Author: Pegge Erkeneff

Sixth grade student shares cycles and sapling story

Cycles Theme Leads Charter School Into Forest Help
—By Briea Gregory, 6th grade student

Center for Alaska Coastal Studies staff member Patrick Chandler came to Fireweed Academy, a local charter school, to talk about how a forest is a cycle. (The school has quarterly themes, and this quarter’s theme is cycles.) Chandler showed the kids about forest cycles like the way it grows from a stretch of barren ground smoothed by a glacier, how it comes back to life after a forest fire, and other things.
Next, he led them through an activity that had them acting as spruce bark beetles and parts of a tree like the heartwood, xylem, phloem, etc.
Near the end of the lesson, he took students outside to the top of the hill beside the school to core a tree. The device used was not an axe, but a special device that looked like an uppercase T with a hollow inside that, when screwed into a tree, show the rings as a strip of wood with lines demonstrating where the rings were. (If you cored a tree, count the lines to demonstrate where the dark, winter lines are.) One of the kids also discovered a spruce bark beetle gallery (the lines left over in a tree from a spruce bark beetle) in a separate tree.

But that wasn’t all that Fireweed did to help the environment. The head teacher, Kiki Abrahamson, brought in bundles of fifteen spruce tree saplings for students to take home and plant near their own house over Labor Day weekend. Overall, the total of saplings came up to 1890 trees. The trees went to different students with instructions on how to properly plant them. Not all of the students took trees, but the trees ran out quickly anyways because some took multiple bundles of trees. That proves that environmental help can extend to schools.

 

Note: Schools and students are invited to send their stories and photos for me to share in the Field Notes blog. –Pegge

News Release: Spring Creek School to close June 30, 2012

Soldotna, October 20, 2011—
The Youthful Offender Program (YOP), currently located in Seward, Alaska, will move from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District to the Anchorage School District June 30, 2012.
Spring Creek School is part of the Youthful Offender Program (YOP) located in Spring Creek Correctional Center—a maximum security state operated correctional facility in Seward, Alaska. The Alaska Department of Corrections determined the YOP can be better served at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, a multi-custody correctional facility with several dorms in an array of sizes.
Alaska Department of Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt explained, “The Youthful Offender Program is moving because of a bed issue.” Thus the variety of dorm sizes available at the Anchorage Correctional Complex will be able to better serve the Youthful Offender Program.
KPBSD began the educational programming at Spring Creek School in the fall of 2000. Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent said:

 “We’re very sorry to see the program leave the district, however we understand the reason why, and we will work closely with Anchorage School District.”

Spring Creek School and high school graduation will proceed as usual for the 2011-2012 school year. KPBSD staff has been advised of the June 30 closure. We are offering to help the Anchorage School District with the transition.
About the Youthful Offender Program: This is an intensive program of rehabilitation for incarcerated youth up to 22 years of age. The program includes ongoing needs assessment, treatment planning, daily support, high school education programming operated by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, counseling and structured living. This program is available to pretrial and convicted youthful offenders.
For questions regarding Alaska Department of Corrections please contact Mr. Richard Schmitz at 907-209-5245.
For questions regarding this news release and KPBSD please contact Pegge Erkeneff at 907-714-8888.
Links

KPBSD sets United Way goal of $12,000.00

KPBSD MEMO

KPBSD sets United Way goal of $12,000.00

 

Soldotna, October 18, 2011—KPBSD supports United Way, and encourages KPBSD employees to consider contributing via a payroll deduction, or a one-time donation to help meet our KPBSD $12,000 goal.
Dr. Steve Atwater writes:

“The District is again pleased to partner with United Way. We recognize the multitude of services that United Way provides are a great benefit to our students, families, and the community. Please support United Way.”

The United Way 2011 Campaign theme is Living United “On the Kenai”:

“The money you donate goes directly to peninsula residents (not United Way) through direct program services provided by our 29 member agencies.  All dollars contributed to Kenai Peninsula United way are invested in nonprofits on the Kenai Peninsula.  Smaller agencies providing invaluable services may otherwise go unnoticed if not for their affiliation as a United Way member agency.”

