Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release Title VII Indian Education Advisory Committee Meeting
Soldotna, February 24, 2016—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Title VII Advisory Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Borough Assembly Chambers, Soldotna, Alaska.
The Title VII Advisory Committee is comprised of parents and guardians of Title VII students who have been appointed by school site councils. Interested tribal elders, community members, students and parents are encouraged to participate. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Borough Assembly Chambers Borough Administration Building 144 North Binkley Street, Soldotna, Alaska 99669
Agenda:
Update on students who are served in Title VII
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) update
Partnership updates
Set priorities for the 2016-2017 school year
Draft Title VII Advisory Committee By-Laws
The KPBSD Title VII, Indian Education Program, supports Alaska Native and American Indian students for a successful experience throughout their K-12 schooling years. The Title VII Program is designed to assist and support students’ academic achievements, social and emotional development, and cultural awareness in the classroom. Please RSVP to Maribeth Snell, MSnell@KPBSD.k12.ak.us Direct further questions to: Conrad Woodhead, KPBSD Native Education Program Coordinator, CWoodhead@KPBSD.K12.ak.us, 907.235.8671 or Tim Vlasak, Director of Federal Programs and Assessments, TVlasak@KPBSD.k12.ak.us, 907.714.8829
###
As a support to student morning classroom success, students enrolled in the 30 KPBSD schools sponsoring a School Breakfast Program (SBP) enjoy access to a carefully menued school breakfast.
Each KPBSD morning, over 900 eager students participate with friends in school breakfast as the nutritious beginning of a busy school day. From Tebughna School to McNeil Canyon Elementary and from Seward High School to Nikiski North Star Elementary, KPBSD students meet with their friends for a nutritious school breakfast.
Menu choices include yogurts, juices, fruits, whole grain cereals, and breakfast bars. Menued hot items include an egg & cheese sandwich, breakfast burritos, and breakfast pizza.
The pictured KPBSD school breakfast includes a strawberry cup, orange juice, 1% milk, and a breakfast quesadilla. More importantly, breakfast comes with friends.
Pricing for KPBSD sponsored School Breakfast Programs:
Students qualifying for free or reduced priced meal support participate at no charge. A pricing of $1.75 per breakfast is the charge for students participating in the paid category.
All KPBSD students are invited to participate at school sites where school breakfast is made accessible for the start of a school day. Links
Story contributed by Dean Hamburg, student nutrition services administrator Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”
The KPBSD Board of Education encourages everyone to participate in Governor Walker’s Sustainable Future: conversations with Alaskans through an interactive revenue and expenditure model that “allows you to fix Alaska’s budget your way.” In addition, this invitation to the public to testify is shared on behalf of the Alaska Senate Majority:
Public Invited to Testify on Governor’s Proposed Income Tax
For Immediate Release: February 22, 2016
JUNEAU – The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee will host public testimony regarding Gov. Walker’s proposed individual income tax this Tuesday and Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. both evenings.
Citizens may testify in-person at their local LIO; submit written testimony to be placed on the record and distributed to committee members; or call to testify by phone. There are a limited number of phone lines to the Capitol; please plan to attend and testify at your local LIO. WHO: Alaska public WHAT: Public testimony on SB 134 WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. WHERE: Alaska LIOs and Beltz Room 105, Thomas B. Stewart Legislative Office Building, Juneau Call-in number: (907) 465-4962 Written Testimony: Send to Senate.Labor.and.Commerce@akleg.gov Live stream: http://akl.tv
For more information, please contact Michaela Goertzen in the Senate Majority press office at (907) 465-3803.
Upward Bound students on a Major Marine tour in Seward “My grades are the best they’ve ever been.” — Angel, sophomore “It’s made me make more responsible decisions and think seriously about my life.” – Kaitlyn, junior “It has helped me expand my options and shown me other things that I can do to achieve the goals I want to achieve. I now know how much more important my grades are and it has helped me have extra time to work on my schooling and get ready for my future.” – Seyara, junior “It’s helped me stay focused in school, helped me keep my mind set on what my goals are and it’s taught me the steps to achieve my goals.” – Corin, senior “I’ve learned life lessons and skills that I will hold onto and remember: like working and talking to people you normally wouldn’t, being a leader in a crowd, the importance of my decisions now, and time management.” – Destiny, senior
What are all of these students referring to? Their experience as a participant in Upward Bound.
