Message from Steve O'Brien

Dear Parents,

As you probably know there is a possibility that Mt. Redoubt may erupt in the coming days. Depending on the wind conditions and strength of eruption, it is possible that schools within Anchorage may need to close. As with other school closures, Anchorage Montessori School will follow the lead of the Anchorage School District. If a full school day of school closure is necessary, we will use the automated phone system to get the word out. If a mid-day closure is needed, we will attempt to reach all parents by our automated phone system and email.

Experts at the Alaska Volcano Observatory predict that Anchorage should have at least two hours of notice before an ash cloud would reach our school, so there should be enough time for parents to pick up children and drive home. Our school has masks for each child, as well as supplies of water and food if needed. School staff would of course remain at the school until all children are picked up.

Information about ash cloud related school closures will be available on Channel 14, e-mail, our school blog available through our website, through the AMS phone line message outside of the school day, the Anchorage School District emergency recording (742-4000), and major media. Please contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Stephen O'Brien
Executive Director
Anchorage Montessori School
907-276-2240

Carnival this weekend!

Bring your kids, bring your friends, and come have fun at the AMS Carnival this Saturday, January 24, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

You’ll explore the world as you visit the continent-themed classrooms, with activities and games galore. Professional face painting and crazy hair! Food! Prizes in each classroom!

The carnival is not a fundraiser, but there will be a small fee at the door to cover the costs for prizes. Please come out and support this community-building event. Your kids (and your school) will thank you.

Note: Volunteers are still needed. Sign up for a 45-minute shift to work in your child’s classroom. Sign-up sheets are available at each classroom door, or call 276-2240 to volunteer.

No School January 19

A reminder to parents that school will be closed on Monday (regardless of weather!) in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Financial background? The AMS board needs you!

The AMS board of directors seeks a parent volunteer with financial business experience to serve on the board. If you are interested in this position, please request a board member application from Tonya Belanger, who has taken over for Amy Carter at the front desk.

The AMS board meets once a month. Board participation takes care of all volunteer hours for the year. If you have questions about the position, please see Steve.

Pick. Click. Give.

Have you heard about the PFD Charitable Contributions Program? Maybe you saw the flyer in your child's school file. Maybe you received a postcard from AMS. Maybe you read the article published last Friday in the Anchorage Daily News (complete with quotes from AMS dad, Jordan Marshall!). Well, we are tagging you digitally now, too! Please consider donating a portion of your PFD to AMS.

The PFD Charitable Contributions Program is a new, secure, and easy way to make a donation to AMS. When you go online to sign up for your dividend, you will see the option called “The Gift of Giving.” Search for us by choosing Region 4 and our name Anchorage Montessori School. Click and follow the instructions to make a contribution.

You can find more information about the program at:
www.PickClickGive.org
or you may call
1-888-785-GIFT (4438)

Thank you from everyone at AMS!!!