Category: Appreciation

Skyview Middle School: Sources of Strength mentors and trusted adults

Be social: check your camera roll and share, or take a new photo if you can practice physical distancing! #sos #SourcesofStrength #SourcesatSkyview #SOSinvite #KPBSDStrongerTogether #WhatHelpsUs #SOSmentor #FamilyStrength

Skyview Middle School, Soldotna Alaska

Trusted Mentors

Mentor Mysteries “Wanted Posters” in a Month of Mentors!

To highlight Skyview Middle School mentors, the Sources of Strength team sent students on a mystery to determine the WHO in the wanted-poster mentors for the week!

The investigation and mystery encouraged students to connect with mentors, ask them questions about their likes and interests, and find similarities between themselves and Skyview Middle School mentors. Students who could figure out all three wanted-posters each week were entered into a raffle for prizes. This was our coolest #sos campaign we did this school year!

Family Support

Many of us feel stuck in problems and it is hard to see the solution. Sometimes getting unstuck is simple when we have some strategies, techniques, or help. During Covid19 we feel like we are “stuck” at home, when really, we can and have built on the strength of our Family Support! Skyview Middle School students learned the Yarn Knot Game this year, which can really assist especially now!

Connect with Skyview Middle School on Facebook or their new Instagram
Don’t miss the Quarantine Kindness Challenge Ideas!

Sources of Strength is in 12 KPBSD schools: eight high schools, three middle schools, and one K-12 school.

A strength-based comprehensive wellness program focusing on suicide prevention, Sources of Strength also addresses substance abuse, violence, resiliency, and relationships. Teams of peer leaders mentored by adult advisors change peer social norms about seeking help, and encourage students to individually assess and develop positive strengths in their life.

www.SourcesOfStrength.com

It’s October: celebrate a school principal!

“A school principal is one of the most difficult and rewarding jobs in education! Our principals care deeply for KPBSD logotheir students, staff, schools, and communities and strive to create the best possible educational environment. I am thankful for the hard work and dedication exhibited on a daily basis by our KPBSD principals. –John O’Brien, superintendent of schools

National Principal Appreciation Month is your opportunity to say thank you to current and retired principals, and share the many ways that principals serve students, staff, and the community!
#ThankAPrincipal
2019-10 thank a principal
 

Seahawk Day of Caring is a win-win!

2018 Seahawk Day of Caring

The First Annual Seahawk Day of Caring was a huge success!

Spring sports athletes completed several community projects including Spring Cleaning at the Cemetery City Campgrounds.  They swept gravel for several local churches and for the Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Local businesses pledged their financial support to these projects, and the teams raised more than of $11,000 to support their sports!
Links

Hockey players assist wounded man #KindnessCounts

Homer High hockey 1

“I witnessed an amazing act on Friday, November 3, 2017.”
-Steve Nevak, assistant coach, Homer High Mariner hockey

“When Homer High School students, Charlie Menke, Douglas Dean, Tucker, and little brother Phinny Weston walked over to Qdoba for dinner after our hockey game against Bartlett they found an inebriated homeless man bleeding profusely on the sidewalk. They guided him to Qdoba and got help, and called Head Coach Chance Rockett to inform him of the situation. I left immediately to the scene.
On the way over I noticed large piles of blood on the sidewalk and parking lot. After the fact, kids that went to Fred Meyers mentioned they followed a heavy stream of blood all the way out of Fred Meyer. When I arrived, Charlie was dressing his wounds with bandages and gloves from the Qdoba manager, while Tucker was on the phone with 911. We got the man bandaged, settled down, and I started conversation with him. He mentioned he was robbed at Fred Meyer and stumbled to where the kids found him. He mentioned he was feeling woozy from the loss of blood and the amount of pain he was in. We kept him talking and alert until EMS arrived. I told the kids how proud I was of them.
I worked a long time at the Alaska Native Medical Center with people such as this man. People with this horrible addiction, are still just that … people. The kids didn’t scoff, snicker, or walk past like so many in our society would have. Charlie later mentioned he was amazed by the looks he was receiving from kids his own age that walked by into the restaurant, as if they were wondering why these kids with Homer jackets on were helping this bleeding, inebriated Alaska native man. With how cold it was, how inebriated this man was, and how much he was bleeding, I can’t imagine he would have survived if he wasn’t found.
What a great example these kids have set for the future of our community. I am a proud Homer Mariner coach, Homer Mariner dad, and Alaska Native man. I really want to highlight and thank these four great kids.”
 
