Inspiration – Page 2 – KPBSD Communications Field Notes

Dolphin's class names drug detective K9

As part of the Safer Alaska initiative, Governor Bill Walker announced the names for the two new Alaska State Trooper drug detection K9s. K9-B will be named Mak (short for Kachemak, as in Kachemak Bay) -that name was suggested by Hannah Dolphin’s class at Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School in Kenai!

Hannah Dolphin, 6^th Grade Teacher, K-Beach Elementary said, “We’re excited! One of my students, Karley Johnson, was the one who came up with the name. When I asked her why she picked it she said, ‘I thought of it because my dad goes fishing a lot. He fishes in Kachemak Bay and I was thinking of some of the days I’ve gone fishing with him.’ My class also thought the name was fun because of the play on words with Kachemak, like “Catch ‘em, Mak!”
As 5^th graders, K-Beach students have the opportunity to participate in D.A.R.E, thanks to the Soldotna Police Department. Officer Brennan comes in each year to teach students about positive decision making, and resisting drugs. Our school works closely with the police department, and I think these are really good ways to foster positive relationships between students and law enforcement.”

K9-A will be named M.O.C.H.A. (acronym for Meth, Opioids, Cocaine, Heroin, Alaska); the name was suggested by Ryan Engebretsen’s class at Teeland Middle School in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
“M.O.C.H.A and Mak will play important, integral roles in our efforts to create a Safer Alaska,” Governor Walker said. “I’m so grateful for the participation of Alaska 6^th graders and citizens across the state in selecting these names. I look forward to seeing the important work these new dogs will do.”
The State Troopers will use the K9s to help detect opioids and other drugs in a variety of places across the state in continued efforts to tamp down on drug use and trafficking. Alaska 6^th graders initially submitted over 70 potential names for the new dogs after learning about the impacts of drug abuse, and how to respond in difficult situations.
Names were selected via Facebook poll from suggestions made by Alaska 6th-graders.

Hope student shadows Alaska Governor

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

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

KPBSD Annual Report #golden #iAmKPBSD #innovation

Thirty two pages of stories and photos offer a glimpse into our diverse district. You’ve got options if you missed the print version:
flip through the online page turning version
view in a PDF format online
download it to your computer or device

Tip: When you see this icon, you can click it to read more story details online. #golden

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to develop productive, responsible citizens who are prepared to be successful in a dynamic world.

Wake up! Second Grader Takes Leadership Role in Nanwalek School

In Nanwalek, Alaska, Sean Moonin, a second grade student has proven that if you set your mind to doing something–even something unlikely—it can be done. Through his leadership and perseverance, Mrs. Kara Fraser’s second and third grade class earned 48 “Eagle Days” in 2015-2016. “Eagle Days” are a motivational strategy that Nanwalek School uses to increase attendance, and are earned when every student in a class is at school and on time, no matter what. Sean used social engineering to make sure his class rose to the top this year, and beyond what any class is known to have done in Nanwalek in recent years. Sean was a role model himself, achieving perfect attendance—a feat in itself, after having missed over 30 days the year before.
How did this class excel in earning so many Eagle Days through Sean’s leadership this year?
When asked this question by Principal Kleine, every student pointed to Sean. Sean organized and directed others to assist his efforts, but all agreed that Sean was definitely the reason these kids achieved what was highly unlikely without this young leader.
What was Sean’s strategy? Call his classmates every morning? No! Could he text them to get them going? Not in Nanwalek–there is no cell service. Then what?
Sean was very systematic in his approach. He woke up each day on his own, an hour before he planned to be at school. That in itself is remarkable for a second grader! He came to school a half hour before the bell rang for classes, took inventory of his classmates to see who was missing, gathered help from classmates who were there, ran to each village house of the missing students, and knocked on their door. “It was pretty surprising,” said Bella Velez, a third grader, “we haven’t seen this before.” Another third grader, Juanita Wood, said, “It is a bit thrilling. Even though it’s a small group, it takes all of us and we are really far apart with our houses.”
“Really far apart” is a relative term.
Nanwalek is a small village, but it also does not have street lights everywhere to light the way, and the weather can be very challenging. These factors did not stop Sean Moonin.
Besides earning a Perfect Attendance Award, Mrs. Fraser awarded Sean a Leadership Award for his efforts at getting his classmates to school. The class was awarded intermittently throughout the year for reaching a certain number of Eagle Days. In a grand finale, Principal Kleine gave these youngsters an unexpected surprise that is really special in Nanwalek: Subway sandwiches and cookies, all served on the new picnic tables outside.
Bravo, Sean Moonin! You may only be in second grade, but you are a leader and have made a difference in your community!
Nanwalek School

Mrs. Fraser's 2nd and 3rd Grade class, 2015-2016 school year — Mrs. Fraser’s 2nd and 3rd Grade class, 2015-2016 school year

