KPBSD employees – Page 2 – KPBSD Communications Field Notes

2016 Inclusive Practices Award goes to Nikiski special education team

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

News Release
KPBSD team from Nikiski awarded top state recognition

Soldotna, February 19, 2016—A team of six KPBSD employees make a difference every day at Nikiski Middle-High School for their students with disabilities. Recognizing excellence, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education awarded the 2016 Inclusive Practices Award to Megan Fowler, and her team of Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek, Kally Seater, Angela Smith, and Kristina Stadelman.

Nikiski Middle-High Team: L-R Front: Kally Seater, Megan Fowler Back: Kristina Stadelman, Angela Smith, Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek — Nikiski Middle-High Team: L-R Front: Kally Seater, Megan Fowler
Back: Kristina Stadelman, Angela Smith, Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek

A team of six KPBSD employees make a difference every day at Nikiski Middle-High School for their students with disabilities. Recognizing excellence, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education awarded the 2016 Inclusive Practices Award to Megan Fowler, and her team of Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek, Kally Seater, Angela Smith, and Kristina Stadelman.
“The culture of Nikiski Middle-High School is to include all students in our academics and activities no matter their skills, abilities, or talents,” said Dan Carstens, principal. “Megan Fowler and her team embody this culture and continue to serve as examples for inclusive practices to their peers.”

Megan Fowler
“Our team has a shared philosophy that exceptional students are limited only by what educators imagine is possible for them. This award honors the philosophy of celebrating abilities.”
Jen O’Brien
“I’m honored to be a piece of the puzzle! A puzzle that easily fits together at Nikiski High School. I went into the field of Special Education for the outcome and although outcomes can take a bit longer in my field, it’s fun trying to plan success for all of our kiddos. Teaching these special thinkers and celebrating their victories is so rewarding!”
Kristin Peek
“It is such an honor to receive this award. This job can be so diversified that it takes us all working very hard together and with our school staff. It is very mentally and physically demanding, but the rewards are far greater than I’ve ever experienced in other positions. This is what makes it worth doing year after year!”
Kally Seater
“The students are what make our job amazing. I am inspired by their eagerness to deal with daily challenges and overcome them. This team works together and has great support from our administrators. I am very grateful to receive this award.”
Angela Smith
“It is an honor to be recognized for the hard work our students and staff do each day. It is truly a team effort supported by our whole school. True inclusion rewards everyone it touches, and spreads into the community. I am proud to see the ripple effect in their self-esteem and endurance to try their best every day. Congrats to all fourteen nominees – your programs all make a difference.”
Kristina Stadelman
“Our classroom has been successful because of all of the assistance we have received from people available to help in our district.”

The 2016 Inclusive Practices Award recognizes outstanding educators who work to ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity for an inclusive education in the general education curriculum. The nominations are based on the following activities that assure a positive learning environment for all:

Involving parents as equal partners in their child’s education
Encouraging student’s self-determination
Emphasizing inclusive practices amongst peers and others
Providing leadership in sharing the values of inclusion
Designing support services that enable access to the regular curriculum
Modifying programs or curricula as needed

This year’s award was presented February 9, 2016, at a luncheon at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage. The Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC) was attended by more than 200 special education educators, administrators, parents and advocates from all over the state.
“We are so proud of the team at Nikiski Middle-High School for winning this award,” said Clayton Holland, director of pupil services. “This team has been relentless in their pursuit of providing the best possible education for their students. This award is an honor for this team, for the Nikiski staff, and for all the special education teachers and support staff in the KPBSD that provide countless hours and work toward educating students with disabilities.”
“I am very proud of our special education staff and extremely excited that we continue to have school teams recognized through the Statewide Inclusive practices program,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “The team from Nikiski exemplifies what happens across our district and this team of Bulldogs really deserve this recognition for all of their hard work with our students.”
Over the past year and a half, Nikiski Middle-High School has turned a corner in regard to their special education mindset,” said Elizabeth Falk, pupil services program manager. “As a result of Ms. Fowler’s resolve, and the support of our district office, the Intensive Needs classroom has shifted the thinking throughout the entire Nikiski community. While working with some of the most challenging students, this group of administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals model a truly inclusive educational model. Students now participate across all school settings: in the lunchroom, gym and even in extra-curricular activities such as the wrestling team. For inclusion to work, educational practices must be child-centered—this classroom reflects that. The team has discovered where each of their students are academically, socially, and culturally to determine how best to facilitate individualized learning.”
Links

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Battle of Binkley – School District vs Borough at Tsalteshi Trails

KPBSD employees, Let’s win the Battle of Binkley!

