All Communications

Soldotna 7-12 grade Schools Reconfiguration Advisory Committee

KPBSD logo 4c todayMedia Release

Soldotna Schools Reconfiguration Advisory Committee

Soldotna, September 9, 2013—The fourteen person advisory committee will meet for the first time at Soldotna Middle School library on Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 5:30 p.m. The committee will make recommendations about cultural and historic issues (colors, school names, mascots, and so forth). This committee will serve in an advisory capacity.
Twenty-six community members applied to serve on the advisory committee; five people were selected, in addition to a student, staff member, and site council member from Skyview High School, Soldotna High School, and Soldotna Middle School.
Soldotna Schools Reconfiguration Advisory Committee Members
Doug Hayman, Transitions Facilitator
Community and Parent Representatives

  • Michelle Blackwell
  • Lynne Carter
  • Dale Dolifka
  • Michael Gallagher
  • Roxanne Miller

Skyview High School

  • Paul Kupferschmid, site council
  • Darren Jones, staff
  • Austin Laber, student

Soldotna High School

  • Kathy Gensel, site council
  • Troy Minogue, staff
  • Kelci Benson, student

Soldotna Middle School

  • Krista Arthur, site council
  • Joel Burns, staff
  • Jode Sparks, student

The Advisory Committee will meet six times at the Soldotna Middle School library on Tuesdays, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.

  • September 10
  • September 24
  • October 8
  • October 22
  • November 5
  • November 19

“Last spring the KPBSD School Board approved the reconfiguration of our three Soldotna area secondary schools. We are now ironing out the details for our three schools and will be utilizing an advisory committee as a way to gain critical public input on the upcoming decisions.” — Dr. Steve Atwater, Superintendent.

The KPBSD Board of Education approved a reconfiguration for Soldotna area 7-12 grade schools, effective August 2014:

  • Soldotna area grades 10-12 will be located at the current Soldotna High School campus
  • Soldotna area 9th grade students will be housed at the existing Soldotna Middle School
  • Soldotna area 7-8th grade students will be housed at the existing Skyview High School
  • River City Academy will be moved to the existing Soldotna Middle School

Links
Information: Soldotna Area Schools Advisory Committee
Background documents: Soldotna Area Schools Reconfiguration
Media Release, September 9, 2013: Soldotna Area 7-12 Grade Schools Reconfiguration
###
This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communications specialist, 907-714-8888
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
148 N. Binkley Street, Soldotna, Alaska 99669
Pegge@KPBSD.org

Annaleah Ernst, Nikiski Middle-High, named 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar

kpbsd_logo_hires_OD43DS

PRESS RELEASE

Nikiski Middle-High student named 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar

Soldotna, May 10, 2013—Annaleah Ernst, of Kenai, Alaska, is one of 141 students nationwide to be recognized for her accomplishments in academics or the arts.
All of us at KPBSD are thrilled to learn that Annaleah is being recognized in this way,” said Dr. Atwater, KPBSD superintendent. “Annaleah is an extraordinary student and a wonderful person; I wish her the very best with studies at Harvard.”
“Ernst is one of 141 outstanding American high school seniors that have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a May 6, 2013, press release. “The U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C., from June 15-18, 2013.”
“Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence,” Duncan said. “I’m honored to celebrate their creativity, hard work, and community service, and I encourage them–and all students–to continue to showcase the capacity for greatness in our nation’s young people.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 3,800 candidates qualified for the 2013 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation.
Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. The teacher chosen for recognition by Ernst was Laura Niemczyk of Nikiski Middle-
High School in Nikiski, Alaska.
Link: U.S. Presidential Scholars

###

Homer Middle School Math Counts Team Heading to Juneau

HMS: Back row: Douglas Dean, Zane Boyer, Kenny Cortez, Logan Harris. Front row—Denver Waclawski, Ben Kettle

