Tag: education

The Honorable Mike Chenault awarded Golden Apple

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | July 1, 2019
The Honorable Mike Chenault, Alaska House of Representatives

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Golden Apple nominator Sean Dusek said, “It is with great pleasure that I nominate Mike Chenault for a KPBSD Golden Apple Award for his tireless support of public education in Alaska.” The Honorable Mike Chenault, Alaska House of Representatives, is a graduate of Kenai Central High School in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, a successful businessman, and public servant. He served on the KPBSD Board of Education before becoming a State Representative. His time in the State House of Representatives culminated in his election as Speaker of the House where he led Alaska in its strong support of public education.

Speaker Chenault proved his mettle during tough debate on equitable funding for education early in his legislative career. His leadership allowed our district to implement innovative staffing practices that truly meet the needs of every student in the district. He led the legislature to provide forward funding for education, which our district translated into excellent results, particularly in the area of graduation rate. Speaker Chenault also held education accountable by asking the tough questions.
Assistant Superintendent Dave Jones added, “When Mike Chenault was elected to the House of Representatives for the State of Alaska, he took it upon himself to become highly informed and aware of the details involved with funding K-12 schools in Alaska. He learned about the intricacies of SB 36 (K-12 funding formula in place at that time) and the shortcomings and inequities it created.
As co-chair of the House Finance Committee, Mike Chenault was primarily responsible for the establishment of the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force (JLEFTF) that met during the months of June, July, and August 2007. The JLEFTF was established for the purpose of examining school district cost differentials and the existing formula for distributing state aid for education. As a result of the JLEFTF’s report to the Governor and Legislature, HB 273 was passed in March of 2008. The bill increased KPBSD’s District Cost Factor from 1.004 to 1.171 to help correct the underfunding inequities that KPBSD had been facing. HB 273 also increased the Intensive Multiplier and Base Student Allocation for much needed additional funding. KPBSD’s consistent growth in graduation rate since the passage of HB 273 can be directly linked to the additional funding made available by Mike Chenault.”
Speaker Chenault has always been a strong partner in building the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Superintendent Dusek said, “Through this partnership, he should share in our successes, knowing that he has made a profound difference in thousands of students’ lives. Speaker Chenault helped make the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District a high quality institution that is considered one of the best districts in the State of Alaska. I thank him for all he has done and hope he will continue to be fully engaged with KPBSD in the future.”
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize the Honorable Mike Chenault, Alaska House of Representatives, for his dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.

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How RESPONSIVE fits into the KPBSD educational strategy

Four key areas define the KPBSD five year strategic plan. In this two minute video, Superintendent Sean Dusek explains how Responsive is a core element:

Learn more about the KPBSD 2017 – 2022 Strategic Plan

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Video text
Hello! This is Sean Dusek and today we are going to examine what Responsiveness means in KPBSD.
As you know, we are working hard to refine our instructional approach for each student in our schools. With that being said, our foundational philosophy is still centered on the concept of a strong, positive relationship between every teacher and each of their students. In order to strengthen this foundation, our teachers believe that every student can learn and hold high expectations for that learning. A growth mindset for all teachers and students is critical.
The Alaska State Standards define what each student should know. Our teachers understand what engages each student through the foundation of a strong, positive relationship. This allows teachers to build assessments tailored to each student to determine if they are proficient in a given standard. The assessment is very likely much more than a test and is relevant to the individual child.
If a student cannot demonstrate proficiency on a given standard, we respond in a variety of ways with that individual. The learning environment is of the highest quality with specific interventions and a wide-variety of instructional practices that fit what an individual child needs, when they need it. If a student easily demonstrates proficiency, we respond with other opportunities for growth that expands the depth of knowledge for the child.
Overall, KPBSD responsiveness is about the instructional environment and expanding the quality of it for each individual. This will take outstanding and focused professional learning opportunities for teachers and leaders as the instructional toolbox is deepened to optimize student learning.
Thank you!
Responsive: Be immersed in a high quality instructional environment:

  • Prioritize strong, positive relationships with all students to support their social and emotional needs
  • Teachers will utilize a repertoire of high-yield instructional strategies that  are research-based, high quality instructional strategies, within the instructional environment
  • Develop a culture of continuous innovation within all schools across the district
  • Professional learning is embedded and ongoing, resulting in continuous growth and innovation
  • Develop a highly reliable and efficient organization through online and concurrent collaboration tools

Links

 

News Release: State education funding cut scenarios for KPBSD

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State education funding cut scenarios for KPBSD

