Year: 2017

October 17: Community Budget Meeting info

Building a school budget is foundational to schools, so bring your questions and concerns about funding, expenditures, and priorities.
Everyone is invited to participate. October 17, 2017. Twenty-two school locations. One hour, 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Resources:

Additional Resources

Discussion process:
2017_10_17 Community Budget Meeting
Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials are invited to participate at the third annual KPBSD budget development session happening at 22 school sites.
Building a school budget is foundational to schools, so bring your questions and concerns about funding, expenditures, and priorities. Connect with your neighbors who care about K-12 education and vibrant schools.

*Some schools will meet at the same location. Look for your school to see where it will meet: 

Aurora Borealis Charter School – Kenai Alt main meeting room; Chapman School – Homer Middle School; Connections – Soldotna High Library; Cooper Landing School – First classroom next to office; Fireweed Acacemy – Homer Middle School; Homer Flex – Homer Middle School; Homer High – Homer Middle School; Homer Middle – Library; Hope School – Mrs. Truesdell’s classroom; K-Beach Elementary – Room 18; Kachemak-Selo – Homer Middle School; Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science – Library; Kenai Alternative – KCHS Library; Kenai Central High School – Library; Kenai Middle School – KCHS Library; McNeil Canyon Elementary – Homer Middle School; Moose Pass School – Library; Mountain View Elementary – KCHS library; Nanwalek School – Secondary Classroom – Old Shop; Nikiski Middle-High School – Library; Nikiski North Star Elementary – Nikiski High Library; Nikolaevsk School – Room 11; Ninilchik School – Library; Paul Banks Elementary – Homer Middle School; Port Graham School – Library; Razdolna School – Homer Middle School; Redoubt Elementary – Soldotna High Library; River City Academy – Soldotna High Library; Seward Elementary – Seward High Library; Seward High School – Library; Seward Middle School – Seward High Library; Skyview Middle School – B104; Soldotna Elementary – Library; Soldotna High – Library; Soldotna Prep – Soldotna High Library; Soldotna Montessori – Room 411; Sterling Elementary – Library; Susan B. English – School Commons; Tebughna School – Room 7; Tustumena Elementary – Library; Voznesenka School – Homer Middle School; West Homer Elementary – Homer Middle School.
Everyone is encouraged to participate!
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Budget MeetingS

Mayor Mike Navarre awarded Golden Apple

2017 Mayor Mike Navarre

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | October 16, 2017
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre provides tireless support of public education in our borough and in the state.
Mayor Navarre is a graduate from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and did not forget his roots. A successful businessman and public servant, through his personal business he supports KPBSD schools through donations of funds, products, and most importantly, time. His love of kids is genuine and while he is a Kenai Central High School graduate, he supports all of the schools in the district with equal zeal and pride!
Mayor Navarre has consistently demonstrated his support for public education in his various public servant roles. He speaks to the accomplishments, while also asking the tough questions that hold our schools accountable to high standards. When the district has needed funding, he has recommended, supported, and followed through on providing additional funding.
What is most impressive about Mayor Navarre is that he believes in public education because he believes in children and is optimistic about their future, especially if it is grounded in a quality education. He has been a strong partner building the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. “Through this partnership, he should share in our successes, know that he has made a profound difference in thousands of students’ lives, and be recognized for his unwavering support,” said Superintendent Sean Dusek. “I sincerely appreciate all that Mayor Navarre has done throughout his lifetime to help make the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District a high quality institution that is considered one of the best districts in the State of Alaska. Thank you for all you have done and I hope you will continue to be fully engaged with KPBSD in the future.”
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Mr. Mike Navarre for his dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.
2017 Mayor Navarre Golden Apple

 

Making history – first KPBSD student is Microsoft certified

Gavin Goggia Skyview microsoft certification
 

“I am grateful for the opportunity that SoHi has provided for me and other students to become Microsoft Certified, and I am honored to be the first to achieve this.” -Gavin Goggia

