Awards – Page 4 – KPBSD Communications Field Notes

Principal Nancy Kleine awarded Golden Apple

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | May 7, 2018
Principal Nancy Kleine, Nanwalek and Port Graham Schools

As a consummate advocate for her students and schools, Mrs. Nancy Kleine is quick to brag about her student’s latest accomplishments, which is usually accompanied by a tour of the building. As a colleague, Nancy is supportive of District initiatives that benefit students. As a result, students from Nanwalek and Port Graham schools benefited from opportunities provided by multiple KPBSD UPSTREAM Academies, the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program Middle School Academy, and through opportunities with District partners such as the Kenai Peninsula Native Youth Leaders.
eBook – Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School
Going above and beyond, in February, 2018, after working on the project for hundreds of hours, Nancy published a book in the Apple iTunes store. It’s 33 pages, free, and titled, “Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School.” This book chronicles the outstanding education contribution that is now in place for the current students, and students to come in future years. Nancy has worked with local tribal councils, and with partner agencies to publish Nanwalek historical resources about the school, and obtain permissions from older school materials that were produced to tell the story of Nanwalek and Port Graham.
ConnectEd Grant
In 2015, Nancy was instrumental in garnering a ConnectEd grant from Apple for Nanwalek School. They were one of 114 schools across the country who received one-to-one iPads for each student, a Mac and iPad for each teacher, and an Apple TV in each classroom. In addition to the technology, the grant implemented processes for planning and professional learning. Her advocacy led to the acquisition of materials and ConnectEd included Port Graham School in their support. Nancy’s role was vital to the successful implementation of this technology and its transformative effect on both sites.
Additionally, as a seasoned educator, Nancy can be counted on to provide valid insight to situations, practices, and protocols. “Nancy has done a great job mentoring me this year,” says Josh Hinds, principal of Susan B. English School in Seldovia. “Her assistance, clarifications, and insights have been very helpful to me in my first year with the district,” he adds.
Devin Michel, teacher at Port Graham, says about Nancy, “She is the epitome of support. Nancy puts everything she has into her schools, students, and staffs. She works with people as individuals and helps them to utilize their strengths to benefit the greater good. When asked about such things as rabbits, salmon, or chickens, she enthusiastically wants her staff to take on projects that will truly have an effect on the life learning of her students. Nancy will be greatly missed in her retirement, as she has come to be the mother hen of both schools. She leaves big, warm, patient, and loving shoes to fill.” Renee Estelle, KPBSD Itinerant Teacher of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, adds, “It’s been an honor to work with Nancy and to see positive changes in Nanwalek School over the years she’s been at the helm. I appreciate Nancy’s hard work, her commitment to excellence, and her willingness to think outside the box to meet the unique needs of students. Her kindness and caring for students is evident as she encourages them to move ever upward toward success!”
When Nancy Kleine announced that she will retire at the end of this school year, it marked the end of a career in education spent entirely in Alaska. Nancy served KPBSD in multiple capacities and at multiple sites. After two years with Connections serving as an Academic Advisor, Nancy became the principal of Nanwalek School. A year later, she assumed leadership responsibilities at both Nanwalek and Port Graham, where she quickly brought with her the kind of credibility that can only come from a career in education. She is steadfast in her expectations as a school leader, for personnel and students alike. As a result, under Nancy’s leadership, both schools have seen a marked gain in the areas of academic achievement and attendance.
Principal Kleine’s tenure with the District will have lasting effects for the students, families, and schools she has served. Educators, more than anything, want to make a difference. It is clear that Nancy, through a career spent creating opportunities for students, has done this successfully.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Principal Nancy Kleine for her dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.