Be inspired. #UnifiedTrackTeamRace

“Espen (Homer High School) takes the lead from Malikhi (Soldotna High School) with about 10 m left in the 4×100 relay. But then, Espen stops before the finish line to wait for Malikhi, his sight-impaired competitor, so they could finish together. #golden #inspiration #sportsmanship

Homer Invite, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Unified Track Team Race
April 2016, Homer High School

Watch the video from Don Pitcher Photography
ASAA Track and Field

PE: a vision impaired bowman learns skills

Unassumingly, everyday, KPBSD staff goes the extra mile for their students, and often we never hear about it. This #GoldenMoment took place before school started, one winter day in Soldotna, Alaska.
Before school hours, Malikhi Hansen, a Soldotna High School vision impaired student, made a visit to Redoubt Elementary, a neighboring school.
With Granger Nyboer, KPBSD vision specialist, Joe Shirley, his special education aide, and under the direction of Donny Joachim, physical education teacher and archery specialist, Malikhi received memorable lessons.

Maddy Rea’s senior year adventure | Seward High School #Classof2016

Maddy Rea’s Adventure

Maddy Rea [Seward High School, Class of 2016], set a goal early in her high school career to travel abroad and volunteer to work with animals. At first, her plan was to travel to Malaysia and work with Sea Turtles. When she discovered that this program was not accepting more applications, her research landed her in Yungas, Bolivia, at a place called La Senda Verde (which means The Green Path). Further research convinced her mom, CJ, that Maddy had found, “the most incredible place on the planet” and that this would be an amazing opportunity for Maddy to see her goal to fruition.
La Senda Verde takes in animals that were victims of illegal animal trafficking and, with the help of volunteers, tries to return them to a life as close to normal as they can have. It is illegal to re-release an animal once it has been trafficked in Bolivia. They are currently working with 550 different animals.
Maddy secured a position for two and a half months. She saved the money from her summer job to buy her tickets, visa, and pay for her volunteer position. Many of their volunteers are there for just two weeks. Volunteers like Maddy, who stick around, get to do a lot more with the animals. Her favorite animals to work with are what they call the “special animals.” These are all of the small primates (Lucachi, Squirrel, and Owl monkeys), Capybara and Paca (both really big rodents) and the Margays and Ocelots (cats). Based on skills she learned as a volunteer at the Alaska Sealife Center she is trying to train the Capybara (attached picture is a mural of a capybara). La Senda Verde has animals of all kinds; Spider, Capuchin, and Howler monkeys, Andean Spectacled Bears, Parrots, Toucans, Macaws, Tortoises, and Coatis.
Maddy’s days begin at 6:45 a.m. and she starts work at 7:30. She works until 5:30 p.m., has dinner and then socializes a bit. She works six days a week and on her seventh day she usually makes it into the town of Coroico where she has access to the internet. There are no other American volunteers. She lives in a dorm styled room with six other people, and has met people from Australia, Brazil, Belgium, France and other countries. She has also experienced tarantulas in her bed and the shower.
Maddy will return in mid-May to participate in graduation with her class at Seward High School and begin her summer work to save for college.

Homer High School student to represent Alaska at the Grand Ole Opry House

When he was five, his music teacher inspired him. Fast forward eleven years, and Falcom Greear, now a sophomore at Homer High School, hasn’t stopped singing, and videoconferences via Skype nearly every week with his retired music teacher, who lives in Mississippi. She has been his inspiration and helped guide his love of music since he attended McNeil Canyon Elementary school in Homer, Alaska. There is a lot to talk about now, as Greear practices more than an hour a day in preparation to represent Alaska and sing during the NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles performance in Nashville, Tennessee.
Greear is working with his ensemble director, Kyle Schneider, Homer High School and Homer Middle School director of choirs, to prepare for the October 25 – 28 trip. One of three students selected from Alaska, the 673 students will perform on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry House stage, “known for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment that’s been referred to as the ‘home of American music,’” according to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) website. The performance will take place during the 2015 NAfME National In-Service Conference.
“Selected students are currently rehearsing a challenging repertoire in preparation for performing under the baton of five of the most prominent conductors in the United States: Ann Howard Jones (Mixed Choir); Jung-Ho Pak (Symphony Orchestra); Eugene Migliaro Corporon (Concert Band); and Sherman Irby and Todd Stoll (Jazz Ensemble),” writes NAfME in a news release. “All conductors have received top honors in their field and will spend several days rehearsing with students before the concert.”
A sophomore, in his free time Falcom teaches Zumba classes, occasionally telling his students, “sing if you want to!” The Broadway musicals, All that Jazz and Chicago are his favorites, and Greear believes, “If you have a goal, go for it! Whatever you are passionate about brings you joy.”
Link

2015 NAfME All-National Honor Ensemble news release – 673 Students from 49 States and Territories to Showcase Talents in Nashville on October 28

9/9 at 9:09 | International FASD Awareness Day

September 9, 2015, is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day

Do you know that the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is a leader compared with schools throughout North America in facing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)? We are working to increase our capacity to successfully deal with the many challenges faced by students with FASD. This fall we are taking another giant step forward by also taking a lead in awareness and prevention of FASD.
FASD awareness day started on 9/9/99 to remind everyone that a woman can remain alcohol fee for all nine months of pregnancy.

