Category: Uncategorized

Two-Hour Delay Start on 12-10-19

On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, all 42 Kenai Peninsula Borough School District schools will begin with a two-hour delay start due to a combination of road conditions, weather conditions, power outages, flooding, and safety concerns.

Buses will run two-hours later than normal in the morning.

Pre-K classes in the morning and afternoon session are cancelled on 12-10-19.

If weather conditions warrant any full school closures, an additional announcement will be made about 7:00 AM.

Please be safe, and if you decide to keep your child at home, the absence will be excused.

link: How it works: weather related school closures and delays

KPBSD SCHOOLS:

  • Aurora Borealis Charter School
  • Chapman Elementary School
  • Connections Program
  • Cooper Landing School
  • Fireweed Academy
  • Homer Flex School
  • Homer High School
  • Homer Middle School
  • Hope School
  • Kachemak Selo School
  • Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science
  • Kenai Alternative School
  • K-Beach Elementary School
  • Kenai Central High School
  • Kenai Middle School
  • Marathon School
  • McNeil Canyon Elementary School
  • Moose Pass Elementary School
  • Mountain View Elementary School
  • Nanwalek School
  • Nikiski Middle-High School
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary School
  • Nikolaevsk School
  • Ninilchik School
  • Paul Banks Elementary School
  • Port Graham School
  • Razdolna School
  • Redoubt Elementary School
  • River City Academy
  • Seward Elementary School
  • Seward High School
  • Seward Middle School
  • Skyview Middle School
  • Soldotna Elementary School
  • Soldotna High School
  • Soldotna Montessori Charter School
  • Sterling Elementary School
  • Susan B. English School
  • Tebughna School
  • Tustumena Elementary School
  • Voznesenka School
  • West Homer Elementary School

www.KPBSD.org

KPBSD Winter Concerts and Music Programs

Treat yourself and attend a music concert or school play!

Programs are at the school location unless otherwise noted. Also note that some schools have more than one program, and the location may vary by date.

  • Aurora Borealis Charter School – December 3, 6:00 p.m., “Merry Christmas to you from the Red, White and Blue,” KCHS Auditorium
  • Chapman School – December 10, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Root Beer Float & Cookie Sale, Grades PreK-8
  • Cooper Landing School – December 10, 5:30 p.m., “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and Holiday Potluck Dinner
  • Homer High School – December 16, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Mariner Theater; December 19, 7:00 p.m., Candlelight Carols & Desserts, Mariner Theater
  • Homer Middle School – December 12, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Homer High School Mariner Theater
  • Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – December 17, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Treasures Winter Concert Grades 1-5, KCHS Auditorium
  • K-Beach Elementary School – December 3, 6:30 p.m., K-2 Christmas Concert, Soldotna High School Auditorium; December 17, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Band Concert, K-Beach Gym
  • Kenai Central High School – December 11, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring KMS Concert & Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert & Jazz Band, KCHS Auditorium; December 15, 3:00 p.m., Holiday Choir Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Kenai Middle School – December 10, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Concert, KCHS Auditorium; December 11, 6:15 p.m., Dessert Auction; 7:00 p.m. Holiday Band Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • McNeil Canyon Elementary School – December 12, 6:30 p.m., The Grumps of Ring-A-Ding Town Musical, McNeil Gym
  • Moose Pass School – December 13, 6:00 p.m., ‘Twas the Night- a Holiday Performance Grades K-6
  • Mountain View Elementary School – December 17, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert, MVE Gym; December 16, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-3, KCHS Auditorium
  • Nikiski Middle-High School – December 17, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, NMHS Auditorium
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary School – December 10, 6:00 p.m., Christmas Concert Grades 1-2, Nikiski Middle-High School Auditorium; December 12, 6:00 p.m., Kindergarten Winter Concert NNS Gym; December 12, 6:30 p.m., Concert Band Winter Concert; December 12, 6:30 p.m., NNS Choir Christmas Concert, NNS Gym
  • Ninilchik School – December 18, 3:00 p.m., Music Program Grades K-6
  • Paul Banks Elementary School – December 10, 1:00 p.m., “A Bugz Christmas” Winter Program, Homer High School Mariner Theatre
  • Redoubt Elementary School – December 5, 6:00 p.m., Redoubt Christmas Concert Grades 4-6, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Seward Elementary School – December 17, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 3-5
  • Seward Middle School – December 11, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Middle School Auditeria
  • Skyview Middle School – December 12, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert Band, Choir, Drumline
  • Soldotna Elementary School – December 16, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Soldotna High School – December 10, 7:00 p.m., Band, Choir, and Jazz Band
  • Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 5, 6:30 p.m., Band & Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary Gym; December 17, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Sterling Elementary School – December 16, 5:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6 and band
  • Tebughna School – December 13, 5:00 p.m., K-12 Winter Program “Christmas Around the World”
  • Tustumena Elementary School – December 19, 6:00 p.m., Winter Program, Tustumena Gym
  • West Homer Elementary School – December 17, 1:00 p.m., Winter Program Grades 3-6, Homer High Mariner Theatre