Upward Bound is a federally funded U.S. Department of Education TRiO program hosted in ten high schools throughout the state of Alaska. Nikiski Middle-High School (NMHS) is fortunate enough to be one of those ten schools. In order to qualify as an Upward Bound participant, students must meet certain criteria including coming from a low income household and, or being a first generation college student. The program is designed to offer motivated students extra support and guidance throughout high school as they prepare to enter post-secondary education. Upward Bound really opens doors for students. When students were asked what they have learned about as participants in Upward Bound, they stated that they’ve learned about all sorts of college-related topics including scholarships, college entrance exams (ACT, SAT), the college application process, the FAFSA and student loans, study abroad opportunities, dorm-life, etc. Taylaur, a NMHS junior, sums it up when she said that, “In Upward Bound, students learn about adulting.”
All of this adulting focused education takes place at twice-weekly Upward Bound meetings. On Tuesdays, NMHS Upward Bound students work with their coordinator, Nicole Gaunt (Ms. G), covering college-related topics and checking in with their accountability partners to set and review progress towards their goals. Thursday meetings focus on grade checks and study hall. This emphasis on grades and goals are key as Upward Bound students are expected to strive for at least a 3.0 GPA. This past semester, NMHS’s group celebrated when nine of 14 students made the honor roll!
For their hard work and dedication, students are compensated both financially, with the chance to earn up to $40 month, as well as with opportunities to participate in the Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) project, in cultural fieldtrips and in the Upward Bound summer programs at UAF. The summer programs allow students to experience living and learning on a college campus while working on academics, earning high school and even college credit, and exploring what Fairbanks has to offer.
While the summer programs are the icing on the cake, a lot of work goes into the day-to-day challenge of maintaining good grades as a high school student while preparing for the future. When NMHS Upward Bound students were asked to describe how participating in the school-year Upward Bound program with Ms. G has impacted their lives, a few common themes shine through: positivity, opportunity, encouragement and support. “Upward Bound has taught me that getting help is okay.” — Avery, junior “It has helped me reach my goals because I feel like I can get help from any of the people in there. I always feel welcome and all of them help each other stick to our goals. It has helped me have inspiration to keep my grades up.” – Lauren, junior “Being in Upward Bound has given me the drive to pay more attention in my life, and focus on the goals I set.” – Lochlan, junior “There’s just something about encouragement, and someone else wanting you to do something that is motivating and confidence building. My advisor cares about my success in life, and has helped me acquire skills and strategies to use while in college and beyond.”— Destiny, senior “It’s helped me to try really hard to keep my grades up and apply for college. It’s given me a nice push.” – Shayne, senior
Sometimes we all need that little push to set and work towards our future goals. Nikiski Middle-High School is very proud of our Upward Bound students and program. It is inspiring to watch as these students to learn and grow, transitioning from high school and adolescence into college and adulthood.
Story contributed by Nicole Gaunt, School Counselor, NMHS Upward Bound students showing off their new UB swag thanks to GCI
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
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
“I think it’s important for the people in my community to weigh in any opportunity that they get on the budget preference or revenue enhancements. And, while I don’t know how that is going to turn out yet, it will take some combination of both of those in order to come up with a sustainable budget that will move Alaska forward and help my community.” – Speaker of the House, Mike Chenault, February 8, 2016, in conversation with Soldotna High School student
KPBSD Board of Education student representative Brian Dusek talks with Speaker of the House, Mike Chenault, about a letter Soldotna High School students wrote to Alaska legislators about the budget and what the value of public education means to them.
Balancing a billion dollar state budget
On anything but a normal Monday in Juneau, when HCR 23 “Suspend Uniform Rules 20, 21, 23, 24” made fast tracks to pass through the House of Representatives, “restricting committee meetings of the Alaska House of Representatives to measures that substantially relate to and have as their primary purpose appropriating, raising, or allocating state revenue, until the Alaska House of Representatives passes a state operating budget to the Alaska Senate,” Speaker of the House Mike Chenault (and District 29 representative) met with one of his young constituents, a high school student from Soldotna, Alaska.
In Juneau for a school board legislative fly-in with board member Lynn Hohl, the student school board representative, Brian Dusek, shared a letter that Soldotna High School students wrote to Alaska legislators. Speaker Chenault said, “I hope we are on the right track, we are going to work on the budget, try to focus on the budget, and come up with a remedy for the budget. We’ll look at revenue streams, we’ll look at reducing the budget where we can. I think it’s important for the people in my community to weigh in, any opportunity that they get—either weigh in on the budget preference or revenue enhancements. And, while I don’t know how that is going to turn out yet, it will take some combination of both of those in order to come up with a sustainable budget that will move Alaska forward and help my community. So that’s where we will be and what we will work on for the next three weeks, and see if we can get a budget passed.” Alaska residents are asked to weigh in with their ideas to The House Majority “Idea Line” 1-844-414-5949 to help solve the State’s budget crunch.