 

Departing KPBSD after fifteen plus years

KPBSD appreciates dedicated staff who will retire or depart this year

“This is a bittersweet time of year with our staff. It is a time to celebrate the successes and growth we’ve all experienced throughout the district. It is also a time for transition. We are losing some excellent educators and support staff, and while it is sad they are leaving the district, it is also a time to be thankful for their contributions and also wish them well on their next adventure. So, thanks and best of luck goes to all our retirees and staff moving on to other adventures. You will be missed!” – Sean Dusek, Superintendent

2017 Retiree well wishes
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District appreciates the commitment and service these employees contributed, each with fifteen or more years in the school district. Each of you has made a difference, THANK YOU!

  • Rosemary Bird, Kenai Middle School, Choir and Home Economics Teacher, 37 years
  • Teri Zopf-Schoessler, Soldotna High School, English and Drama Teacher, 33 years
  • Leobof Dorvall, Nikolaevsk School, ELL Tutor and Food Service Manager I-S, 32 years
  • Daniel Hastings, Student Nutrition Services, Districtwide Kitchen Manager, 31 years
  • Mo Sanders, Montessori Charter School, Administrator, 30 years
  • Kenneth Roser, Kenai Middle School, Physical Education and Health Teacher, 30 years
  • Daniel Calhoun, Homer Middle School, Math Teacher, 30 years
  • Linda Raemaker, Soldotna High School, Social Studies Teacher, 29 years
  • Bill Noomah, McNeil Canyon Elementary School, Fifth Grade Teacher, 28 years
  • Marilyn Dvorak, Homer Flex and West Homer Elementary, Custodian I, Food Service Cashier, 28 years
  • Phyllis Halstead, Kenai Alternative High School, School Secretary II, 27 years
  • Eric Benson, Paul Banks Elementary School, Head Custodian II, 26 years
  • Jean Calhoun, West Homer Elementary School, School Secretary III, 26 years
  • Pamela Howard, Tebughna School, School Nurse, 26 years
  • Catherine Patterson, Sterling Elementary School, Food Service Manager I-S, 26 years
  • Katie Blossom, Tustumena Elementary School, Kindergarten Teacher, 25 years
  • David Fischer, Kenai Middle School, Math and Science Teacher, 25 years
  • Michele Stenger, Kachemak-Selo, Kindergarten and  First grade Teacher, 25 years
  • Laurie Olson, District Office, Director of Finance, 24 years
  • Teresa Dalebout, Soldotna Prep School, Special Education Aide, 24 years
  • Stuart Laurion, Soldotna High School, Special Education Aide, 23 years
  • Martha Shirley, Skyview Middle School, Special Education Resource Teacher, 22 years
  • Penny Duncan, Seward High School, Head Custodian III, 22 years
  • Laurie Martin, Paul Banks Elementary School, Second Grade Teacher, 20 years
  • Dolan “Wayne” Cowan, Kenai Middle School, Head Custodian II, 20 years
  • Mary Helminski, Redoubt Elementary School, School Secretary III, 20 years
  • Diane Ames, Nikiski North Star Elementary School, Food Service Cashier, Kitchen Assistant, 19 years
  • Barbara Njaa, Central Peninsula Area Schools, ELL Tutor, 18 years
  • Carol Boehmler, Sterling Elementary School, Third and Fourth Grade Teacher, 17 years
  • David Kingsland, Seward Elementary School, Administrator, 17 years
  • Teri Diamond, Soldotna Elementary School, Administrator, 17 years
  • Janet Szajkowski, Connections Home School Program, Generalist Teacher, 16 years
  • Kimberly Johnson, Chapman School, Second Grade Teacher, 15 years
  • Andrea Fischer, Kenai Middle School, Food Service Manager I-S, 15 years

KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL

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

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

KPBSD celebrates nurses!

