We Carry Forward…

Our Derby festivities set an impressive tone for the final month of the school year and all of us can feel a natural pull toward the finish line.  April was filled with experiences across grade levels–from field trips and special projects to the incredible talent show led by our student interns,and the Welcome Home Party for the fifth grade transition to houses in middle school.  

Our calendars continue to fill with celebrations, including this week’s amazing art show, the modern band concert and the Maureen Awbrey Innovation Lab Open House.  Soon, our students will gather for more treasured Anchorage traditions like Field Day, the “Sweet Memories” Yearbook Reveal, and the 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony.  The countdown has begun, and the rhythm of a year is coming to a close.  

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we are reminded that the most meaningful moments in school are not only the lessons we learn, but the memories we create together.  To honor an educator, ask your child to think about sending a teacher a note of appreciation this month or this summer.  It will be treasured for a lifetime and what a great way to practice gratitude!      

But….back to the calendar.  

May is more than an ending.  It is a time to think about the things we carry forward.

This year, we’ve built relationships, resilience, curiosity, and growth.  Those things travel with us. They shape who we are becoming.  Finishing strong is not about rushing to the end. It’s about being intentional with the final steps.

In classrooms across Anchorage, we see students leaning into their learning, showing perseverance, and taking pride in their work.  We see many of our students learning how to work through challenges, listening to different perspectives, and resolving conflicts in productive ways.  These moments may not always appear on a report card, but they are some of the most important lessons we want to reinforce in our school community.  As we create meaningful closure to the school year, we want to help students reflect on their growth and realize how far they have come in one school year.  We want students to know what to carry forward.

A strong finish reminds us that effort is always worthwhile, growth is something to be honored, and how we end something is just as important as how we began.  This year has been filled with moments worth celebrating—big and small.  In the arts, academics, athletics, leadership, and service, our students achieved milestones, overcame challenges, explored new ideas, and strengthened connections.  

At Anchorage Public School, we know that success is not defined by a single moment, but by the journey.  As we attend end-of-year events, applaud accomplishments, and recognize achievements, we do so with deep appreciation—not just for outcomes, but for the effort, courage, and the commitment behind them.  With celebrations, we must name what matters most so we can carry it forward in June, July, and beyond.

Summer offers a different kind of learning—one that is often quieter, more flexible, and deeply personal.  Summer learning lives in curiosity, in exploration, in unstructured moments that spark new ideas.  Whether it’s reading a new book, trying something for the first time, asking questions, creating, exploring outdoors, or simply noticing the world more closely—learning continues.  We are excited to launch a K-8 Summer Reading Challenge designed to keep the love of learning alive.  We hope our students will dive into great stories, discover new interests, and experience the joy that reading can bring.  More information will be shared soon, and we look forward to seeing our students continue growing as readers all summer long.  We would love for our parents and families to join us in this initiative!

We encourage our students to embrace summer as an opportunity to keep that spark alive—not through pressure or perfection, but through wonder.  Lifelong learners are not defined by a calendar. They are defined by a mindset.

As we close this chapter, we do so with gratitude—for our students, our staff, our families, and this incredible community.  We also do so with purpose.  

Let’s carry forward:

• The confidence built through challenge
• The empathy, kindness, and understanding grown through connection
• The ability to listen, problem-solve, and care for one another
• The curiosity sparked through discovery
• The pride earned through perseverance
• The leadership that grows when we choose to lift others up and lead with integrity and kindness

These are the things that last.  These are the things that matter.

At the beginning of this year, we set out on a journey—one rooted in discovery, in taking steps forward together, and in going the extra mile for one another. And somewhere along the way, something powerful happened.  Steps became strides.  Moments became momentum. And that momentum became a shared belief in what is possible.  Now, as we stand at the edge of summer, we realize this isn’t an ending at all.

It is a continuation.

At Anchorage, we believe being an ANCHOR should not end at graduation.  As our 8th graders prepare to take their next steps, we want them to know they will always remain an important part of this community.  In the years ahead, we hope to welcome them back into our halls more often–as volunteers, mentors, assistants at events, and role models for our younger students.  Expect to hear more as we are excited to strengthen connections with Anchorage alumni, including current high school students who once walked these same hallways.  One of the greatest gifts in a school community is when former students return and give back to the halls that once shaped them.  The sense of belonging and connection is something we hope our students carry with them long after they leave Anchorage.  

