Meet Polagia Basargin
Polagia was born in the village, and attended the small school there for thirteen years, graduated, and now works in the school!
Prezi: A Student Takes Flight
A Student Takes Flight….
At the end of her 8th grade year, the students outgrew their building, and she waited a full year for a high school portable to be built.
The Making of a Middle-High School
Polagia pitched right in to help create the library in 2010.
Growing…
Though she struggled with reading, Polagia continued to grow and blossom as a student. She exited the IEP program in 2012.
She had a knack for art…
Meet Basargin Village
Otherwise known as Razdolna, this village is home to approximately 30 growing Old Believer families.
… and her sense of humor and style were inspirational. We knew she was bound for great things. When Polagia graduated in 2013, many of her friends had plans to marry. She decided to be a career girl, at Razdolna K-12 School!
Polagia’s talent with teaching the younger students has become apparent the last couple of years.
She now works alongside her former teachers, and never fails to impress us all with her maturity and willingness to be a lifelong learner.
Story submitted by Tim Whip, principal, Razdolna School
Category: Education
Social Media and Communications: an online Language Arts class experiment
Social Media and Communications: It’s a racetrack out there!
Greetings! This has been an experiment for me … unable to be a guest presenter as planned to KPBSD Amanda Adams online Language Arts class, I took the PowerPoint I created, learned to add audio (via Screencast-o-matic), converted to a video, uploaded to YouTube, and am posting here.
Please view the two videos (Part 1 and Part 2), then post your questions and comments in this blog. I look forward to hearing from you and engaging your insight and questions!
This has been a fun beginning learning process to deliver this presentation to you!
Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communication specialist
LINKS:
- VIDEO: Communications and Social Media PART 1 on YouTube http://youtu.be/mH4r0u-dCVw
- VIDEO: Communications and Social Media PART 2 on YouTube http://youtu.be/zJULa-JguGw
- PDF of PowerPoint, PART 1 and 2 | Social Media and Communications
“You would think after 12 months of having a car with a push button start I would stop looking for the key hole.” – Jamie Whincup
Candlelight Vigil for homeless youth and families
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District News Release
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
Candlelight Vigil for homeless youth and families
Soldotna, November 5, 2014—Families and unaccompanied youth are homeless on the peninsula. An invisible reality to most residents, the number 253 is important. Would it surprise you to know that 253 is the average number of students who are homeless in the KPBSD Students In Transition (SIT) program, and attending a KPBSD school?
The community is invited to learn more at an annual candlelight vigil for homeless youth and families:
Thursday, November 13, 2014
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Farnsworth Park
Birch Street, Soldotna, Alaska
Guest speaker Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent, will help raise awareness about the reality of homelessness on the Kenai Peninsula. Music will be provided by Beau Miller and Scott Lazaros. Please dress for the weather.
The SIT program has enrolled 138 students since the start of the school year, which is thirty-three percent higher than last year at this time. In the central peninsula, 111 youth are enrolled, and thirteen are unaccompanied youth, while ninety-eight are with a family unit. In the southern peninsula, twenty-seven students are enrolled, eighteen are unaccompanied youth, and nine are with a family unit.
“One of our more persistent challenges is serving our students in transition,” said Dr. Steve Atwater, superintendent. “The good work of our students in transition coordinator Kelly King and our Students in Transition Facebook page are helping us to meet this challenge. The public vigil is a good opportunity for all of us to stop and reflect on our students in transition. I trust that each of these students will benefit from this attention.”
About KPBSD Students in Transition (SIT) program
Students experiencing homelessness are provided assistance through two KPBSD homeless liaisons. This program’s primary purpose is to ensure that educational programs for students are not interrupted while they are in transition. In order to facilitate helping our communities grow in awareness and advocacy, KPBSD created a Facebook page to provide updates and resources. Please like and share, KPBSD Students in Transition.
The SIT program provides KPBSD Pre-K to12th grade students:
• An advocate to help students and families find the resources they need in the community for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and permanent housing
• Free school lunches
• School supplies
• Immediate school enrollment
• Paperwork assistance to secure school documents
• Special academic support if needed
• Local referrals to other agencies
Eligible families or youth are those who lack a stable, adequate, and permanent place to sleep at night. If you or someone you know is sleeping in a motel, a camper, a tent, couch-surfing, or living with friends or relatives then this program can help.
KPBSD Students in Transition program contacts
Kelly King, homeless liaison, serving Central Peninsula, Seward and Tyonek schools, kking@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907.714.8869
Jane Dunn, homeless liaison, serving Southern Peninsula schools and Ninilchik,
jdunn@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907.226.1890
Links
- KPBSD SIT program website http://bit.ly/TransitionsKPBSD
- KPBSD Students in Transition on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kpbsdStudentsInTransition
- 2014 Candlelight Vigil Poster PDF
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This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Suggest or contribute a story online link: http://bit.ly/SuggestKPBSDstory
Nanwalek School to receive 1:1 technology via Apple and ConnectED
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release
Nanwalek School receives Apple and ConnectEd grant
Soldotna, October 31, 2014—One of 114 schools in the country, and the only school in Alaska, our KPBSD school in Nanwalek, serving 79 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, will receive an Apple grant as part of the national ConnectED program. This award enables Nanwalek School to provide a comprehensive 1:1 technology solution for every student and teacher, including Apple hardware, software, and services.