February 17, 2012
Last weekend Zane Boyer, Logan Harris, Douglas Dean, Denver Waclawski , Ben Kettle, and I went up to Anchorage for the annual Math Counts competition. Zane, Logan, Douglas and I were on the official team while Denver and Ben were official individuals.
When we first got to the meet, we went into a large room with a bunch of other kids from 11 other schools. After we registered, the competition soon began. We each sat at different tables with kids from the other schools. The parents and coaches then had to leave the auditorium. The first round we did was the Sprint Round; it was 40 minutes long and consisted of 30 questions. After the round all the kids excitedly awaited the answers.
After a short break, the Target Round, which is eight questions in groups of two, started. We were allowed to use calculators and had six minutes to complete each set of two. When the round was over, it was time for the Team Round. The official team all sat together and we got right to work. The round was designed so that no one person could finish all the questions, so we had to divide up the problems between the team. After 30 minutes of hard work, the round was over.
We took a break for lunch which was pizza and nervously anticipated the results. After lunch it was time for the Countdown Round, which is where they take the 12 highest scoring people and have them compete two at a time until only one person is left. Homer’s very own Douglas Dean competed in this round. Finally it was time to see the results; we sat at our table nervously.
At first they announced first, second and third place overall. None of us placed in this round but we were more excited about seeing if we placed in the Team Round. First they announced 4th place; it wasn’t us. Then they were about to announce 3rd place. We couldn’t wait to see if it was us; if it was then we would get to go to Juneau!  When they said “Homer Middle” we were ecstatic! We went up and got our trophies and had our photo taken. We sat through the rest of the placing so excited. That day we drove back to Homer very eager to go to the state competition.
— Kenny Cortez, 8th grade student at HMS, member of the Math Counts team
Thank you to Math Counts coach Sara Reinhert
Zane Boyer, Kenny Cortez, Logan Harris and 7th grade HMS Math teacher Shoshannah Brasher

News Release: Appreciating School Counselors

News Release
Appreciate School Counselors

Soldotna, February 4, 2013—Kenai Peninsula Borough School District celebrates our seventeen certified school counselors who serve approximately 4,100 middle and high school students. Governor Parnell proclaimed February 4-8, 2013, “Alaska School Counseling Week” joining the national celebration of school counseling, and the 2013 theme: “School Counseling: Liberty and Learning for All.”
“It is a pleasure to recognize the professionalism and critical work of our school counselors,” said John O’Brien, the KPBSD director of secondary education. “Our students are well served by this group of dedicated professionals who ensure that their academic, social-emotional, and future college and career planning needs are met.”
National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), is celebrated February 4–8, 2013, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within school systems in the United States, and how students are different as a result of the work of school counselors. National School Counseling Week highlights the valuable contribution school counselors can make to help students achieve school success and plan for a career.
Several KPBSD school counselors responded to the question, “What is most meaningful to you regarding your work as a school counselor?” Their responses are in this KPBSD web highlight story: “Appreciate School Counselors.”
Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent said, “I am pleased that our counselors are playing such an important role in the development and facilitation of career pathways for our high school students. This exposure to applied learning through our pathways is invaluable for our students.”
Governor Sean Parnell proclaimed, “…WHEREAS, school counselors are an integral part of the educational process and work closely with teachers, administrators, fellow educators, and parents to assist students in exploring their potential and setting realistic academic and career goals; and …
WHEREAS, this year’s theme, “Liberty and Learning for All,” highlights the profound impact school counselors may have on the lives of their students as they help students succeed academically and socially….”
Links
Governor Parnell Proclamation: “Alaska School Counseling Week”
KPBSD highlight story, “Appreciate School Counselors”
National School Counseling Week

Nominate your favorite KPBSD teacher! 2013 BP Teacher of Excellence program

Who is your favorite KPBSD teacher? 
Please make time to nominate the educator you want to be recognized as a
2013 BP Teacher of Excellence!

BP is pleased to be able to recognize teachers throughout the entire state of Alaska for their dedication to teaching and for inspiring students. Each Teacher of Excellence chosen by our local community on the Peninsula will receive a $500 gift card and an award certificate. In addition, $500 will also be awarded to the winner’s school or PTA group.
BP has recognized more than 500 outstanding Alaska teachers since 1995, and this years nominations are due by February 15, 2013.