As we prepare to celebrate our 8th graders, we also recognize the important leadership they have provided this year.  Through their involvement, school spirit, and perseverance, they helped shape the culture of Anchorage in meaningful ways.  Their impact will continue long after graduation, and we hope they will always remain connected to the Anchorage community in the years ahead.  

We are also excited about the leadership opportunities emerging within our current 7th grade class.  Each year, a new group of students steps into the important role of helping shape the culture of our school.  Leadership is not about popularity, volume, or attention.  It is about influence, integrity, and the choices we make each day.  There are many students ready to rise, lead for good, and set a positive example for those around them.  At Anchorage, we will continue searching for, encouraging, and developing those leaders because strong schools are built by students and staff who choose to use their influence to lift others up.  Leadership leaves a legacy and a new group of students is preparing to carry that legacy forward.  The most important things we’ve built were never meant to stay behind within the walls of a classroom. They were meant to be carried—into new classrooms, into new challenges, into new opportunities.

Long after the yearbooks are signed and the halls grow a bit quieter for summer, the spirit of Anchorage will continue in every student who carries our community forward.  The story of this year does not end here.  In many ways, it is just beginning.

With much joy,

Sharla Six, AISD Superintendent

 

Momentum Matters

Dear Anchorage Families,

Over the past two months, we’ve been talking with our students about two powerful ideas: productive struggle and the power of “not yet.” We’ve reminded our learners that challenges are part of growth and that a setback doesn’t mean failure—it simply means we are still on the journey.

As we move into April, I’d like to introduce another idea that builds on those conversations:

Momentum matters.

Momentum is what happens when we keep going—even when things feel hard, slow, or uncertain. It’s the quiet power that builds when we take one step forward, then another, and another. Progress rarely comes from a single big leap. More often, it comes from the small decisions we make each day to keep trying. When I joined the APS team, I experienced many challenges.  Taking it one decision at a time and one day at a time has built a momentum we are ready to experience.  We aren’t where we want to be just yet, but look how far we’ve come in the last eighteen months! 

If you’ve ever pushed a swing, rolled a snowball, or started a bike ride uphill, you know that getting started can be the hardest part. But once movement begins, something powerful happens: the effort starts to build on itself. 

Learning works the same way.

When students push through a challenging math problem, revise a piece of writing, practice a musical instrument, or try again after a mistake, they are building learning momentum. Each attempt adds a little more confidence, skill, and resilience. 

At Anchorage, we see momentum every day:

• A student who keeps practicing until the reading finally clicks.
• A group of classmates collaborating until the solution becomes clear.
• A child who once hesitated to raise their hand now sharing their thinking with confidence.

These moments may seem small, but they are powerful. Small steps forward create big growth over time.  We should celebrate small victories more often.

Families play an important role in helping children build this momentum.  At family dinners, with my grandchildren, I am working to normalize problem-solving. I ask them all to share the toughest problem they solved this week.  I’m not asking so I can provide a solution.  I’m asking because I want them to talk about their struggles and realize we all experience trials.  Beginning those conversations now will open powerful lines of communication that will stand the test of time.

Another helpful thing we can do is focus less on perfection and more on effort, persistence, and progress. When a child experiences a setback, we can remind them:

• “You haven’t figured it out yet.”
• “What’s one small step you could try next?”
• “Look how much progress you’ve already made.”

These simple reminders help children see challenges not as stopping points, but as starting points for the next attempt.

With each passing day, those small signs of growth build into something vibrant and strong.

Over the next several weeks, our students will continue working hard, learning deeply, and building momentum in their classrooms. As we head toward the final stretch of the school year, we are excited to see how those daily efforts add up.

Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and support of our Anchorage learners.

Together, we help our students discover that when they keep going—even when the work is challenging—momentum builds, confidence grows, and success follows.

