Do you know your Revolutionary War generals and battles? Butte 5th graders participate in a Revolutionary War Living Museum, telling the story of America's fight for freedom. Teachers: Ms. Boozer, Ms. Hill, Ms. Richey, and Ms. Merrill. Principal Dan Kitchin welcomed Rep. Bill Stoltze.

Iditarod first graders in Mrs. Louise Ralston's class have incubated eggs and have five baby chicks. Each child made a booklet of the stages of growth; the eggs were candled to determine which were fertilized and which could be eaten; and then the big day--hatching! In the brooder to stay warm are five chicks.

See or download a list of MSBSD Graduation Ceremonies. Use the Watch Live link to stream events held at the Menard Sports Complex. Visit the site early to download required Flash prior to the ceremony.

"I want to leave my size 7 footprint on the world..." is one word from Colony High School graduate, Kenzie Joy Bjerken, winner of the BP Principal and BP Commissioner's Scholarships totaling about $24,000. Read more...

At the final band concert of the year, Colony High School welcomed the President and Chairman of the Board and wife, Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott Jenkins, Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Presenting the Tournament of Roses Parade Flag to band officers, Jamin Burton, band director, and Pualeilani Monds, choir/orchestra teacher were on hand.

Wednesday, May 8, is National School Nurse Day, and the District honors the work of more than 30 school nurses who play a significant role in improving students' health and academic outcomes. Read more...

Today, the MSBSD honors every teacher in every classroom. Continuing to celebrate that Daniel Trotter is the 2013 BP Teacher of the Year in the Mat-Su Borough School District. "The BP Teachers of Excellence program recognizes Alaska teachers for their dedication to teaching and for inspiring students." Thank you, BP! (Photo credit: Clark James Mishler Photography) Read more...

Dr. Deena Paramo said, "To all of our stakeholders, the return on your investment is before you." Speaking at the Alaska Middle College, May 2, Dr. Paramo, the MSBSD, and UAA celebrate the first academic year at the school. Dr. Paramo and UAA Chancellor Thomas Case cut the ribbon. Read more in the story...

CHS Band Director, Mr. Jamin Burton, and Choir/Orchestra Director, Ms. Pualeilani Monds, with Grammy Foundation, Alaska recording artist, Matt Hammer. CHS received $5,500 and a Grammy!

New books, that is. CMS librarian, Ms. Robin Turk, is the first place winner in the Book Bonanza essay contest sponsored by the Alaska Association of School Librarians and AKLA, awarded $2,000 worth of Barnes and Noble gift cards to spend on improving the CMS library. (Shown, Ms. Turk with CMS BOB team)

Brady Ingersol and Ty Frazier are 2Soup-A-Starz in the West Point Bridge Design Contest, placing 2ND in the final round and each earning a $5,000 prize in the finals at West Point. Ray Jensen is teacher/advisor.

PPE principal, Dan Molina, and student council advisor/teacher, Lindsay Holman, gave students a first-hand experience of community involvement through a group such as the Wasilla Sunrise Rotary. Student Council president, Brooklyn Hopsack, gave an update to the Rotary Club of the service projects completed this year.

"I can't think of a better Peer Helper experience," said Wasilla Middle School teacher and peer helper advisor, Janis Mack. What began as a pen pal project culminated with a face-to-face visit by WMS eighth graders to Goose Bay Elementary first grade. Read more...

Burchell High School and Houston High School principals, Adam Mokelke and William Johnson, celebrated the success and dedication of the senior guard who recently signed with Central Method University in Missouri. Hale completes this year with a 4.0 GPA, and has been named one of 13 students by USA Today and the National Guard. Read more…

"My Palmer High School art students have collaborated with Misty Holler's kindergarteners from Academy Charter to create art modeled after the Monster Engine Project by Dave DeVries," says teacher, Shelli Franckowiak. Read more...

Teeland Middle School hosted the Third Annual Diversity Celebration. With lots of food, fun, and festive song, language, and music, students filled the room with talent and energy. Pictured are part of Shaw Elementary's Signing Sundogs. Read more...

