2015 – Page 7 – KPBSD Communications Field Notes

Homeless liaison Kelly King receives Golden Apple award

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | March 2, 2015
Kelly King, Homeless Liaison

Superintendent Dusek congratulates KPBSD homeless liaison, Kelly King, recipient of a Golden Apple award. — Superintendent Dusek congratulates Golden Apple awardee Kelly King, KPBSD homeless liaison.

One of the more challenging tasks that we face is educating our homeless students. Because of the extraordinary effort and dedication of Kelly King, KPBSD homeless liaison, the district is able to do its best to meet this challenge.
Ms. Kelly King came to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District in 2008. In the past seven years she has literally worn her car out traveling from one end of the peninsula to the other to offer support to families and youth in transition. A lifelong Kenai resident, Kelly understands the unique characteristics of our communities. She continually goes well above her job expectations to develop strong, respectful relationships with local and state agencies in order to provide the very best assistance possible for her clients.
The task of the homeless liaison is not a high profile position and it does not garner a lot of attention. King doesn’t need those accolades; she truly has a heart for families and youth finding themselves in difficult times. The goal of the Students in Transition Program is to provide consistent, uninterrupted education so that students can succeed in school. Kelly takes this goal to heart; during her time as homeless liaison, she has watched many of her unaccompanied youth make it through high school, graduate on time, and go on to college or enroll in vocational education. In a typical year, she supports approximately 300 students. It is not uncommon for her to receive a thank you—sometimes years later—from a former student or parent who expresses appreciation for the difference she made during a difficult time.
She works outside her 8:00-5:00 work day or work week to provide emergency supplies, or put documentation in place to help her clients continue their K-12 education without interruption. Kelly thinks outside of the box and determines a way to help students get what they need in order to succeed and stay in school. She continually works to raise awareness and get the community involved; examples include the annual Vigil for Youth and Family Homelessness, working with students and schools to increase advocacy and outreach, and to maintain a KPBSD Students in Transition Facebook page to keep the community updated. Kelly’s work to raise community awareness has long reaching impact. In 2013 two students from Kenai Middle School learned about young people who are homeless on the Kenai Peninsula. The boys decided to combine their birthday party and asked guests to bring a present or gift card that would benefit youth and teens in the KPBSD SIT program. This past year, the student government at Kenai Central High School worked with Kelly to provide education and create a community fundraiser, students at Skyview Middle School sponsored a Penny War, and most recently students from Nikiski Middle-High School raised almost $3,000 to assist youth who are homeless and want to stay in school. KPBSD is very proud of the work Kelly does and is pleased she received the Knight in Shining Armor from the community in 2013.
Forging partnerships with many organizations and area businesses, Kelly has presented at the Student Council Conference, Rotary meetings, and collaborates with Covenant House in Anchorage, Love Inc., and other service agencies, just to name a few. Her beautiful smile and attitude helps put students at ease—they know they have found someone who truly cares, and that makes all the difference.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Kelly King for her dedication to the students of the school district—past, present, and future.
Links
KPBSD Students In Transition program on Facebook
KPBSD Students in Transition program
Golden Apple awards

Chapman School students head outside for service learning

Chapman School Charitable Works
The eighth grade class in working on a documentary about the good that the Chapman School students do. The main focus of the documentary is about a field trip in late September. During the field trip, the students erected a new trail. That required clearing out the path, hauling the wood a quarter mile up a hill, then laying out and constructing the boardwalk.

Not only did we build a trail, we built a new outhouse. A lot had to be done to build the outhouse: first, the hole was dug, the wood was gathered and transport-ed, then the wood was measured and cut, a couple nailed the boards to put the walls together, then the ground where the hole was had to be leveled, after that, the walls were put up. We were not able to complete the outhouse, but we helped them a lot. Please stay tuned for the documentary.