Congratulations Gavin Goggia, Soldotna High School senior, for passing the Microsoft PowerPoint Certification exam and becoming the first KPBSD student to become Microsoft Certified. Gavin is one of 144 KPBSD Online Computer Applications 1-4 students, and several more students will earn certification by the end of the semester.
These students are currently training for one or more of Microsoft’s Office Specialist Certifications in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook or Access. These elective courses are taught online by Darren Jones from the KPBSD Distance Learning Program and offered to every KPBSD 9-12th grade student. The Computer Applications course content has recently been updated to now allow students the opportunity to become Microsoft certified upon completion. Students who successfully complete these courses may also earn college credit from University of Alaska Kenai Peninsula College Campus.
Microsoft certifications give students the power to chart their own course, fulfill their ambitions, and realize their potential. These certifications give students the tools to build a brighter future and prepare themselves for a successful career. In addition to all KPBSD students having access to the certification trainings, all KPBSD staff and teachers can now participate in the same online trainings to earn college credit and become Microsoft Certified!
Contributed by Darren Jones, KPBSD Distance Learning Technology Teacher

News Release: Get the process rolling October 17

Get the process rolling October 17, 5:30 PM, at 22 KPBSD school sites

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Budget MeetingS
If a quality education and the future success for every young person on the Kenai matters to you, mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.
Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials are invited to participate in the third annual KPBSD budget development session happening at 22 school sites. Building a school budget is a foundation for a quality school, so bring your questions and concerns about funding, expenditures, and priorities for your school.

Participate on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. Some schools will meet at the same location:

Aurora Borealis Charter School – Kenai Alt main meeting room; Chapman School – Homer Middle School; Connections – Soldotna High Library; Cooper Landing School – First classroom next to office; Fireweed  Acacemy – Homer Middle School; Homer Flex – Homer Middle School; Homer High – Homer Middle School; Homer Middle – Library; Hope School – Mrs. Truesdell’s classroom; K-Beach Elementary – Room 18; Kachemak-Selo – Homer Middle School; Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science – Library; Kenai Alternative – KCHS Library; Kenai Central High School – Library; Kenai Middle School – KCHS Library; McNeil Canyon Elementary – Homer Middle School; Moose Pass School – Library; Mt. View Elementary – KCHS library; Nanwalek School – Secondary Classroom – Old Shop; Nikiski Middle-High School – Library; Nikiski North Star Elementary – Nikiski High Library; Nikolaevsk School – Room 11; Ninilchik School – Library; Paul Banks Elementary – Homer Middle School; Port Graham School – Library; Razdolna School – Homer Middle School; Redoubt Elementary – Soldotna High Library; River City Academy – Soldotna High Library; Seward Elementary – Seward High Library; Seward High School – Library; Seward Middle School – Seward High Library; Skyview Middle School – B104; Soldotna Elementary – Library; Soldotna High – Library; Soldotna Prep – Soldotna High Library; Soldotna Montessori – Room 411; Sterling Elementary – Library; Susan B. English – School Commons; Tebughna School – Room 7; Tustumena Elementary – Library; Voznesenka School – Homer Middle School; West Homer Elementary – Homer Middle School.

“One of the most important functions we have as district administrators is to develop an annual balanced budget that prioritizes meeting the needs of our students,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “As we begin this process for developing the 2018-2019 budget, it is important to make sure key components of the budget are understood, community questions are gathered, and a clear development plan that includes multiple opportunities for your input is communicated. This process begins on October 17 and I look forward to engaging all our communities throughout a process that will provide the foundation of a high quality educational experience for all of our students.”