Mrs. Devin Michel Way awarded Golden Apple

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | March 5, 2018
Mrs. Devin Michel Way, educator Port Graham School

Every school deserves to have at least one teacher as charitable and distinguished as Mrs. Devin Michel Way, for it is teachers like her that cause positive change not only in their own classrooms, but across the staff and beyond. Mrs. Way is a superlative example of an educator who cannot help but give of herself, and who moves through her practice with grace, no matter how large the task and no matter how much she offers to do. Her generosity of spirit builds relationships and trust, and on that foundation Mrs. Way acts as a guide for students and staff to learn and grow.
A tightly choreographed dance
A kindergarten through fourth grade teacher at Port Graham School for the last three years, and a veteran teacher of eleven years, Mrs. Way is a master at differentiating for each and every student across five grades. For many, teaching five grade levels would be daunting, if not impossible, but Mrs. Way succeeds extremely well. Her expertise has grown from her unique experiences, including teaching preschool in Pennsylvania, fifth grade in the Marshall Islands, and a span of preschool to elementary grades in the village of Point Lay. Watching Mrs. Way’s classroom is akin to watching a tightly choreographed dance. Students know the steps, established early on, and learn happily in a relaxed, student-centered environment. Mrs. Way makes this dance look easy, and in her nurturing manner, Mrs. Way provides support to all. While soothing a crying kindergartener, she might chat with her fourth graders about a theme in a novel. All the while, other students are launched on their independent or collaborative projects. Too, over the year, students’ projects branch out into the community to provide service. She is truly an amazing teacher.
Responsibility
Without being asked, Mrs. Way assumes a high level responsibility at Port Graham School beyond the classroom in communications, public relations, and day-to-day functions. Without a principal on campus four days per week, there are myriad challenges, including scheduling variances, community concerns, guest speakers, special events, student support, staff absences, mechanical issues (such as recently testing a generator!), internet outages, and nameless other issues. Mrs. Way cheerfully helps with these challenges. She communicates regularly with her principal, and follows protocols. She keeps parents informed of school activities, and acts as editor on the school Facebook page. She engages with all students, not just her own. She also coaches middle school cross country running, is the Assessment Coordinator, school librarian, and serves on Port Graham Site Based Council. She provides stability for the entire school. Mrs. Way does this all with a gentle spirit, willing attitude, and love for people.
Professional Development
A particularly extraordinary aspect of Mrs. Way’s practice that goes above and beyond is her remarkable ability and eagerness as a professional development facilitator for Port Graham and Nanwalek Schools. This role began as a stipend position, during which Mrs. Way exceeded expectations by fully facilitating in-services, early release days, and collaborations. When the stipend was no longer available, she stepped forward to continue, and leads collaborative sessions for all instructional staff in both locations that could be likened to seminars led by professional facilitators. With a sensitivity to the needs of our K-12 rural schools, agendas center on initiatives such as personalized learning and ConnectED, with practical applications to multi-graded settings. With poise and a touch of authority, Mrs. Way facilitates new concepts, engages meaningful discussions, and requires participants to collaborate on products that can be applied to current practice.
Apple and ConnectED
iPads for Orcas
Recognizing her skill and importance as a professional development facilitator, Apple, Inc. invited Mrs. Way to the Dallas ConnectED Academy with Team Nanwalek last February. Mrs. Way had helped initiate the “iPads for Orcas” technology program in Port Graham, earned status as an Apple Teacher, and is a constant resource to teachers in many areas, including technology. Apple Education Development Executive Katie VanSluys was excited to have Mrs. Way’s participation because of her collaborative nature and generous spirit. Ms. VanSluys stated, “Having worked with Devin over the course of two years—launching and growing programs to integrate and innovate with technology, it became immediately clear to me that Devin is a learning leader. Her work with kids and colleagues is passion-filled, professional, and caring. Her actions model what we, as educators, want to develop in our students. Devin identifies challenges, approaches problem-solving with intrigue and stamina, engages others gracefully and strategically, and finds joy in process of learning. She is a remarkable educator, respected colleague, and inspiring teacher to me and countless others.”
“Mrs. Devin Michel Way exemplifies what we dream that all educators can become,” said Principal Nancy Kleine. “We are fortunate that Mrs. Way is teaching in our district, and is driven to share her expertise with others. Mrs. Way is one of the finest educators because she reaches a hand out to share with others.”
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Mrs. Devin Way for her dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.

Representing Alaska in the National Microsoft Championships

Two KPBSD Distance Learning Students have been invited to represent Alaska in the National Microsoft Championships!
Most of us on the Kenai Peninsula will never make it to the Olympics. But for our KPBSD students that are enrolled in a Distance Computer Applications course, there’s another kind of world championship up for grabs.