"For the last five years, juniors and seniors from Mrs. Carla Swick's language classes have come to my 5th grade classroom at Academy Charter School," said ACS teacher, Mrs. Julie Real, "teaching and sharing Japanese culture, traditions, and flavors with my students." Read more...

In Mrs. Chyko's physical science class, eighth graders were assigned the task of building a marble run--demonstrating their learned knowledge of physics this year. Read more...

Dr. Paramo and the MSBSD Administration continue to plan and work in meeting the School Board goal in school safety. A brochure from the recent Community Forum is availalble to read or download.

About 150 students from 13 MSBSD elementary schools built mystery projects, solved "What's in the box?" and predicted how many pennies could float in an alumnium foil barge. Fun? Tim Lundt, CTHS teacher, is State Science O coordinator

"That WAS a whale of an idea," said Palmer High School safety coordinator, Dave Bonn. The students, junior class advisor Cheryl Williams, and the parent/volunteer, Yvonne Marty, "the brains/designer/begger" for all things recycled and repurposed, transformed the Palmer High gym into Atlantis. Read more.

At Swanson Elementary School, Mrs. West's second graders became word surgeons. During reading time, words and phrases were cut and bandaged to form contractions. Read more...

This year, Snowshoe's balloons dotting the Farm Loop landscape sky were blue and green. Students who were present for the days of SBA testing earned the reward of releasing a balloon into the wind.

From basketball to poetry to community service, our students and staff members are working hard to achieve excellence. Read more and enjoy the successes of the MSBSD, including the Wasilla girls' basketball 3-Peat.

The MSBSD has prepared a balanced preliminary budget and submitted the budget to the Mat-Su Borough on April 1st. Download or read any of the finanical information and details.

Career & Technical High School and Teeland Middle School teams qualified for nationals by taking first in State competition last Saturday. Tim Lundt, CTHS teacher, is State Coordinator. The nationals are at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, in May.

More than survived, Ms. Kenney, Ms. Bell, Mrs. Derouen, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Lewis, and Mrs. West--these classes learned how to build snow caves, start fires safely, ski, and participated in other cold-climate skills building activities.

Principal Dan Michael says, "We have some great stuff going on at Sherrod!" Before school and after school, students work in the computer lab on a web-based curriculum from ALEKS--Preston is shown here working. Read more about the academic results...

Joining with Alaska Family Services, the City of Palmer, and other agencies, the MSBSD participates in raising awareness to stop the epidemic of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse in Alaska.

CHS junior, Nathan Siddel, who grew up in Bethel, was passed the battalion flag from senior Samantha Everett, and change of colors from LTC Butch Diotte and 1SG Dave Gogert.

K-2 students at Goose Bay welcomed four-time Iditarod champion musher Martin Buser, musher Matt Failor who raced Buser's B-team this year, and Yule, an Iditarod dog. Brooke Kelly is GBE Principal, and Nancy Blake, PE teacher.

PPE is one among other MSBSD schools participating in the American Heart Association's "Jump Rope for Heart" this year raising $2,450. Yvonne Brooke and Brandy Bishop, PPE teachers; Dan Molina, Principal.

Seniors Zane and Amby are helping friends to purchase donated prom dresses. WHS Principal, Mrs. Amy Spargo, said, "Zane came up with an incredibly creative plan for providing donated dresses to our students who cannot afford a dress at prom time." Thanks to Infusion Boutique and Mila's Alterations, both in Wasilla, and to owner C. Lazar of Hott Hott Chocolate. Read more...

Tong Thao, senior at Colony High School won last night's state Poetry Out Loud competition in Juneau, earning a spot in the national competition in Washington, D.C., in April. Congratulations, Tong! (Photo credit: Michael Penn/Juneau Empire)

During the last 12 years, Valley Rotarians have presented career options and choice information to over 12,000 MSBSD middle school students. Thank you! Read more...

Daniel Royston was named the ASTE High School Technology Student of the Year. Daniel is a business pathway member and principal, Mark Okeson, says, "Daniel is a superior student of all things technology." He plans for a career in technology after college in Oregon. "Congratulations, Daniel! You've worked hard and deserve this sought-after, nomination-only award," said Mr. Okeson.