This fun series promotes play, wellness, and a dash of fierce competition! Walkers and runners are welcome, every Wednesday, beginning July 8th

Details…

About the Salmon Run Series
The Salmon Run Series is a series of 5 races hosted at the Tsalteshi Trails. Each race is 5K and utilizes a variety of trails in the Tsalteshi Trails system. The Salmon Runs are perfect for any type of runner or walker. Individual races are $10 for Tsalteshi members, $15 for non-members. All 5 race discount pricing is $45 for members, $70 for non-members. All the money raised will be used to fund the Kenai Watershed Forum’s summer camps! Register here: http://www.tsalteshi.org/events/?ee=169 Details:

After 13 years, student takes flight and lands back at Razdolna School

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

KPBSD Health Care plan tip: Open Enrollment period

Outside of KPBSD’s Annual Open Enrollment period, employees may make changes to the Health Plan policy if they are in connection with certain qualifying life events. Please read the important Health Plan information below for details!
When should I notify the Benefits Manager of any change in status for myself or my dependents?
You have 31 days to notify the Benefits Manager of these qualifying events:

Marriage (Copy of Marriage Certificate required)
Birth (Copy of Birth Certificate required)
Adoption or Placement for adoption (Copy of adoption documents required)
Involuntary loss of other coverage

If an enrollment form and required legal documents are received within 31 days, coverage will begin on the date of the qualifying event. If you fail to make the desired changes within the allowed time period, you must wait for the next Open Enrollment period. Open Enrollment occurs annually from July 15 – August 31, with an effective date of September 1.
You have 60 days to notify the Benefits Manager of the following COBRA qualifying events:

Divorce (Copy of Divorce Decree required)
Loss of dependent status (Attained limiting age)
Legal Separation (Court order required)
Death of a covered member

Failure to notify the Benefits Manager of a COBRA qualifying event could constitute forfeiture of COBRA election rights. If an employee fails to notify the Health Plan within 60 days, the employee may be responsible for reimbursing the Plan for any claims that have been paid for their ineligible dependents.
If you have experienced a life event or have questions relating to the Health Plan, please contact the Employee Benefits Manager, Stacey Cockroft, at scockroft@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907.714.8879.

Educator James Reinseth receives Golden Apple award

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Golden Apple Award | November 3, 2014
James Reinseth, Educator

Nanwalek teacher, James Reinseth, is awarded Golden Apple by KPBSD Board of Education — Nanwalek teacher James Reinseth awarded Golden Apple by KPBSD Board of Education

Dr. Atwater encourages us to teach students to be conscientious, resilient, and prudent. Mr. James Reinseth, a devoted K-1 teacher at Nanwalek School, exemplifies these qualities while also teaching them to his students through a culture of respect, high expectations, and constant formative feedback that encourages each to grow in academics, social behaviors, and work ethic.
Mr. Reinseth began teaching in Shungnak and remained there for eight years. Nanwalek gained his attention in 2007, and he has been of service to the community and district since, for a total of eighteen years in rural Alaska. Teacher turnover in villages interrupts learning. Mr. Reinseth’s longevity and devotion in his bush positions demonstrates commitment beyond what most are willing to offer.
In his words, Mr. Reinseth “lives to teach kindergarten and first grade.” Towering over his young students at more than six feet tall, Mr. Reinseth is driven to spend time with students—on the floor, bending over, or from his balcony view. During the last three years, Mr. Reinseth has shown tremendous growth in stepping out of his K-1 environment to participate and actively contribute in collaborations. Initial resistance led to gentle participation, then to active engagement to share his talents. In this, he passes on to others his incredible artistry in teaching.
Mr. Reinseth’s most notable contribution which will soon extend throughout the district came when Deb Evensen, an educational consultant, observed that Mr. Reinseth regularly implements with his regular education students the “Eight Magic Keys” that she recommends for students with compromised brains due to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Overcoming shyness and his natural inclination to stick to himself, Mr. Reinseth agreed to work with Nancy Kleine, principal; Deb Evensen; and Clayton Holland, director of student services, to capture his teaching for a training film for teachers. This film shows how to teach in ways that help all students without leaving behind those with brain dysfunctions.
After observing Mr. Reinseth over the last two years, Deb Evensen commented on Mr. Reinseth’s distinguished teaching: “Watching Jim Reinseth in action is like observing a great conductor lead a symphony. He guides his multi-level classroom of diverse learners through each day using multi-sensory, whole-brain strategies built on positive support and collaboration, and links everything to their daily lives. Jim is simply one of the most skilled educators I have ever observed during my forty year career as a teacher and consultant working with schools throughout North America.”
Every single day, Mr. Reinseth’s students live the eight magic keys: concrete, consistent, repetitive, routine, simple, specific, structured, and supervised. Literacy is constantly supported. His young students are addressed respectfully as Mr. and Miss. Thank you is heard often in Mr. Reinseth’s class. If an observer comes, not a beat is skipped in Mr. Reinseth’s constant feedback and positive reinforcement for students.
Mr. Reinseth also contributes expertise to other students in the school. Always willing, he has been an anchor to several former students who are struggling with personal issues. During the past two years, Mr. Reinseth taught welding academies for high school students. Every year, during the major holiday of Halloween in Nanwalek, Mr. Reinseth takes the reins for the annual school and community carnival. Finally, Mr. Reinseth endlessly helps new teachers who move to Nanwalek, whether it be to mentor them in curriculum or provide resources in the community.
Any district would be lucky to have a teacher of this caliber. That he is in Nanwalek is highly valued.The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize James Reinseth for his dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.

