Year: 2017

Seward SOS – Sources of Strength learning

“A best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. … Sources of Strength moves beyond a singular focus on risk factors by utilizing an upstream approach for youth suicide prevention. This upstream model strengthens multiple sources of support (protective factors) around young individuals so that when times get hard they have strengths to rely on.” – Sources of Strength

Seward Middle School and Seward High School roll out Sources of Strength training. A blizzard couldn’t keep adults from a day of learning on Monday, and Tuesday added students to the learning. #SewardStrength

IMG_1873
Day 1 – adult SOS learning #SewardStrength

The program identifies and increases the Sources of Strength that students already leverage to overcome adversity and challenges of all kinds. Seward Middle and Seward High students learn to recognize their strengths and use them to support each other and the larger Seward secondary age school community.
Training continues in Kenai on February 15 – 16, 2017! A network conference is in the works for late April or early May to include learning for SOS students, partners, and student leaders from non-Sources of Strength schools. Stay tuned.
IMG_1874
IMG_1875
 

Survey: Should Paul Banks Elementary host a Boys and Girls Club?

KPBSD so pen school start and end times
Public Comment Opportunity now open through February 14, 2017
Dear Parents in the Homer area,
I need your input to determine the level of interest in our community to host a Boys & Girls Club at Paul Banks Elementary, which would serve Homer area schools.
I’ve heard from several parents who are concerned about after-school childcare starting in August, when the school start and end times will permanently change. Students from other Homer area schools could be bused to Paul Banks.
This survey is the first step in finding out the need and what population would use a Boys & Girls Club.

Thank you for taking time to complete this survey–it will close on February 14, 2017.  Click here to take the survey!

Thank you,
Eric Pederson, principal
Paul Banks Elementary School

You're invited: February KPBSD community budget forums

News ReleaseKPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL
Alaska fiscal challenge and impact to KPBSD budget

Do you know which educational opportunities for your children and the youth in our communities might diminish because of a multi-million dollar budget deficit in the KPBSD? 

Attend a budget development forum to learn about the proposed 2017-2018 KPBSD budget, the $3.45 million deficit with status quo revenue*, expenditures, revenues, and administrative recommendations to address the deficit.
Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials—mark your calendar and bring your questions:

  • February 14, 5:30 p.m., Seward High School Library

  • February 15, 5:30 p.m., Soldotna High School Library,  This presentation will also be broadcast via skype for business at these school locations: Kenai Central High School library, Nikiski Middle-High School library, Port Graham, Nanwalek, Susan B. English, and Tebughna schools.


  • February 21, 5:30 p.m., Homer High School Library

Be informed so you can advocate for the 2017-2018 school district budget which will define opportunities and offerings in August, 2017. The budget recommendation will be presented to the school board on March 6, 2017.
*Why be concerned?
Think in terms of this: ten KPBSD teachers equates to one million dollars. If the Alaska State legislature passes additional revenue cuts to state education funding, the KPBSD $3.45 million budget deficit will increase. This is the additional impact:

  • 1% Reduction to BSA = $1.05 million
  • 3% Reduction to BSA = $3.18 million
  • 5% Reduction to BSA = $5.29 million

“Alaska is addressing its ongoing fiscal challenges, and it is important that everyone is involved in the conversation to ensure a long-term fiscal plan is finally implemented,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “As a part of this conversation, we will continue to prioritize services to provide the most effective and efficient education possible for all of our students. Your voice will help shape those priorities as well as clearly communicate that all students should remain the number one priority in Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula Borough.”

“Our annual budget is one of the most important things we do each year,” said Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support. “We want to give our parents, staff, students, and community members a chance to learn about our budget, participate in the process, and ask questions.”
Action ideas

  1. Attend a KPBSD school site council meeting, school board meeting, Key Communicator Hour
  2. Communicate with your school, friends, neighbors, legislators, and elected officials
  3. Watch the nine minute video shown at the fall community budget meetings to learn how KPBSD crafts a budget in response to the fiscal reality impacting all aspects of state government and funding for public education
  4. View any of the other short videos that explain aspects of funding and budgets*

LINKS
KPBSD Finance Department
KPSBD online video channel: Budget* 

  • FY18 Community Budget Development presentation, 10-13-16, PDFand Video
  • Budget Basics PDF and Video
  • Fund Balance Categories PDF and Video
  • General Fund Revenue PDF and Video
  • Grants PDF and Video
  • Staffing Formulas PDF and Video        *link includes all videos & PDFs

If the future success for our KPBSD K-12 students is dependent on a quality education so graduates will be prepared for college or a career, funding public education is crucial. In this time of fiscal uncertainty, KPBSD asks everyone to attend a public budget meeting, and become involved in the financial solutions for our school district and state.
###
FY18 february budget meeting announcement graphic

KPBSD Key Communicator Collaboration

On February 7, 2017, a KPBSD Key Communicator Collaboration with more than seventy participants met at the Challenger Learning Center, in Kenai, Alaska.

