Category: School Stories

Treat yourself: KPBSD Winter Music Programs

Winter concerts KPBSD 2014
KPBSD Winter Music Program
Please treat yourself and attend a music concert or school play in December!

*Many of the school hyperlinks are to their school Facebook pages. Click, follow, and like to connect with your neighborhood school!
**KPBSD has a mobile app, with all school events on the calendar! Learn more, and download the app free.
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, 148 N. Binkley Street, Soldotna, Alaska 99669   907.714.8888

Student highlight: Kiowa Richardson, River City Academy

Kiowa Richardson, River City Academy (RCS) senior, appointed to the United States Air Force Academy
Kiowa RichardsonRiver City Academy is proud to announce the appointment of RCA’s Class of 2014 Valedictorian, Kiowa M. Richardson, to the United States Air Force Academy. Kiowa has been selected from an elite applicant list of over 9,700 candidates to become a select member of United States Air Force Academy Class of 2018. This prestigious appointment is offered to only approximately 1,200 nominees and valued at over $400,000. It is also the most recent in a long list of accomplishments for this fine young person.
Over a year ago, Kiowa began the intense process of preparing herself for the Congressional Nomination required for application to the USAFA. As part of this process, Kiowa was selected to attend the USAFA Junior Diversity Visitation Program in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During this experience, she gained first hand exposure to the daily life of a USAFA cadet and returned with a renewed commitment to the Academy. This commitment paid off in her recent appointment.
Outside of her commitment to the USAFA, Kiowa has also demonstrated her commitment to her education, school and community over the course of her career at RCA. Kiowa joined River City Academy during her 8th grade year, when RCA first expanded to include middle school grades. During these past five years, she has worked to shape the culture of RCA, as well as expanding her own horizons both inside and outside of school. Kiowa can be relied on as a member of the leadership team at RCA and is a co-teacher of the RCA Batik class during our January Interims. Over the past years, Kiowa has received numerous awards and acknowledgments of her extensive talents, including first place finishes in the Annual RCA Poetry Slam, the Kenai Peninsula Writers Contest, and numerous Superior District Medallions in fine arts. Outside of school, Kiowa published her book, “The Christmas Kangaroo” at age 14 and has attained the Silver Award in Girl Scouts. She also devotes a considerable amount of her free time to volunteering at local service agencies and with her church.
The staff and students at River City Academy and Kiowa’s family are very pleased to share in her most recent accomplishment and are anxious to see Kiowa’s vast talents shared on the larger stage of this elite military academy.

Soldotna High School freshmen iNspire

iNspire
Soldotna High School (SoHi) freshmen surprise Mr. Walton with a freshly painted ceiling tile with the iNspire logo and their handprints, demonstrating their personal commitment to make a positive difference.

Freshmen students at Soldotna High School (SoHi) discovered a new resource to find inspiration: themselves. Soldotna English teacher Matt Walton recently designed a website specifically to showcase freshmen students who achieve success in academics, sports, or extra-curricular activities, overcome a personal challenge, or perform a good deed. Walton says, “I wanted to design an inspirational website for our freshmen that would be student driven through their own personal success stories. I called the site iNspire, as in I inspire, which in itself represents the central theme of the website.”
As Walton hears of or discovers a new student achievement, with that student’s permission, he uploads a picture or video of the student, along with a brief summary of the student achievement into his website and then links the site to his class webpage. Once a student story is uploaded to the iNspire webpage, Walton informs SoHi counselor Erin Neisinger of the new student entry, and she then places a “positive home call” to that student’s parents.
Response to the iNspire website has been extremely positive as students see and read about themselves and their peers’ accomplishments. Walton stresses, “A good self-image is absolutely essential to any student’s success, and this website offers our freshmen the opportunity to see themselves in a favorable light and for them to also consider the value of working hard to achieve a goal or overcome a personal challenge.” He adds, “If it is true that what we focus on we give power to, then iNspire is an opportunity for our SoHi freshmen class to focus on their positive achievements and to realize that they have the choice to iNspire not only for their good, but also for the good of others.”
Visit the iNspire website

