Office

Administrative Assistant

Sharlyn Young

One of my most favorite things to experience is the joy a child expresses when he or she learns something new. The sparkle and shine in their eyes when something that was hard finally clicks. The obvious accomplishment and pride they wear like a badge for a job well done. As a young girl I got my first experience working with young children as the neighborhood babysitter at the tender age of 10. And then again, as an adult with my own two children. I have always loved being surrounded by kids. When my youngest child started school at Fireweed Academy, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to become part of the staff as a paraprofessional. I leapt in with both feet, arms akimbo, mind fully engaged and hit the ground running. Later another opportunity happened upon me, this time to take over as Administrative Assistant, of course I said “YES!” In my free time I enjoy multiple forms of art, fiber arts, spending time with my family and friends, and enjoying the quiet of our family cabin in Tutka Bay.

Contact Information

907-226-1260

Message from our Principal

Welcome Back Fireweed Family!

I cannot wait to see your faces, and even more excited to see your kids. I hope this summer was full of rest, adventure, and time spent as a family! As for my own, Mary and I welcomed our new son on July 12th, Charlies (Charlie) Moon Darbonne – I’m sure you’ll be seeing him around the school.

Here are some important items to get our year kicked off:

New Faces

  • Haley Balog is our new 4/5 Homeroom teacher at Big Fireweed! She comes to us from K-Beach Elementary and can’t wait to meet you all.
  • Allyson Larned joined as our LFW nurse! We are so lucky to have her fill this role as she is a Fireweed parent as well.
  • Make sure to say hello to both at the BBQ on the 23rd!

First Week of School

  • While we have been back to school for a little while now, school starts for kids on August 21st! Start and End times are the same as the past few years:
    • LFW: 7:50a – 2:25p
    • BFW: 8a – 2:50p
  • Meet Your Teacher/Supply Drop Off – Tuesday (20th) from 2-3p. Come build excitement for day 1 while seeing your student’s room and say hi to your teacher and classmates!
  • We will have our first PTO meeting on the 22nd at 3:30p at Little Fireweed. This is a great time to come find out about all the things we have planned for the year!
  • Class fees have been assigned on PowerSchool, which links to RevTrack if you’d like to pay with a card instead of the ole cash/check method (which we also accept).
  • 23rd – Our Back to School BBQ at Karen Hornady will be back in action. Kids will be walking/busing up to the park at 10:45a. Can’t wait to see you all there! Sign-up link to bring a dish or help with set-up/take-down is right here.

Communication

  • ‘2,4,6,8, how do we communicate?’ Mostly through email! You can also find information on our school website, Facebook, and Instagram pages (links in my signature below).
  • I’m here for you if you need to communicate anything via phone or in person. Have a concern or a celebration? You know where to find me!
  • We will continue with our “Weekly Update” slides format so when you see those slides hit your inbox on Fridays, make sure to look through!
  • We are playing with the idea of using ‘Remind’ as another avenue for increased communication – more to come on this if we decide to go this route.
  • If you’re looking for me in person, my general schedule will be starting at Little Fireweed M/W/F and Big T/Th while switching around lunchtime.

Parent Orientation – Our staff, APC, and PTO are hosting a parent orientation for each school – Think Open House with bonus info.

  • This is your time as a parent to hear from us in hopes of increasing communication, building community, and involvement!
  • We believe that engaged families make for a better school, a better future for our kids, and a better community.
  • I will be sharing lots more info on this down the line, but want to dial back the information overload.

Lunch Program:

This application for Free and Reduced meals is the primary indicator and pathway for us to regain our Title 1 services. I encourage you to fill out this form even if you don’t think you will qualify. http://mealapp.kpbsd.org

I have an ‘open door’ policy and welcome any communication, feedback, or ideas that you would like to share with me.

Best,

Kyle Darbonne

What We Believe –

Over the years, our school has taken pride in providing a unique educational program that makes our school special.  We strive to provide a learning environment in school that develops a community of learners through our focus on the school’s “We Believe” statements:

We believe that students learn best through hands-on experience and reflecting on those experiences.

  • We spark curiosity and ignite critical thinking through engaging projects and theme studies.
  • Knowledge is founded on a process of observation, investigation and collaboration.
  • We seize learning opportunities when they arise; no timeframe is too short!

We believe that music, arts, and creative self-expression nurture strong learners and responsible citizens.

  • The arts are integrated throughout subject areas.
  • Fireweed Frescoes provides group violin instruction to grades K–2, further enriching academic and social learning.
  • Partnerships with local artists and organizations expand opportunities for creative expression, movement and community connection.

We believe in nurturing a compassionate learning community

  • Students develop social and academic skills in small classes through cooperative learning, multi-age groups, and mentoring opportunities.
  • Students learn individual responsibility, conflict resolution, and compassion through restorative practices.
  • Celebrating learning is at heart of what we do.

We believe that the natural and cultural community of Kachemak Bay are fertile grounds for learning.

  • Fireweed prioritizes outdoor play, exploration and discovery beyond school walls.
  • Students build a sense of belonging as they become stewards of our community.
  • Place-based education helps our students learn about themselves, each other, and the world around them.

We believe in building skills for engaged and responsible citizenship.

  • Fireweed helps the whole child grow by fostering leadership, character development and civic responsibility.
  • Social and emotional skills are developed through coaching, modeling and practice.
  • We teach media literacy and critical thinking skills to help young people navigate a changing world.