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National School Lunch Program in KPBSD Schools

KPBSD logoSoldotna, July 30, 2019—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) participates in the National School Lunch Program. Applications for free and reduced meals are currently being accepted. Meals will be available to all children at these schools:
Chapman School; Fireweed Academy; Homer High School; Homer Middle School; Kalifornsky Beach Elementary; Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science; Kenai Alternative High School; Kenai Central High School; Kenai Middle School; McNeil Canyon Elementary; Moose Pass School; Mountain View Elementary; Nikiski Middle-High School; Nikiski North Star Elementary; Ninilchik School; Paul Banks Elementary; Redoubt Elementary; River City Academy; Seward Elementary; Seward High School; Seward Middle School; Skyview Middle School; Soldotna Elementary; Soldotna High School; Soldotna Montessori; Sterling Elementary; Susan B. English School; Tustumena Elementary; and West Homer Elementary.
KPBSD Student Nutrition Services webpage: http://bit.ly/StudentNutritionServices
Meals meet nutritional standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Our schools will participate in the National School Lunch Program, After School Snack, and School Breakfast Program.
Meal Prices
Full pay breakfast for K-12th $2.00             Breakfast $.00 for students approved for reduced meals
Full pay elementary lunch $3.00                 Full pay secondary lunch $3.50
Reduced price lunch for K-12th grade $.40
Community Eligible Meals
Students at Homer Flex; Pt. Graham; Nanwalek; Tebughna; and Nikolaevsk qualify for the Community Eligibility Meal program that allows all students to eat a free meal for both breakfast and lunch. Families with students that attend these schools or attend a school that does not have a National School Lunch or Breakfast Program will not fill out the School Meals Application but will fill out the Income Declaration Form.
Parents and Guardians
If your income is less than or equal to the following guidelines you are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. These guidelines are effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. If you have children who are approved for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formerly known as Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Native Family Assistance Program (NFAP), they are automatically able to receive free meals by filing an application that includes their assistance number from one of those programs. Students who are migrant, homeless, or runaways are automatically eligible and do not need to fill out an application. Foster children receive free meals regardless of the income of the household with which they reside. Note: Medicaid and Denali Kid Care case numbers do not qualify for eligibility.
Link
KPBSD Student Nutrition Services webpage: http://bit.ly/StudentNutritionServices
PDF: July 30, 2019 news release: National School Lunch Program in KPBSD schools

Alaska Income Eligibility Guidelines

July 1, 2019- June 30, 2020


REDUCED PRICE MEALS                                                                              FREE MEALS                                   
185% Federal Poverty Guidelines                                    130% Federal Poverty Guidelines

 
Yearly		  
Monthly		  
Weekly		 Family
Size
 		  
Yearly		  
Monthly		  
Weekly
28,860 1)   2,405 555 1 20,280 1)   1,690    390
39,091 2)   3,258 752 2 27,469 2)   2,290    529
49,321 3)   4,111 949 3 34,658 3)   2,889    667
59,552 4)   4,963  1,146 4 41,847 4)   3,488    805
69,782 5)   5,816 1,342 5 49,036 5)   4,087    943
80,013 6)   6,668 1,539 6 56,225 6)   4,686 1,082
90,243 7)   7,521 1,736 7 63,414 7)   5,285  1,220
100,474 8)   8,373 1,933 8 70,603 8)   5,884 1,358

 
For more information, or to get an application for free or reduced-price school meals, contact KPBSD Student Nutrition Services, 139 Park Avenue, Soldotna AK 99669, or call 907-714-8832. Applications cannot be processed and determined until fully completed. Information provided on applications are subject to verification at any time.
You may apply for meal benefits at any time during the school year if your situation changes. If you become unemployed, your child or children may be able to have free or reduced priced meals based on your unemployment income. If we deny your free or reduced price meals application, we will give you a chance to appeal the decision.
 
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, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, 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: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, 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:
mail:  U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
fax:   (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
 

KPBSD inspiration: Elena Basargin, Voznesenka School #ClassOf2019

Voz 2 Elena Basargin

Voznesenka School
Elena Basargin, Class of 2019

“Elena Basargin is definitely a student to be recognized,” said Principal Wojciak. “Her list of accomplishments is extensive, which exemplifies her perseverance and dedication. Elena is not a person who tends to stick out of the crowd with loud actions or reactions, yet, she does shine when it comes to persistence, responsibility, and accountability. Elena can be counted on to finish what she starts, completing every task with devotion and an innate desire to do it precisely.”
Elena actively involved herself with each opportunity offered. She was a member of the school soccer team, a two-time Project Grad summer institute participant, valued Battle of the Books team member, and Youth Court judge. She was accepted into the Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and accepted multiple scholarships. In addition to her steadfast dedication to school, Elena’s personality is a quintessential match. She is delightful, humorous, and witty. She may not always be the first to catch a joke, but with a deeper understanding, she has the biggest laugh. “Her contagious smile is one that will be missed around our school,” said Principal Wojciak. “With grateful hearts for all she has offered, we wish her the best in her continued success.”