Soldotna, May 10, 2017—The HB57 Operating Budget conference committee is appointed. If you value public education in the KPBSD, please contact committee members* and local legislators now to request status quo education funding. In preparation for potential reductions to education funding, KPBSD administration anticipates:
The effect of a 1% reduction in state education funding for the KPBSD is $1,055,166
If a 1% cut were made, KPBSD would:
 

  • Raise the Pupil-Teacher-Ratio (PTR) ratio by one in elementary and middle schools
    Thirteen schools would be affected: K-Beach Elementary, Kenai Middle School, McNeil Canyon, Mountain View Elementary, Nikiski North Star Elementary, Paul Banks Elementary, Redoubt Elementary, Seward Elementary, Skyview Middle School, Soldotna Elementary, Sterling Elementary, Tustumena Elementary, and West Homer Elementary
  • Use of Fund Balance for remaining deficit

 
The effect of a 2% reduction in state education funding for the KPBSD is $2,110,332
If a 2% cut were made, KPBSD would:

  • Implement the identical changes as outlined in the 1% cut
  • Implement a variety of these administrative recommendations:
    • Cut library aide positions
    • Reduce calendar days for support staff employees including pool manager, secretarial, and custodial positions
    • Reduce co-curricular offerings for all types of activities including sports

 

*House and Senate HB57 Conference Committee members

These are the six legislators who will meet together representing the House and the Senate, and determine funding for public education:

Click here to send a Public Opinion Message to any or all legislators, or call any LIO and they can send it for you – 50 word limit.
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Kenai Peninsula Legislators
These are legislators who represent schools and communities in the KPBSD:

School starts in three months. KPBSD has 30 positions on hold until we learn what our FY18 funding will be, in addition to millions of dollars and positions already reduced.
 
Budget Background
For several years, budget reductions have come through efficiencies, Pupil to Teacher Ratio (PTR) increases, and reduction of staff. Increased costs related to healthcare continue to rise.

The effects of these cuts have been kept as far away from the classroom as possible and most of the public do not realize these are already in effect. But, $8,550,530 has already been reduced in KPBSD since FY15.

  • FY15 Budget Reductions        ($1.25 million)
  • FY16 Budget Reductions          (1.37 million)
  • FY17 Budget Reductions          (3.44 million)
  • FY18 Budget Reductions          (2.48 million)
  • Total Budget Reductions     ($ 8.55 million)

Links

 
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News Release: Senate proposes 5% cut to KPBSD

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Alaska Senate proposes 5% cut to education funding

Soldotna, April 4, 2017—The Senate Finance Committee proposed a 5% cut to education funding, creating an additional deficit hit of $5.29 million to the KPBSD. Plus, the 5% links to a second cut of $1.21 million by reducing the maximum allowable contribution the Borough may contribute to KPBSD, thus the cuts could total $6.51 million.
But, you can speak up now to tell our legislators why a cut this large will harm children, and the future of our youth and communities. Cutting education by 5% to solve the state fiscal crisis hurts classroom success and innovation, our youth, and future generations.
Therefore, this week, please call, write, testify, or speak face-to-face to Alaska Senators, and your local legislators.
Tell something true from your own experience. For example:

  • What is one simple way that your KPBSD school has made a difference to you or your family?
  • How are innovations in the classroom preparing children for their future?
  • How did your KPBSD public education prepare you for your current work or career?

Please help propel the quality of education forward through a request for status quo education funding, and a viable solution to the state fiscal crisis.
How to contact your legislator
Senate Finance Committee 5% Base Student Allocation (BSA) cut to education in HB57:

  • State contribution to KPBSD is reduced by $5,293,712
  • Borough maximum allowable contribution to KPBSD is reduced by $1,217,554
  • Additional potential FY18 revenue loss: $6,511,266

On April 3, 3017, KPBSD administration put forth the preliminary FY18 Status Quo funded budget to the Board of Education. (This budget does not include the additional 5% BSA cut.)

  • Already, the FY18 budget includes a deficit of $3.49 million
  • Expenditure reductions of $2,619,308 includes the elimination of 30.5 full time equivalent (FTE) positions, and use of General Fund savings

“I’m very concerned that the legislature is proposing these further reductions to education funding, particularly this late in our process of budgeting and staffing for next year,” said Superintendent Sean Dusek. “KPBSD is committed to deliver a quality education to our students, and provide stability for our staff and communities. These reductions compromise our ability to prepare our students for their future.”

Today, please take two minutes to tell the Alaska Senate why you believe education funding should not be cut so drastically, this late in the session. KPBSD believes every child counts. Give your perspective in person, by telephone, via email. Click to find legislator contacts.
Links

The number one KPBSD Board of Education legislative priority is, “Provide sustained, reliable, and adequate education funding for Alaska’s students.”
 
