Category: Inspiration

Share awareness: students are homeless

I am a foster adoptive mother. My heart stretches to people on our margins–especially teens and children. I believe that change begins with awareness. So I pose the question to you:

Are you aware that 121 students are homeless in our school district? In our local towns? At the end of the 2010-2011 school year, 301 students were homeless in our district. The number this year will continue to rise.

What can I do? What can you do? We can start with what is right in front of us.
Attend a vigil for youth who are homeless
Thursday, November 10, 2011 | 6:00-7:00 p.m.
In Soldotna at Farnsworth Park, behind Key Bank, on Birch Street
Together we will learn about local agencies that offer support (and need suppport), and the KPBSD “Students in Transition Program for Homeless Children and Youth.” Students who attend will have an opportunity to apply for a $500.00 Scholarship of Hope. Beginning Wednesday, follow a series of articles in the Peninsula Clarion concerning teens who are homeless in the Central Peninsula.
Take a step–maybe a step you don’t want to take. Share awareness, show up. You matter–we each matter.

Please, dare to care.

Athletes Dig Pink

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

 

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

Carol Nolden from Kenai Middle School shared,

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


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

I'm inspired. Teacher and student share time

Today I met a remarkable teacher, new to the school district. She and two of her students captivate me. I thought I’d spend an hour with them at the Kenai Middle School Vision Room to write a highlight story. Three hours passed swiftly, and I didn’t want to leave. You can read why next week.

Braille watches; teacher and student share time

I’m searching for words to express how KPBSD supports our vision impaired and blind students. I know I’ll be thinking about braille watches for the rest of my life.
Knowing what time it is helps us to orientate our day. As a sighted person, I look at a clock, the light or darkness outdoors, or easily ask a friend or stranger who wears a watch, “Do you have the time?” Or, I can look at my iPhone. I remember the first time I visited Alaska in the winter, took a nap, and woke up from a deep sleep, looking for a clock. The red digital numbers indicated 8:40. But suddenly I didn’t know if it was a.m. or p.m., and experienced confusing dis-orientation. I finally figured out it was  evening, after my heart pounded, and I took several deep breaths.
Can you imagine the value, difference, and independence a braille watch offers to a person who is blind? I’m only now beginning to comprehend.
Every life, and every learner matters. I’m proud to be part of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, and to share the stories of our teachers and students. Look for a web story soon. I think you’ll be inspired.