Caitlin Painter, 11th grader at Ninilchik School, and Ethan Bott, 12th grader at Soldotna High School, who because of their exceptionally high scores in their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification exams, have both been named Alaska’s Champion and selected to compete in Certiport’s 2018 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia, June 13-15, 2018.

“The number of students entering this competition in the United States continues to grow rapidly – we had more than 320,000 total entrants last year, and many U.S. Champions have gone on to compete- and place- at the MOS World Championship where they matched up against students from all over the world,” said Aaron Osmond, General Manager, Certiport. “More importantly, the level of expertise is astounding – we are so pleased to see this competition not only promote industry-endorsed certification but also prepare students for long-term college and professional success.”

During the 2018 MOS U.S. National Championship event, student competitors will take a unique exam in their track, further testing their knowledge of the applications. One winner per track will be named the 2018 MOS U.S. National Champion, and each will win an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the 2018 MOS World Championship in Orlando, Florida, July 29 – Aug. 1, 2018.

Darren Jones, KPBSD Distance Computer Teacher said, “We are fortunate to be able to offer every high school student and teacher in the district the opportunity to take our online Computer Applications courses that provide them opportunities to earn several Microsoft Certifications. So far from the 1st semester of the 2017-2018 school year, 67 KPBSD students and one teacher (Kristin McGlothen a SoPrep Science Teacher) received at least one Microsoft Certification.”

Certifications awarded

Certifications were from the following schools across the district: 29-Soldotna High School; 15-Kenai Central High School; 11-Soldotna Prep School; 7-Connections HomeSchool; 3-Nikiski Middle-High School; 2-Nikolaevsk School; and 1-Ninilchik School. Of the 68 certifications earned, 44-Certified in Microsoft Word; 15-Certified in Microsoft PowerPoint; 5-Certified in Microsoft Excel; and 4-Certified in Microsoft Outlook.
Through the KPBSD’s articulated agreement with the Kenai Peninsula College, students can earn up to 12 college credits by taking and successfully completing our online Computer Applications 1-4 courses and earning Microsoft Certifications.

Link: KPBSD Distance Education webpage

Celebrate Audra Faris, NNS music teacher

School Band and Orchestra SBO 20^th Annual “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” in 2017!

Audra Faris, Nikiski North Star Elementary music teacher, represents Alaska!

“I feel quite honored and totally undeserving of this award. Somewhere, some kind soul nominated me for this modern band award. I am thankful that someone noticed I was doing modern band. It is not nearly as popular as concert band is in elementary schools. In fact, I think I am the only modern band teacher for elementary level in our district. But the kiddos love it! Our “rock band” is very successful. Kids get to play the tunes they know and enjoy, and it is very fun for me as well. Rockin’ out is a new concept for this classically trained singer and music teacher! I have to say jamming on the drum kit is my favorite!”

School Band and Orchestra Magazine asked Ms. Faris a few questions, and shares her responses online

What is your proudest moment as an educator?

“I have had several. Whenever a student is smiling and enjoying themselves while performing, I am thrilled. There are thousands of those little moments that happen, not only during a performance, but while they are here in the classroom. But most of all, when a student continues music beyond my classroom, it lets me know that I have planted a seed in their hearts and sparked an interest that may not have been there before.”

How do you hope to make a difference in students’ lives?

“I want students to enjoy music. I want them to experience something really cool here in my classroom that makes them stop and say, “Wow, that was fun,” or “Wow, that makes me want to know more!” Music should be more than just a break from the regular classroom, it should be an enlightening adventure to exposing a part of who they already are. It should be a compliment to the wonderful person they are inside!”

What’s the most important lesson that you try to teach your students?