“Our annual budget is one of the most important things we do each year,” said Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support. “It is important for people to understand the need to pass a multi-revenue fiscal plan. We want to give our parents, staff, students, and community members a chance to learn about our budget, participate in the process, and offer input. The meeting on October 17 is an important step in the process to develop the FY19 budget. We hope to see a large turnout at all our schools across the district.”
Participant input will be synthesized and presented to the KPBSD school board during November and December board meetings and work sessions.
Link
KPBSD Finance Department
 

Sources of Strength suicide prevention efforts in KPBSD

News releaseKPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL
Suicide Prevention and Awareness

“While suicide is sometimes a difficult topic to discuss, it is also paramount that we as a community address it head on. Programs such as Sources of Strength are critical components of our commitment and dedication to support our students through the myriad of issues they may experience throughout their lives.” –Sean Dusek, superintendent

KPBSD is dedicated to provide suicide awareness and wellness education to students, staff, and the greater Kenai Peninsula community. GCI and The Alaska Foundation released a PSA video on September 22, to highlight the work KPBSD is doing with Sources of Strength, through the GCI Suicide Prevention Grant.

September is national suicide awareness month, and the Alaska suicide rate is twice the national average. Several schools are creating a Wall of Hope. In addition, KPBSD received a variety of grants from the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and the Alaska Community Foundation to support suicide prevention programming and training to not only our adults, but also our students. In the spring of 2017, over 75 students and adults from Homer, Kenai, and Seward received training in Sources of Strength (SOS). SOS is a strength-based comprehensive wellness program that focuses on suicide prevention but affects other issues such as substance abuse and violence. In early October, Soldotna High School will join the SOS team, and on October 13, high school students from Seward, Homer, Soldotna, and Kenai will participate in a Sources of Strength Upstream Conference in Kenai.

“At the school level, our school psychologists and school counselors are trained and use suicide risk assessments for students who are in need of support,” said Clayton Holland, director of pupil services. “Their good work together with our staff and school administration offer support to at-risk students and provide resources to students and families.”

Several KPBSD counselors are trainers for evidence-based wellness programs such as Youth Mental Health First Aide and The Fourth R. KPBSD will continue to foster and share resources with mental health organizations to increase coordination and support for our students and community members about suicide prevention and wellness.
Sources of Strength frisbee KPBSD
Links

GCI Press Release: ‘Sources of Strength’ bolsters suicide prevention efforts on Kenai Peninsula

2017 Sources of Strength training
 

News Release: Native Education Title VI Advisory Committee

KPBSD Native Education Title VI Advisory Committee seeks parent, student, and staff KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALLmembers to serve

Are you interested in setting priorities to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of our 1,200 Alaska Native and Native American students? Is encouraging or assisting our Alaska Native and Native American students to stay in school and pursue further education a value to you?

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Title VI (Indian Education), formerly known as Title VII, seeks parent, student, and staff advisory committee representatives. The qualities desirable in the members of the advisory committee are:

  • Willingness to actively participate
  • Involvement in community affairs
  • Represent the interest of all children in the KPBSD who are eligible for Title VI

Committee members must commit to quarterly meetings, usually held at the KPBSD office building in Soldotna. Remote area representatives participate via Skype for Business.
Seats by Region
Parent Representative A parent is any person who on the date of election for Advisory Committee membership is the parent, acting local parent, legal guardian, or elder of a student currently eligible for Title VI and enrolled in KPBSD

  • Seat A—Region 1 (Tyonek, Nikiski, Kenai)
  • Seat B—Region 2 (Sterling, Soldotna)
  • Seat C—Region 3 (Seward, Moose Pass, Cooper Landing, Hope)

Student Representative Any KPBSD Title VI enrolled student

  • Seat G—At-large
  • Seat H—At-large

Staff Representative Any KPBSD employee

  • Seat I—At-large

The KPBSD Title VI Advisory Committee is a requirement of the federal government to receive Title VI funds and assists KPBSD in setting the priorities to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of Alaska Native and Native American student population. The KPBSD Title VI Advisory Committee will also consider and make recommendations as to programs, projects, or other efforts specifically aimed at encouraging or assisting Alaska Native and Native American students to stay in school and pursue further education.