Helping students who are homeless: Kenai Central Spaghetti Feed & Silent Auction

December 6, 2019 | Friday night | 6:00 PM
Spaghetti Feed and Silent Auction to benefit KPBSD Students In Transition

Kenai Central High School cafeteria
9583 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611
$10 for adults
$5 for kids (under 14)
$25 for families (five or more)

Student leaders at Kenai Central High School are working hard to support their peers without permanent housing! Everyone is welcome to come to this student-led and student-organized fundraiser! Friday. 6:00 PM.

“Even if you are not eating you can stop by to take a look at silent auction items provided by our local families and businesses. We hope to see you there and are blown away from our communities support–thank you!”

Hunter Beck and Elizabeth Hanson, Kenai Central High School

For more information on the SIT Program or to see if you qualify, contact your local liaison. Homeless Liaisons can help students and families access supports and services to address these challenges.* (see contacts below)

Who are Homeless Children and Youth?
Eligible children and youth are students who lack a permanent, stable, and adequate place to sleep at night. This can include students who are living in a shelter, hotel, tent, camper or car, students that are “doubled-up” with extended family members of friends because of financial difficulty, or loss of housing, students who are couch-surfing, and those in “substandard” housing. Students may be part of a larger family unit that is homeless, or may be unaccompanied youth (youth living in a previously stated situation with without a parent or legal guardian).

What can the Students in Transition Program provide?
• Immediate School Enrollment
• Free school meal benefits
• Transportation to and from school
• School Supplies
• Assistance in obtaining vital records
• Referrals to local social service agencies and public programs

Students who don’t have stable housing face special challenges when it comes to school success. It is hard to learn if you are worried about your next meal, about staying warm at night, or about where you’ll be sleeping next. Students who frequently change schools or are frequently absent lose out on valuable learning time and often fall behind their peers.

In the 2018-2019 school year, 224 KPBSD students were identified as homeless, using the federally required McKinney-Vento Act definition. These students ranged from Pre-K through the 12th grade, and received support services through our Students in Transition Program and homeless liaison staff.

Contacts:
Kelly King
Homeless Liaison – Serving Central Peninsula, Seward and Tyonek schools e: kking@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907-714-8869
Jane Dunn
Homeless Liaison – Serving Southern Peninsula and Ninilchik schools
e: jdunn@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907-235-4664

Two Hour Delay start for Southern and Central Peninsula Schools

7:00 AM update: The Two-Hour Delay start for Central and Southern Peninsula schools on 12-2-19 remains in effect. The only closures are for both morning AND afternoon Pre-K classes in Central and Southern Peninsula schools.

►ALERT: KPBSD schools in the Southern Peninsula and Central Peninsula will open with a TWO HOUR DELAY START on MONDAY, December 2, 2019, due to weather and road conditions.

If weather and road conditions warrant a full closure for any schools, that announcement will be made about 7:00 AM.

All morning and afternoon Pre-K class sessions at these schools are cancelled during a two-hour delay start.

