Today I met a remarkable teacher, new to the school district. She and two of her students captivate me. I thought I’d spend an hour with them at the Kenai Middle School Vision Room to write a highlight story. Three hours passed swiftly, and I didn’t want to leave. You can read why next week.
I’m searching for words to express how KPBSD supports our vision impaired and blind students. I know I’ll be thinking about braille watches for the rest of my life.
Knowing what time it is helps us to orientate our day. As a sighted person, I look at a clock, the light or darkness outdoors, or easily ask a friend or stranger who wears a watch, “Do you have the time?” Or, I can look at my iPhone. I remember the first time I visited Alaska in the winter, took a nap, and woke up from a deep sleep, looking for a clock. The red digital numbers indicated 8:40. But suddenly I didn’t know if it was a.m. or p.m., and experienced confusing dis-orientation. I finally figured out it was evening, after my heart pounded, and I took several deep breaths.
Can you imagine the value, difference, and independence a braille watch offers to a person who is blind? I’m only now beginning to comprehend.
Every life, and every learner matters. I’m proud to be part of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, and to share the stories of our teachers and students. Look for a web story soon. I think you’ll be inspired.
All Communications
Brie and Sangria on the move
On September 8, 2011, I headed to the beach in Kenai to meet two Pacific Harbor Seals, 134 seventh graders from Kenai Middle School, a science teacher, and the Alaska SeaLife Rehabilitation Program team for an exciting learning opportunity.
From the Kenai Middle School students head to the beach with Brie and Sangria KPBSD web highlight story:
The skies cleared in time for three busloads of students to run to the shore and congregate along a line drawn in the sand. Only a few yards away, two large kennels were carried to beach. Anticipation mounted.
The day before, two presenters from the Alaska SeaLife Rehabilitation Center met with seventh grade science classes at Kenai Middle school. Students discovered the differences between a seal and a sea lion, dissected sea lion scat, and learned a bit more about the two harbor seals that will be released at Kenai beach.
I’m following Brie via satellite tracking. She’s active! By October 4, she swam to the West side of Cook Inlet, and from the beaches I walk, she’s a bit south of Kasilof, almost west of Ninilchik. At sunset, when I look towards Redoubt and Iliamna volcanoes, I imagine her swimming in their shadows. I’m learning along with the seventh grade students!
Parking lot viewpoint
September 27, 2011–Nearly one hundred high school student council leaders convened at Kenai Central High School for the day. Their smiles and eagerness to collaborate, generate ideas, problem solve, and learn together inspires me. It was a powerful day. My web story was written; I’d sifted through dozens of photographs–so many smiling young faces.
I walked across the borough building parking lot toward the only car, letting images from the day of delight ripple through me. Then I looked up.
Making News: Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula
The US Department of Education awards Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula a 128,000 grant! I posted a news release–along with others–on the KPBSD Media and Public Relationships Communications page. I’m excited about this grant–Project GRAD empowers and inspires low income students students to obtain a high school diploma, and achieve success in post-secondary education.
The $128,000 Gear Up Grant (GU) length is for six years, and requires a cohort model which begins at grade 2 and continues through grade 8. KPBSD schools in Nanwalek, Port Graham, Razdolna, Tebughna, and Voznesenka will follow this cohort through the six years.
Dream, dare, do! Thank you to KPBSD, the US Department of Education, and Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula.
www.KPBSD.org
KPBSD Communications
KPBSD Media and Public Relationships