“Truly, it is that music is in everything. It is hard to imagine our daily lives without music: a radio in the morning on our way to work, the school song on the intercom, the students sharing their favorite artists and songs. But music goes beyond that. It is in the fluency of which we read and talk. It is the counting rules and fractions in math, it is our history that brought about many changes in our culture and diversity. Music is in everything. I talk often with my students about how what we are learning fits in to what they are already experiencing. It is not a hard bridge to cross. Rhythm, improvisation, theory, melody, playing an instrument and all that music encompasses can be sewn into a lesson pertaining to our daily routines and lives.”
Mrs. Gilman, Nikiski North Star Elementary principal said, “We are so excited and proud for her! Since she has been at NNS she has started a modern (rock) band and continued to develop the concert band. In addition, she has now started an after school choir. In terms of engagement, 68% of our fourth and fifth graders started band last fall and played at the spring concert in May. That is a tremendous level of participation for something they have to miss part of recess to pursue!”
http://sbomagazine.com/

Mayor Mike Navarre awarded Golden Apple

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.

RAMP it up! Natalie Kant blazes a trail for Alaska school counselors to follow

“Skyview Middle School (SMS) is the first school in Alaska to be designated with national Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recognition,” said Natalie Kant, Skyview Middle School counselor. This year 104 schools from 27 states will receive this designation.”

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) established RAMP to promote exemplary school counseling programs. The Skyview Middle School (SMS) counseling program uses leadership, advocacy, and collaboration skills to make a difference for all students. Through a collaborative effort involving the counselor, students, parents, teachers, administrators, community leaders and other stakeholders, the counselor develops and delivers a comprehensive data driven ASCA National Model program that benefits every student. The counseling program promotes individual student growth and systemic change, leading to bridging gaps in overall achievement, opportunity, and attainment.
“This year’s RAMP honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school counseling profession,” said Jill Cook, ASCA assistant director. “These schools used data to drive their program development and implementation so all students can achieve success. RAMP designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to strive for excellence.”
The RAMP designation is awarded for aligning with the criteria in the ASCA national model. In addition to completing a required information section, RAMP applicants must document their efforts across twelve different areas, including:

create a school counseling program philosophy and mission statement
develop school counseling program goals
utilize a school counseling program advisory council
implement outcomes-based classroom and small group programming
conduct what ASCA refers to as “closing the gap” activities

“I am so proud of the SMS counseling department,” said Sarge Truesdell, principal. “The Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) application process was rigorous to say the very least. Ms. Kant’s desire to align our counseling program to the RAMP model and to make changes at SMS based on what is best for students is what makes her such an amazing school counselor. While we are the first school in the state of Alaska to be recognized as a RAMP model school, I hope other KPBSD schools will follow our lead and go through the process. It really is what’s best for kids.”
“In short, Skyview Middle School is being recognized for aligning the work they do to the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model,” said Kant. “The counseling department put together evidence based research to support what SMS has in place for student support and success. The application submitted was 27 pages long with 102 attach supporting documents. I believe this recognition happened because the amazing leadership on the district team, our principal Mr. Truesdell who without a doubt supports me and the vision and mission of KPBSD, the SMS advisory council, the entire staff at SMS, my district counseling colleagues, and the support from my husband and family.”
SMS school counselor Natalie Kant will receive the RAMP award on July 10, 2017, during an awards presentation.
Links

Mrs. Jeanne Duhan receives Golden Apple award

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | June 5, 2017
Mrs. Jeanne Duhan