 

Warmly,

Sharla Six,  Superintendent
Anchorage Independent School District

 

Productive Struggle to Possibility

In my career, I’ve been blessed to apply for all types of educational job opportunities.  In recent years, several of those included superintendent positions. Each time, I prepared, hoped, and believed I might be ready—only to hear no. Those moments were disappointing. They were hard. And they mattered.

Looking back now, I can see clearly that those “no’s” were never a reflection of my worth or potential. They were simply “not yet” moments. Each experience taught me something—about leadership, about patience, about growth—and helped prepare me for the opportunity I am honored to have today.

Last month, we began talking with our students and their parents about the value of productive struggle—the idea that growth often comes through challenge, persistence, and effort. As we move full steam ahead into spring, I am hopeful we can begin to see the possibilities created by our struggles.  The simple phrase, “not yet,” is the lesson we want our students to carry with them into their future.

In school—and in life—our children will face setbacks:  a loss on the field, a test score they hoped would be higher, a role they didn’t get, a friendship that changes. We cannot protect them from disappointment, but we can equip them with the mindset to navigate it.

The “Power of Not Yet” reminds us that a struggle is not a stop sign.  A setback is not an enduring label, a “no” is not the end of the story.  It’s simply part of the journey.  To teach the “Power of Not Yet” to our children, we must normalize disappointment–without rescuing.  We should acknowledge feelings honestly.  We don’t rush to fix or minimize.  We let our kids feel it, then help them reframe it.  Reassuring them that it’s okay to feel disappointed when things don’t turn out the way we’d hoped will empower them for tough times ahead.  We need to help them shift their language from fixed to flexible when we hear statements like:  

• “I’m not good at this.”
• “I failed.”
• “I lost.”

Instead, we teach:

• “I’m not good at this yet.”
• “This didn’t work this time.”
• “What can I learn from this?”

One word, “yet,” can change everything.

Children learn what we praise.  Let’s celebrate effort, strategy, and persistence.  Highlight trying something hard, sticking with it, and adjusting after feedback.  Coming back after a loss is a LIFE SKILL, not just a school skill.

Children are always watching.  Modeling for them will help.  When adults say:

• “That was tough, but I learned something.”
• “I didn’t get the result I wanted, but I’m still growing.”
• “I’m not there yet—and that’s okay.”
   

…students learn resilience is normal, not exceptional.

Growth is not linear and progress doesn’t happen in a straight line. There are pauses, detours, and setbacks. The “Power of Not Yet,” helps students understand that where they are today is not where they’ll always be.

At Anchorage, we are committed to helping students develop not just academic skills, but the confidence and resilience to navigate life.  When our children learn to see struggle as temporary and growth as possible, they build the courage to try again.

Because sometimes the most powerful word we can give a child is simply:

Yet.

With much gratitude,

 

Sharla Six
Superintendent, Anchorage Independent School District

 

Dear Anchors,

Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Educators often refer to learning as a journey.  Our mission at Anchorage Public School is to launch lifelong learners—students who are curious, resilient, reflective, and willing to keep growing long after they leave our classrooms. Lifelong learning is not built through ease or shortcuts; it is built through challenge, perseverance, and the willingness to learn from mistakes along the way.  In the month of love and valentines, the APS Anchors will be leaning into the idea of “loving the productive struggle” of learning.

Valuing the Journey

In a world that emphasizes quick results and perfect outcomes, we want our students to understand that the process matters. The moments when learning feels hard—when answers don’t come immediately, when revisions are needed, when conflicts require reflection and repair—are often the moments when the deepest growth occurs.

 

Growth Mindset: Learning How to Learn

A growth mindset reminds us that ability is not fixed. Skills grow through effort, practice,  feedback, and perseverance. At APS, we want students to understand that:

• Struggle is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of learning
• Hard work helps the brain grow
• Mistakes are part of progress, not proof of failure
• Excellence comes from persistence, not perfection

When students learn to embrace challenges, they become more confident, more resilient, and more willing to take intellectual risks.