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Celebrate KPBSD music teacher Jonathan Dillon

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Meet Jonathan Dillon, music teacher at Mountain View Elementary!

In 2016, three Alaska Arts Educator Fellowships were awarded, including a music specialist, a visual arts specialist, and a kindergarten teacher. All three were awarded to KPBSD educators!
Mr. Dillon, Mountain View Elementary music educator,  furthered his study of elementary choral conducting through the Kodály Program at Seattle Pacific University in July 2016. During the program, Dillon participated in choral conducting masterclasses, performed in lab choirs directed by professional conductors, taught an elementary general music lesson, wrote a number of new learning plans, and more—all under the guidance of some of the top elementary music and conducting experts in the Pacific Northwest. Dillon used his follow-up grant to start an elementary choral music library for the Mountain View Youth Chorus, an after-school program in Kenai, Alaska.
In his final report, Dillon reflected:

“This professional development program exceeded my expectations as an opportunity to improve my craft as a conductor and artist, but also prepared me to become a better teacher in general … I’m ecstatic about putting what I’ve learned into practice!”

Links
Facebook: Mountain View Elementary, Kenai, Alaska
Website: Mountain View Elementary
Website: Alaska State Council on the Arts

Spotlight your favorite KPBSD teacher in 2017 BP Teacher of Excellence program

Would it be fun to celebrate your favorite KPBSD teacher or education ally in a public forum? 

Go online by February 1 to complete your nomination for the 2017 BP Teachers of Excellence program. Five teachers from the Kenai Peninsula will be publically celebrated by BP, their school, family and friends, and throughout Alaska. Do it now!

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Winners will be notified by March 30, 2017.
If you nominate a winning teacher, you will be sent an invitation to attend the award ceremony. The list of winners will be announced on the website in May. Click to see past winners.
NEW! The Educational Allies Award celebrates a person who makes a positive impact in their school or community. Nominate anyone from a principal, to a school nurse or teaching assistant. Do you know an unsung hero? Share their story here.
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Details
BP recognizes teachers throughout the entire state of Alaska for their dedication to teaching and for inspiring students. Each Teacher of Excellence chosen in the KPBSD 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.
Online nomination due by February 1: http://www.bpteachers.com/
Resources to share the program: www.BPTeachersToolkit.com 
More information: 1-888-530-8962 or 907-564-4001, email: AKbpteachers@bp.com
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Public invitation to KPBSD Key Communicator Hour

News Release
Public invited to KPBSD Key Communicator events

Soldotna, October 17, 2016—KPBSD is hosting three Key Communicator Connect & Collaborate Hours to converse about the KPBSD budget, five year strategic plan, and respond to questions and ideas about our diverse district. Key Communicators gather throughout the year; everyone interested in KPBSD schools is invited to attend:

  • Tuesday, October 18, 2016, Homer Middle School library, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

  • Thursday, October 20, 2016, Seward High School library, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

  • Tuesday, November 1, 2016, Soldotna High School library, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

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“People move in the direction of their conversations and seek accurate stories and information about the school district.” –KPBSD Key Communicator network

Who are KPBSD Key Communicators?

Parents, students, business owners, staff, alumni, grandparents, retirees, everyone who cares about education. Key Communicators help people in their local communities learn more about KPBSD, while also assisting the school district to learn and understand more about what people in our schools and community think, feel, and know. The concept is to promote a continuing exchange between Key Communicators and the school district, creating a loosely connected group of parents and citizens for two way communication and advocacy.

Opportunity

In 2014, 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 so forth. Our Key Communicators are informed about school district initiatives, issues, and celebrations through responses to questions, email messages, news releases, and e-news from district office communications. Each school year an opportunity to meet in person takes place. Together we will broaden community advocates.
Links
KPBSD Key Communicators
Questions? Contact Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communications liaison, Pegge@KPBSD.org, 907.714.888
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Priorities: Which KPBSD school programs and services do you value?

News Release
Community Budget development meetings – October 13, 2016
How to best prioritize programs and services in KPBSD?
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Soldotna, October 3, 2016—Does a quality education and the future success for every young person living on the Kenai Peninsula matter to you? If so, KPBSD needs you to participate in the budget development meetings taking place at 31 KPBSD school sites on Thursday, October 13, 2016, at 6:00 p.m.*
Here are two reasons why:

  1. Learn how KPBSD crafts a multi-million dollar budget in response to the fiscal reality impacting all aspects of state government and funding for public education.
  2. Provide feedback: Which areas of your school site budget could be reduced in 2017-2018 if there is a 3 to 20 percent reduction in education funding revenue from the State of Alaska. What are your suggestions to legislators about funding shortfall solutions? What matters, what doesn’t?