Pledge Form Payroll Deduction offers an opportunity to give a little each paycheck, but over the course of the year it adds up.  You can designate a particular agency if it is dear to your heart.
If you are asking yourself, “Why should I give to United Way?” KPUW offers these points:

  • KPUW supports local Kenai Peninsula projects only
  • KPUW accounts for every dollar in service provided
  • It is a volunteer force of your local friends and neighbors making decisions (allocations, admissions, KPUW Board)
  • One single donation helps 29 different agencies
  • United Way is the only charity allowed payroll deduction program nationwide
  • You can see the results of your donations every day in your own community
  • Over 87% of Kenai Peninsula United Way funds stay here on the Kenai Peninsula

Your gift has the power to improve lives:
For less than $5 a week, your annual gift of $250 will provide:
Fifty well balanced and nutritious meals to home bound seniors.
One week of shelter for a mother and child escaping abuse.
For less than $10 a week, your annual gift of $500 will provide:
A senior citizen five round trip rides to the hospital per week for essential medical treatments.
One year of after school programs for twenty five underprivileged children who would otherwise be home alone.
Please support United Way, and help KPBSD reach the $12,000 goal this year! That’s double last year’s contributions, but still less than KPBSD has contributed in the past.

Make college possible: timelines, financial aid, scholarships

Financial Aid Information Night
October 25, 2011
6:30—8:00 p.m.
Kenai Central High School, Renee Henderson Auditorium

Do you wonder how to fund a college education–where to begin, what your first and second steps can and should be?
Make time to attend this valuable ninety minute informative evening. Learn about:

  • College search resources
  • Timelines for high school Juniors and Seniors
  • Overview of federal & state financial aid programs and local  scholarship offerings
  • Funding postsecondary education goals
  • Loans—choose wisely 
  • Bring your questions

Sponsored by:
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Connections, Kenai Central High School, Nikiski High School, Skyview High School, Soldotna High School, and Kenai Peninsula College. Note: Seward and Homer high schools have additional financial aid information dates.
FREE, everyone is welcome.

Will you dare to dream, think, and plan for college?

2nd Annual Kenai Peninsula College Fair
October 25, 2011

“You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled then something has been lost.” — Martha Graham, dancer, choreographer

Do you want to find a great college to help you become the best you can be? College and post-secondary education helps you discover and achieve your dreams.

For the second year, KPBSD offers a college fair to give you the opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 50 educational institutions. Dare to dream. Arrive with questions, ideas about your next step, or  simply a desire to see what doors might open to you, and future possibilities.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Kenai Shopping Center, Kenai, Alaska
10:00—1:00 p.m
Juniors and seniors will attend with their schools
Connections students can sign-in at the door

That same evening, a Financial Aid program will be offered from 6:30—8:00 p.m.
Confirmed educational institutions:
Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education (ACPE); AVTEC, Alaska’s Institute of Technology; Boise State University; California Baptist University; Central Washington University; College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University; Colorado Mesa University; Colorado State University; Colorado’s Fort Lewis College; Eastern Oregon University; Eastern Washington University; George Fox University; Idaho State University; Marquette University; Mayville State University; Montana State University; Northern Arizona University; Oregon Coast Culinary Institute; Oregon Institute of Technology; Oregon State University; Pacific Lutheran University; Prince William Sound Community College; Seattle University; Snow College; Southern Oregon University; Southern Utah University; Southwestern Oregon Community College; The Art Institutes; The Evergreen State College; The University of Montana; UAF Admissions; UAF College of Engineering and Mines; UAF Community & Technical College; UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences; United States Air Force Academy; Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks Graduate School; Universal Technical Institute; University Fire Department; University of Alaska Anchorage; University of Alaska Anchorage; University of Evansville; University of Hawaii at Manoa; University of Hawaii Hilo; University of Idaho; University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); University of Portland; University of Saskatchewan; University of Victoria; University of Wyoming; US Air Force Academy; Western Oregon University; Western State College of Colorado; Whitman College; Wyotech
Later that evening:
Financial Aid Night: October 25, 2011, Kenai Central High School, Renee Henderson Auditorium 6:30—8:00 p.m.
Topics covered: overview of federal and state financial aid programs; local scholarship offerings; student timelines; and funding post-secondary education. Sponsored by: Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Connections, Kenai Central High School, Nikiski High School, Skyview High School, Soldotna High School, and Kenai Peninsula College. Note: Seward and Homer high schools have additional financial aid information dates.
Both are free events, everyone is welcome.
Contact your high school counselor with questions.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  –Nelson Mandela