 

How This Connects to Lifelong Learning

 Many of our children experience success early and often. At the same time, we know that when students who are used to doing well encounter truly challenging work, they may hesitate—fearing mistakes, discomfort, or not getting it “right” the first time. Lifelong learners don’t give up when something feels uncomfortable. They ask questions. They seek feedback. They reflect. They persist. By helping students embrace struggle as part of the journey, we are equipping them with skills that extend far beyond school—skills they will use as leaders, collaborators, neighbors, and problem-solvers in the future.

 

What Productive Struggle Looks Like at APS

You may see students:

• Working through complex problems without immediate answers
• Revising writing or projects multiple times
• Navigating peer conflict and learning to repair relationships
• Reflecting on what didn’t work—and trying again

Our teachers intentionally work to balance high expectations with high support, encouraging students as they stretch, struggle, and grow.

How Families Can Reinforce This at Home

You can help reinforce this message by:

• Talking about effort, strategies, and growth—not just grades or results
• Sharing your own stories of learning through challenge and hard work
• Asking questions like, “What did you learn from that?” or “What’s your next step?”
• Reminding your child that progress often comes one step at a time

Continuing the Journey—Together

Excellence at Anchorage Public School is not defined by perfection, but by persistence and purpose. As we continue this year together, we remain committed to nurturing students who value the journey as much as the destination—students who are bright, capable, and eager to learn.  Excellence is not about always being the smartest in the room—it’s about being willing to keep learning. By loving the productive struggle, we help students build the habits, confidence, and mindset they need for a lifetime of growth.  We’re here for it!

 

With appreciation for our partnership,

Sharla Six, Superintendent
Anchorage Public School

January 2026 Superintendent Newsletter

Excellence in 2026 – Who We Are, Everywhere We Go

As we begin a new year together, January offers both a reset and a recommitment. At Anchorage Public School, excellence is not a single program, award, or moment—it is a shared mindset. It shows up in how we teach and learn, how we treat one another, and how we represent our school beyond our beautiful campus.

In 2026, excellence will continue to be defined not only by outcomes, but by expectations, effort, and example.

What Excellence Looks Like at Anchorage

For Our Faculty and Staff

Excellence begins with the adults who serve our students each day. In the coming year, we will continue to emphasize:

• High expectations for all learners, paired with the support students need to meet them
• Strong instructional practices rooted in reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Professional integrity and pride, knowing that how we speak, act, and lead shapes our school culture
• Consistency and care, ensuring students experience excellence not occasionally, but every day

Excellence is often quiet—found in preparation, follow-through, and the belief that every student can grow.

For Parents and Families

Families are powerful partners in reinforcing excellence. Small, consistent messages at home make a lasting difference.

Parent Tips to Support Excellence and High Expectations:

• Talk with your child about effort, not just outcomes: “What challenged you today?”
• Set routines that support learning—sleep, organization, and responsibility matter
• Encourage perseverance when things feel hard; excellence is built through practice
• Speak positively about school, learning, and educators—children absorb these messages
• Help students take ownership: preparing materials, meeting deadlines, and asking for help

High expectations paired with encouragement help students build confidence, resilience, and pride in their work.

For Our Community and Neighbors

Anchorage Public School is deeply connected to its community. Excellence extends beyond the classroom and into how we engage with one another.

• Welcoming visitors and guests with pride and respect
• Supporting school events, performances, and activities
• Modeling kindness, civility, and responsibility as neighbors
• Celebrating our students’ accomplishments across academics, arts, and athletics

When our community lifts up our school, students feel it—and they rise to it.

The Student Voice We Want Every Anchorage Student to Know and Feel

Launching Lifelong Learners

At Anchorage Public School, excellence means more than what students achieve today—it is about who they are becoming. As a school committed to launching lifelong learners, we want every student to know and feel:

“I am known, valued, and supported here.”
“I am challenged to think deeply and grow every day.”
“My curiosity matters, and my questions are welcome.”
“I am learning how to learn—now and for the future.”
“I represent Anchorage with pride, integrity, and purpose.”

Our students should feel confident taking academic risks, persistent when learning feels difficult, and empowered to take ownership of their learning. Excellence at Anchorage is not defined by perfection, but by curiosity, effort, reflection, and growth.