Mrs. Jeanne Duhan is an outstanding music educator, a tireless advocate for children, and a kind person. In the past five years at K-Beach Elementary School, Mrs. Duhan has gone above and beyond expectations to meet the unique needs of her students. For example, recognizing the need for more structured music learning activities for students over the summer, Mrs. Duhan cofounded and directed the band of the Con Brio Music Camp for two years. She spearheaded the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District adoption of SmartMusic, which is an innovative software application used to provide band students with individualized feedback on their performance.
Under the guidance of Mrs. Duhan, the K-Beach Elementary band program expanded to include grades four through six, three levels of band instruction, and close to 70 students studying a band instrument. “Jeanne inspires a true love of music and band in her students,” said Kent Peterson, Soldotna High School music teacher. “In addition to performing as a full band, she features many of her students in small ensembles and solos. These soloists and ensembles are sometimes performing at a level that is equal to and beyond what would be expected in grades seven and eight.”
“Additional contributions to our district and the wider music education community include adjudicating at a number of regional and statewide festivals; serving as guest conductor of the Aurora Music Festival Mass Band; serving as a student teaching mentor, as well as an informal mentor to a number of early career teachers in our district; designing and leading a number of professional development programs for our district music teachers, including training in instrument repair, music technology, and band teaching methods; and opening an instrument repair business,” said Jonathan Dillon, Mountain View Elementary music teacher.
In addition to the band program, the students at K-Beach Elementary are not just performing music, but learning how to perform music. The fundamentals of becoming a good musician are taught throughout her classes and will benefit her students and the schools for many years to come. Outside of school, Mrs. Duhan maintains an active performance schedule, and plays the French horn with the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra, the Redoubt Chamber Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles; Bari saxophone with the Peninsula Jazz Band; and guitar and vocals with the band, Recess Duty. Being so active in the community through music offers inspiration to her students and families.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Mrs. Jeanne Duhan for her dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.
Golden Apple recipients

News Release: 2017 Kenai BP Teachers of Excellence

News Release
2017 Kenai BP Teachers of Excellence

Soldotna, May 2, 2017—KPBSD celebrates Stephanie Cronin, 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year, our five BP Teachers of Excellence, and new this year, the BP Educational Ally award recipient.
This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential. Mrs. Cronin is definitely one of our finest teachers who has transformed math instruction at Seward High School. She makes a positive difference every day and is an unforgettable influence on her students. This award is very well deserved.”

2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year Stephanie Cronin teaches math and engineering at Seward High School. She has spent all 20 years of her teaching career in Alaska. Described by colleagues, she is a “legendary teacher in the district and state, who continues to impact many lives through the ability to engage students, and is consistently working to strengthen the district and enrich the working lives of colleagues.”
2017 Kenai BP Teachers of Excellence

Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School, Read Stephanie Cronin’s story here.
Jonathan Dillon teaches music in kindergarten through fifth grade at Mountain View Elementary School in Kenai. He has been a teacher for five years, all five of which have been in Alaska. Read Jonathan Dillon’s story here.
Barbara “Bobbi” Larrivee teaches special education at West Homer Elementary, grades 3-6. The subjects she teaches are all academics, plus life and social skills. She’s been a teacher for 21 years, 18 of which have been in Alaska. Read Bobbi Larrivee’s story here.
Meredith McCullough is a teacher at Kenai Central High School. She teaches 11^th grade English and honors English, and French two, three and four. She’s been a teacher for eight years, five in Alaska. Read Meredith McCullough’s story here.
Colby Way is one of two teachers at Port Graham School in a community of fewer than 200 people across Kachemak Bay, near Seldovia. He teaches all subjects to a wide range of ages, grades five through 12. He’s been a teacher for six years, five of which have been in Alaska. Read Colby Way’s story here.

BP Educational Ally Award, 2017 Kenai Peninsula
The award recognizes the additional unsung heroes in our schools—support staff, administration or volunteers—who are working alongside teachers to inspire students and are making a difference in our schools and community.
Karl Kircher, Mountain View Elementary principal, “It is an honor to receive the BP Educational Ally in the School Community Award. The words ally and community really made this special for me. I’ve always considered my job as principal to be a supporting role to help create a community where teachers are inspired to excel by each other and by their students.” Read Karl Kircher’s story here.
The 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year receives a $1,500 scholarship to be used towards continuing education and an award sculpture. The five Kenai BP Teachers of Excellence, selected from 45 nominations, receive $500, and an additional $500 grant will go towards a program at their school.
Plus, BP will pay the tuition for all winners to enroll in the Alaska Resource Education Rock and Roll course, learning fun, hands-on activities they can take back to the classroom. As part of that graduate-level course, BP will host a group of winners on a one-day tour of the North Slope in August. “BP is proud to honor these great teachers and their tireless work in the classroom,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “We see it as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our people live and work – and an investment in the people who help make Alaska great.”
Learn more Click the individual awardee name to read a specific story, or click the school name for the school website

Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School
Jonathan Dillon, Mountain View Elementary School
Barbara “Bobbi” Larrivee, West Homer Elementary School
Meredith McCullough, Kenai Central High School
Colby Way, Port Graham School
Karl Kircher, Mountain View Elementary, BP Educational Ally Award
www.BPteachers.com

View photos of the BP Teachers of Excellence celebration

Celebrate Meredith McCullough, 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence

“The greatest gift any teacher can ask for is the knowledge that they have helped to improve the lives of their students in some small way. I am blessed and humbled that this incredible community feels I am building that legacy, and hope to continue to serve my students, their families, and my colleagues for many years to come.” – Meredith McCullough

Meredith McCullough is a teacher at Kenai Central High School. She teaches 11^th grade English and honors English, and French two, three and four. She’s been a teacher for eight years, five in Alaska.
Raised in California, Meredith graduated magna cum laude from Linfield College in Oregon with a teaching certification and two bachelor degrees, one in literature and one in creative writing. During her first teaching job, in Oregon, she obtained a Master of Education with an emphasis in literacy and technology.
Her students say she has a passion for teaching. One wrote, “She doesn’t just want students to pass or slide by–she wants them to learn and remember what they learned. She wants them to have the same hunger for knowledge she has.”
Her enthusiasm often makes appear like one of her own students, excited about the lesson or book on which the class is studying. In fact, one student tells us Meredith even has ways of explaining things in “teen lingo” so students can better understand them. She hosts Shakespeare Club, drawing like-minded students together who love the Bard as much as she does, which generates spirited discussions of the English language’s most famous works.
Meredith connects with her students on both educational and social levels. She makes it a point to learn all her students’ names as quickly as possible at the beginning of a term, and several former students have written to her that she inspired them to become teachers.
When one of her students lost his father, he walked into Meredith’s room on his first day back, gave her a hug and said her class was the only reason he wanted to come to school.
Another student wrote, “I know it sounds crazy, but she genuinely cares about her students and wants them to succeed. She will do whatever she can to help them however she can.”
“One of the greatest joys of my job,” Meredith says, “is that every day I walk into Kenai Central High School, my students inspire me to become a better educator and human being.”
Meredith has served as an English Department and World Languages Department head for several years. She is also an advisor for several school clubs, including Creative Writing Club, Drama and the aforementioned Shakespeare Club. She also helps students complete the Job Shadow unit at the high school, which places students into the workforce for a day and requires them to complete career technical writing.
As one student wrote, “Her class is unlike any other class I’ve ever had and I just love it.”

“Meredith is a superstar teacher at our school, where she provides leadership and support to her fellow teachers while being a model for innovation and personalization,” said Alan Fields, Kenai Central High School principal. “Meredith is first and foremost an expert at developing relationships with students. Students are drawn to her enthusiasm and knowledge that she brings to her subject area. Meredith is always adding a fun way to engage students with the material and allowing them to share that interaction outside of the classroom.”

This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential.”
“BP is proud to honor these great teachers and their tireless work in the classroom,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “We see it as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our people live and work – and an investment in the people who help make Alaska great.”
Now in its 22nd year, the BP Teachers of Excellence program honors K-12 teachers from all school districts statewide, including public and private schools.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District BP Teachers of Excellence winners are:

Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School
Jonathan Dillon, Mountain View Elementary School
Barbara Larrivee, West Homer Elementary School
Meredith McCullough, Kenai Central High School
Colby Way, Port Graham School

Congratulations, Meredith McCullough, BP Teacher of Excellence!

Celebrate Bobbi Larrivee, 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence

“Teaching has been my life ambition. Today, after 23 years, it still is. No doubt there are tough days, but when I reflect on those moments, I realize I’ve been given an opportunity to look at a challenge from a different view point and get in there and try again. Perseverance is the gift teaching has given me. However, what keeps me coming back, is the children. My students are my greatest inspiration. I Struggle when they struggle, I laugh when they laugh, I cry when they cry but best of all, I accomplish when they accomplish. As a special education teacher, I’m fortunate to spend multiple years with my students and we become our own unique “school family”. As with every family we have good times and bad, struggles and celebrations but at the root of every bond and every memory is LOVE. Mother Theresa’s quote expresses what is in my heart: “It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into the doing that counts. I am truly grateful to have such an exceptional career.” –Bobbi Larrivee