Seward Elementary Six Word Novel Competition

Students at Seward Elementary School submitted 466 six word novels to the third annual six word novel event. There were also 32 adult entries. The novels are displayed throughout the elementary school and students frequently read them as they pass through the hallways on their way from here to there.
Agusta Lind, Seward’s Quest teacher initiated the six word novel event during the 2009-2010 school year after learning about six word novels. A six word novel tells a story using only six words. The words represent more than just six words, they hint at a past and a future. Some great examples of this are “He found the thing that smiled,” written by Justin McMurrary, 2012; “Bob, that is not a dragon,” by Michael Walker, 2010; and “Meet music, his name is George,” by Julia Davenport, 2011.
“The six word novel competition is one of the few school wide events we have at Seward Elementary where every student can get involved,” Terri McKnight, sixth grade teacher—and awesome 6 word novel author—stated about the event. “All the kids really get involved not only writing the novels, but reading them.”
“I love that all of the students are reading the novels and talking about their favorites. I also get excited to see parents and other adults who come into the building stop to read the novels,” reports Ms. Lind. One of the purposes of the event is to get students writing, the other is to get students reading. The six word novel competition certainly accomplishes that.
Students, staff and parents voted on their favorite six word novels the results are recorded below.
Seward Elementary’s Favorite 6 Word Novels 2012
By Grade Level
Kindergarten
I like my mom so much!                                    Zach Hustman
First Grade
The little squirrels ate big nuts.               Emily Mitchell
Batman hit someone with his lasso.                    Nathan Hankins
My dog made a big mess.                                 Alexie Wayne
The lake is sparkling and shining.                       Emily Mitchell
No more buildings. No more animals.    Sam McLain
Second Grade
My pet banana is very gassy.                            Ozzy Deel
My name is @#%^&?! Crazy blop.                  Paxton Hill
I got a fat pig yesterday!                                   Alexi Walker
A fat pig sat on apple.                                       Soren O’Brien
My annoying orange is very annoying.   Connor Williams
Hi my name is Old Lady.                                  Porter Rockwell
I work good at school today.                            Emery Zinis
I eat food off the floor.                          Porter Rockwell
I like chocolate and vanilla cupcakes!    Kiana Vesel
I take showers in the kitchen.                            Porter Rockwell
Third Grade
I play zombie games every day.             Matthias Wood
I forgot my six word novel.                               Annika Rae Nilsson
Layla is my BFF for ever.                                 Emily Unrein
I love my zombie a lot.                          James Milburn
I am late to school because…                            Hannah Schilling
The walking dead will take over.                       Tommy Cronin
Family is love. Love is priceless.                        Wren Dougherty
I need candy candy candy, hyper!                     Sailor Terry
You get what you get alien.                               Luke Gunter
Love is fine. Love is careful.                              Destiny Walker
Fourth Grade
The Dragon vs tree: Ouch! Splinter!!!                Marisa Phasomsap
Love is in the air, forever.                                              Leilani Lackey
Best friends forever love your friend.                             Leilani lackey
This is Bob. Bob got squished.                          Nick Karakokonok
I’m allergic to school…especially today.             Collin Mullaly
I belly flopped a king salmon!                            Gordon Arca
Talent doesn’t matter in my world.                                Malia Hewitt
Ouch! That hair just bit me.                                           Max Pfeiffenberger
I am so allergic to boys.                                                Katelyn Sawyer-Lemme
My heart speaks to your heart.                          Angel Purigay
Fifth Grade
No more homework save the trees!                              Maggie Adkins
Mrs. McKnight VS zombies who will win?                    Daisy Terry
A tank blew up my homework.                         Ethan Forbis
Super model stranded on Zombie Island.                       Heidi Swearingen
Zombies, caution you’re going to die.                Gabriel Wood
WASABI! Dude you’re not a Ninja.                             Ian Beals & Hayley Unrein
Santa needs to trim his nails.                                          Madilyn Moore
French toasted zombies are taking over!                        Shelly Sewell
Don’t trust Santa. He likes cookies!                              Malaya Wallace
I’m scared of the cookie monster.                                 Ryan Miller                              
Sixth Grade
Diet Coke = Chocolate = Money = Mrs. McKnight                  Ashley Jackson
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, CRAZY                                                                                                                                                                        Maggie Adkins & Meghan Mullaly
School is a place for daydreaming.                                            Coral Petrosius
“FAB” is out of this world!!!                                                     Ashley Jackson
The snack that smiles back, goldfish.                                         Coral Petrosius
It always seems like dolphins hiccup.                                         Coral Petrosius
Bullies are just very sad people.                                                James Helberg
Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.                                   Riley von Borstel
Friends don’t let friends fade away.                                           Ellanore DeFreest
Cinderella are you really that happy?                                         Amanda Nguyen
Adult Entries
It snowed last night, NO SCHOOL!                             Mr. Kingsland
Duct tape is allowed at school!                          Mrs. McKnight
My FAB 5/6: Gotta Love ‘Em!                         Mrs. Fabian
At the end, there’s the beginning.                                   Mr. Fraad
Stop the abuse! No more HOMEWORK!                    Mrs. DeBoard
Writing six word novels is fun!                           Mrs. DeBoard
Blissfully dreaming. Alarm RINGS! BOO reality.           Mrs. Fabian
Not all frogs like being kissed!                          Val McHone
Who’s your daddy, who’s your daddy!             Val McHone
Please stay off of the doorstops!                                   Carl Lock 