Click here to view Key Communicators Collaboration presentation

2017_02_06 Key Communicators Collaboration FINAL_Page_01
Attendees: School board members, Key Communicators, site council representatives, leadership team, students, regional principals, community partners
Purpose: Collaborate with key people in our schools to talk about issues KPBSD faces this year, reflect on what we are doing well, ask questions, give administration a perspective, and grow advocates for KPBSD public education
KPBSD Key Communicators
KPBSD formed a network of people who are interested in our schools in order to cultivate positive relationships with the school district and in our diverse communities. Conversations happen every day in school parking lots, at the grocery store, via social media, and in everyday ordinary life interactions. At times, people of all ages who care about public education want facts about issues in order to communicate effectively with community leaders, each other, and elected officials. Our KPBSD Key Communicators are informed about school district initiatives, issues, and celebrations through responses to questions, email messages, media releases, and e-newsletters from district office communications–and have an open line of communication with district leadership to ask questions and express concerns and celebrations in the school district.  Together we will broaden community advocates and share our #golden stories.

All the places our students go… #golden

Ian Beaudoin

Ian Beaudoin emails his thank you to the principal of #KPBSD Soldotna Montessori Charter School 

January 18, 2017
Principal Sanders,
I wished to reach out to you, as well as your esteemed faculty, to express my deepest gratitude for your guidance and to thank you personally for the formative years I spent as a student at the Soldotna Montessori Charter School.
I recently have been accepted to the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and will look to continue my post graduate studies at some of the finest Universities our nation has to offer.
I can affirm that these academic achievements, and this level of educational attainment, would not be possible without the devotion, care, and opportunities, afforded to me during my K-6 education. It was during this time that I first experienced the grandeur of New York City, and participated in the Model United Nations program. That experience, though difficult, certainly has impacted the trajectory of my life, as I now reside on the East Coast, and it remains a cherished memory.
If nothing else, I hope that this letter will continue to inspire your devoted efforts to facilitate an institution that takes pride in intellectual curiosity, individualism, one that cultivates unique and innate passions within its students.
Please extend my sincerest thanks to Mr. DeVolld. He always believed in my abilities, and more importantly instilled belief in myself. As a teacher, he pushed me to strive to become the best version of myself. Being a dedicated mentor is the highest achievable honor, and a true description of one’s moral character.
Sincerely,
Ian Beaudoin
#KPBSD
One district: 44 diverse schools: School choices in KPBSD
KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL

KPBSD responds

To everyone who is concerned and outraged:
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and  Soldotna High School are disappointed and troubled by recent social media postings.
Today, more than ever, we each need to pause and think about what we tweet, post on social media, and say to one another.
Hate filled, racist, and disparaging remarks run counter to the mission of the KPBSD, our schools, our athletic programs, and will not be tolerated.
We want you to know that the school district and Soldotna High School administration are addressing this. We welcome constructive discussion. Conversations about the appropriate use of social media will continue with our students.
KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL

Spotlight your favorite KPBSD teacher in 2017 BP Teacher of Excellence program

Would it be fun to celebrate your favorite KPBSD teacher or education ally in a public forum? 

Go online by February 1 to complete your nomination for the 2017 BP Teachers of Excellence program. Five teachers from the Kenai Peninsula will be publically celebrated by BP, their school, family and friends, and throughout Alaska. Do it now!