Proclamations are issued in countries, states, provinces, and towns all around the world. Bells are rung at 9:09 a.m. in every time zone from Alaska to New Zealand. People all around the world gather for events to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
To our students, and all future parents: the decision whether or not to drink alcohol during pregnancy is a decision that will affect the rest of your lives and those of your children yet to be born. There is so much false information about drinking during pregnancy. Truthful scientific facts include:

• No amount of alcohol is safe to drink anytime during pregnancy.

• Alcohol is poison to a developing baby and permanently damages whatever part of the baby that is developing when a pregnant woman drinks.

• Alcohol is a solvent, like paint remover, to a developing fetus. One single glass of wine dissolves 10,000 cells in the developing baby’s brain.

• The damage done to a developing fetus by alcohol cannot be undone. It is permanent.

• Alcohol is more damaging to a developing baby than even heroin or cocaine.

• The single biggest factor influencing whether or not a pregnant woman drinks alcohol is having a husband or partner who will stay sober with her for the entire pregnancy.

• If a woman finds that she is pregnant and has been drinking some alcohol, her baby will be healthier if she stops drinking.

• If you are pregnant, don’t drink. If you drink, don’t get pregnant.

At 9:09 AM, on 9/9, is when FASD is recognized throughout the world. “Everyone has a part they can play in preventing FASD, and to remember the importance at the school level of understanding the impact of this invisible disability,” said Clayton Holland, director of KPBSD pupil services. “The CDC estimates that 2% to 5% of the total population is impacted by FASD. If we apply that percentage to the KPBDS we would have close to 400 students who are impacted, with many of them not being identified with FASD, but likely having significant struggles in the classroom and at home.
Last year the district formed an FASD “Think Tank” to help guide the district’s next steps in addressing the many challenges that come with FASD. The FASD Think Tank determined a need to focus on continuous on-going training and resources for teachers, school and community outreach to prevent future FASD, and the development of resources for students impacted by FASD to understand how their disability impacts them and what resources they have available to them. We have also offered college credit training opportunities as well as presented for school staff at regular staff meetings and in-service days. Finally, In order to help our families and communities better understand FASD, we have established parent support groups in the communities of Seward, Homer, and in the Central Peninsula.
Collectively, our work with FASD has helped to contribute to more positive outcomes for all students and helped to contribute to a significant decrease in suspension and discipline referrals at the school level. I encourage all KPBSD staff members to learn more about FASD by going to The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome website. This is an excellent resource for all staff working with students experiencing FASD.”
www.nofas.org

Neighborhood school takes it to the streets

On May 2, 2015, twenty six “Mountain View Minions” participated in the Walk and Roll for Hope. This event, the 46^th annual, takes place in communities throughout Alaska to raise funds for and awareness about disability services available for Alaskans.
As a large, open enrollment, neighborhood school Mountain View Elementary is fortunate to be able to provide services to students with a wide range of disabilities. By forming a team to participate in this event the Mountain View family was able to show our support for those students as well as the people who work with them, both within our school and elsewhere.
The Mountain View Elementary team included staff participating with their children, grandchildren and parents as well as students participating with their families. With a little inspiration from Disney and artistic help from Pinterest a group of staff members made customized Minion shirts for the team. Wearing bright yellow, googley eyed, and smiley faced tee shirts the team was hard to miss and certainly did its best to add to the festive nature of the event. The “Mountain View Minions” raised $900 to support Hope Community Services, the most raised by any team participating in the event.
The Mountain View Elementary staff has a strong sense of community service that it hopes to impart on its students as well. Other ways they have served the Kenai neighborhood this year include:

Staff members setting up a booth at Industry Appreciation Days where they helped close to 200 local children make individualized, hand printed, eagle art work
The after school choir singing patriotic songs at an evening veterans day celebration
The student council, working with Hilcorp Alaska, serving Thanksgiving Dinner at the Kenai Senior Center
Staff members coordinating a Christmas drive that provided dinner and gifts for over 100 local families
The 2^nd grade singing Christmas carols at a variety of local businesses
The kindergarten promoting a Pennies for Pets campaign that raised $500 for the Kenai Animal Shelter
Student families maintaining a city of Kenai flower bed over the summer

Mountain View Elementary is Kenai’s “Neighborhood School” and its students and staff strive to live up to that moniker. Look for their students and staff at a community service event near you.

Thirty two pages of stories and photos offer a glimpse into our diverse district. You’ve got options if you missed the print version: flip through the online page turning version view in a PDF format online download it to your computer or device