Instructional practices and student learning at Nanwalek School will radically change as a result of this initiative to receive iPads for each student in the following ways:
- Students and teachers will be introduced to a new level of technology that they have not previously experienced in the village or school. This experience will be enhanced by faster Internet was installed by the district through ACS in September
- Academic core learning will be strengthened through resources and e-books on the devices
- This grant includes professional development for teachers in differentiation to strengthen core instruction, and intervention processes to increase achievement
“I am thrilled to learn that Nanwalek School is a recipient of an Apple ConnectEd Grant, said Steve Atwater, superintendent. “I am confident that the infusion of technology into the classrooms and professional development for the staff will lead to an increase in student engagement and in turn academic achievement. Thanks to Principal Nancy Kleine and Director Jim White for all their work to make this happen.”
We continually seek ways to engage students in instruction, and trust that having this exciting technology will attract students to school and increase attendance,” said Principal Nancy Kleine. “This type of learning is interactive and focused, and students will learn the necessary skills to be effective members of society.”
“We believe that the young minds and young innovators of tomorrow should have every opportunity to realize their potential through today’s powerful learning tools,” states the Apple website. “It’s important to us that our contribution to ConnectED makes a difference for students and communities who need it the most. We’ve chosen to provide our support to schools where at least 96 percent of the students are eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program. Despite their economic challenges, these schools share a vision of what their students’ lives would be like with Apple technology.”
Links
News Release: KPBSD 2014_10_31_Nanwalek School Awarded Apple ConnectEd grant
Teens: are you thinking about going to college or a university?
News Release
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
College fair for teens coming to the Kenai Peninsula
Juniors and seniors: Want to attend college, but not quite sure where?
Soldotna, October 10, 2014—Don’t drive to Anchorage or fly to the lower 48. High school teens can meet face-to-face with representatives from 40 plus educational institutions, during the fifth annual Kenai Peninsula College Fair. It’s free, no appointments are needed, and KPBSD will provide transportation for our students.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Soldotna Sports Center
Soldotna, Alaska
“We are excited to have so many post-secondary institutions visiting our district to meet with our students,” said Sean Dusek, assistant superintendent of instruction. “This partnership allows our students to explore their college and career aspirations in a convenient and safe location. This is due to the large number of students in our district that are qualified for post-secondary education.”
Specifics
KPBSD juniors and seniors will attend with their schools. To attend, KPBSD students need to sign-up with their school counselor. Our Connections Homeschool students, IDEA and Cook Inlet Academy students can sign-in at the door. Students and parents can learn more about scholarships, loans, state and federal financial aid programs at the Financial Aid booth.
Confirmed educational institutions
Alaska Christian College, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, Alaska Pacific University, AVTEC – Alaska’s Institute of Technology, California Baptist University, Central Washington University, Colorado State University, Corban University, Eastern Oregon University, Eastern Washington University, Grove City College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Humboldt State University, Idaho State University, Kenai Peninsula College, Lewis & Clark College, Lincoln College of Technology, Linfield College, Mayville State University, Montana State University, Montana Tech, Northern Arizona University, Northern Industrial Training, Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, Oregon Institute of Technology, Pacific Lutheran University, Peninsula College, South Dakota State University, Southern Oregon University, Southwestern Oregon University, The Art Institutes, The College of Idaho, Universal Technical Institute, University of Alaska – Anchorage, University of Alaska – Fairbanks, University of Alaska – Southeast, University of California – Davis, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Idaho, University of Portland, Utah State University, Western Washington University.
Link
College Fair, http://bit.ly/KenaiPeninsulaCollegeFair
News Release: KPBSD_2014_10_10_College Fair Comes to the Kenai
2014 college fair poster
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This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Suggest or contribute a story online link: http://bit.ly/SuggestKPBSDstory
Who will you nominate? 2012 BP Teachers of Excellence program
Who is your favorite KPBSD teacher?
Please make time to nominate the educator you want to be recognized as a 2012 BP Teacher of Excellence, and possibly the Alaska BP Teacher of the Year!
BP is pleased to be able to recognize teachers throughout the entire state of Alaska for their dedication to teaching and for inspiring students. Each Teacher of Excellence receives a $500 gift card and an award certificate. In addition, the school of each of the Teachers of Excellence will receive a $500 matching gift. One of the teachers will be chosen as BP’s Teacher of the Year. That teacher will receive a $1,500 scholarship for continuing education and a bronze sculpture by Alaska artist Mary Regat. BP has recognized more than 500 outstanding Alaska teachers since 1995. Each Teacher of Excellence is automatically eligible for the BP Teacher of the Year award.
Nominations are due by February 14, 2012.
Online nomination: http://www.bpteachers.com/
More information: 1-888-530-8962 or 907-564-4001, email: bpteachers@bp.com
Knot tying for KPBSD students
On December 6, 2011, KPBSD students who took a Nautical Science class through AVTEC (via Distance Delivery), were able to go to AVTEC in Seward, Alaska, and prove their mastery in knot tying and receive a Knot Letter. This letter and certification can help these students obtain employment in the Nautical Science pathways.
For more information you can contact the instructor, LA Holmes at AVTEC. Her email is: la.holmes@avtec.edu and her phone number is: 224-6195.
Learn about Spring 2012 KPBSD After-school Academies
Back row L-R: LA Holmes (instructor), Maddy Campbell (Seward High), Kacie O’Sullivan (Kenai Central High), Dale Butts (instructor)
Front row: (left to right), Sam Rininger (Seward High), Allen Oskolkoff (Nikiski High), Doogun Seater (Nikiski High)
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
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