Online nomination: http://www.bpteachers.com/

Resources to share the program: www.BPTeachersToolkit.com 
More information: 1-888-530-8962 or 907-564-4001, email: bpteachers@bp.com
 

KPBSD News Release: KPEA and KPESA negotiations status update

NEWS RELEASE
Status of Negotiations following the January 22, 2013,
post advisory arbitration bargaining session between KPBSD and the KPEA and KPESA.

Soldotna, January 23, 2013—The following email was sent to all Kenai Peninsula Borough School District employees this morning.
Sent to: All KPBSD staff
Subject: info: 1/22/13 collective bargaining update from KPBSD
Dear KPBSD employees,
Thank you for your patience during the past twelve months of negotiations between KPBSD and KPEA and KPESA.
On January 22, 2013, KPBSD met with both KPEA and KPESA for collective bargaining. This was the first meeting since the Advisory Arbitration Award/Opinion was received on December 21, 2012.
KPBSD presented a last best offer to the Associations on January 22, 2013. The school district demonstrated willingness to accept the Arbitrator’s report with one exception. The last best offer by the school district to KPESA and KPEA adopts the Arbitrator’s recommendations of:

  • A 2% salary increase for each of the three years of the contract, built into the salary schedule*
  • Health care percentage change to 80/20 % (year one); 83/17 % (year two); and 85/15 % (year three). (Currently, if health care plan costs exceed the mandated fixed contributions by both the District and the employees, those costs are shared 50/50 %. The school district proposal eliminates the 50/50 cost share.) Also, the additional amount employees contribute monthly for dependent, spouse, or family health care coverage is eliminated.*

The only change the District proposed when it met with the Associations on Tuesday would have precluded both the District and the Health Care Committee (HCC) from changing health care coverage without mutual consent. As you know, the 50/50 split comes into effect if the amounts set forth in the negotiated agreement do not cover the actual health plan costs. That exception related to the authority of the current structure of the HCC—now composed of a super majority of classified and teaching staff—to increase health insurance coverages and thereby increase the cost of the insurance plan without District approval. The current structure of the HCC has been acceptable to the school district because the 50/50 % sharing of excess health care plan costs requires thoughtful and cautionary consideration of any Plan changes that increase costs. The school district is not willing to continue with this structure in a new 80/20; 83/17; 85/15 split. The committee change is described in the attached offer.
Finally, the Arbitrator’s Award/Opinion did not address the difficult issue of implementing a new health care plan cost sharing methodology in the middle of the school year, retroactive to July 1, 2012, or recommend a methodology of implementing wage increases retroactive to July 1, 2012. On January 22, 2013, the Associations were not willing to engage the District to address these administrative issues. Appendix A and B in the attached offers address these topics and how to implement them.
The KPBSD negotiating team is awaiting a reply from KPESA, and KPEA, on this last best offer.
Thank you for your commitment to your work at KPBSD.
*From final two pages of the Arbitrators Award/Opinion
1. Salary Schedule: “For FY 13, FY 14 and FY 15, the pay scales in each year of these Agreements shall be increased by two percent (2%).”
2.  Health Insurance:
“For FY 13 the District will make contributions on a 12-month basis equal to 80% of the cost of the health care program and employees will make contributions on a 12-month basis equal to 20% of the cost of the health care program.
For FY 14 the District will make contributions on a 12-month basis equal to 83% of the cost of the health care program and employees will make contributions on a 12-month basis equal to 17% of the cost of health care program.
For FY 15 the District will make contributions on 12 month basis equal to 85% of the cost of the health care program and employees will make contributions on a 12-month basis equal to 15% of the cost of the health care program.
The paragraph that provides for the 50/50 percentage split between the District and employees for health care costs shall be eliminated. Additional amounts for dependent, spouse and family coverage shall be eliminated.”
*Links

###

This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, communications specialist, 907.714.8888, www.kpbsd.org
 

Message to KPBSD staff and families


Soldotna, December 14, 2012—A tragic day in the United States is unfolding as the world learns of a school shooting and the death of children and educators at a Connecticut elementary school.  The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District offers care and condolences to everyone affected in this tragedy. Our hearts ache with colleagues and school communities.