When our students speak about Anchorage, we want them to say this is a place where adults care deeply, expectations are high, and every student is encouraged to become the best version of themselves—academically, socially, and personally.  When our students leave our classrooms—whether for a field trip, a performance, a competition, or eventually to their next chapter—we want them to carry with them the habits of lifelong learners: critical thinking, responsibility, kindness, and a commitment to excellence in all they do.

Moving Forward Together

As we step into the new year, let us continue to hold one another—and ourselves—to high expectations. These moments matter. They shape how others see our school—and how our students see themselves. Excellence is not about being perfect; it’s about being purposeful, reflective, and committed to growth.

Thank you for the countless ways you support our students and strengthen our school. Together, we will continue to model what it means to learn well, lead well, and represent Anchorage with pride.

With appreciation and optimism,

 

Sharla Six
Superintendent, Anchorage Public School

Anchorage Public School Superintendent Newsletter
December 2025 – Reflections, Growth, and Gratitude

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Dear Anchorage Families and Staff,

As 2025 draws to a close, December invites us to pause and reflect.  It’s a season marked by twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and a sense of celebration across many traditions. In that spirit, we take a moment to reflect on the progress, resilience, and growth that have shaped our school community this year.

When we began this school year, we committed to strong foundations: consistency, connection, and instructional innovation. Those early steps have blossomed into meaningful momentum—more collaborative classrooms, clearer routines that support students, and a renewed focus on belonging. We’ve seen children lean into learning with curiosity and courage, supported by staff who model excellence every day.

This winter season gives us the perfect backdrop to appreciate the bright spots that have illuminated our year. Among them:

• Stronger instructional alignment and intentional shifts across classrooms
• Purposeful work by our new administrative team to listen, support, and respond
• Collaborative planning that elevates student voice and teacher leadership
• Family and community partnerships that enrich school life
• A deepening culture of inclusion and belonging through ongoing prevention and awareness efforts

Our accomplishments remind us of the collective strength of our community.

Amid the flurry of winter activities—concerts, classroom projects, and celebrations—we also make intentional space for what matters most:

• Classrooms where every child feels seen and valued
• Routines that bring comfort and consistency
• Relationships that keep us grounded and connected
• Moments of creativity, collaboration, and joy

This season offers a natural slowing of pace. It allows us to reflect, reconnect, and prepare to step into the new year with clarity and renewed purpose.

One of the greatest gifts of this year has been witnessing how our community supports one another—through challenges, achievements, and the everyday moments that make Anchorage special. We have grown stronger in our communication, our commitments, and our shared understanding of what it means to belong to this incredible school community.

Thank you to our teachers who innovate, our staff who nurture and guide, our families who partner with us, and our students who inspire us daily. You are the heart of Anchorage Public School.

As winter break approaches, I hope you and your families find time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the many festivities and traditions that make this season meaningful. We have much to celebrate—and even more to look forward to in 2026. It is an honor to walk beside you as we continue this journey into the new year.

Warmly,

Sharla Six
Superintendent, Anchorage Public School

 

Anchorage Public School Superintendent’s Message:  November 2025

Theme: Gratitude in Growth

As November arrives, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey our Anchorage community has experienced in the past year. Transforming a culture doesn’t happen overnight — it happens through many small, steady steps, built on trust, shared purpose, and a deep belief in what’s possible for our students.

This fall, we plan on taking important steps to bring our mission and vision back to life through the development of our new Strategic Plan. This plan is more than words on a page — it’s our roadmap to becoming even stronger as a learning community. It reflects the heart of who we are and what we value most at Anchorage: connection, belonging, and excellence for every child.

Our priorities are clear and deeply interconnected:

• Strengthening core operations so our systems support the people and programs that matter most.
• Prioritizing employee engagement, because a thriving culture for adults creates a thriving experience for students.
• Partnering with families and neighbors, recognizing that education is strongest when we work side by side.
• Empowering every student to grow, achieve, and succeed, nurturing their curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

As we continue this work, I’m filled with thankfulness— for the dedication of our teachers and staff, the support of our families, and the energy and joy our students provide.  What a gift! Transformation takes time, but every day offers moments to appreciate the progress we’re making and the people walking alongside us in the process.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Anchorage a place where every child will feel inspired to engage, connect, and belong.  Our possibilities are endless!