Nominations for membership are due by noon on September 19, 2017, and can be submitted by Region to Conrad Woodhead, KPBSD Native Education Coordinator, at cwoodhead@kpbsd.k12.ak.us. Questions? Please call 907-235-8671.

A Title VI Advisory Committee Meeting will take place September 20, 2017, from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. in the Borough Assembly Chambers in Soldotna.
Links

###
Future State Trooper Nash

KPBSD observes international FASD Awareness Day

News Release
Soldotna, September 8, 2017— Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) do affect KPBSD students, and September 9, 2017, marks international FASD awareness day. The KPBSD, together with our board of education, community agencies, and families recognize the challenges of FASD. We are working with and supporting our students and families, providing FASD education, awareness, and parent support groups. On September 1, 2017, Governor Walker proclaimed September 9, 2017 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day in Alaska.

No FAS

Public awareness

Learn about the danger of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with the impact of FASD challenges.

KPBSD focus

“Our goal is to understand and support our students with FASD, provide support for their families, and hopefully create enough awareness about FASD that we significantly alter the number of future students impacted with FASD,” said Clayton Holland, director of KPSBD pupil services. “It is estimated that 2-5% of the entire population of the United States is impacted by FASD. Alaska has taken the lead in recognizing this disability and doing proactive work in this area. The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has a long term commitment to training our staff to work effectively with students impacted by FASD, providing preventive education to our students and the community, and providing support to the families and care providers of those with FASD. Our work has already resulted in a significant reduction in discipline across the district and we believe the long term outcome is a healthier community and state.”

Deb Evensen, FASD expert, said, “I am honored to be assisting KPBSD as they work toward their goal of more effectively supporting students with FASD, in every grade level and in every program. This work is a bold step for KPBSD who is leading the way to address this challenge. As we improve our understanding and support for those now living with FASD, we nurture the growing public awareness of what causes this disability, and help create the path to a future where FASD no longer exists.”

“FASD Awareness Day should be a time for all of us at KPBSD to consider the effects of this disorder and to learn how we can better support our students who have this disability,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent.

2017 August FASD potluckSaturday, September 9, 2017, KPBSD Fall FASD Family Potluck

All birth, foster, and adoptive families in KPBSD raising children with FASD are invited to come together for a picnic on International FASD Day, from 11:00 – 2:00, at Soldotna Creek Park. Families are asked to bring a potluck dish to share and table service for their family. This event marks the beginning of four FASD family support events for the year.

FASD projects in the KPBSD

  • Beginning, intermediate, and advanced training on FASD available to all educators throughout the district
  • Specific on-site consultations and assistance in the classroom regarding specific students
  • A friendly support group for caregivers of children with a FASD diagnosis
  • Work with health teachers to provide FASD information and awareness for all students

 KPBSD parent education and support meetings

Several times throughout the 2017-2018 school year, an evening is scheduled for KPBSD caregivers for children with FASD to meet. The gatherings connect caregivers, and take place in Homer, Seward, and the central peninsula. We’ve learned that our parents experience relief and appreciation to be able to talk with each other in a group facilitated by an FASD expert. Call 907-714-8881 for additional details.
Links

 

News Release: State, district, and school PEAKS results now online

DEED PEAKS
State, district, and school PEAKS results now online
Soldotna, September 1, 2017— The first year results of PEAKS, the online assessment for students in grades three through ten in English language arts and mathematics are now available online. KPBSD students continue to outperform state median scale scores in both English language arts and math.

 “PEAKS is one part of the overall picture about how well our students and schools succeed,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “KPBSD focuses on continual improvement, creating lifelong learners, and believes the shift toward a greater emphasis on problem solving skills and critical thinking will make a significant, positive difference on all assessments that are implemented in our schools.”