Contributed by Garrett Cooper

10K benefits Seward Elementary classroom instruction

$10,000 Worth of Gifts Arrive at Seward Elementary
The gifts have arrived, and teachers at Seward Elementary School are very excited about integrating all the new equipment into their lessons. After receiving a $10,000 gift for computer hardware from the education non-profit organization, Code.Org, teachers selected items that would enhance classroom instruction, especially S.T.E.M. lessons. For example, the new 3D printer by MakerBot will allow students to engineer tangible solutions to simple real-world problems, design their fix in SketchUp, then print the object out!

Third grade teachers are thrilled to have 28 new Chromebooks for their students. These are a cross between a notebook and a laptop, and they run without fans—allowing for stackable storage. The Chromebooks use Google for education applications, which KPBSD supports for all teachers and students.
“The third grade classes are looking forward to using the Chromebooks,” said Erin Flowers, a third grade teacher. “These devices will provide extra opportunities for our students to prepare for AMP tests, improve fluency in reading and math, as well as provide the technological foundation required for continuous improvement in technology skills.”
Excitement stems from the possibilities that the new web cameras give each teacher, too. Leigh Ray, a second grade teacher, explained how websites such as www.epals.com allow teachers to connect with other classrooms around the globe—making contact based on age, academic unit of study, or other similar purposes.
Several other items rounded out the gifts received, including mp3 players, a new digital projector, and document cameras. With these new tools, students at Seward Elementary are definitely receiving a leading-edge, twenty-first century education.
Many thanks to Hadi Partovi, the CEO and co-founder of the education non-profit Code.org, for having the vision to bring computer science to every student in the United States, for instituting the now-famous Hour of Code, and for gifting Seward Elementary School with $10,000 of computer hardware.
Story contributed by David Kingsland, principal, Seward Elementary

Cooper Landing School celebrates achievement and performance

Cooper Landing School is recognized by The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development as one of 41 Alaska Reward Schools for the 2014-2015 school year honoring their performance from the 2013-2014 school year!
Cooper Landing School was recognized as one of 12 schools in the state of Alaska as a highest performing school and, for the second year in a row, as a high progress school!

On Wednesday, December 18, 2014, the Cooper Landing School and community gathered to celebrate a great accomplishment. Fifty to sixty community members, students, and staff came to a luncheon to celebrate this awesome achievement. Cooper Landing School recognizes that it takes the whole community to achieve this kind of success and we wanted to thank everyone for their hard work and support.
“It is a pleasure to announce Alaska’s Reward Schools for 2014-2015, an achievement shared by their families and educators,” said Alaska Education Commissioner Mike Hanley. “Reward Schools strive to meet the academic needs of all students, however large or small the school is. They support students’ progress toward the goals of college- and career-readiness and graduation. We congratulate them.”
“It was such a joy to share this celebration with everyone who help make this all possible. Congratulations and thank you to all who attended!” –Michael Hanson, principal

Read Alaska Reward Schools media release

An outpouring of advocacy, care and service for homeless students

KPBSD students demonstrate incredible compassion and support for their homeless peers and the KPBSD Students in Transition (SIT) Program. They are on the move, making a tangible difference.
Socktober!
Kenai Middle School Leadership Class
Leadership students organized a collection drive for socks, hats, and gloves to benefit the local homeless population. Students created a PowerPoint presentation to inform their peers about the issue, designed promotional posters, and placed decorated collection boxes in each Advisory class. KMS students brought in donations for this “Socktober” event – collecting over 1,700 items.
Penny Wars!
Skyview Middle School Student Council
Panther Student Council sponsored a Penny War to benefit the SIT Program. Two collection jars were placed in the school office, one for seventh grade and one for eight grade. Pennies were collected and added up for each grades’ score. Other coins and dollar bills subtracted from the score for that grade level; sabotaging the other grade by adding silver or bills was encouraged!