With much gratitude,

Sharla Six
Superintendent, Anchorage Public School

 

Anchorage Public School Superintendent’s Newsletter
October 2025

Side by Side: Improving the Student Experience

Dear Anchorage Families, Staff, and Community,

As I continue the journey as your superintendent, I find myself coming back to one central mission: to improve the student experience and make a difference in the life of every child at Anchorage Public Schools. Every decision, every initiative, and every conversation should reflect that purpose.

Last year, I began a process called “rounding,” where stakeholders shared their ideas and feedback. This year, I’ll continue rounding to impact my practice. Thanks to our new strategic planning tools, we have access to an application that will help us collect feedback more consistently, follow up more effectively, and—most importantly—make sure every voice is heard.  Feedback matters for everyone and we depend on it to grow and evolve. 

Rounding is not about my evaluation as the superintendent. It’s about listening, learning, and leading better. It’s about being accountable to the people who serve our students every day. Our principal will also implement, with a focus on school-based practices, while I’ll be asking questions about district-level direction. Together, we’ll gather insights to strengthen our practices and align our actions with what matters most—our students. 

Here are the four questions I’ll be asking staff between now and January 2026:

1. If my mission as a leader in public education is to improve the student experience, how can I better add value to our team at APS?
2. What is your dream for our school, and how can I support you in achieving it?
3. How will we know we are making an impact on our mission or dreams?
4. In our school, who helps you thrive?

I share these questions with you, our parents and community, because I want you to know how deeply we value input and collaboration. Each of us—educators, families, neighbors, and leaders—plays a role in shaping the experience of every child.

At the end of every day, my hope is simple: that a child goes home feeling seen, supported, and inspired in our school. I know many of you share the same hopes for APS, and I invite you to reflect with us. What is your dream for our school? And how can we, as a community, make it a reality together? I’d love to hear from you at sharla.six@anchorage.kyschools.us

Thank you for walking side by side with us as we strive to build belonging, strengthen learning, and ensure that every child in Anchorage Public Schools has the best possible experience.

With gratitude,

Sharla Six
Superintendent

 

Dear Anchorage Families, Staff, and Community,

As we step into September, we are reminded of the incredible power of togetherness. True belonging happens when every child, every family, and every staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. This week, we officially kicked off our strategic planning processes!  Through listening, learning, and standing side by side, I know we can work together to create a safe, inclusive, and joyful learning environment. Your voice guides our practices and reminds us why this work matters for many.

Looking ahead, our administrative team is preparing for October, as we join schools across the nation in recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month. At Anchorage, prevention is not just a campaign—it’s a commitment to improving our culture.  In our student focus groups yesterday, we met with 20 children in grades 5-8 who clearly articulated the meaning of bullying.  They know the difference between a simple disagreement or difference in opinion, a true conflict, and repetitive harassment.  Some of our kids speak of their bullying experiences and the need for adults at school and at home to be helpful.  I want you to know we are going to answer the call.  We don’t want them to feel like their voice is not heard.  Please keep us informed of ongoing situations that occur.  Knowledge is power and we’ll be sure to handle all situations with care and sensitivity.      

This fall, we want to emphasize:

• Classroom conversations focused on kindness, respect, and empathy
• Awareness events highlighting the importance of belonging
• A streamlined reporting process to make sure concerns are heard and addressed
• Two-way communication 

By engaging students, families, and staff, we can take a united stand: bullying has no place in Anchorage Public School.  Let’s do better.  

Strengthening Family & Community Partnerships

Another clear message confirmed this week:  Community is at the heart of who we are. In September, we are spotlighting family and community engagement efforts that make a difference, including:

• Volunteer opportunities at school:  Are you interested in volunteering at morning drop-off or at lunch?  We love friendly car door openers and are in need of more kindness coordinators in the lunchroom. Let me know if you are interested! 
• Partnerships with local organizations to extend learning and support:  Would your business or organization love to be more involved with our school in some way?  Let’s talk soon!  Our kids would truly appreciate serving their community in a multitude of ways.