Alysha Devine joins her brother, Connor, as Wasilla High School guard celebrates her 2013 honor. (Photo courtesy of Robert DeBerry, Frontiersman) Kyla Dinkel is the 4A girls player of the year selected by the Tilmo Painting/Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches. Coach Jeannie Hebert-Truax is the 2013 NLC Coach of the Year

In the final round, Mat-Su math whizzes compute for the final answer! Thank you to Jennifer Bleicher, teacher at Cottonwood Creek Elementary for organizing and CWE as host school. About 90 MSBSD students participated from at least ten schools.

"A born leader" is how Sabrina Pralle has been described. Only one of two Alaskans chosen for her achievement in Advanced Placement courses at CHS...Read more

Taking first place in the Science Bowl, CTHS team is headed to the National Science Bowl in Washington. Read more about the contest and results...

Cutting the ribbon on the Zamboni Building, GVS Principal, Wendy Taylor, welcomed Rep. Eric Feige. Read more...

The Mat-Su Borough School District hosts a community safety meeting to inform the public agencies about steps the District is taking for maximum school safety and to hear from first responders how the District can improve. Read more...

Machetanz Elementary students put the service into "service learning." Read more about Mat-Su firefighters, Jaime Rodriguez and Mark Easter...

From found objects and donated supplies, Talkeetna Elementary students made life-size puppets during a week with artist-in-residence, Steve Gordon. Sponsored by the PTA, the event stretches into spring as students continue to tell stories and learn fables. Read more...

"What do 73,892 math minutes mean,? asks Larson Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Sara Lamont. It means that Larson students celebrate their math success. Read more about visits from the Iditarod Teacher on the Trail.

Welcoming the Denali Destroyer Dolls roller derby team, Snowshoe principal, Mrs. Carol Boatman, led students in an assembly highlighting how Snowshoe is "bully free". Read more...

According to Stageoflife researchers, "77% of teens say they read at least an extra book per month for personal pleasure that isn't required for school." How many books do Mat-Su students read? They read stacks to learn characters, plots, scenes, events, and more in preparation for the District Battle of the Books. Sponsored by the Alaska Association of School Librarians, the State BOB is soon. Read more...

MSBSD students from Wasilla High School, Colony High School (photo from CHS), and Houston High School win top honors in the First National Bank Alaska State World Language Declamation Contest. Read more...

Thank you! to American Veterans Post 9 for new U.S. and Alaska flags for Iditarod Elementary School. "We were very proud of how respectful our 5th graders were to the veterans during the flag-raising ceremony," reports Iditarod teachers, Mrs.Hoffner and Mrs. Jacobson. Scott Nelson is IDE princpal. Read more.....

"I worked out an important mathematical formula," explained Albert Einstein. Portraying noteworthy historical figures in U.S. history, second graders in Ms. Julie West's class present in character to Dr. Paramo, some administrative employees, and parents. Learn more...

Administered on Tuesday, February 26, to all 7-8 graders and a random sample of students in grades 9-12. Learn more...

The Budget Open Houses were an opportunity to invite parents and community stakeholders to, "Come join the conversation." Essential to the fiscal planning and operation of the Mat-Su Borough School District, involved adults make a difference. Thanks to host schools Su Valley Jr/Sr High School, Birchtree Charter School, and Knik Elementary. Read more...

Coming February 1--read more...

Give lessons a byte...learn more about how MSBSD teachers and students are using technology.

"Since coming to the Distirct (MSBSD) in 1984, he has taught in the classroom, coached football, and served as an assistant principal and principal. In the classroom and on the football field, McPhail is a role model for generations of Valley men." Read more in the Frontiersman about the Executive Director of Instruction, Mr. Lebron McPhail.

Want to know more about Alaska Middle College School? Watch this informative video by Chas St. George for UAA, shared with MSBSD.

MSBSD School Board, Superintendent Dr. Deena M. Paramo, and administration continue to focus on improving school safety for our students. Read more...