“I’m having a great time advocating for public education and the KPBSD,” said Brian Dusek, Soldotna High School student and school board student representative. “It was great to learn more about the legislative process, meet Governor Walker, our senators, and our representatives, speak to public officials, and have a voice that represents my peers and community. I appreciate the KPBSD school board for allowing me to attend the legislative fly in, and I hope that I helped advocate for public education so it remains a #1 priority in the state. It’s been an amazing experience!” The Legislature and KPBSD webpage offers helpful links, copies of legislator communications, KPBSD legislative priorities, LIO office locations, and more. This page is updated throughout the legislative session.
Balancing a multi-million dollar school district budget
“The district is facing a fiscal gap for our 2016-2017 budget,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “We are prioritizing the programs and services we will be able to offer in our schools. The district will likely need to make additional difficult decisions depending upon the level of funding we receive from the state and borough. This is an important year to be involved and engaged in all levels of our budget development, and understand the local (borough) and state level funding for public education.”
KPBSD Public Budget Meetings
Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials, are invited to bring your questions and ideas to a KPBSD public meeting, where you will learn about the district budget perspective, expenditures, revenues, and receive responses to your questions.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Seward High School library, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Soldotna High School library, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016, Homer High School library, 5:30 p.m.
Building a Sustainable Future for Alaska The KPBSD Board of Education encourages everyone to participate in Governor Walker’s Sustainable Future: conversations with Alaskans through an interactive revenue and expenditure model that “allows you to fix Alaska’s budget your way.” New!Alaska residents are asked to weigh in with their ideas to The House Majority “Idea Line” 1-844-414-5949 to help solve the State’s budget crunch.
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release
Investing in public education on the Kenai Peninsula
Soldotna, February 8, 2016—If the future success for our KPBSD K-12 students is dependent on a quality education so graduates will be prepared for college or a career, funding public education is crucial. In this time of fiscal uncertainty, KPBSD asks everyone to attend one of our public budget meetings, and become involved in the financial solutions for our school district and state.
KPBSD Public Budget Meetings
Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Seward High School library, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Soldotna High School library, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016, Homer High School library, 5:30 p.m.
“The district is facing a fiscal gap for our 2016-2017 budget,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “We are prioritizing the programs and services we will be able to offer in our schools. The district will likely need to make additional difficult decisions depending upon the level of funding we receive from the state and borough. This is an important year to be involved and engaged in all levels of our budget development, and understand the local (borough) and state level funding for public education.”
Become involved. Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials, mark your calendar and bring your questions and ideas to a KPBSD public meeting, where you will learn about the district budget perspective, expenditures, revenues, and receive responses to your questions.
“Our annual budget is one of the most important things we do each year,” said Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support. “We want to give our parents, staff, students, and community members a chance to learn about our budget, participate in the process, and ask questions.”
KPBSD Key Communicator Collaboration
Hosting a mix of eighty people, KPBSD facilitated five active hours at the Challenger Learning Center on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, following a school board worksession. School board members, high school students, KPBSD Key Communicators, school site council leaders, school principals, district leadership team members, and invited community members and business partners participated in the first Key Communicators Collaboration, an event designed to educate, gather input from the community, and grow advocacy for public education and KPBSD schools. At a time when the state fiscal climate is a top topic, KPBSD gathered a bunch of smart people together to brainstorm and face the challenges in the district, and to offer solutions.
A mix of presentations began in the morning with the State of the KPBSD—highlighting awards and accolades, innovation, funding, and legislation—and in the afternoon, identifying positive #golden stories in the schools and with KPBSD graduates. The interactive day concluded with tips about how to communicate collaboratively, with each person choosing one action they could take during this legislative session that was unique to their own personality, care and concern, and talent.
“I was very pleased that so many of the key communicators were able to attend our meeting that really strengthened our communication lines with stakeholders,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “The energy in the room was positive all day and I am looking forward to continued engagement with all of our stakeholders to help our schools improve how they meet the needs of our students.” With people from Seward, Seldovia, Sterling, Homer, Ninilchik, Nikiski, Kenai and Soldotna, and all areas in between, excellent perspective and common themes emerged. The feedback from everyone was, “let’s do this more often,” and “thank you for helping me understand the real issues that the district is addressing.” “A focus on the positive stories in coming months that happen every day is critical, and we need help from everyone to share these stories,” said Pegge Erkeneff, one of the presenters and organizers of the day. “Our Key Communicator network was started two years ago, and is growing. Conversations happen every day—in school parking lots, the grocery store, and with our elected officials. This started as a two-way exchange between the school district and people that each school principal identified in their school community. Now it is expanding to include students, and community partners. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear from people who care about our schools, and also to share issues the district is facing. We look forward to a continued conversation, and interaction.”