Nadejda Reutov receives Golden Apple award

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Golden Apple Award | November 3, 2014
Nadejda Reutov, Support Staff

Golden Apple Award | November 3, 2014 Nadejda Reutov, Voznesenka School Custodian

“Nadejda Reutov is a custodian who is dedicated to her job and the Voznesenka School. Her eight and a half years of exceptional service have made our school a welcoming place for students, staff and visitors,” said Michael Wojciak, school principal.
Nadejda has a “do what it takes” type of attitude and often goes above and beyond her job duties for our school. Essential responsibilities include cleaning, maintenance, safety and security, and teamwork. Not only does Nadejda excel at her job duties, she is also an effective communicator with a pleasant personality. She greets students and staff in the hallways and passing between buildings. As a result, she has gained the respect of the students. This is evident by their attention and reaction to her voiced concerns about the upkeep of the school. Furthermore, Nadejda communicates with her colleagues throughout the school on a daily basis. She pays attention to details and puts forth her best efforts to fulfill any requests. She rarely misses a Site Council meeting, and is always willing to be open and honest about the issues involving the school.
When Nadejda does need to be away she never leaves it up to the school to find a substitute, and takes care of this on her own. She makes sure the substitute has the necessary keys and everything is prepared at school to make a substitute’s work as easy as possible. Nadejda is also a kind donor and volunteer to Voznesenka School. She often brings homemade goodies to share with staff, she donates to school programs like consumer science, and she and her husband help with repairs when needed.
Principal Wojciak said, “Nadejda Reutov’s personal pride is visible within our school, she pours her passion into every aspect of her job. She never complains about her responsibilities, is understanding in regard to school activities, and takes initiative without needing direction. Nadejda has an incomparable work ethic and is an invaluable member of the Voznesenka staff and school culture.”
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Nadejda Reutov for her dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.

Assistant Superintendent Dusek will take over district leadership December 1, 2014

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

News Release
Assistant Superintendent Dusek will take over district leadership December 1, 2014

Soldotna, October 23, 2014—At the October 20, 2014, Board of Education meeting, the school board, “unanimously approved a Contract Amendment for the Interim Superintendent.” Thus, current assistant superintendent Sean Dusek will become the superintendent of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District effective December 1, 2014.
Board president Joe Arness said, “The KPBSD school board is proud and happy Mr. Sean Dusek accepted the position of interim superintendent. We consider ourselves fortunate, indeed, to have someone with his credentials and abilities already on staff and ready to assume the leadership of our district.”

Sean Dusek, Assistant Superintendent, presents to all staff at opening inservice. August 2014

