Happy New Year!

As we begin 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for our students, staff, and families in Anchorage Public School. The new year brings a fresh start and a chance for each of us to renew our commitment to our school community and the values that make Anchorage such a vibrant place to learn and grow. 

As your superintendent, I encourage all of us to anchor ourselves in the principles that guide our school culture. The “Big Three” will continue to serve as our compass:  Making Smart Decisions, Treating Others Right, and Maximizing Our Potential. These principles are more than just words; they are the foundation of our success, both as individuals and as a community.

Making Smart Decisions
Anchors hold firm even in the toughest of storms. Just as an anchor keeps a ship grounded, our ability to make wise decisions anchors us in strength and purpose. This year, let’s commit to making choices that reflect our best selves—whether in our academic pursuits, in the way we treat each other, or in how we approach challenges. Thoughtful decision-making will keep us steady and on course.

Treating Others Right
Just as our anchors work together to support a vessel, we too must support one another. Treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy is essential to building the strong, supportive environment that our community thrives on. When we treat others right, we help strengthen the bonds that unite us all—students, staff, and families alike.

Maximizing Our Potential
Every student in Anchorage has boundless potential. This year, let’s resolve to push ourselves further, to reach higher, and to be the very best we can be. Just as an anchor allows a ship to safely navigate its journey, we must use our skills, knowledge, and determination to navigate the year ahead. When we maximize our potential, we create opportunities not only for ourselves but also for those around us.

As we move forward into 2025, let us take inspiration from our anchor mascot—a symbol of stability, strength, and perseverance. The challenges ahead will undoubtedly test us, but just as an anchor secures a ship through turbulent waters, we will be anchored in the values that guide us. Together, we will make smart decisions, treat others right, and maximize our potential.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making Anchorage Public School a place where every student has the chance to succeed. I look forward to seeing all of the wonderful things we will accomplish together in 2025. Anchors aweigh!

Warm regards,
Sharla Six

As we move into the final month of the year, December provides a natural time for reflect gratitude, and, most importantly, giving. The holiday season is often associated with joy and celebration, but it is also a time to recognize the power of kindness and service to others. At Anchorage, we take pride in our strong sense of community, and this month, I encourage each of us to embrace the spirit of giving—whether through small acts of kindness or larger efforts to support those in need.

Lending a Hand: A Core Value
One of the most important lessons we can teach our students is the value of helping others. Whether it’s lending a hand to a friend, supporting a neighbor, or volunteering time for a good cause, these acts of service are not only a reflection of our character but also a means of strengthening o connections. In a time when the world can sometimes feel divided, the simple act of kindness can create a ripple effect that leads to greater unity and understanding. I am hopeful 2025 can be a year of appreciation and harmony.

At Anchorage, we are fortunate to have a dedicated group of students, teachers, and families who regularly go above and beyond to support one another. From the work of our Community Connections Club, to those informal moments when you see someone in need and offer a helping hand, each act of service makes a difference.

The Impact of Service
Acts of service can be transformative. They not only help the recipient but also bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to those who give. Whether it’s through a community event, helping neighbor shovel snow, or even something as simple as checking in with a friend, these moments remind us that we are all connected, and that together, we can accomplish so much more.

A Challenge for December
As we approach the holiday season, I challenge all of us—students, staff, and families—to find a way to serve others this month. It could be through a community event, a school initiative, or simply by taking a moment to check in on someone who might be struggling. Each act of service, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to make a positive impact.

Let’s finish this year strong by embracing the values of generosity, kindness, and community service that make Anchorage such a special place. Together, we can continue to create an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and loved.

I wish you all a peaceful and joyful holiday season. Thank you for your continued support and for all the ways you lend a hand to make Anchorage a wonderful place to live, learn, and thrive.

Warm regards,
Sharla Six

As we enter the month of November, a time traditionally associated with gratitude and reflection, I want to take a moment to emphasize the values of kindness and generosity that are essential to our school community. Thank you for showing me kindness and generosity through your words and deeds. I am thankful and blessed.

I’m certain many, if not all, parents ask their child about their school day. In the spirit of fostering a nurturing environment, I would like to encourage you to engage with your child by asking, “Who did you help today?” Adding this simple question can open up meaningful conversations about their experiences and promote a culture of support and empathy.

As Aesop reminds us, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” When students recognize the importance of helping one another, they not only enhance their own social and emotional skills but also contribute to a positive atmosphere in our school. The children of Anchorage are extremely polite and well-mannered. As parents, you’ve equipped them with many tools they need to be successful. If your child has a “go-to” kindness strategy, embolden them to try a new way to practice and grow:

• Compliments: Encourage your child to give (and receive) sincere compliments from the heart.
• Helping Hands: Suggest they assist someone struggling with a task.
• Listening Ear: Remind them to be a good listener when a friend needs to talk.
• Sharing: Urge them to share with those in need.
• Inviting Others: Recommend they include classmates in games or activities, especially those who may feel left ou
• Encouragement: Teach them to cheer on peers during activities or when they’re facing challenges.
• Stand Up Against Bullying: Persuade them to support someone who is being bullied or encourage kindness in their peer groups.
• Thanking Teachers: Support them in writing notes of appreciation.
• Helping In Classrooms or in School Areas: Advise them how to assist us in keeping classrooms and shared areas clean and ready for the next set of students.
• Volunteering for Events: (We have the best models.) Inspire them and as they notice the ways you give back to the community, this will become instilled in them for the future! 

Let’s actively make a difference in each other’s lives. Thank you for your continued support in promoting these values. Together, we can contribute to a safe environment where every child feels valued and empowered.

Loving every moment,
Sharla Six

It is with great enthusiasm and honor that I address you as the new interim superintendent of Anchorage Public School. As I step into this role, I am filled with optimism about the bright future of our exceptional school district. Anchorage Public School has long been recognized for its commitment to excellence, and I am eager to build upon the strong foundation that currently exists. At the heart of our success is our unwavering focus on doing what is best for students. I am committed to maintaining a solid transition of leadership, now and in the spring.

In October, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Roettger and I plan to spend time in our classrooms to observe our students and teachers in action! Certainly, we will observe high-quality teaching and optimal learning environments. Anchorage’s reputation for academic excellence is widely known in our state and we want to continue challenging our students to achieve at high levels. Nurturing the whole child and providing opportunities for a well-rounded education are a top priority. High expectations remain as students will be met at their point of need and prepare for the next level of their education.

My goals for the next nine months include focusing on ways we can increase timely communication and building unity among all stakeholders. Strength lies in the bonds between our students, our employees, our parents/families, our board of education, and the wider Anchorage community. When choosing one of the house systems to join, I was drawn to the story of the Bellewood Bears; this house will focus on unity. The Evergreen Crocs will model resiliency in their hopefulness and ability to endure.The Ridge Raptors will show us what it means to aspire as they strive for excellence, set goals, and dream big! As a team, we are stronger and can overcome any challenge and achieve remarkable things.

Your input and involvement are crucial to our success, and I encourage you to reach out with your ideas and feedback. Let’s elevate Anchorage Public School to even greater heights! Thank you for your warm welcome and ongoing support. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks and months as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Moving Forward,
Sharla Six