Going Social!
Maddy McElrea
Wanting to make a difference for a family in need, Kenai Alternative Community Projects leader Maddy McElrea reached out to the community through Facebook. Within two days she had collected a variety of items including clothing, books, food, and household goods. “It really warmed my heart seeing that there were so many people willing to help within hours of me making a post. If I was able to do that, just think about what we could accomplish for all the other kids by coming together as a community,” said McElrea.
Birthday Gifting!
Damien Redder and Devin Every
For the second time in recent years, these two KCHS boys decided to celebrate their birthdays by thinking beyond themselves. Invitations were sent to friends and family asking that in lieu of gifts, donations be made to benefit the SIT Program and local homeless youth. This resulted in a monetary donation as well as numerous food cards for local vendors to be used in emergency situations.

Damien and Devin's birthday party — Damien and Devin’s birthday party

Spaghetti feed and auction raises thousands!
Kenai Central High School Leadership Class
KCHS Leadership class initiated, organized, and hosted a spaghetti feed and silent auction fundraiser with all proceeds benefitting the SIT Program. Students approached local businesses to gather auction donations, advertised, sold tickets, and cooked the meal for attendees. KCHS senior, Kyla Whannell, had this to say: “We feel that no child should have to worry about when their next meal will come or where they’re going to sleep. Knowing that this issue affects many youth in our community made us want to help in some way. Making this an annual event is something KCHS Leadership finds important, so we can keep spreading the word about youth homelessness.”

Reindeer delivers donations!
Jenna Hansen
This Nikiski Middle-High School student and her reindeer, Crash and Comet, have made several public appearances throughout the Central Peninsula, as a fundraiser for the SIT Program and to help spread awareness. In addition to these photo opportunities with the public, Jenna does additional fundraising for homeless youth issues through her “Scene of the Crash” Facebook page and GoFundMe account.

Crash and comet with NMHS student Jenna Hansen

Hats and gloves adorn the tree!
McNeil Canyon Elementary School
McNeil Canyon again sponsored their annual “Helpful Holiday Tree.” Food for the Homer Food Pantry was collected beneath the tree, which was decorated with hats and gloves donated for local homeless children.
Packing!
Chelsea Marsh (Teens Inbetween)
Chelsea is completing her senior project, collecting goods for backpacks she plans to put together for homeless teens. These backpacks will include items such as toiletries, job applications, business cards for community resources, and an invitation for a clothing giveaway at the Rec Room.
Links

KPBSD Students In Transition program
Connect with Students in Transition on Facebook

KCHS students, Kyla and Amber homelessness presentation to Soldotna Rotary #advocacy

SALT offers flexibility and individuality, a bedrock for success

Soldotna Alternative (SALT) is new program at Soldotna High School designed to serve primarily juniors and sophomores who are at risk of dropping out or not graduating from high school on time. SALT enables students to earn credits at an accelerated rate through an individualized learning experience, smaller class size and an altered school schedule. Ultimately, SALT offers students the flexibility, small class size, and individuality needed for them to succeed.

A day in the life of a Soldotna Alternative student looks a little different from other students at Soldotna High School. Each day includes time to journal, eat a hot breakfast, extended time to focus on only two subjects at a time, and get some physical exercise. To help meet their physical and emotional needs, a hot breakfast is cooked every morning and consumed as a group. Each learning “rotation” lasts approximately six weeks so students are able to make up missed credit at an accelerated rate while having the ability to focus their attention on only a couple of classes at a time.
This is what students have to say about the program:

“We have more time to do work.”
“It’s small, calm and I can clearly think.”
“It has helped me calm down about school work and has helped me catch up.”
“I’m getting my credits back that I’m missing.”

The goal of Soldotna Alternative is for every student to graduate high school with a diploma and be able to pursue their own dreams. This is based on the belief that all students are important and capable of learning and succeeding.
Questions? Please email or call Soldotna Alternative School, housed in Soldotna High School, 907-260-7000.

