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Vol 3, Issue 26
The FUNd Stuff!
Stories from the Office of Advancement at Pacific Northern Academy
Vision Courage Integrity
Greetings!
Blinding Us . . . With Science!
Bruce Hamler | PNA 6th Grade Teacher
"Science is a way of thinking much more than a body of
knowledge."
- Carl Sagan
Logic, reason and the scientific method provide the foundation
for the technically advanced civilization that we enjoy
today. Through science and technology, mankind has
transformed his environment and his relationship to the planet
and the cosmos. As we move into the 21st Century, we face a
variety of significant challenges that will require scientific
thinking and a cooperative spirit.
However, in its March 2015 issue, National Geographic
declares that "The War On Science" has begun. Citing ongoing
arguments that climate change does not exist, evolution never
happened and the moon landings were faked, National
Geographic warns that we turn our backs on science at our
own peril. Now, more than ever, we must teach our students to
think scientifically and become well-educated and engaged
citizens.
The primary purpose of the PNA Science and Technology
Exhibit is to generate excitement in science and technology.
Ethan explains how to make thunder and
lightning in your house!
This includes educating students to think scientifically and to
encourage them to consider careers in science and
engineering. Science fairs enable students to develop their
ability to question, test, observe, document and reason. By
using the scientific method, students develop the critical
thinking skills necessary to succeed in today's increasingly
complex society.
In the spirit of cooperation and teamwork, the PNA Science
Fair is an exhibit and not a competition.There are no awards or
ribbons. Everyone who participates receives authentic
feedback from science professionals and a certificate of
Third graders Neil and Clarie get a handle on
electromagnetism.
participation. All participants also enjoy lunch with the science
fair judges and an ice cream party after school! Let's hear it for
science!
Mr. Hamler with student scientists enjoying the Science Fair.
Hannah discovered what kinds of materials
work best for parachutes . . .
Postcards from the Classroom
And Stella found out that girls are, um, more
observant than boys.
Some of Mr. Johnson's 5th graders enjoy some plant life and
natural light along with their Word Voyage . . .
Links We Love
You can check out some footage from the
White House Science Fair, and a thoughtful
teacher's take on the value of science projects
and fairs is here.
PNA is participating for the first time in the
Alaska Humanities Forum's Rose Urban Rural
Exchange, which seeks to strengthen
relationships between urban and rural
Alaskans by building mutual respect,
understanding and a statewide sense of
community through cross-cultural exchanges
Others have found a cozy corner where they can explore the
of teachers and sister schools.
wide world of words!
Also, we appreciate and support our fabulous
school supporters, companies who help PNA
achieve its mission all year long:
Imaging Associates
Jeremy Miller and his daughter Kennadi get an animated
description from Raditya during the EK parent lunch.
Rhyneer Caylor Clinic
From the Science Lab
Want to know who some of our great Presidents were and
why? Ask a 7th or 8th grader! Ms. Hoefer helps Carter refine
her persuasive essay.
Dear Community -
I hope you enjoyed a great spring break. And I hope you
are ready for the last 10 weeks of the school year because
they are action-packed!
The fun started right in this first week back with PNA's
annual Science Fair. This is a fabulous opportunity for
students to experience the scientific process firsthand,
coming up with their own investigations and hypotheses,
Andrew shows one of the local trout brought in
developing the means of testing theories and evaluating
for dissection this week in the science lab . . .
results, harnessing powers of observation, and finding and
presenting evidence-based conclusions about the world
around them.
44 students presented projects this year, and a dozen
judges from the community came to provide feedback and
encouragement for our student scientists. Mr. Hamler
coordinated the event and helped inspire the participants
with his enthusiasm for science. Thanks to all for a great
science fair experience for our community!
Next week, we are excited to welcome five students from
Brevig Mission, AK, as part of our participation in Alaska
Humanities Forum's Rose Urban Rural Exchange. You
can meet the students and learn about the exchange
program in the media center Monday at 3:30. Mr. Johnson
has led this effort for PNA, and five PNA students will also
be visiting Brevig Mission next month.
. . . then Neve and Sydney take a peek to see
what's inside!
Have a great weekend!
Love What You See?
Pat
Pat Lavin
Director of Advancement
[email protected]
You Can Support It!
Look Familiar?
Your gift benefits today's students and
everyone's future. Spread the word! Don't let
PNA be Anchorage's best kept secret. Let your
friends know!
To make a donation to PNA,
Call (907) 333-1080
and speak with Pat Lavin,
Director of Advancement.
Coming Right Up:
Check us out on Facebook! Instagram! We are there, having
fun...like us!
Meet the Students from Brevig Mission, AK,
AND THANKS! for taking us up and over
visiting us next week as part of a first-ever
400 LIKES on Facebook! Wow!
cultural exchange for PNA!
Monday, March 23, 3:30pm in the Media
Center
Just ONE More... A Fond Farewell to
Spring Break!
Spirit Week!
March 30-April 3
Middle School Dance
Friday, April 3
Performance of Clifford: Best in Show!
Early Childhood - 2nd Grade
Friday, April 10, 4:30pm
ERB Testing - Grades 2-8
April 13-16
For a full calendar, please visit the
Pacific Northern Academy Website
One 7th Grader's idea of a great way to spend a spring break
vacation day!
Thank you to the following individuals and businesses for supporting PNA throughout the year. Their
partnership is vital to the success of our programs and to the impact of independent education in Alaska. We
are sincerely grateful for their continued commitment.
Ral West and John Hardwick
Imaging Associates
Dr. David Beal
Rhyneer Caylor Clinic
Mirror Studios
GCI
Mehner Weiser Real Estate
Mercedes Benz of Anchorage
Kenny's Kitchen
Medical Park Family Care
Orthopedic Physicians of Anchorage
Talkeetna Alaska Lodge
Porsche of Anchorage
We educate students to be exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision,
courage, and integrity.
Pacific Northern Academy * 9251 Lake Otis Parkway * Anchorage, Alaska 99507
Arnie Cohen, Head of School
Krystal Boyechko, Director of Admissions & Marketing
Pat Lavin, Director of Advancement
TEL: (907) 333-1080 FAX: (907) 333-1652
www.pacificnorthern.org