Author: Pegge Erkeneff

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

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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
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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.
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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!

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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.
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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
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Words to lead by #inspire #motivate

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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

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Pointer: don't aim a laser at an aircraft

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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/

#KPBSD Rob Sparks is 2017 Alaska Studies Educator of the Year

The Alaska Humanities Forum and the Alaska State Council on the Arts announce
Mr. Rob Sparks, Soldotna Prep School
is the 2017 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities,

Alaska Studies Educator of the Year!

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“Teaching Alaska Studies is so relevant because we are such a young state that many of the issues from Statehood are still issues today…so you can study the present to understand the past better! The diversity of the state—geographically and culturally is fascinating for students to discover since many of us are not originally from Alaska.” –Rob Sparks, 2017 Alaska Studies Educator of the Year

rob-sparks-2013“This honor came as a complete surprise to me,” said Sparks. “I’ve been fortunate to have the support of administrators and colleagues who support some of the unique approaches we take studying Alaska in my classroom. Special thank you to Greg Zorbas for the collaborative work we do and the videoconferencing skills which have allowed me to connect my room to other Alaska classrooms. It is an honor to be recognized as a teacher who is trying to make a difference!”
 
“Mr. Robert Sparks has been an outstanding Alaska History teacher at Skyview High School and Soldotna Prep School for well over a decade,” said Curtis Schmidt, Soldotna Prep principal. “His influence on the lives of KPBSD students is immeasurable. In the past nine years I have worked with Mr. Sparks he has transformed his curriculum and teaching methods into a classroom without walls (CWOW) in order to increase student engagement, interest, and connection to Alaska and the many communities and cultures that exist within the state. He has been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for his efforts (see his website) to incorporate video conferencing into his classes, which include Alaska History. He uses this, and other online technologies to connect his students with other students around the state and the globe to develop a better understanding of what it means to be “Alaskan.”
Sean Dusek, superintendent, said, “Mr. Sparks continues to be a great teacher and seems to get better with age. This is another well-deserved award and I truly appreciate his passion, commitment to continuous improvement and the positive difference he makes for kids every day.”
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The Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities is an annual partnership between the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA), the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, and the Office of the Governor to recognize and honor noteworthy contributions to the arts and humanities in Alaska. The awards recognize Alaskan artists, educators, historians, and institutions for their enduring impact on people and communities across our state.
The Governor’s Awards ceremony will be held in Juneau on January, 26, 2017 and is open to the public to attend – further details and tickets are available at akgovawards.org.
Contact Jann Mylet, Alaska Humanities Forum, 907-272-5302, jmylet@akhf.org
http://www.akgovawards.org/awards
http://www.akhf.org/

Sara Moore, AKSCA 2016 Advocate of the Year

Alaska School Counselor Association’s 2016 Advocate of the Year Award goes to KPBSD Sara Moore!
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“Sara Moore has done a terrific job with our students for many years. Even in retirement she is making a positive difference with our students! Congratulations on the award!” – Sean Dusek, superintendent
In 1996, beginning in #KPBSD at Soldotna High School, Sara then served as a districtwide counselor specialist from 2012 to 2016 when she retired, then returned to be the transition lead school counselor for the 2016-2017 school year.
Sara Moore said, “Receiving statewide recognition for advocacy is a testament to both our district and to the colleagues I have worked with over the years. By recognizing the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model as the framework for counseling programs in our schools, the KPBSD leadership team supports the role school counselor’s play in student achievement in the areas of academic, career and personal and social development. The KPBSD school counseling program is viewed as a model for other districts and KPBSD school counselors have a long history of statewide leadership in multiple areas. According to ASCA, “Effective school counseling programs are a collaborative effort between the school counselor, parents and other educators to create an environment that promotes student achievement.” I am inspired by the tireless efforts our school counselors make every day to this end!”
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“As school counselors, we best inspire students through a program that strives to reach every student,” said Moore. “By providing both direct classroom instruction and individualized guidance, we help students to set both academic, and career and life goals as well as provide them with the resources and education necessary to reach those goals. We encourage students to realize there are many paths to their goals despite the myriad of challenges and hurdles they might face along the way. In our attempts to grow student learning and achievement, school counselors make every effort to encourage student development, not only as individuals, but as contributing members of families and communities. One of the most exciting aspects of my work has been to observe the developmental changes in students as they acquire the skills and attitudes necessary to transition to the workplace, higher education and, or career and technical training upon completion of their high school experience. As I move into retirement, I know I will continue to encounter past students in the community and look forward to hearing of their journeys!”
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John Pothast, director of elementary and secondary education said, “I have found Sara to be a tireless supporter of what we do in our school counseling programs. For years she served as one of our best, and go to counselors in the district, not only serving the students in her building, but also being a mentor to every other school counselor. For the past few years we have been fortunate to have Sara serve in the capacity as our Districtwide Counselor Specialist. In that capacity she has coordinated all of the professional development learning opportunities for our school counselors, including leading the school counselors group through the process of developing a more meaningful evaluation process that is tied to national school counselor standards. She has worked with staff, students and parents in postsecondary career plans and transitions and has developed, and helped school counselors implement, PLCP plans for all secondary students. Sara has officially retired from her roles as school counselor and counselor specialist, but like so many great educators, she just can’t seem to remain retired!”
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The Advocate of the Year award recognizes a special individual or group for their assistance in furthering the mission of school counselors in Alaska. The Advocate of the Year may have developed or implemented a new program that affects the wellbeing of students/staff; they may have initiated improvement in counseling services; or they may have provided outstanding opportunities for the professional growth of counselors. Whether an administrator, community group, or other individual in or out of the school environment, the recipient of this award represents true advocacy for our profession.
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Links