Parents and guardians, if you decide, based on conditions near you to keep your child at home, absences will be excused.

*A two hour delay means that morning buses run two hours later than normal, school begins two hours later than normal, staff arrives at school two hours later than normal, and Pre-K morning sessions are cancelled. The school day ends at the normal time.

Central Peninsula
Aurora Borealis Charter School
Connections Homeschool
Cooper Landing School
Kaleidoscope Charter School
K-Beach Elementary School
Kenai Alternative School
Kenai Central High School
Kenai Middle School
Mountain View Elementary School
Nikiski Middle-High School
Nikiski North Star Elementary School
Redoubt Elementary School
River City Academy
Skyview Middle School
Soldotna Elementary School
Soldotna High School
Soldotna Montessori Charter School
Sterling Elementary School
Tebughna School
Tustumena Elementary School

Southern Peninsula
Chapman School
Connections Homeschool
Fireweed Academy
Homer Flex School
Homer High School
Homer Middle School
Kachemak Selo School
McNeil Canyon Elementary School
Nanwalek School
Nikolaevsk School
Ninilchik School
Paul Banks Elementary School
Port Graham School
Razdolna School
Susan B. English School
Voznesenka School
West Homer Elementary School

Ms. Virginia Morgan appointed to serve on KPBSD Board of Education

News Release

Soldotna, November 27, 2019—At the special school board meeting on November 26, 2019, Virginia Morgan took the Oath of Office to serve District 6 representing Cooper Landing, Hope, Moose Pass, and Seward schools until the regular municipal election in October, 2020.

“A very special thanks to the four very qualified candidates who took the time and energy to apply for the District 6 East Peninsula School Board seat. I am thrilled and honored that we had four well-rounded candidates who were willing and eager to fill this seat. We are very fortunate in the Kenai Peninsula Borough to have many talented individuals who are so passionate about education.  
On behalf of the entire school board, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our newly appointed board member Virginia Morgan. We are looking forward to working with you and having you on the team!”  

–Board President Penny Vadla

During her interview, among other things, Ms. Morgan’s responses reflected her passion for literacy and reading, community involvement, a high value on relationships, differing opinions, social-emotional learning, and the value of small schools and diversity in KPBSD.

Ms. Virginia Morgan takes the Oath of Office to serve District 6 East Peninsula on the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education

“As a previous student, teacher, and currently a parent of students in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, I’m excited to have this opportunity to serve on the Board of Education,” said Virginia Morgan. “It will be a great honor to represent Cooper Landing, Hope, Moose Pass, and Seward schools. I want to champion the diversity of our school district, and I look forward to working with the board to build relationships, strengthen connections, and increase opportunities for our youth.”

The next Board of Education worksessions and regular monthly meeting is Monday, December 9, 2019.

Link: November 26, 2019, board meeting and applicant interviews

News Release: School Board will interview four applicants

Soldotna, November 25, 2019—Four applicants will be interviewed for the vacant District 6 East Peninsula seat serving Cooper Landing, Hope, Moose Pass and Seward schools. The special board meeting is Tuesday, November 26, 2019, beginning at 10:00 AM in the Borough Administration Building, 148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669, in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers.

District 6 East Peninsula Candidate Interviews

Four people applied and met the eligibility qualifications for the District 6 board vacancy, and their applications are available online. The public is welcome to attend the interviews, however, the doors will be shut before each interview begins, as a courtesy to the candidate. Public comment forms will be available in the back of the room for those in attendance only. Interview schedule:

• 10:05 AM: Shawn Butler
• 10:40 AM: Katie Hamilton
• 11:15 AM:  Heather Lindquist
• 11:50 AM: Virginia Morgan

12:30 PM: Executive session, selection of appointee, Oath of Office

The Oath of Office will be administered to the appointed candidate during this special school board meeting.

View the agenda and applications: https://go.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BHQ2J50250DF

Apply for school board vacancy until Nov. 22

Applications accepted until 11-22-19

News Release: School board vacancy in Eastern Peninsula District – Applications accepted until November 22, 2019

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education seeks applicants to fill the District 6 (East Peninsula) school board vacancy. KPBSD schools in District 6 are in Cooper Landing, Hope, Moose Pass, and Seward.

  • Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 22, 2019, at 3:00 PM.
  • Applicant interviews will be Tuesday, November 26, 2019, and the successful applicant will take the oath of office on November 26, 2019, during the special school board meeting.
  • The District 6 Term of Office begins November 26, 2019, and will stand for reelection in October 2020.

Responsibilities:

For information on the role and responsibilities of board members, review the Bylaws of the Board on the District website. http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/board.aspx?id=360

Qualifications:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a qualified voter of the State of Alaska and a resident of the Kenai Peninsula and District 6* for 180 days.

Term of Office:

Appointment will begin Nov. 26, 2019. Appointee will stand for re-election in October 2020.

Application:

Download the applicationDownload

Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019.
Paper applications and instructions are available are also available at the district office and at the school offices in Seward, Moose Pass, Hope and Cooper Landing.

Deadline:

Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 22, 2019.

Kenai Peninsula Borough District 6 legal description: Borough Code 22.30.010

District 6 map: https://www.kpb.us/images/KPB/CLK/images/District6_Redistrict_2012.pdf

News Release: East Peninsula School Board vacancy

Special Emergency School Board meeting

There is a School Board Vacancy in District 6, East Peninsula (Cooper Landing, Hope, Moose Pass, and Seward schools).

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education will hold an emergency special meeting:

Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 5:00 PM
Betty J. Glick Assembly Chamber
148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, Alaska

This meeting is held to address a District 6 East Peninsula school board vacancy.

Recommended action: Move to announce a vacancy for school board District 6 East Peninsula and open the application period through November 22, 2019, at 3:00 p.m.