 BP_TOE_Print_Ad_2017 2

Winners will be notified by March 30, 2017.
If you nominate a winning teacher, you will be sent an invitation to attend the award ceremony. The list of winners will be announced on the website in May. Click to see past winners.
NEW! The Educational Allies Award celebrates a person who makes a positive impact in their school or community. Nominate anyone from a principal, to a school nurse or teaching assistant. Do you know an unsung hero? Share their story here.
BP_TOE_Online_Ad-2017
 
Details
BP recognizes teachers throughout the entire state of Alaska for their dedication to teaching and for inspiring students. Each Teacher of Excellence chosen in the KPBSD will receive a $500 gift card and an award certificate. In addition, $500 will also be awarded to the winner’s school or PTA group.
Online nomination due by February 1: http://www.bpteachers.com/
Resources to share the program: www.BPTeachersToolkit.com 
More information: 1-888-530-8962 or 907-564-4001, email: AKbpteachers@bp.com
16-BP-2383 2017 BP TOE-Social Graphics-FB-3A-RK

Words to lead by #inspire #motivate

LT quotes
Dear Soldotna High School Stars,
In December, KPBSD “Student Voice” leaders–many from your school–put forth an invite to schools to connect in a creative gift exchange celebrating our district. The KPBSD district office leadership team opted-in to play, and we drew Soldotna High School!
May these words of wisdom which guide and motivate your district leadership team also offer you inspiration.
Happy 2017 ~ may you shine this year! Cheers!

 

 

 

  • Hire good people, give them the tools they need to do their jobs, and get out of their way.
    Julie Cisco, planning and operations

 

 

  • “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage – pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically – to say no to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger yes burning inside.” –Stephen Covey
    Christine Ermold, EdD, human resources

 

  • Be strong when you are weak,
    Be brave when you are scared,
    Be humble when you are victorious.
    Alan Fields, principal representative

 

  • Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
    Liz Hayes, finance

 

  • “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flow charts. It is about one life influencing another.” –John C. Maxwell    
    Clayton Holland, pupil services

 

  • Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. –attributed to William A. Foster
    Laurie Olson, finance

 

  • “Destiny is not a matter of chance, it’s a matter of choice. It is not something to be waited for, it’s something to be achieved.”  –William Jennings Bryant
    John Pothast, elementary and secondary education

 

  • The path toward success weaves through triumph and setback. Learning equally from each guides the way.
    Eric Soderquist, information services

 

 

www.KPBSD.org

KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL

Pointer: don't aim a laser at an aircraft

laser-pointing-aircraft-faa
January 6, 2017 – This post is on behalf of FAA Aviation Safety in Kenai, Alaska, in an educational outreach effort to students and the Kenai Peninsula communities.

Homer and Kenai report aircraft are being targeted by lasers.

When aimed at an aircraft from the ground, the powerful beam of light from a handheld laser can travel more than a mile and illuminate a cockpit, disorienting and temporarily blinding pilots. Those who have been subject to such attacks have described them as the equivalent of a camera flash going off in a pitch black car at night.

The Federal Aviation Administration along with local law enforcement investigates each report. If you have information of laser activity by someone you know, please take a minute to report them. Our goal is to keep the skies and pilots safe. It would be very sad if this resulted in an aircraft accident here on the Kenai Peninsula. Let’s work together as a community and stop this before anything happens.
The FBI announced a program aimed at deterring people from pointing lasers at aircraft—a felony punishable by five years in jail—and in some locations, reward those who come forward with information about individuals who engage in this dangerous activity.
Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a serious matter and a violation of federal law. It is important that people understand that this is a criminal act with potentially deadly repercussions.
The new initiative—which includes a campaign to educate the public about the dangers of “lasing”—will run for 60 days in 12 FBI field offices where laser strikes against aircraft are prevalent. A key part of the program is reward money: At some locations, the Bureau will offer up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of any individual who intentionally aims a laser at an aircraft.
We hope that more public awareness about this issue will lower the instances of laser strikes. We also want to encourage people to come forward when they see someone committing this felony—one that could have terrible consequences for pilots and their passengers. As of December 2013, the FAA had documented at least 35 incidents where pilots required medical attention after a laser strike.
Interfering with the operation of an aircraft has long been a federal crime, but the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 specifically made it a federal felony to knowingly point the beam of a laser at an aircraft. The new law has lowered the threshold for prosecution, and the trend is on the rise for jail time in these cases. For example, a 23-year-old California man was sentenced to 21 months in prison for aiming a laser pointer at a Fresno County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. Court records showed that the man deliberately tracked and struck the aircraft.
If you have information about a lasing incident or see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, call your local FBI office or dial 911.
info: http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/lasers/laws/