Susitna Optional Parent Group (SOPG)
Susitna Optional Parent Group (SOPG)
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Susitna Elementary School
7500 Tyone Court Anchorage, AK 99504
Phone: 907 742 1400
Susitna Open Optional Program is a K-5th grade school within-a-school. Open optional programs are primarily child-centered, emphasizing the physical, emotional and academic development of the individual child. Students of different ages are combined in multi-grade classrooms to work and learn together. Students are responsible for directing some aspects of their learning. All children are readers, authors, illustrators, mathematicians, scientists, and historians who learn at their own developmental pace. We are a community of parents, guardians, teachers, and students who value family involvement, individualized and cooperative learning and community outreach.
As a new family to the Open Optional Program, you may be wondering what to expect during the school year. Hopefully this website will help you navigate the various activities, events, and terminology that are unique to Susitna Open Optional Program.
Throughout the year, you will receive regular emails, newsletters, and informational flyers about available opportunities to anticipate in your child's learning. Please also add this Susitna Optional Program website to your favorites list and check back often for updates. This website includes Event Calendar, Useful Links and Volunteer Options.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask a teacher, another parent, or SOPG.
Commonly Asked Questions:
What is multi-age? and multi-age classes?
Multi-age consists of two grades together. One curriculum is taught and instruction is individualized to meet children's learning needs. There are two classes in each level: K/1, 2/3, and 4/5.
Will my children be challenged if they are an elder in the room?
Yes!!! The academic and social/emotional expectations continue to rise with each grade. Instruction is individualized to meet each child's learning needs to ensure he/she is challenged.
When may parents be in the room or visit?
ANYTIME! Always welcome and encouraged!
Is there structure in the classroom?
When walking in the classroom, small groups of children may be engaged in several different activities, but all working. This only happens where there are many underlying structures and the students know the routine, expectations, and their role. The goal is to help children develop inner control and be self-motivated learners. During the first two weeks of school, the class develops and learns rules and expectations. Throughout the year, students are taught to be self-directed learners through a variety of ways. Children are expected to be positive, hard-working students who rise to meet the high expectations.
What is a school within a school?
The Optional Program is called a school within a school because we share the building with Susitna neighborhood students and teachers, a school-wide principal and one set of specialist teachers. Parents and students are dedicated to the concept of Susitna Elementary as one school. Parent volunteers are also greatly relied upon to enhance these opportunities for learning.
Does this school receive special treatment?
Our program does not receive any special funding, privileges, equipment, or transportation form the district. Students may enter the Optional program regardless of where they live in Anchorage. However, bus transpiration is not provided unless the student resides in Susitna's attendance area. Optional students depend heavily on carpools or parents for transportation. The same district rules and regulations apply to our program as to any other program in the Anchorage School District. Special services available to all Anchorage schools are also available to students in our program. These include a resource program for children with learning challenges, speech/language support, and bilingual and psychological services.
How do you assess students learning?
Assessment is ongoing and occurs daily, not just at one selected time with one test. This data helps us to decide what academic skills to teach, so the lessons are meaningful, fun and challenging. We do not want your child to feel bored with easy material, nor to feel overwhelmed and frustrated with work that is too difficult.
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