In an email to all employees on October 21, 2014, Mr. Dusek wrote, “KPBSD is widely perceived as strong and innovative. I truly believe that. I have been a part of this district for more than 22 years and am deeply committed to our students, staff, community, mission and vision. My wife, Lynn, and I are proud parents of two children who have been in our school system from the start of their public education. Lynn is also a graduate and retired, long-time teacher from our system. We have witnessed first-hand the dedication and effort the KPBSD staff demonstrates on a daily basis to meet the needs of all students. … I believe our district has the will to catch greatness, and as your superintendent, I will work to make that vision a reality, serving every child, every day, for a better tomorrow.”
“I am pleased that the Board has chosen Mr. Dusek to be our district’s interim superintendent,” said Steve Atwater, superintendent. “Sean brings a wealth of knowledge about KPBSD and a good understanding of each of our initiatives to make his transition to superintendent a smooth one.”
Links
KPBSD website: Assistant superintendent of instruction Dusek
October 23, 2014: KPBSD: New KPBSD Interim superintendent is Sean Dusek
September 9, 2014: School board offers interim superintendent position to Sean Dusek
August 4, 2014: Superintendent Atwater announces his resignation
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Celebrate! Principal David Kingsland is 2014 National Distinguished Elementary Principal

The Alaska Association of Elementary Principals announces the National Distinguished Principal for 2014 is David Kingsland!
“I was thrilled to learn that one of our own is being recognized by his peers as a National Distinguished Principal for 2014,” said Dr. Steve Atwater, Superintendent. “Mr. Kingsland’s unwavering commitment to the students of William H. Seward Elementary School is both commendable and inspiring. This is a great honor for Mr. Kingsland and by association all the students and staff of his school.”

“The Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals is proud to announce our National Distinguished Principal for 2014. David Kingsland is the principal of William H. Seward Elementary School in Seward, Alaska. The 2014 NDP Celebration marks the 31st year that the National Association of Elementary School Principals has presented this prestigious award.
Principal Kingsland was nominated and selected by his fellow principals through a statewide search process conducted by the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals. Kingsland has previously held the position of Assistant Principal in Shishmaref. He was a teacher at Davis-Ramoth School in Selawik as well as at Head Start in Fairbanks and Circle School in Circle, Alaska. He has served as principal at Seward Elementary for fourteen years.
Kingsland will travel to Washington DC in October for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the elementary educators selected by their respective states.
AAESP believes that David Kingsland is worthy of the National Distinguished Principal’s award and appreciates his commitment to Alaska’s children.”
Link
Alaska Association of Elementary Principals

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.

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

Homer High School intensive needs classroom receives 2014 Inclusive Practice Award

“The intensive needs (IN) team at Homer High School is outstanding and goes to incredible lengths to make sure that our students have meaningful inclusion,” said Clayton Holland, director of pupil services. “Along with the other wonderful staff at Homer High School, they have created a school culture that accepts, includes, and is accountable for every student. The benefits of what this team has done extends not only to the students they serve directly in their classroom, but to every student and staff member in the building who has the opportunity to work and interact with students with disabilities on a daily basis.”

The 2014 winner of the Inclusive Practice Award is the Homer High School Intensive Needs Classroom. The Governor’s Council on Disabilities & Special Education established the Inclusive Practice Award to recognize outstanding educators who work to ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity for an inclusive education with their peers as part of the general education curriculum. The 2014 dynamic group includes:

Monica Stockburger (Intensive Needs teacher)

Bobby Creamer (Speech Language Pathologist)

Mary Cooper (Paraprofessional)

Sara Fischer (Paraprofessional)

Michael Kelley (Paraprofessional)

Rhonda Owens (Paraprofessional)

Clayton Smith (Paraprofessional)

Michael Steen (Paraprofessional)

The team bases their support of students on the expectation that inclusion in all aspects of the school fits with the individual needs of the student. As a result, virtually the entire school staff interacts and works closely with the Intensive Needs students. These students are involved in functional skill training as well as regular education classes and extracurricular activities both inside the school and outside in the community.

“All of the special education staff working with our Homer High School intensive needs students are to be commended for their willingness to go beyond the norm of what is expected in their pursuit of helping their students have a meaningful and successful experience at school.” –Dr. Steve Atwater, superintendent

The 2014 The Inclusive Practices Award is given by the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, and recognizes outstanding educators who work to ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity for an inclusive education in the general education curriculum. The nominations are based on the following activities that assure a positive learning environment for all:

Involving parents as equal partners in their child’s education
Encouraging student’s self-determination
Emphasizing inclusive practices amongst peers and others
Providing leadership in sharing the values of inclusion
Designing support services that enable access to the regular curriculum
Modifying programs or curricula as needed

This year’s award was presented Tuesday February 11, 2014, at a luncheon at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage. It was attended by more than 200 special educators, administrators, parents and advocates from all over the state.
Links:
KPBSD Pupil Services
Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
2014 Inclusive Practice Awards photo album

News Release KPBSD team from Nikiski awarded top state recognition