For military and non-military families, help is now a click away. Read more...

With about 25 students, the sport shooting activity teaches firearms safety and skills. Read more...

Tragedy has no bounds and we honor the small lives and the adults that were lost in Newtown

Immediate changes are outlined from Superintendent. Read more...

Read the year in review. Click on the full story.

MSBSD elementary students get on the ice with the Department of Fish & Game at Finger Lake

Butte Elementary School receives big $5,000 check from Valley ABATE. Read more...

Hightlighting and celebrating student and staff achievements, the School Board gives a hand...shown is part of the cast and crew from Colony Middle School's "the Little Mermaid the Musical." Read more in the full story

Monthly updates from Borough on the $216 million, five-year construction bond; read more to also find a 2012 Bond Schedule. School Board considers 35% design for two new schools

Wasilla Middle School, Cottonwood Creek Elementary, Larson Elementary, and Finger Lake Elementary all demonstrate academic gains. Read more..

A STEM opportunity for over 200 middle school students in Mat-Su. Read more...

Congratulations to Brandy J. Bishop, MSBSD Teacher of the Year and alternate, Alaska Teacher of the Year 2013

Big Lake Elementary School performs "Cranberry Red Balloon" by Tab Laven.Mr. Stephen Moore, music teaacher, and Mr. John Simon, BLE Principal.

Dr. Paramo said, "Yes, there is school tomorrow." Every day. We are here and expect children to have a normal day of learning Monday. Read more in Full Story from last Thursday.

"This year's show is beyond outstanding," said CMS Principal Mary McMahon. Read more...

The goals: To educate and inform others of the diverse Alaska groups, to engage the community, and encourage widespread community participation

The MSBSD Families in Transition Program helps enroll and support students currently between homes. Removing barriers and stress to increase academic success. Read more...

Spotlight on Cottonwook Creek Elementary school's celebration of Veterans Day and Operation Caring Classroom. Read about their "Digital Visit" from Senator Begich and more!

Great public schools for every student...read more

For parents now and later for employees, text messaging from your school or the district will be possible through our automated calling system, Blackboard Connect. If you have given your school or the district your cell number as a contact number, you may receive a text message announcing this feature with an "opt out" option. This is one more way the MSBSD "connects" with our families. Read more...

Presented by Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union with other volunteers, students get a R-E-A-L-I-T-Y C-H-E-C-K. Read more...

In her second year as Principal of MSBSD's largest high school, Mrs. Spargo is honored by her peers for outstanding work. Mr. Adam Mokelke, Principal of Burchell High School, is AASSP President.

(1) MSBSD Substitute Custodians in high demand! Contact Julane Troseth, MSBSD Operations & Maintenance, at 907-864-2011. (2) Bus drivers for First Student, call 907-357-6327.

Spending two weeks at remote Alaska archeological dig sites, these students get a hands-on experience in cooperation, conflict resolution, responsibility, and completing a task. Read more...

In Anchorage, the Mat-Su Borough School Board and student leadership join with school boards from across Alaska. School Board President is Susan Pougher.

"Thank you" to Nugen's Ranch for student wristbands--theme is "The Best Me is Drug Free"

MSBSD School Nurses help students and families in many ways, including keeping warm and safe during Alaska winters

Great job Machetanz students! In this picture of Machetanz’s first harvest day Mrs. Ouellette’s kindergarteners are harvesting their potatoes to donate to the local food banks and to be eaten by students at Machetanz Elementary. Read More!

Principal Sherri Scott is pictured with artists Jen Joliff and Steve Blanchett who spent a week with Sutton students. Together, the students, staff, and family members created a collaborative story piece. Read more...

October 22-26 is School Bus Safety Week. MSBSD contracted bus companies run an average of 5,500 miles a day transporting an estimated 8,000 students. Read the full story for more...

With an overall success rate of 96%, Mat-Su schools are meeting high academic targets. Read more in the AYP summary...

Mrs. Suzanne Bounds' 4th graders wrote their own dog stories--you may read them by clicking on the full story.