Overall Favorites
It snowed last night, NO SCHOOL!                                         Mr. Kingsland
Diet Coke = Chocolate = Money = Mrs. McKnight                  Ashely Jackson
No more homework, save the trees!                                         Maggie Adkins
Chocloate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, CRAZY                                                                                                                                                                        Maggie Adkins & Meghan Mullaly
Mrs. McKnight VS zombies who will win?                                Daisy Terry
The Dragon vs tree: Ouch! Splinter!!!                            Marisa Phasomsap
Duct tape is allowed at school!                                      Mrs. McKnight
I’m allergic to school…especially today.                         Collin Mullaly
Love is in the air, forever.                                                          Leilani Lackey
A tank blew up my homework.                                     Ethan Forbis
Thank you to Agusta Lind, Quest Facilitator, Hope and Moose Pass Schools, Seward ELementary and Seward Middle School for providing this article and the photos.

Nikiski Middle-High School Mock Convention

Nikiski Middle-High School Mock Convention

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

8:00 a.m. to noon, in the school gym

Live Broadcast beginning 8:00am October 30, 2012

(This presentation is streamed in Windows Media format. If you do not have Windows Media Player, please get it here.)

Scroll down for the convention schedule.
Mock Convention co-chair, Annaleah Ernst, writes:
On behalf of the Senior Government Class at Nikiski Junior Senior High-School, I would like to invite you to our eighth quadrennial Political Mock Convention on Tuesday, October 30th, 2012. The convention will begin at 8:00AM and end at noon.
The Political Mock Convention is an opportunity for students to learn about democracy in action. Starting at Kenai High School in 1984 under the mentorship of former US Senate candidate Bob Bird, and continuing under his guidance at Nikiski High School in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008, we have staged student led exercises in learning to be a good citizen. Every election year, the senior class of Nikiski Junior Senior High-School runs the convention which features resolutions written and debated by students, presidential nominating speeches, and guest speakers.
Every year, we invite local, state, and national politicians to be guest speakers at the convention. This year, we are pleased to announce that our guest speakers will be State Senator Cathy Giessel, State Senate Candidate Ron Devon, Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Mike Chenault, Kenai Borough Mayor Mike Navarre, State Representative and candidate for US House Sharon Cissna, and US Senator Mark Begich. All politicians will be at the convention in person with the exception of Mark Begich, who will be giving his speech via Skype.
Contact: Any contact can be made through Mr. Bird’s classroom phone number at 907-776-9442, an email to me at annaleah.ernst@g.kpbsd.org, or an email to my co-chairman Lincoln Johnson at lincoln.johnson@g.kpbsd.org.
Mock Convention
October 30th, 2012
2012 Co-Chairs: Lincoln Johnson & Annaleah Ernst
Co-Secretaries: Lacy Elsey, Sienna Wallis & Mahlon Troyer
Guest Speakers:
1. State Senator Cathy Giessel
2. State Senator Opponent Ron Devon
3. Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Mike Chenault
4. President of the Kenai Peninsula School Board Joe Arness
5. Kenai Mayor Mike Navarre
6. Democratic member of the Alaska House of Representatives Sharon Cissna
7. State Senator Peter Micciche
8. United States Senator Mark Begich
2012 Nominating Speeches:
1. Barack Obama– Lauren Countryman
2. Mitt Romney– Hannah Tauriainen
3. Ron Paul– Katie O’Brien
4. Condoleezza Rice–Michael Hollinger
Convention Schedule: (all times are approximate)
8:00-8:10…………………………………………………….………………..Caucus
8:10-8:20……………………………………………….….…Call to order, Anthems
8:20-8:25……………………………………………………………Keynote Speech
8:25-8:40…………………………………………………..………………..Roll Call
8:40-9:25……………………………………………………….…Resolutions, Part 1
9:25-9:55……………………………………………………………..Guest Speakers
9:55-10:40…………………………………………………………Resolutions, Part 2
10:40-11:15………………………………………………….Nominating & Seconding Speeches
11:20-11:35………………………………………………….Roll Call for President
Convention Staff:
Resolutions Committee Chairs: Shaylee Rizzo & Caleb Alkire
Seating Committee Chairs: Jesse Ross, Brittany Sexton & Emily Berry
Video Reporters: Paris Davis, Bailey Buchholz, Morgan Sauve & Dylan Griffith
Video & Tech Chair: Asher Phillips, Orren Hyatt
Artists: Colleen Dempsey, Lauren Countryman & Haley Conti
Faculty Tech Advisors: Mr. Vern Kornstad, Sr.
Faculty Director: Mr. Bob Bird
 
