As we celebrate the close of a remarkable school year, I am pleased to have witnessed our students growing as thoughtful leaders, compassionate classmates, and creative problem-solvers! As you and yours navigate the growth conversations that occur naturally at the end of the school year, think about expanding the conversation to more than awards, grades, or academic achievements. Consider sharing specific instances when your children have shown courage, kindness, perseverance, or a willingness to keep learning. I promise, they’ll never forget what you noticed. You will leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.
Our 8th grade class recently modeled meaningful leadership and legacy for our school community. Some students initiated a challenge to raise money for a cause they selected, the Humane Society. All of our students quickly rallied for the effort. The boys may have taken the victory in a Lacrosse challenge last week, but I assure you they are all winners and so fun to watch! I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes an Anchorage tradition in the future. As each 8th grader prepares for their next chapter, they leave behind many examples of service, spirit, and school pride. Assuredly, the spirit of our community will be carried forward.
To stay in touch, we would like parents of our high school students to complete the Google Form for our new Alumni Connection. If you grant permission for us to contact your child directly, simply complete the form and sign the waiver form (included in the Google Form at the bottom) and return to us. If you prefer we contact you, that works too! We’d love for our former Anchors to receive updates and return regularly in the future.
As we look forward, summer offers all of us an opportunity to recharge, remain curious, and continue learning in joyful ways. We can continue growing over the summer through reading. This year, we are excited to launch our new challenge, the Summer Reading Passport series for students in grades K–8. These passport-style reading challenges (K-2, 3-5, and 6-8) encourage students to explore new genres, perspectives, ideas, and adventures while continuing the themes we explored together throughout the school year.
Whether students are reading under a blanket fort, discovering a new biography, exploring another culture, or challenging themselves with a book outside their comfort zone, we hope they will continue carrying their learning forward all summer long. Their “passports” are due in my office by August 14, 2026. I can’t wait to see their reflections when they return–I hope there are 400 of them to review!
Parents and employees: you have a standing invitation to join in the fun, too!
Thank you for the partnership and support you continue to give our school community. It is an honor to serve alongside dedicated educators, engaged families, and extraordinary students.
Have an adventure-filled summer filled with family, books and travel!
With much joy,
Sharla Six, Superintendent
Anchorage Independent School District
