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Dear Airport Heights Families,

We are writing to follow up on the recent changes in how explorations are delivered. Three weeks ago, the decision was made to move explorations outside of the instructional day. This adjustment was necessary to ensure that reading, math, social studies, and science all have protected time during the school day.

According to the 2025–2026 Public Data Dashboard, 82.05% of Airport Heights third graders scored in the low or low-average range on the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) reading assessment. Nationally, about 40% of students fall into these categories. Because of small sample sizes, the percentage of students at Airport Heights performing in the average, high-average, or high ranges is suppressed.

Third grade is a critical “pivot point” in education: students move from learning to read to reading to learn. Students who do not reach reading proficiency by this stage are far more likely to fall behind academically and face a four-times greater risk of not graduating from high school (Annie Casey Foundation). Not being a strong reader has lasting consequences for career and life readiness.

While we have many strong celebrations within our Airport Heights community, we must also place a strong and intentional focus on academics. This ensures our students receive the education they deserve and that we remain in line with the mission of the Alaska Reads Act, which became law in 2022.

We recognize that this decision may have felt abrupt, but it was made with a clear and urgent commitment to student success. Alongside strengthening our core instructional program, we remain dedicated to “Dreaming Big.” We will continue to provide reimagined exploration opportunities, which are outlined in the FAQ.

The staff has successfully implemented the new schedule for the past two weeks. Students are receiving strong support, and intervention groups are now smaller and more focused. In addition, our commitment to Dreaming Big is continuing. I would also like to invite the community to join us in supporting academic success and reading with students throughout the winter months, this could look like volunteering to read to a student or supporting math.

Finally, we want to extend our sincere apologies to the community stakeholders we have recently engaged with but had not known previously. An abrupt change was never our intention. Instructional schedules are typically developed within the school and are not something in which the community is directly involved. Supplementary activities, however, are designed to enrich and support the school day—and this is where Dream Big will continue to thrive and keep Airport Heights strong.

We deeply value the partnership of our families and community. Principal Penney welcomes your questions, feedback, and ideas, and we encourage you to reach out to her directly as we continue working together to support every student at Airport Heights.

 

Sincerely,

Rachel Penney
Acting Principal
Airport Heights Elementary School

Clare Fulp
Senior Director
Elementary Education, Central Region

 

Read the FAQs on Explorations Here
 

You are invited to Family Night on October 16th from 5:00-6:30!  There will be food, belonging posters, dances, and door prizes!

We're Here to Help! The Airport Heights Office is ready to help with registration or any other questions you might have about the coming school year. Contact us at 907-742-4550 or email: 

• Mrs. Dickey - Administrative Assistant

• Mrs. Fier - Secretary

• Mrs. Penney-Acting Principal

We're Here to Help! The Airport Heights Office is ready to help with registration or any other questions you might have about the coming school year. Contact us at 907-742-4550 or email: Mrs. Dickey - Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Fier - Secretary, Mr. Webb - Principal