Barbara “Bobbi” Larrivee teaches special education at West Homer Elementary, grades 3-6. The subjects she teaches are all academics, plus life and social skills. She’s been a teacher for 21 years, 18 of which have been in Alaska.
It’s worth pointing out that Bobbi was nominated for this award by many of her fellow teachers and her principal, most of whom wrote long, heartfelt testimonials to what a dedicated, loving teacher she is. One teacher wrote, “She teaches some of the most challenging students in the school, and she does it with the biggest heart and a warm smile on her face.”
Bobbi grew up in rural Montana, where she attended a three-room school with eight grades. After middle school, she was bused 25 miles to a high school where she suddenly had 400 kids in her class. She worked while going to school. One of her jobs was as a childcare attendant for a church, and another put her on the support staff for a women’s group home. She says, “Those experiences started my lifelong connection with children and special education.”
She graduated early and moved to Seattle, where she worked with adults who experience deafness and blindness. But her heart was working with children, so being well accustomed to working and going to school, she pursued her childhood education degree while working full-time.
As we know, life often has other plans for us. Bobbi had a family and it was nearly 15 years after she graduated high school that she achieved her bachelor degree in elementary education–with honors–from University of Montana. She moved to beautiful Homer, Alaska, where she owned and operated a pre-K program for 12 years. In 2008, she joined the district as a teacher.
Again pursuing education while working, in 2011, she completed a master’s degree in education through the arts.
Her varied and deep experience has made her a tremendously caring teacher. One of her fellow teachers wrote, “The students Bobbi serves will be young adults in the community soon. She strives to help them all be functional and contributing members, with skills ranging from self-regulation to self-help.”
Bobbi works hard to find ways to reach her students, and devise teaching techniques that will encourage them to be involved in learning. Her lessons are often not necessarily academic–because she knows that once a student learns to enjoy learning–even if it’s learning to play a ukulele or yoga–he or she will be able to apply that love of learning to any other subject.
As another coworker wrote, “Bobbi is a well-loved and respected teacher among her peers at school and, despite her demanding schedule, she is the first to sign up for a committee. She will often say to her colleagues, ‘Let’s do this. We can do this, you guys!”

“Ms. Larrivee contributes to the positive school culture at West Homer Elementary in a number of ways,” said Eric Waltenbaugh, principal. “She is an important voice on our PBIS Team and works tirelessly to create systems schoolwide to support students’ social emotional growth and development. She heads up the Sunshine Committee making sure everyone in the building feels recognized and valued for their contributions. At staff meetings and professional development opportunities she helps guide our decisions with all students in mind. As an Intensive Needs Teacher, one challenge she faces daily is designing and delivering programing for a diverse groups of students. She has a true gift in the ability to understand students and provide them what they need. She supports and trains her aides to be highly effective with some of the most challenging students in the school, and she persists in finding ways for all her students to be successful. Earlier this year her students practiced and performed a play for regular education classes. She found the right roles for each of her students so they could shine. Throughout the performance, the audience of regular education students cheered for each of the actors as they demonstrated their skill on stage. What a wonderful way to help her students feel the success of their hard work and have the rest of the school view their achievements. While she is truly a gifted educator, she continues to welcome feedback from peers modeling her value of being a life-long learner.”

That pretty well sums up Barbara’s wonderful spirit.
This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential.”
“BP is proud to honor these great teachers and their tireless work in the classroom,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “We see it as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our people live and work – and an investment in the people who help make Alaska great.”

Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School
Jonathan Dillon, Mountain View Elementary School
Barbara Larrivee, West Homer Elementary School
Meredith McCullough, Kenai Central High School
Colby Way, Port Graham School

Congratulations, Barbara Larrivee, BP Teacher of Excellence!

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Golden Apple Award | May 7, 2018 Principal Nancy Kleine, Nanwalek and Port Graham Schools

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Golden Apple Award | March 5, 2018 Mrs. Devin Michel Way, educator Port Graham School