“As the State of Alaska works to develop a sustainable long-term fiscal plan, our district will continue to provide the highest quality educational experience it can within that state plan,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “We are asking all of our stakeholders to be engaged in the budget process to help prioritize programs and services to be offered in our district. Some decisions may be difficult, but there are many opportunities too. Ultimately, our budget process will help inform our state and borough leaders of the needs our schools have to provide an excellent education. I look forward to beginning this discussion and supporting all stakeholders to participate in the district and state planning process.”

Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials are invited to attend the districtwide community budget development meeting on Thursday, October 13, 2016, 6:00 p.m.,* at these KPBSD school sites:

Aurora Borealis Charter School – K-Alt main meeting room;
Chapman – Mr. Sharp’s room;
Cooper Landing – Classroom 4;
Fireweed Academy – Big Fireweed;
Homer High School – Homer High Library;
Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science – Library;
K-Beach Elementary – Room 18;
Kenai Alternative – K-Alt main meeting room;
Kenai Central High School – KCHS Library;
Kenai Middle School – KCHS Library;
McNeil Canyon – McNeil Canyon School;
Moose Pass – Seward Middle Auditeria;
Mountain View Elementary – Library;
Nikiski North Star – Room 13;
Nikolaevsk – Room 11;
Ninilchik School – Library;
Port Graham – Room 2 – Secondary Classroom;
Redoubt Elementary – SoHi Library;
River City Academy – ELA Room;
Seward Elementary – Seward Middle Auditeria;
Seward High School – Seward Middle Auditeria;
Seward Middle School – Seward Middle Auditeria;
Skyview Middle School – Room B104;
Soldotna Elementary – Library;
Soldotna High School – SoHi Library;
Soldotna Montessori –Room 414;
Soldotna Prep – SoHi Library;
Sterling Elementary – Room 162A;
Susan B. English – Commons area;
Tebughna – Room #12;
Tustumena – Library;
West Homer Elementary – Homer High Library
*variances
October 13, 2016: Homer Flex – 5:30 p.m.,  ELA Room; Hope – 3:45 p.m., Sandra Barron’s room; Nikiski Middle-High School – 5:30 p.m., Library; Paul Banks School – 3:15 p.m., Paul Banks Lounge
October 17, 2016: Homer Middle School – 3:30 p.m., Conference Room; Nanwalek – 4:30 p.m., Room 110, Secondary Room
October 19, 2016: Kachemak-Selo, Razdolna, Voznesenka – 4:00 p.m., Voznesenka School

“Our annual budget is one of the most important things we do each year,” said Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support. “It is important for people to understand the need to pass a multi-revenue fiscal plan this session. We want to give our parents, staff, students, and community members a chance to learn about our budget, participate in the process, and offer input. The meeting on October 13 will be an important step in the process to develop the FY17 budget. We hope to see a large turnout at all our schools across the district.”

Participant input will be synthesized and presented to the KPBSD school board during November and December board meetings and work sessions.
Link
KPBSD Finance Department

New Learning Opportunity: iPads for Orcas

“iPads for Orcas” Celebration Rolls Out New Learning Opportunities for Port Graham School

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Wednesday, September 21, 2016, rolled out iPads for Orcas, a festive celebration in Port Graham School. Students, staff, community, and guests gathered in anticipation for every student to be presented with their very own iPad for use in school. Before presenting the devices, Principal Kleine explained to the joyful audience how this project came to life.
Until just a few years ago, Port Graham was not only geographically isolated—technology more typical of what students on the road system experience was not available, as the internet was exceedingly slow. In 2014, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District subsidized a microwave broadband upgrade in Nanwalek and Port Graham, allowing much faster access. As students and staff watched neighboring Nanwalek School enter a new way of learning through the Apple ConnectED Grant, staff and site council supported efforts for iPads to become a reality for Port Graham students.
img_1931Through requests, Port Graham School was awarded donations from two corporations that important to Port Graham residents. Chugach Alaska Corporation donated $10,000, and through the Paluwek Heritage Foundation, Port Graham Corporation provided $4200, the remainder of the funds that would have provided a 1:1 implementation. However, Port Graham experienced a population explosion this fall, growing from the expected 29 students to 36! Determined to put ipads into every student’s hands, the staff opted to use rollover funds from the school budget for the remaining iPads.