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
Voznesenka Elena Basargin
 

KPBSD inspiration: Mykenna Foster, Soldotna High School, #ClassOf2019

Soldotna High Mykenna Foster

Soldotna High School
Mykenna Foster, Class of 2019

Mykenna Foster is an industrious, driven, focused, and accomplished young person. She has excellent personal characteristics including honesty, commitment, and intuition. “Academically, Mykenna is conscientious and motivated,” said Principal Tony Graham. “She has studied in our most challenging courses including Honors Language Arts in ninth through eleventh grade, and taken five Advanced Placement courses including AP World History, AP U.S. History, AP Literature & Composition, AP Biology, and AP United States Government & Politics.

Mykenna is a very involved student. She was involved in extra-curricular activities including Cross-Country Running, Nordic Skiing, Soccer, and Student Council. She was senior class president and a member of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, Mykenna is an equally involved young person. She is the Public Relations Director for the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Student Ambassador Program and is the Student Representative for the City of Soldotna City Council. She has volunteered at the Food Bank of Alaska, the Soldotna Public Library, and at Central Peninsula Hospital. Mykenna has been involved in pageants and became Miss Alaska Pre-Teen and Miss Alaska Hostess. In addition to all of her many involvements, Mykenna has held a part time job throughout her high school career.
After high school, Mykenna plans to study Sports Medicine and Kinesthesiology at Boise State University. “Mykenna is a young person of great quality,” said Principal Graham. “We are confident that she will attain any goals she sets her mind to and we look forward to hearing about her future accomplishments.”

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

KPBSD inspiration: Meghan Mullaly, Seward High School #ClassOf2019

Seward High Meghan Mullaly_cropped

Seward High School
Meghan Mullaly, Class of 2019

A four-year member of both the swim and soccer teams, Ms. Meghan Mullaly also represented her class and school in student council. She won significant recognition and awards in every juried art show in which she contributed, supports her school and classmates through all of her volunteerism and leading by example. Within this level of athletic, artistic, and civil engagement, Meghan still maintained a 4.023 grade point average.
Nearing the end of the school year, Principal Walker had an epiphany when he realized that, “No matter what, Ms. Meghan Mullaly is going to make sure that things get done correctly!” He recognized that Meghan worked on every dance since she began her first year—even though she was not always a formal a member of the group hosting the dance. He made a final observation during graduation set-up when a paper was slightly misaligned and she asked him to correct it. This final act of service to her class and the school created a graduation of which she and the entire community were proud.
Meghan will put her artistic and academic prowess to work at Lindfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. “We at Seward High are quite confident that everyone at Lindfield will quickly recognize that they will also be as proud as we are to claim her as one of their own,” said Principal Walker.

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
Read the SHS Today story: The Meghan Mullaly You Don’t Know
Seward High Meghan Mullaly_SHSToday photo

KPBSD inspiration: Monique Cook, Port Graham School #ClassOf2019

Port Graham Monique Cook

Port Graham School
Monique Cook, Class of 2019

Monique Cook represents the Port Graham School Class of 2019. Miss Cook is a life-long resident of Port Graham, and attended Port Graham School from kindergarten through graduation. “Monique is often recognized for her patience and caring demeanor when interacting and working with other students, especially younger students, when she volunteered to work with teachers and students in the elementary classrooms,” said Principal Hinds. “Monique is a talented and hard-working athlete who competed as a member of the Port Graham Native Youth Olympics Team where she demonstrated a strong mental attitude and commitment to the sport, as well as being an encouraging and supportive team-member for others.
She demonstrates a sincere and profound sense of introspection and reflective qualities, and uses these traits to make wise choices and intentionally chart her future course. Monique looks to the future and will be pursuing positions through the Job Core Program. She has expressed interest in pursuing multiple career paths, including careers in the education or health services sectors. Monique’s warm-smile and quiet, caring demeanor will be missed, but Port Graham School is proud of Miss Cook and eager to see where her future takes her!