— Annaleah Ernst, 2012 Mock Convention Co-Chairman
www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us

Homer Huskies rap – Calling All Polar Bears

Homer Middle School student reports: Homer Huskies Get Into “Calling All Polar Bears”

Homer Middle School students were treated this week to a rap performance by Allison Atkootchkook Warden, titled “Calling All Polar Bears.”  Allison is an Inupiaq artist who was sponsored by The Bunnell Street Arts Center to perform for our school. Dressed in a purple kuspuk and green cap, Allison began with rap songs she had written based on her experiences from her village.

Allison’s first song talked about the changes her mother had to face growing up in Kaktovik, Alaska and being sent to the lower 48 states to be treated for tuberculosis. In her next song, she rapped about the challenges of being a polar bear. Allison, wearing her polar bear fur mittens and paper mache polar bear head, got all the middle schoolers to sing along and wonder “where did all the ice go?” Allison even got some of the Homer Middle School students dancing with her next song about caribou herds. Spencer Warren and Kenny Cortez put on some antlers and showed off their moves, prancing and bopping alongside of Allison. Her two other songs were about our ancestors, community, and love. The whole gym swayed their arms in the air to show their unity and sense of community along with Allison’s lyrics.
 I think the Homer Huskies definitely enjoyed Allison’s unique style of rapping, and we’d like to thank both Alllison Atkootchkook and the Bunnell Street Arts Center for a wonderful concert.
— Maggie Alston, seventh grade student, Homer Middle School

School lunch time!

Happy to be at school today! Feeding body, mind and spirit!

I visited one of our local elementary schools during lunch time today. I’d forgotten how much interaction, conversation, and social buzz happens during meal time! In addition, we can be proud of the KPBSD Student Nutrition Services team–do you know that KPBSD serves more than 3,000 school lunches everyday? And 1,000 breakfasts? The nutritious lunch meal smelled delicious. Maple grazed french toast, sausage–breakfast for lunch, a favorite of mine–was on the menu. Next week, the beef and black bean tacos sound yummy. Wish we had KPBSD food service at the district office!

A lot of conversation--much like all friends share at meal times

Table manners! He's so polite--smiled, then covered his mouth to finish his grapes.

The National School Lunch Program began in 1946 when Congress passed the National School Lunch Act, and the National School Breakfast program began in 1966.

Thirty-three million public school students are served a hot lunch in the United States, every day school is in session.

Kudos to the hard-working KPBSD Student Nutrition Services staff!
Menus and more: KPBSD Student Nutrition Services

Your free chance. Learn construction, plumbing, culinary arts skills

Teens: do you want to learn construction, plumbing, or culinary arts skills? How about employability skills, Dental Assistant,  Emergency Trauma Technician, or Personal Care Attendant skills?
Local business owners: are you aware students receive this type of skill training? Would you consider hiring a student for part-time or summer work who has completed one of these after-school academies?
The following free after school academies will be offered through the Workforce Development Center next semester:

Construction Academybegins January 5th at Skyview High School with instructor Barry Hartman.  The students will be constructing a gazebo. This class will run Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through March 8.