These numbers may surprise you!
Fast facts: in September, October, and November 2013, KPBSD nurses served an average of 382 students each school day. Staff and community visits were not included in this number. In addition, viruses and respiratory infections were abundant, and fall sports and football injuries always keep school nurses busy.
More specifically, nurses improved student time in the classroom with these interventions:
Total encounters and average per day:

  • Injury, First Aid assessment and treatment: 6,555 students; 111 daily average
  • Illness assessment and treatment: 8,981 students; 152 daily average
  • Mental health, behavioral, social support: 2,728 students; 46 daily average
  • Scheduled medications given: 2,068 students; 35 daily average
  • Scheduled procedures provided: 1,715; 29 daily average
  • Individual health education (class/groups not included): 466 students; 8 daily average

The result was a following return to class rates:

  • Illness—88 %
  • Injury—99 %
  • Mental, Behavioral Health—99.5 %

And an overall return to class rate of 96 %
Additionally, school nurses improved educational access with the following interventions:

  • Health Screenings: State mandated school entry requirements (TB tests, immunizations, physical exams) and scheduled health screenings including vision and hearing—10,598 students
  • Medication Administration: Total number of all doses given by nurses of scheduled, emergency and as-needed medications—5,745 doses or an average of 97 per day
  • Case Management: Including encounters with staff, parents, health care providers, community agencies about individual student health issues—10,843 or a daily average of 184.

These resulted in an average of 485 additional student encounters per day.

2014 Nurses Seward High Middle Moose Pass Cooper Landing Hope Nurse Yoly teaching CRP to future babysitters

These statistics are tracked in the State School Nurse Data Collection, yet there are many more things our school nurses do every day, from offering health classes to head lice checks and beyond.
“Thank you to all of our dedicated school nurses. In addition, our nurses were chosen to develop a streamlined standard and procedure for Alaska’s school districts to follow with regard to collecting body mass index (BMI) data,” said Dr. Steve Atwater. “The school district appreciates Ms. Naomi Walsworth, RN, BSN, Health Services Coordinator, and our thirty KPBSD nurses for continuing to be leaders in Alaska.”
Please let your nurse know that he or she is appreciated and valued as part of the KPBSD educational team helping our schools and students be successful!
Link
KPBSD Health Services

KPBSD nurses 2014

nurses celebration

Appreciation – hospitality and KPBSD applause

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Dear Dr. Atwater,
My name is John Baker. I am just recovering from two days of music making at Kenai Central High School with over 300 students from your school district. From the moment Alan Fields picked me up at the airport to the time Renee Henderson dropped me off for my trip home, I was treated with warmth, respect and dignity.
If the 300+ students are a cross section of your overall student population, you have much of which to be proud. I asked a great deal of the singers in respect to focus and effort; they did not disappoint. They stayed focused and worked long hours in preparation for our concert. I know that it is no accident when students behave so extraordinarily well. Teachers, parents, administrators, and community mold our kids. “It takes a village.”
I would like to commend Renee Henderson of Kenai Central High School for her organizational skills and ability to run a big festival. She was also a wonderful hostess. She is a gem in your community. Renee was very professional in all of our correspondence before and during the event.
I would also like to commend the other choir directors for their efforts in preparing their singers for the festival and remaining engaged during the rehearsals:

  • Mr. Vernel Schneider of Soldotna High School
  • Mr. Kent Peterson of Skyview High School
  • Mr. Jeremy Anderson of Nikiski High School
  • Ms. Breighley Sexton of Seward High School
  • Mr. Eric Simondson of Ninilchik High School
  • Mr Kyle Schneider of Homer High School

How very fortunate you are to have such a fine and caring music staff within your school district.
In addition, Lassie Nelson, Administrative Specialist was very prompt in filling out the necessary paper work for my services. Not only was she friendly in our correspondence, she came to the concert to meet me in person. Your students and staff have left quite a positive impression on me.
Sincerely,
John Baker
Choir Consultation
4235 SE Concord Rd
Milwaukie, Oregon 97267