNSBSD offers the option of linking your students to one guardian account. If you have any questions or need guidance in this process, check out the FNSBSD’s Tips Page or User Guide to find some helpful hints on how to interact with PowerSchool.
Speaking of Careful Driving: Move-Over Bill Signed into Law!
My bill HB 204 passed the Legislature under SB 163, which was signed into law last week. Effective in November, drivers are required to move over to an open lane or slow down when approaching road maintenance vehicles with flashing lights and performing official duties. A Fairbanks road maintenance worker brought this issue to my attention when he called our office last year, saying he was concerned for his and his colleagues’ safety while working on the road.
Sending best to you and yours for a safe back-to-school season and to everyone getting ready for the inevitable winter. As always, feel free to reach out to me any time at the info below if you have any questions or comments regarding state business. See you around town!
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](http://www.akhouse.org/images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks
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