• Category 3

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 37,702
    Student Enrollment: 423
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 11.6%
    White/Caucasian: 43.5%
    Hispanic: 27%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 5.7%
    Asian: 2.1%
    Native American: 1.4%
    Other: 8.7%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:28
    % Reduced Lunch: 50%
    % ELL Learners: 6.9%
    Founded: 1993
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Rachel Blackwell
  • CONTACT:
    4167 Neely Road
    Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
    907-356-2038
    rachel.blackwell@k12northstar.org
Arctic Light Elementary School
Fort Wainwright, AK
The welcoming environment and sense of community that we are building at our school is palpable and a big factor in our success.
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Arctic Light Elementary serves a diverse population of students and families. We work to meet the needs of all students that come to us and at least 6% of our students are in the English Language Learner program. We have a dedicated ELL staff that pushes into classrooms and supports teachers. This year we have implemented a Walk to Read program for all students and have strategically grouped ELL students with their tutor and non-ELL peers.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The positive changes at Arctic Light have been through our staff and their commitment to success for all students. This school year we brought in Playworks for a Recess Reboot to support positive play for all students and to address the social-emotional climate of our school for ELL and non-ELL students. We are also bringing in Kagan Cooperative Learning professional development for all staff to promote engagement for all students. Our staff works hard to make all ELL families feel welcome and connected to our community at Arctic Light. We hold ELL events to provide these connection opportunities.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
Our school utilizes the funding provided by ESEA to hire tutors and support staff to work with our students. We have two onboarding secretaries whose primary function is to welcome families and make them feel comfortable at our school. Our ESEA funding also allows us to host a variety of events for our school community and help families build connections with our staff and with each other.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
All of our staff has participated in UFLI and mCLASS training to help prepare them for our new Walk to Read program. We will also be participating in Kagan Cooperative Learning professional development to give teachers good engagement strategies that they can implement right away.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
This is my first year as Principal here at Arctic Light and I think that the positivity and friendliness of our school has improved this year. Staff are committed to student success and we see our families as partners in education. The welcoming environment and sense of community that we are building at our school is palpable and a big factor in our success.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Our location on a military base makes our community involvement a key part of our success as a school. The families of our students are all around us and we have made a strong effort to listen to the needs of our families and what they want from us as a school. We have hosted events for our families based on their feedback and continue to support the community in every way that we can.
Stats
  • Category 3

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 37,702
    Student Enrollment: 423
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 11.6%
    White/Caucasian: 43.5%
    Hispanic: 27%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 5.7%
    Asian: 2.1%
    Native American: 1.4%
    Other: 8.7%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:28
    % Reduced Lunch: 50%
    % ELL Learners: 6.9%
    Founded: 1993
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Rachel Blackwell
  • CONTACT:
    4167 Neely Road
    Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
    907-356-2038
    rachel.blackwell@k12northstar.org