Principal Kleine expressed thanks to everyone who helped this innovation, and invited students to be like the orcas for which they were named. She invited them to swim into the digital world, exploring safe places on the internet, and apps that would help them increase their skills. She encouraged them to dive as deeply as they dared into their research, learning to think more deeply as well. In this celebratory environment, she asked everyone to be partners in this new way of learning, and “to keep a joy of learning in our school, using our strength of helping each other as we leap into this new world of technology!” Teacher Devin Michel read the vision statement for the project, encapsulating the ideas by asking students to “Develop the way we think, the way we work, and the tools we use to expand our minds.”

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As words of gratitude and invitations to learn were presented, students were signaled to express their joy with kazoos and pompoms whenever Principal Kleine sounded her tambourine. Finally, each student’s name was announced in a commencement-like manner, and elementary teacher Ms. Devin Michel presented each with an iPad, followed by congratulatory hand-shakes from Second Chief Martin Norman, site council secretary and staff member Heather O’Domin, and secondary teacher Colby Way.
img_1894Title VI tutor Camille Parry guided students in front of a poster thanking Chugach Alaska and Port Graham Corporation. After a group photo, and cake, students went to classrooms to turn on their iPads and take their new devices for a spin. The activities were riddled with smiles and laughter as the “iPads for Orcas” came to life!
Story contributed by Nanwalek School and Port Graham School Principal Nancy Kleine

 
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Nickole Lyon | 2016 BP Teacher of Excellence

Nickole Lyon – Seward Elementary School
2016 BP Teacher of Excellence
Special education preschool teacher

Nickole Lyon, Seward Elementary School 2016 BP Teacher of Excellence
Nickole Lyon, Seward Elementary School
2016 BP Teacher of Excellence

“None of us get good at what we do without a little help,” said Nikole Lyon. “I work with some of the most dedicated families and professionals I know on a daily basis. I am so thankful to live and teach in a community that is as passionate about teaching the whole child as I am. Thank you for your support and encouragement to grow into the teacher I am today.”
“It was an honor to attend the BP Teachers of Excellence award dinner to honor Nickole Lyon, Seward Elementary preschool intensive needs special education teacher,” said David Kingsland, principal. “Nickole is an excellent teacher, who uses child centered instruction to help integrate students into her classroom and to develop their full potential.”
“This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. I was particularly impressed with how all of the finalists have gone the extra mile for their students and make sure every student they work with know that they are loved.”

A graduate of Chadron State College in Nebraska, she achieved her Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from University of Alaska Anchorage. She has been a teacher for 11 years, all in Alaska.
As a parent, you know just how much help your child requires on a daily basis. So there’s nothing more terrifying than the thought of sending that child away–being out of sight, saying good bye and letting go–allowing your child to be under the care of someone else, especially if they require special needs.
Imagine the parent’s immense relief to find out Nickole is that someone else. One of her student’s parents says:  “She creates a happy, beautiful, organized and enriching classroom for my son and his classmates. They receive amazing one-on-one attention.”
When one of Nickole’s students learned that his military family will be moving to Virginia, she made contact with the child’s new teacher and set up a Skype date so he could see his new classroom all the way across the country.
Nickole says: “At the heart of my instruction is developmental play. At three, four and five years old, play is their driving force. It’s how they develop personality, sense of self and social skills.” Nickole is constantly analyzing their actions during play, evaluating their interests, and emotional, physical and cognitive development to adjust her curriculum for each child, and for the class as a whole. She says, “I’m building their confidence to work outside their comfort zone. Learning is much easier if you’re confident.” She gently pushes them to advance and achieve a measure of independence. “I am a firm believer in teaching the whole child,” she says. “My heart swells with pride when I’m out at some community event with my family and I see former students who once struggled with social skills and communication, outgoing and confident and having fun.”
A mother of two children, Nickole and her husband have also served as mother to foster children. She volunteers for a long list of community and school programs, and mentors at adoption workshops, helping others become parents.
Congratulations, Nickole Lyon, BP Teacher of Excellence.

Links

2016 KPBSD BP Teachers of Excellence L-R, Darilynn Caston, Redoubt Elementary; Sharon Hopkins, Tustumena Elementary; Nickole Lyon, Seward Elementary; Patti Truesdell, Hope School; James Knoebel, Soldotna High School
2016 KPBSD BP Teachers of Excellence
L-R, Darilynn Caston, Redoubt Elementary; Sharon Hopkins, Tustumena Elementary; Nickole Lyon, Seward Elementary; Patti Truesdell, Hope School; James Knoebel, Soldotna High School