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

KPBSD inspiration: Garrett Koch, Ninilchik School #ClassOf2019

Ninilchik Garrett Koch 2

Ninilchik School
Garrett Koch, Class of 2019

Garrett Koch came to Ninilchik in the sixth grade. “He immediately fell into the routine that a lot of Wolverines fall into, and that was spending all of his time in the gym,” said Principal Ambrosier. “He ended up playing for three different varsity coaches in Ninilchik and during that span, and was part of two 1A state championships. Garrett continues to spend a lot of time practicing his game as he has dreams to eventually play professional basketball. However, in the meantime, he will be moving to Oregon to pursue a degree in business. He already has a jump on college due to his hard work here at Ninilchik participating in jumpstart classes through Kenai Peninsula College (KPC). During his salutatorian speech, he commended his coach, Nick Finley, for assisting him to develop into the person and player that he is. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
Ninilchik Garrett Koch

KPBSD inspiration: Michael Trail, Nikolaevsk School #ClassOf2019

Nikolaevsk Michael Train

Nikolaevsk School
Michael Trail, Class of 2019

“Nikolaevsk School is one of the best things that ever happened to me,” said Michael Trail, Nikolaevsk School Class of 2019. “The students and faculty are all extended family. There is no one that feels out of place, and that is one of the most important elements in a child’s life at school. In my case, it was the home of the warriors; Nikolaevsk. I was fortunate to have so many people to help me with my development as a student, and as a member of society.
I plan to attend AVTEC in the fall, where I will be learning plumbing and refrigeration. Since I got a full tuition scholarship for AVTEC, I can pursue this goal. Once I am done in learning my trade I plan on coming back to the peninsula. There is such a high demand for tradesmen nowadays, and no one is taking advantage of it. There is also the fact that there is only a handful of refrigeration experts on the peninsula. If I can come back and establish myself, and a business, then I will be able to make a difference here.
If I were to be asked what school I would recommend, I would not hesitate to say that parents should send their kids to Nikolaevsk.”

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

 

KPBSD inspiration: Uriah Joseph Huntsman, Nanwalek School, #ClassOf2019

Nanwalek 2019 (1)

Nanwalek School
Uriah Joseph Huntsman, Class of 2019

“Uriah Joselh Huntsman is an exceptional young man; well respected by his classmates, teachers, administrators, and community,” said Principal Crain. He attended grades K-12 at Nanwalek School and ended his last quarter with a 4.0 GPA, and cumulative 3.11. He was the class president for student council and in hi sjunior year, the student council treasurer. In the fall of 2019 he will be attending the University of Alaska-Anchorage, College of Arts & Sciences, Bachelor of Arts Program vis-a-vis various academic scholarships. Besides Uriah’s academic abilities, he lettered in varsity basketball for five years (grades 8-12), and participated in the Senior All State Classic. He also has participated in the Native Youth Olympics for six years (grades 7-12). Uriah Joseph Huntsman exemplifies the meaning of a student-athlete!

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
Nanwalek Uriah Huntsman

KPBSD inspiration: Maria Salzetti, Kenai Central High School, #ClassOf2019

Kenai Central Maria Salzetti

Kenai Central High School
Maria Salzetti, Class of 2019

Maria Salzetti set herself apart from the beginning of her high school career. She worked hard to prepare for college by taking all of the Advanced Placement (AP) classes available at Kenai Central High School (KCHS) and an additional AP Biology class on her own. She set high standards for herself in all academic areas and has taken a wide variety of classes. She does not take classes to simply satisfy a requirement; she takes classes with the intent of learning as much as possible from the teacher and using that knowledge to do something productive. Maria was part of the school community in Cross Country Running, Choir, and Nordic Skiing. She competed at the varsity level in skiing throughout high school, and was elected team captain in her senior year. She has a passion for mentoring younger athletes, and had a chance to connect with each of her teammates as captain. Maria is a positive role model and is known for her kindness toward others.
Maria will be attending the University of Utah in the fall, and will study mechanical engineering. Her drive for excellence will make her an outstanding engineer. She has practical skills, a kind heart and an exceptional GPA at the top of her class.
Maria has left big shoes for others to fill! She will be missed at KCHS.

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

KPBSD inspiration: Michael Metz, Kenai Alternative School, #ClassOf2019

Kenai Alternative School Michael Metz

Kenai Alternative School
Michael Metz, Class of 2019

Michael Metz has been with the Kenai Alternative School since he was a sophomore. Principal Loren Reese said, “From the time he entered the Kenai Alternative program, Michael excelled as a student, both in his academics and his school leadership. Michael has earned the UAA regents scholarship, which pays for a good portion of tuition over a four-year period. He plans to attend Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) this coming year and then will head to Anchorage where he will complete his studies. Michael has shown great leadership within our building. He often speaks during our school-wide morning meetings and can be heard encouraging his fellow students to do their best as students and citizens.”
Michael also signed up with the Marine Corps Reserves, and he will leave for boot camp in October. He hopes that his experience with the Marine Corps will help him with experiences that will lead to a better future.

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.