When families and schools collaborate, students thrive.  Let me know how you’d like to be involved and we can customize our partnership to match our needs with your skill set!

With gratitude and partnership,

 Sharla Six
 Superintendent, Anchorage Public School

 

 

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Trailblazing at Anchorage – Building Upon our Momentum and Leading with Vision, Heart, and Purpose

Blazing Trails Together

Dear Anchorage Families, Staff, and Community,

As we prepare to launch the 2025–2026 school year, I want to welcome you into a new season of purpose, progress, and pride. Here at Anchorage, we are excited about the 2025-2026 theme of trailblazing—for the sake of our students, our staff, and our shared future. 

Trailblazing is about stepping forward when the path isn’t always clear.  We want to take bold, thoughtful action grounded in the love and care we have for our students and our community. This year, we hope to honor our legacy while designing systems that serve our entire school family.  Let’s emphasize innovation, creativity, and the discovery of our individual gifts. 

Our Focus for the Year Ahead

This year’s work is anchored in five key themes that will guide our efforts district-wide:

• Trailblazing – Leading with courage, clarity, and authenticity
• Going the Extra Mile – Putting students first and providing excellent customer service to stakeholders
• Discovery – Fueling curiosity, engagement, and innovation
• Step by Step – Building strong systems for sustainable growth
• Side by Side – Strengthening trust and community

You’ll see these themes throughout our communications, instructional practices, professional learning, and culture-building this year.

Leadership with a Fresh Perspective

We are thrilled to introduce a revitalized leadership team dedicated to building responsive, student-centered systems. Together, we will:

• Improve communication and transparency
• Prioritize instructional engagement and innovation
• Foster authentic stakeholder partnerships
• Refine our bullying prevention and awareness efforts
• Focus on our facility and its highest priority needs

This work starts now—and it includes all of us.  In July, with board members, we’ll kick off some “pre-strategic planning” processes to identify what we value and what our goals and objectives will be in the coming year.  I look forward to this planning time with the board and our leadership team this month as it is an integral part of the strategic planning tasks we need to begin as soon as possible.   

Our stakeholders will also be asked to actively participate in strategic planning processes during the first semester.  Through data collection and the work of shared focus groups, we will determine our priorities as a community.  Once our strategic plan is designed, our future actions should align with our goals.  With focused implementation and monitoring, we would expect improved student outcomes for success.  Additionally, the systems we create will be hard-wired and sustainable for the future. With the capacity of our Anchorage community, our possibilities are endless!

Trailblazing in the Classroom

Anchorage educators have always gone above and beyond for our students. This year, we’ll be spotlighting classroom innovation and engagement each month—amplifying great ideas, celebrating impact, and encouraging risk-taking for student success.  We can’t wait to feature our strengths!  I look forward to witnessing growth in our students as they experience an increased number of vibrant learning opportunities.

In one of our summer reading texts for staff, What School Could Be by Ted Dintersmith, the author shares many examples of students who thrive in environments where they can develop purpose, essentials, agency, and knowledge (P.E.A.K. Principles).  “Where these principles exist—children love school, learn deeply and joyously, and master the essential skills they need.”  Isn’t this what we want for every child who attends Anchorage Public School?

Whether you're teaching, parenting, learning, or leading—you are part of what makes Anchorage special. This year, let’s be bold. Let’s blaze a trail others will follow, because they see the heart behind our work. Let’s commit to working together as a team for the benefit of all.   

Save the Date

• July 20 – Look for Increased “Back to School” Communications
• August 18 – APTA’s Back to School Night (5-7 pm)
• August 20 – First Day of School
• August 22 – 8:00 am ABCs with Sharla in the District Office (All invited for Bagels and Coffee chat with the superintendent) Let me know about your child’s first week!

As always, I welcome your feedback and would love to hear about any summer celebrations your family is currently experiencing!  Please don’t hesitate to email me:  sharla.six@anchorage.kyschools.us

With optimism and gratitude,

Sharla Six
Superintendent, Anchorage Public School