SoHi students construct building #skills

The Soldotna High School Construction class is building a 20 foot by 30 foot storage building near the new track and field area. Students assisted with the cement pour and will do the rest of the project from the slab up under the direct supervision and instruction of their teacher Mr. Doug Gordon. Construction is continuing throughout the school year with a completion date this spring.

Story contributed by Doug Gordon, Soldotna High School

SoHi serves up Family and Consumer Science classes

Soldotna High School is a leader in Family and Consumer Sciences, offering six courses: Nutrition, Culinary Arts, Child Development, Interior Design, Interpersonal Relationships, and Independent Living.

Many of these classes have articulation agreements with the University of Alaska where students can earn college credit. They also earn certifications in First Aid, CPR, AED, ServSafe, and their Alaska Foodworker card.

It is important to bridge our community and our students together. Our Family and Consumer Science students have over 15 community partnerships to learn about careers for future employment.

“My students inspire me because I learn so much from them. The greatest moment is watching them walk across the stage at graduation and knowing you were a part of that.” –Meggean Bos

After 13 years, student takes flight and lands back at Razdolna School

Meet Polagia Basargin
Polagia was born in the village, and attended the small school there for thirteen years, graduated, and now works in the school!
Prezi: A Student Takes Flight

A Student Takes Flight….
At the end of her 8th grade year, the students outgrew their building, and she waited a full year for a high school portable to be built.
The Making of a Middle-High School
Polagia pitched right in to help create the library in 2010.
Growing…
Though she struggled with reading, Polagia continued to grow and blossom as a student. She exited the IEP program in 2012.
She had a knack for art…
Meet Basargin Village
Otherwise known as Razdolna, this village is home to approximately 30 growing Old Believer families.
… and her sense of humor and style were inspirational. We knew she was bound for great things. When Polagia graduated in 2013, many of her friends had plans to marry. She decided to be a career girl, at Razdolna K-12 School!
Polagia’s talent with teaching the younger students has become apparent the last couple of years.
She now works alongside her former teachers, and never fails to impress us all with her maturity and willingness to be a lifelong learner.
Story submitted by Tim Whip, principal, Razdolna School

American Sign Language (ASL) on the upswing in KPBSD

Sign Language is busting out all over the district!

This year interest is surging to learn American Sign Language (ASL). Why? New students who are deaf are enrolling in our district. When that happens, a whole school perks up and notices there are people signing in the halls and the classroom. Classroom teachers like Lyn Maslow at West Homer Elementary see an opportunity for the whole class to learn a new language and grow in their understanding of how “us” can include even greater diversity. When the idea was floated for an after-school Sign Club, it took off like a shot. Educational Sign Language Interpreter Chelsea Carpenter was nervous about teaching at first, especially when almost 50 people showed up to the first meeting! She did a great job, though, and with help from the students, parents are sharing this visual language with students, staff, and even some other parents each week this semester. Participants are learning communication skills they can use in the classroom and community immediately and having a great time doing it.
Another reason Signing is becoming more popular is in KPBSD we have several students who lost their hearing after already learning to speak and listen. With the new technology of cochlear implants, they function as hearing children. However, when they take their implants off, they hear nothing. Parents and professionals see the value in these students learning good basic Signing for situations when they might be “unplugged” and for emergencies. Knowing ASL also opens some doors for our young people. Growing into adulthood, they may want to be involved in the Deaf community. Signing is an important part of this culture, and it’s a natural choice as a second language for these students.
Nikiski Middle-High School has a small group that meets at lunch time each week to learn and practice conversational ASL. Each week, students in Mrs. Settlemeyer’s second grade class at Nikiski North Star Elementary learn signs for basic communication as well as for vocabulary from their regular reading program. Their enthusiasm spills over into other classes as well. Recent performances by West Homer Elementary and Nikiski North Star featured students signing along with their music numbers.
“Jazz Hands” have nothing on these kids!
Story contributed by Renee Estelle, KPBSD Hearing Specialist
Links:
KPBSD Pupil Services department