KPBSD formed a network of people who are interested in our schools in order to cultivate positive relationships with the school district and in our diverse communities. Conversations happen every day in school parking lots, at the grocery store, via social media, and in everyday ordinary life interactions. At times, people of all ages who care about public education want facts about issues in order to communicate effectively with community leaders, each other, and elected officials. The idea is that our Key Communicators will be informed about school district initiatives, issues, and celebrations through responses to questions, email messages, media releases, and e-newsletters from district office communications–and have an open line of communication with district leadership to ask questions and express concerns and celebrations in the school district. Together we will broaden community advocates and share our #golden stories.
On February 2, 2016, a KPBSD Key Communicator Collaboration with more than eighty participants took place from 10:00-3:00 p.m., at the Challenger Learning Center, in Kenai, Alaska. Attendees: School board members, Key Communicators, site council representatives, leadership team, students, regional principals, community partners Purpose: Collaborate with key people in our schools to talk about issues KPBSD faces this year, reflect on what we are doing well, ask questions, give administration a perspective, and grow advocates for KPBSD public education.
Key Communicator Collaboration, Challenger Center morning presentation, by Sean Dusek, superintendent; Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support; John O’Brien, assistant superintendent of instruction; Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison
Key Communicator Collaboration, Challenger Center, afternoon presentation by Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison
Links KPBSD Key Communicators KPBSD and The Legislature webpage KPBSD Board of Education goals: Promote a shared value and responsibility for the process of education throughout the school district | Funding public education
Tustumena Elementary is a small school in a diverse, supportive community. Students learn in an individualized, positive, accommodating, and caring environment. Tustumena Elementary is an ideal school. Our students and community greatly benefit from all staff member’s efforts. Their dedication to education is so very apparent. We are so fortunate and appreciative to have such an exception school!
On a typical Day at Tustumena Elementary, students and families are greeted outside by our Principal, Mr. Hayman. No matter rain, snow, or shine, he is always there with a familiar smile. The day begins with morning announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance. Students transitioning in the hallways are often observed respectfully pausing to say the Pledge.
Many positive observations can be made by peering into our primary classrooms. Students are actively participating in circle time. A soft chorus of voices can be heard reading out loud. Examples of student’s creativity are proudly displayed. Students are engaged, and eager to learn here.
In the intermediate wing, students can be seen enthusiastically taking part in hands on learning activities. Students are encouraged to participate in classroom discussions. Artwork and writing samples adorn the hallways and classroom walls. Intermediate students mentor younger students in our Buddy Reader program. This greatly encourages our younger students to enjoy reading. This also inspires leadership skills. Students are often observed helping and encouraging each other.
Fun, educational field trips are taken throughout the year. Kindergarteners visit the animal hospital and forestry department. First graders visit the hospital to learn about different medical occupations. Second graders visit local museums which correlate with their grade level history lessons. The fourth grade class participates in an “egg take” at Anchor River. They collect salmon eggs to raise, and they learn about life cycles. The fifth grade class travels to Seward to tour the Sea Life Center. They also hike to Exit Glacier to see and observe various geologic features. The sixth grade takes an overnight fieldtrip by boat to Peterson Bay. They observe and learn about tide pool habitats.
School Enrichment Model (SEM) classes teach and inspire our students with a variety of activities. Recent classes include: yoga, karate, grains and bread baking, spices, and fly tying. These classes encourage students to explore new areas of interest, and discover new talents.
Students are encouraged to volunteer here and their participation plays a significant role in success of school fundraisers. With the support and guidance of our PTO, our students get to see the benefits of their dedication and hard work, (which also instils good work ethics) during the fieldtrips and special events that are funded by these efforts.
Here at Tustumena, we are fortunate to have a dedicated group of parents. They lend us their individual talents. On any given day, volunteers are seen reading with students, helping with art projects, leading SEM classes, fundraising, creating bulletin boards, and participating in class parties and events. Community involvement is encouraged, and our school strongly benefits from it!
A typical day at Tustumena ends with a bustle of activity in the lobby. Students greet their families and excitedly fill them in on their day. Teachers and staff wave and wish them all well as they part ways.
Story contributed by a Tustumena School parent
To contribute a school or “#GoldenNews story to KPBSD, click this link.