Online Links

Community Resources for parents and youth #ThankYou

Sources of StrengthKPBSD celebrates the sources of strength offered in our communities who are rising up to assist our families and youth. #ThankYou
*Kindly add resources you know about in the comments on @KPBSD Facebook. KPBSD is continuing to receive additional places and groups and will add to this post.
Community Resources
KPBSD posts fliers as a community service. Such postings do not constitute an endorsement of the content or viewpoints expressed therein.
Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
Will offer kid friendly lunches in the Fireweed Dining Room and extend hours, if necessary, and will offer dinners with the funds have available to provide evening meals: 1 hour serving time and simple meals. The Food Bank will also put together food packages that can be used for lunches at home–bread, peanut butter, etc. For more information please contact: 262-3111.
Kenai and Soldotna activities in support of parents and youth:
Orca Theater
Finding Nemo at Noon on Tuesday, $3 admission per person
Keep checking the Facebook page. Will be adjusting show times and movies depending on how the strike goes.
Jumpin’ Junction AK
$2 off bounce, golf or Virtual Reality for school aged kids, K-12. Normally closed on Mondays, but will be open on Mondays through the strike to offer an exercise and activity option for kids.
Kenai Little League Baseball:
Fall Ball will still proceed as planned as it is not connected with the school nor is it on school property.
River City Cheer & Gymnastics Day Camp staring 9/17 until classes resume. Full day 8-5 $75; 1/2 day 8-12:30 or 12:30 -5 $40. Member rates: Full day $65, 1/2 day $35. Limited space, register early. frontdesk@rivercity.net; 260-9990, For more information: www.rivercitycheer.net or visit us on FaceBook.
Sterling
Solid Rock Bible Camp
Solid Rock is planning Day Camps!
• When: Tuesday & Wednesday, September 17-18. 8:00-5:00 (extended hours available)
• Who: Munchkins (K-2 grade) and Juniors (3-6 grade).
• Cost: $30/day plus $5 each for extended hours. Second child discounts available.
• Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, and lots of fun!
Like and follow our Facebook page for updates! Registration will open Monday, September 16, at noon. Go to our website to register. www.solidrockbiblecamp.com
The fine print:
• Because this is primarily offered to meet the needs of families affected by the KPBSD Teachers’ Strike, we ask that homeschool families and those unaffected by the strike not to register. You can ask to be put on the waiting list!
• If a bargain is reached before Tuesday, the day camp will be cancelled.
• Because of the uncertainty regarding the duration of the strike, kids with food allergies will need to bring their own meals.
• Children need to be able to use the bathroom unassisted.
• We will be outside, rain or shine so kids must bring everything on the gear list (found in the comments below and when you register).
• Is your child in Jr. High or High School and has worked at Solid Rock in the summer? Let us know if they can help!
Kenai/Soldotna/Sterling/Nikiski child care:
Kenai Fellowship:
A team of volunteers in place at Kenai Fellowship mile 8.5 Spur Hwy from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday with a mini VBS snacks lunch and safe place for parents in need. We can manage 30 kids and will be praying for an end to the strike. If there are parents in need of child care or interested helpers (must have background check verification from a church or other reputable organization on the peninsula), contact Deanna 953-2834.
Homer:
Paul Banks PTA organized a Pop-Up childcare K-2. Looking for volunteers to sign up: https://signup.com/…/invitation2/secure/2960306/false…
City of Homer Parks & Recreation Community Recreation will have extended hours activities at the SPARC for kids, 9 AM – 1 PM.
Homer Public Library is adding extra programs and continuing their summertime bagged food program with the Homer Food Pantry
The Kevin Bell Arenda is adding extra hours for open skate
Check www.KBayAHA.com for more info on these and other options in the Southern Kenai Peninsula area
Nikiski:
The Compass Coffeehouse
During the upcoming school closure, The Compass Coffeehouse and The Compass Drop-In will be open as usual:
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Friday: Coffeehouse 6:30am-1:30 pm; Drop-In 2:30-6:00 pm.
Saturday: Coffeehouse 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m; Drop-In closed
Nikiski Nazarene Church:
In response to the incredible need for families to provide solutions for children during school closures, Nikiski Church of the Nazarene is offering a Day Camp (VBS-style) from 8:30am-4:00pm starting Tuesday.
Nikiski Church of the Nazarene is planning Day Camp
(Vacation Bible School-style)
• When: Starting Tuesday, September 17-18. 8:30-4:00 (extended hours unavaialble)
• Who: K-5th Grade
• Cost: Free
• Includes: All activities, crafts, and snacks
• EXCLUDES: Lunch. Please provide a sack lunch for your child that is CLEARLY marked with their name. A freezer, refrigerator, & microwave will be available with adult assistance. Please ensure the lunch is PEANUT-FREE as we are not able to make special accommodations for allergies.
See our Facebook page for updates! Registration will open Monday, September 17, at 6:00pm at www.nikiski.church.
The fine print:
• Because this is primarily offered to meet the needs of families affected by the closure of schools, we ask that homeschool families and those unaffected by the strike not to register. You can ask to be put on the waiting list!
• If a bargain is reached before Tuesday, the day camp will be cancelled.
• Because of the uncertainty regarding the duration of the strike, kids with food allergies will need to bring their own snacks & meals.
• Children need to be able to use the bathroom unassisted.
• We will be outside, rain or shine so kids must bring everything on the gear list.
Space is extremely limited.
We are only able to accommodate 30 children for Tuesday, September 17, 2019. This number may be updated on additional days depending on background checked/ abuse trained volunteers.
Only those who have successfully completed the online registration are secured a spot.
Please do not attempt to DROP-IN if no online regisytration spots are available.
If you do not plan to participate after registering, please contact us ASAP to allow space for another child.
No shows directly impact another family’s ability to participate.
City of Homer opportunities
Nikiski

Healthcare offers – KPBSD contribution on behalf of employee

2019-08 health care proposals
  • The teacher & support staff unions want the school district to pay $27,076 per year for each employee member in the school district health care program.
  • The school district offered to pay $24,068.
  • The difference of $3,008 per year, per employee, in the 2019-2020 school year, is $ 3,224,972.
Collective Bargaining web page with offers, documents, Advisory Interest Arbitration Report.