Parents will receive individual student reports with English language arts and math results in mid-September. KPBSD will mail reports from the district office. It is important to remember:

  • Student achievement has not declined
  • What is expected of students, and measured, is different than in previous years
  • These first PEAKS results are setting a new baseline to help educators understand where students stand on their path to success
  • PEAKS results are only one data point. Multiple factors demonstrate student success and drive district decision making processes

 A September 1, 2017, Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) press release states, “Alaska educators have been involved in determining student performance criteria on the PEAKS assessment. A group of 35 Alaska educators gathered in April to decide how much students should know and be able to do at each achievement level. In early June, 84 Alaska educators gathered to determine the range of scores for each of the four achievement levels.”
As teachers and students gain more experience in the new and more rigorous standards, PEAKS scores will rise. This has been true for other states which adopt higher standards.

  • PEAKS is not a pass-fail test
  • PEAKS scores do not affect course grades, graduation, or grade retention, but students will receive focused support to improve
  • PEAKS, the AMP test and the SBAs are not comparable because they measure different standards, have different questions, and use different scoring
  • Fewer students meet the new standards than used to meet the old standards; the new standards focus on higher order thinking skills and problem solving

 

 Links

###

KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL

Graduate Survey: How Did KPBSD Do?

News ReleaseKPBSD logo 4c today
KPBSD Classes of 2010 to 2017, How Did KPBSD Do?

To improve schools, KPBSD seeks graduate input from the Classes of 2010 through 2017.

A brief survey is open through September. Please assist the KPBSD to reach 4,978 graduates.

The alumni survey will help KPBSD understand how well students were prepared to meet goals for college and a career. KPBSD will use feedback to ensure that the district’s academic and career-focused programs provide the best possible preparation for graduates.
Survey link: http://surveys.hanoverresearch.com/s3/7fcac49f64dd or http://bit.ly/KPBSDGraduateSurvey
The graduate survey will be open through September 29, 2017.
This survey is being administered on behalf of the district by Hanover Research. Responses will remain anonymous, feedback is essential, and participation will improve the education experience for current and future students.
KPBSD partnered with Hanover Research to administer this survey. Hanover Research is an independent education research firm based in Washington, D.C., and is in no way affiliated with any other entity or organization. All responses will be kept completely anonymous, and no identifying information will be provided to the district. Similarly, grouped results will not be presented in a way that could potentially allow the identification of any specific respondents (e.g., faculty within a specific grade teaching a specific course).
Questions or difficulties with the survey? Contact Conor Kelly, Hanover Institute, ckelly@hanoverinsights.com.
###
2017 Graduate Survey

news release: New KPBSD bus routes, times, and practice run

News ReleaseKPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL
KPBSD welcomes Apple Bus Company
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 22, 2017*, and Apple Bus Company is in final preparations for the new school year.

Find new bus route and pickup and drop-off times

Apple Bus Company routes and times are now online and searchable via the Kenai Peninsula Bus infoFinder

Practice Run, Monday, August 21, 2017!

All Apple Bus Company buses will run their scheduled routes, in real time, stopping at all known stops, both in the morning and afternoon on Monday. Please do not think you have missed the first day of school, and your child has missed the bus! This is a full practice run, in real time, to finalize route timing and pickup and drop-off times.
Parent idea: On Monday, in conjunction with the Apple Bus bus practice, do your own practice run to determine how long it takes you to arrive at your bus stop, so on Tuesday, students are ready to step aboard a new year!

KPBSD bus questions?
Please call Apple Bus Company:

  • Central peninsula area (Kasilof, Kenai, Nikiski, Soldotna, Sterling): 907.262.4900
  • Southern peninsula area (Anchor Point, Ninilchik, Homer area): 907.235.0124
  • Seward area: 907.224.3571

Links

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, Communications Liaison, communications@KPBSD.org
907.714.8888
School-bus-clip-art-bus-transportation-school-peanuts-gang-friends
*Variances – school begins:

  • August 15, 2017: Kachemak-Selo; Razdolna; Voznesenka schools
  • August 21, 2017: Nanwalek; Nikolaevsk; Port Graham schools
  • August 22, 2017: all other KPBSD schools