At 9:41 a.m. on Monday, December 17, 2012, most of the school district will pause for a minute of silence.

“I am shocked and saddened by today’s events in Connecticut. All of us at KPBSD offer our condolences to the victims and their loved ones. On Monday morning at 9:41 a.m., the district will pause for a moment of silence to remember the lost lives and to offer our thoughts and prayers to families and the greater Sandy Hook Elementary School community.” – Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent

School safety
“Families trust our schools to keep their children safe during the day. The reality is, however, that schools may be touched either directly or indirectly by a crisis at any time. Knowing what to do when faced with a crisis can mean the difference between calm and chaos, courage and fear, life and death” –KPBSD Emergency Action Plan
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority at each of our 43 schools. Every school year, at every school, several drills are practiced, including school lock-downs, hit-the-deck drills, and emergency actions and evacuations in the event of intruders, fire, earthquakes, or other unforeseen circumstances. District-wide procedures are in place and practiced regularly and in conjunction with local law enforcement through our KPBSD Emergency Action Plan.
Our schools are currently:

  • In heightened awareness and paying extra attention to students, staff, and to any school visitors’ onsite.
  • Suspending curriculum to offer support to students if necessary.
  • Administrators and staff are offering a noticeable presence in the hallways.
  • Continuing to work closely with local law enforcement.

Helpful Resources
A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope, Tips for Parents and Teachers:  http://bit.ly/NationalTragedyNASP
School Safety and Crisis Resources: http://bit.ly/NASPCrisisResources
December 14, 2012 message to KPBSD staff and families
###

KPBSD assistant superintendent Dave Jones named 2012 Alaska School Business Official of the Year

Media Release

KPBSD assistant superintendent Dave Jones is named 2012 Alaska School Business Official of the Year
Soldotna, December 7, 2012—The Alaska Association of School Business Officials (ALASBO) announced that Dave Jones, KPBSD assistant superintendent of instructional support, is named 2012 School Business Official of the Year.
The ALASBO Business Official of the Year is a peer recognition program for outstanding service, innovative plan design and implementation, and other exemplary business practices within school business management. Melody Douglas, Past President of ASBO International said, “Dave Jones’ long-time and exemplary service to public education and the school business profession warrants recognition as Alaska’s 2012 School Business Official of the Year! Among his many accomplishments is the process he co-chaired that ensured all school districts completed the data gathering questionnaire for the American Institute for Research study that ultimately, after an Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) peer review, led to an unprecedented three-year forward funding of public education to Alaska school districts a number of years ago. Dave’s willingness to help his colleagues when asked makes him a valuable resource to ALASBO and to ASBO International. Working with Dave over the years has been an honor and a privilege.”
Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent said, “KPBSD is thrilled that Dave is being recognized for his long and distinguished career in school finance. The District joins ALASBO in applauding Dave for receiving this award.”
Jones began working with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District in 2007. His responsibility as assistant superintendent of instructional support is to manage non-instructional operations of the school district including finance, human resources, information services, facility planning, custodial care, transportation, food services, warehouse, purchasing, and risk management. In addition he serves as a member of the District’s leadership team. From 1997-2007, Jones was director of finance for the Kodiak Island Borough School District in Kodiak, Alaska. Prior to his move to Alaska, Jones worked as the business manager and director of business services at school districts in Montana and Wyoming.
“It is an honor to be singled out for recognition by my peers,” said Jones. “However, I believe it is more of a recognition of the team I work with and our cumulative efforts than it is the things I have done individually. I want to thank the folks I work with and let people know I am proud to work for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.”
“We are proud and pleased to learn that Mr. Jones has received this prestigious award,” said KPBSD school board president, Joe Arness. “I think the entire district can be proud of our administration and of Mr. Jones in particular.”
Links: KPBSD Instructional Support | Alaska Association of School Business Officials (ALASBO)
###
This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, communications specialist, 907.714.8888, www.kpbsd.org

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.