August 13 Meet the Teacher at Chinook 2:30-3:30 pm | August 14 - First student day of school for first through fifth grade students!
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Guest speakers are a fantastic way to help students connect their studies to the real world. We are fortunate to have been visited by many generous community members who have shared their experiences and wisdom with us.
Parent volunteers organize and lead fun craft activities for students to enjoy. This is another fantastic opportunity for students to connect with an extended community of siblings and parents.
Fire Station 7
The Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Zoo, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Campbell Creek Science Center, Eagle River Nature Center, the Museum of Natural History, the Seward Sea Life Center, Portage Glacier, the Alaska Botanic Garden, ice fishing at Jewel Lake, swimming at Dimond High School, walking to Campbell Creek beaver dams, berry picking in Arctic Valley, hiking to the beach at Kincaid Park and many more - you name it, we've probably been there! Field trips are an integral part of our year at each grade level and on a program wide basis.
Overnight at the Anchorage Museum
Alaska Outdoor School
Every year, Chinook Open Optional Program takes our 5th graders for an overnight trip. This is a fantastic way to honor our elders and celebrate the connections made as a student of the Chinook Open Optional Program!
Our Garden
Our school garden is a busy area during the last and first weeks of school, and requires volunteer tender, loving care in the summer months. Students look forward to the annual routines of planting and harvesting. We celebrate the harvest annually with a Stone Soup Celebration. Families are invited to join us for the feast!
*Our school garden has been on hiatus during a roof replacement construction project between 2025 and 2026. We look forward to rejuvenating the garden in anticipation of a great 2027 growing season.*
We count on families to volunteer to care for the garden for three day sessions during the summer months. Families are asked to water the garden daily, keep an eye out for problems, and weed as needed. To sign up to help, please visit our Sign Up Genius in the spring. A staff member will reach out with details about accessing hoses and tools. Thank you for your help!
In April, students start seeds in the classroom and help prepare the garden for planting. During the last two weeks of school in May, students plant the beds. Families help take care of the growing garden during the summer vacation. Students return in August and September to harvest and make a delicious vegetable soup to share with family and friends.
Fifth graders have created a guide to common weeds you might find in our garden. We know that families who are care-taking the garden don't want to accidentally pull up plants before they are ready to harvest, but keeping the weeds under control is important too. Visit our guide to figure out what to pull.