Several staff members at Voznesenka School have diligently worked to create an environment that makes students feel connected to our school, rather than school being something they attend as a requirement. Making aesthetic modifications to the facility, offering additional courses of interest, implementing a school-wide student management system and providing opportunities for our students to participate in cocurricular activities are some of the approaches we have used to produce this transformation. To the outside eye our most visible changes are the athletic opportunities we now offer our students.
Two years ago our school only had a few intramural activities available to students. Next year, we will have four ASAA sanctioned sports available at Voznesenka School, as well as a few activities for our elementary and middle school students. These opportunities bring a sense of pride, belonging and commitment to Voznesenka. Since the school is the only public entity in our village, it has been challenging to increase school-community interaction. Sporting events have opened new doors of communication among staff, students, and community members through attendance at games and meets.
Increased cocurricular opportunities are also positive persuaders for students’ academic accomplishments. Grade checks keep our athletes motivated to meet school and district expectations. Participation in practice and games is dependent on attendance, which positivity impacts students’ time in school. Furthermore, athletics will encourage more students to graduate from Voznesenka School.
We are proud of the student-centered initiatives shaping the culture of Voznesenka School. Striving to meet the needs of our students is our first priority, which does give them a sense of belonging. Continued efforts will enhance the engagement of students at their school.
Story contributed by Principal Michael Wojciak
Tag: ASAA
ASAA – Skyview students to determine school of eligibility for sports
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release
Soldotna reconfiguration requires former Skyview students to determine school of eligibility for sports
Soldotna, May 14, 2014— Current 2013-2014 Skyview High School students must establish a new school of eligibility for interscholastic activities. One of two actions will determine the Alaska Schools Activity Association (ASAA) school of eligibility. In addition, ninth grade students who will attend Soldotna Prep (2014-2015) are only eligible to participate in ASAA activities as Soldotna High School students.
The ASAA has provided a one-time waiver from the “Transfer/Residency Rule” for Skyview students enrolled in 2013-2014, the final year of Skyview High School.
Students enrolled at Skyview High School (2013-2014) have the option of enrolling at any high school, and establishing a new school of eligibility of ASAA sports.
Students who were enrolled at Skyview High School at the conclusion of the 2013-2014 school year must establish a new school of eligibility in 2014-2015.
The school of eligibility is determined by one of these two actions, whichever occurs first:
- Fifteen (15) days of enrollment at any area high school establishes ASAA school of eligibility
- Attending the first day of practice, tryout, or interscholastic activity at any high school establishes ASAA school of eligibility at that school
Once a new school of eligibility is determined (by one of these two actions), if a student wants to transfer to a different school they are subject to the existing ASAA transfer rule. This means no participation in any ASAA school activity for ninety (90) school days.
Note:
- Students who attend Soldotna High School have already established Soldotna High School as their school of eligibility. (If a current Soldotna High School student wanted to transfer to a different school for ASAA eligibility, the “Transfer/Eligibility” rule applies, which requires no participation in ASAA activities for ninety (90) days.)
- Ninth grade students attending Soldotna Prep will only be eligible to participate in ASAA activities as Soldotna High School students.
- The special ASAA waiver only applies to students who attended Skyview High School in the 2013-2014 school year, and was approved due to the Soldotna schools reconfiguration.
“I am pleased that the ASAA Board put the best interests of students first in this unanimous vote,” said John O’Brien, director of secondary education and student activities. “Skyview’s students have been affected the most by the reconfiguration of Soldotna’s two high schools. They may now select a new school of eligibility without being subject to the ASAA transfer rules. It would have been unfair for Skyview’s students to be ineligible and have to sit out of interscholastic activities for 90 school days. Now these students can establish a new school of eligibility and continue on with interscholastic opportunities. I would like to personally thank Gary Matthews, ASAA executive director and the entire ASAA Board for working with KPBSD to best meet the needs of our Skyview students on this matter.”
Questions
If you have questions or concerns, contact John O’Brien, Director of Secondary Education and Student Activities, 907.714.8884, or email jobrien@kpbsd.org.
Links
information on KPBSD website: http://bit.ly/ASAAandSkyviewSportsEligibility
Alaska Schools Activity Association (ASAA)
Kenai Peninsula Student Activities Association (KPSAA)
PDF: KPBSD 2014_05_14_Soldotna high school reconfiguration and ASAA sports eligibility
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