2015 KPBSD College Fair
 

Hope student shadows Alaska Governor

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“In November I spent the day with the Governor of Alaska, Bill Walker. I was able to do this as part of his program that donates a day of shadowing the Governor to nonprofits around Alaska. My specific opportunity was thanks to Hope local resident, Jim Skogstad, who attended The Basics auction where he won this auction item. When I first heard about it I had no idea what to expect, nonetheless, I was looking forward to spending the day in the life of Alaska’s highest ranking political figure. My day started promptly at 8:00 a.m., and went nonstop with only one break for lunch until 4:30 p.m. In this amount of time I was able to experience the busyness and diversity of just one of the countless days in the Governor’s life.” – Liam Bureau, Hope School

 
A freshman at Hope School, Liam did his background work on Governor Walker before heading into Anchorage to spend the day, and was ready to ask some questions of the Governor. He said he enjoyed learning that Governor Walker was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and that he too attended a relative small school (Valdez). Liam has attended Hope School since he was in second grade.
Story contributed by Liam Bureau, and Patty Truesdell, Hope School teacher
Suggest or contribute a story online link: http://bit.ly/SuggestKPBSDstory

#KPBSD James Harris is 2017 Alaska Teacher of Year

State Championship of Teaching!
2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year plus the Alternate Teacher of the Year are #KPBSD educators

Soldotna, December 6, 2016—Why is the the Alaska Commissioner of Education, Dr. Michael Johnson, visiting Soldotna High School? To surprise the 2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year during a crowded assembly of students and staff. And, more excellence: the 2017 Alternate Teacher of the Year is Stephanie Cronin, from KPBSD Seward High School!
“James Harris believes that the fundamental purpose of teaching literature is to connect students with the world,” Commissioner Johnson said. “That’s a very good definition of teaching in general. To his classroom, Mr. Harris brings his knowledge, passion, practical experience in writing, and empathy for students. He is an inspiring choice for Alaska Teacher of the Year.”

L-R: Soldotna High School Principal Tony Graham; James Harris, 2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year; KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusek; Commissioner of Education, Dr. Michael Johnson
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james-harris-2017-alaska-teacher-of-the-year-from-kpbsd-soldotna-high-schoolJames Harris, Soldotna High School
2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year
“Yes, yes, yes!” will be the response Mr. Harris offers in 2017 when he is called upon to speak at education conferences and participate in various statewide education working groups. He will be a member of Commissioner Johnson’s teacher advisory group. The Alaska Teacher of the Year is the state’s nominee for national Teacher of the Year. Watch the James Harris learns he is 2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year Polycom video!

“I look at the profession of teaching as one of the most vital and important jobs in our country and I really hope to represent Alaska teachers and all they strive for!” – James Harris

A 12-year professional, James Harris has taught English at Soldotna High School for seven years. A published writer, editor, and college educator, he chairs the English department and professional development at his school, and coaches youth hockey. Harris says, “Through literature I hope to help my students empathize with the human story, open themselves up to the joys, sufferings, motivations, disappointments, and triumphs of others, and thus achieve a kinder and more complex understanding of themselves.”
Once students graduate, they start the stories of their own lives. Harris said he uses every skill, experience, talent, and tool at his command to give his students what they need to face their life choices armed with literacy, empathy, and a deeper sense of what they can contribute to our human community.
Mr. Harris holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Western State College of Colorado, a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and a master of arts degree in teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast.
“James is an outstanding educator who always puts kids first. He makes a lasting impression on all the students he comes into contact with, whether in the classroom or in the hallway. He inspires hope, ignites imagination, and instills a love of learning. He is very deserving of this honor and it is a pleasure to work with him each and every day.” – Tony Graham, Soldotna High School principal
KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusek said, “This is the State Championship of teaching! We are excited and humbled to have two of our teachers recognized as the best in our state! Congratulations to Mrs. Stephanie Cronin from Seward High School for being chosen as the alternate this year. She is and always has been an outstanding teacher. As for our new 2017 Alaska Teacher of the year, Mr. James Harris, I am very pleased his great effort with our students has been recognized at the state level. He is an excellent representative of the teachers in our district! It is truly a great day in our district as both of these outstanding individuals have earned the highest honors in our state.”
 
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Past Alaska  Teachers of the Year from KPBSD include:

  • 1999 – Daniel Walker, Seward Middle-High School
  • 1988 – Sammy Crawford, Soldotna High School
  • 1976 – Gary Woodburn, Cooper Landing School

Links
Video: Commissioner Johnson surprises James Harris to announce 2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year!
Webpage: Alaska Teacher of the Year
Story: 2017 Alaska Alternate Teacher of the Year, Stephanie Cronin
October 22, 2016 Commissioner Johnson Announces Finalists for Teacher of the Year
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Check our social media sites for photos and stories!
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release