Culinary Arts Academybegins January 10th at Nikiski High School with instructor Gary Wiebel. Students will learn safety in workplace, safe food handling, nutrition and wellness, weights & measurements, purchasing & planning, basic cooking techniques, and earn the Alaska Food Handlers Card Prep Test. Class days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and occasional Saturdays.
Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) Academy will be held at Soldotna High School beginning January12th through February 27th. Class days will be Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and occasional Saturdays from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.  This course will cover all areas required to receive certification as an Emergency Medical Technician.  The last week of class will be review and the final exam. Students who pass the exam will receive certification and an ETT patch.
Employability Skills Academy begins January 9th at the Workforce Development Center. Class days will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Students will learn resume writing, mock interviewing, job etiquette, basic job skills, how to apply for jobs and much more.

Medical Terminology class beginning Jan 5th at Soldotna High School with instructor Bruce Rife. Juniors or Seniors who have had or are in Anatomy with a B or better or permission from the instructor (sophomores) may attend this class. Students interested in a career in Emergency Medical Services, Radiation Technology, Medical Coding, Medical Assisting, Health Information Technician, Physician Assistant, or Medical Doctor will definitely benefit from this class. You will learn basic word structure, digestive system, nervous and cardiovascular system, respiratory system and much more. Class days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. thru April 26. Students with a grade B or better in this class will earn Tech Prep KPC college credit.

A  PCA (Personal Care Attendant) class is available for juniors and seniors only. Students will learn how to physically care for people. Students who are close to the age of May 18, 2012, will receive a State Certificate after passing the exam. This class size is limited to only 12 students. Textbooks will be provided, however they are available to purchase for $35 if a student chooses to keep their book. There is a mandatory meeting in the nursing lab at Skyview High School @ 3:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9. During this meeting, class times will be set depending on student and instructor’s schedule.

Plumbing Academy begins February 6th at Soldotna High School with instructor Tyson Cox.  This will be an introduction to care and use of tools, fittings and materials used in the plumbing and heating trade to safely transfer fluids and gases. Class days are Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. through April 23.

Upcoming academies with dates and times yet to be determined: Construction (Kenai  and Ninilchik), and Dental Assistant.
High school students may attend any of the academies at any of the schools and all academies are free.
If a student successfully completes any of the 60-hour academies they are eligible to receive a half practical art credit.
Transportation may be provided if needed.
To sign up contact your high school counselor or contact Debbie Pearson at 283-2145, or e-mail pearson@kpbsd.org .
Funding for the Alaska Construction Academies comes from a grant from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, The Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development and The Alaska Youth First Program.

 

Robotics competitors prevent strawberry mold

The West Homer First Lego League Robotics Team with their first place trophy. Douglas Dean, Caleb Rauch, Tucker Weston, Joe Ravin, Ben Kettle and coach Arthur Kettle. Not pictured: Lauren Cardwell

 West Homer Elementary heads to Anchorage in January to compete 

In a three-component robotics, research, and teamwork competition sponsored by First Lego League, a West Homer fifth and sixth grade team won their first tournament this year against seven other teams in Kenai on November 19 to advance to the Anchorage competition in January! 

Competing in FLL’s 2011 Food Factor Challenge, teams find ways to improve the quality of food by researching food safety and examining possible contaminants our food encounters—from exposure to molds, bacteria, and insects during production, processing, transportation, preparation, storage, and serving. The competitors find ways to prevent or combat spoilage or contaminants, put their research into a creative presentation before a panel of judges, and compete with their programmed autonomous robot to solve a set of Food Safety missions. The West Homer team’s focus was mold prevention on strawberries. 

Throughout their experience, the team operates under FLL’s signature set of core teamwork values of learning together, friendly competition, discovery is more important than winning, sharing experiences with others, and displaying gracious professionalism in everything they do in the challenge experience. 

Story and photo provided by Arthur Kettle and Suzanne Haines, West Homer Elementary