PSA: Safety Precaution Reminder

October 14, 2011: PSA: Safety Precaution Reminder

Parental supervision requested for children at bus stops, and while walking and biking to and from school.

KPBSD reminds parents and guardians not to leave young children unattended at bus stops. Ideally, children should walk and bike to school in groups. Children are reminded to report any suspicious behavior to their parents or an adult in charge, who in turn should contact their respective school. The safety of our students is paramount.
On October 3, a group of students from K—Beach Elementary School reported that they were approached at a bus stop after school, and asked if they needed a ride. As a precaution, this incidence was reported to the school administration and the State Troopers. KPBSD alerted First Student bus transportation on October 4.
On October 14, school administrators at Mountain View Elementary School were informed by students that they were approached by an adult at varying times both before and after school, during prior days. The Kenai Police department was contacted October 14, and determined the stories to be false and unsubstantiated.
Please contact the Kenai Police Department or the State Troopers if you have questions about either of these reports.
As a school district, we are committed to maintaining safe schools. This is a team effort between parents, students, schools, the community, and law enforcement. Providing all students with a safe learning environment is our top priority.
Read: PSA: Parental Supervision requested for young children at bus stops
PSAs and News Releases are always posted on www.KPBSD.k12.ak.us > Communications > Media and Public Relationships page

From Constantinople to Kenai: Classroom Without Walls, October 19

What do Constantinople and Kenai have in common?
To answer this question, embark on a journey into Russia’s past, live from Kenai, Alaska, with Classroom Without Walls.

Three KPBSD high school world history teachers collaborate in Classroom Without Walls, offering innovative world history learning to 350 students from Kenai Central High School, Soldotna High School, and Skyview High School.

Wednesday, October 19, you’re invited to the From Constantinople to Kenai session when a lesson will be presented live from The Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai, Alaska. Parents and community members are welcome.

From Constantinople to Kenai will take students on a journey from the beginning of Russia to the connection in Kenai, Alaska, and the Russian orthodox church. Students and community members will:

  • Meet Rurik, a Varangian prince who was the leader of the Rus
  • Princess Olga of Kiev later to be Sainted
  • Two Greeks who developed the Russian alphabet
  • Prince Vladimir who made Orthodoxy the official religion of the Rus
  • and more…

Wednesday, October 19, 2011
World History teacher Gregory Weissenberg from Soldotna High School will present From Constantinople to Kenai six times from The Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai, Alaska. There is no cost, everyone is welcome.
CWOW times: 7:55 – 8:35; 8:50 – 9:35; 10:15 – 10:55; 11:10 – 11:50; 12:39 – 1:19; and 1:35 – 2:15
Students will be in their classes at the three local high schools.

“Our kids have 3 World History teachers–we don’t know that any other students in the nation can say that, and between the 3 of us we make one good teacher.” — Rob Sparks (Skyview), Gregory Weissenberg (SoHi), Greg Zorbas (KCHS)

Making public education public, Bon Voyage!