A State holiday, Alaska Day is honored by school children in many communities. One extra is participating in the Great Alaska Shake Out.

Gathering more than 50 community stakeholders, the Mat-Su Borough School District takes a look at the growth in the community and our continuing planning to meet all our students' needs. Read more...

"Thank you" to MSBSD Nutrition Services for your hard work and dedication to Mat-Su students.

Dr. Paramo and Mr. Hays weigh it all in. Palmer City Council Member Kathy Vanover came to MSBSD Superintendent Dr. Deena Paramo and MSB Borough Manager Mr. John Moosey with a plan. So, at 16.43 lbs per person, the MSBSD outweighed the MSB's 12.09 lbs per person. Read more...

With a generous $5,000 grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation, more than 160 District and community service providers will receive training

MSBSD School Board member Erick Cordero is sharing his heritage and road to citizenship with troops on JBER on Friday. Dr. Deena M. Paramo, Superintendent, and District/JBER Liaison Don Cole will attend with Mr. Cordero. School Board members Mr. Cordero and Mr. Larson shown taking their oaths of office last year.

Watch for listing details, Channel 11, Anchorage, for Saturday morning broadcast of TMS' River Rangers, teachers Rhett Buchanan and Mike Shea

Palmer Junior Middle School 8th grader, Reese Qualls, had an idea--how to help his friends and fellow students have books to read for pleasure. Partnering with Fireside Books in Palmer, there is a way. Read more in MSBSD StudentLine

500 and counting--students, parents, and everybody came! Read more in the MSBSD NEWSLine

Trooper Fiona Taylor shared safety tips with Larson Elementary students, such as: look left, right, and left again before crossing a street or road; stay with a buddy or a group; don't talk to strangers or get in a vehicle; pay attention to what is around you; and, dress warmly and with reflective gear. Read more about Principal Sheela Hull's trooper car tours.

Thank you! to the voters in Mat-Su who said "yes" to the bond last year for schools and to the Alaska State Legislature for additional funds

In 2014, Mr. Jamin Burton and the band will march in the Rose Bowl Parade. Culminating eight years of works, the District congratulates CHS!

For the third year in a row, Wasilla girls finish on top in cross country, with Colony High School senior earning runner-up finish

520 Mat-Su elementary students ran their personal best in the Cross Country Champsionship--from 19 MSBSD schools! Full results available, read the full story.

2012 Teacher Rewards $50 gift cards handed out to 20 lucky employees at staff meeting

Congratulations to all Region III Cross Country Runners. Special kudos go out to Wasilla and Colony High for qualifying for the State Championships!

Wasilla High School senior 6' forward headed to Southern California for studies in English and playing basketball as an Eagle. Kyla is homeschooled and a student at Mat-Su Central School.

Christa Hayes, MZE physical education teacher says, "Machetanz Elementary School physical education is a place where fitness and fun become one!" Correction to the story: Trapper Creek and Talkeetna Elementary schools also participated in Healthy Futures last spring. Read more....

MSBSD is the primary investor in human capital in the Mat-Su Borough.

From the Govenor's Office: In observance of the beginning of a new school year, Govenor Sean Parnell declared August 20-27, 2012 to be "Take Your Child to School Week" in Alaska.

Software technology upgrades for students

Utilizing and stretching fiscal resources, earning competitive grants by demonstrating academic and educational leadership in the State and nation.

Celebrating the opening of Alaska Middle College School, a partnership with University of Alaska-Anchorage, and Air Force JROTC at Wasilla High School.

Parents now have a method to report online student absences. A written note or telephone call is still acceptable, but online reporting is easy through iParent. Parents know if the absence is excused and for what reason. It is a way for schools to accurately report and track data on student absences.

The MSBSD and the Information Technology Department are pleased to present our new MSBSD website. Many of the same features are available on the new website, you may just find them in a different place. Click on the Headline Title above, or the VIEW FULL STORY BANNER to the right to find out more!

Registration for the 2012-2013 School Year will begin July 16th. Click on Headline Title above for more information