Link
“Texting, blogging and streaming history: 3 teachers use technology to break down walls” story, Peninsula Clarion, March 5, 2010

Athletes Dig Pink

The 2011 Dig Pink Volleyball Match between Soldotna High School STARS and Kenai Central High School Kardinals cleared $6,179.00! This is a record amount, and demonstrates what vision, sports, collaboration, and positive rivalry accomplishes.

 

2011 Dig Pink makes a difference for KCHS graduate
Cassie Walker graduated from Kenai Central High School in 2003. In May she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s had several surgeries and has gone through radiation treatment for the past six weeks. Her radiation treatment and surgeries went very well, and she plans to go back to college after the winter break.

Carol Nolden from Kenai Middle School shared,

“The exciting news is that we are taking a portion of the funds that we raised and we are donating them to Cassie to help offset her medical expenses. The Side-Out Foundation is also going to help her with financial support and hook her up with other young adults in her area that are going through the same process. I know this was a tremendous amount of work, but I sincerely appreciate everything you did to make this happen–I know Cassie does, too!”


To all the players, coaches, organizers, volunteers, and local businesses who offered donations–thank you! You make a difference. Dig Pink!
 
Links
KPBSD Dig Pink 2011 Facebook photo album
Peninsula Clarion story
Dig Pink Side-Out Foundation

A visit to Port Graham, Alaska

Monday morning: I flew to a small school in Port Graham, Alaska, which is south and east of Homer. I’ve had the opportunity to tag along on several trips to our diverse schools where I’m learning about the KPBSD school district, taking photos, meeting students and educators.

Arriving at the school, two framed paintings hinged with a mirror caught my attention. Curious, I learned it will be a part of a cultural learning experience for the students. Two accompanying head pieces had just arrived. One of the Port Graham students I’d met during the recent KPBSD student council conference day showed me the headpiece for the girls. I’ll post more as the students engage this cultural learning experience; meanwhile, I’m grateful to hear the stories and meet Port Graham students. Everyone was welcoming, curious about the camera in my hand, and the K-3 grade elementary students grinned when they each told me their name.

Mind A-Mazes: Fantastic Flight

Fifty-eight student teams from twenty-two schools designed, built, and flew paper airplanes on Saturday, October 8, 2011, in the annual KPBSD Mind A-Mazes contest sponsored by Quest.

A KPBSD problem-solving competition, 3 to 4 students work in a team to solve a long-term problem, prior to the competition. In addition, the day of the competition, a spontaneous problem is presented for teams to solve in a short period of time. A dedicated blog, hosted on our KPBSD servers provides an opportunity for students to ask questions, receive and post answers, and demonstrate collaboration in action.

The 2011 Long-term  Fantastic Flight problem instructions:
Teams will design and create paper devices that will be used to earn points by performing a series of tasks. Devices will be constructed for competition at the time of the event, using paper that will be provided. Students will not be allowed to bring any devices that were constructed prior to the event into the competition area. Up to five different devices may be constructed during the competition and will be used for attempting the following flight challenges: Distance; Flight Duration; Accuracy; and Altitude.

Congratulations to the 2011 Winning Teams and Schools
Junior Division (4th-6th grade)
1. West Homer – “The Paper Bombers”
2. Nikiski Middle/High – “Flying Bacon Strips”
3. Mc Neil Canyon – “McNeil Canyon 4”
Judges Choice – Nikiski North Star – “The Flaming Hawks”
Spontaneous –  West Homer – “Ernie Airlines”
Intermediate/ Senior Division (7th-12th grade)
1. Hope – “Ice Cream Ninjas”
2. Kenai Middle – “The Firebolts”
3. Nikiski Middle/High – “Mach 5”
Judges Choice – River City Academy – “Angry Birds”
Spontaneous –  Ninilchik – “Team Wilcow”
Thank you to Soldotna Middle School, and all the students, educators, volunteers, and families who participated this year in the district-wide Mind A-Mazes academic program.
Please share a comment here, and view photographs or add yours to the Mind A-Mazes photo album on the KPBSD district Facebook page.