Darilynn Caston – Redoubt Elementary School
2016 BP Teacher of Excellence
“To view the world from the eyes of a child is a beautiful gift. These children inspire me to be a better version of myself every day. I am both honored and grateful to be entrusted in the nurturing of this beginning part of their journey of life’s discoveries.” –Darilynn Caston
Darilynn Caston – Redoubt Elementary School 2016 BP Teacher of Excellence
Darilynn teaches kindergarten at Redoubt Elementary in Soldotna. She has been a teacher for 17 years, all in Alaska.
Early education–in particular, kindergarten–has been shown to have an enormously positive impact on a student’s performance all the way through high school and in their future careers. That doesn’t just mean higher test scores–it means setting them up for success for the rest of their lives.
Darilynn is the very model of a compassionate, dedicated teacher. A mother of four, she brings maternal devotion to the students in her class. She believes that: “we are not just teachers–we are a lifelong piece of each child’s life.” She is responsible not just for giving kids their earliest foundation of education, or inspiring in them a love of learning, but for their very wellbeing.
Several of her students have serious medical conditions, and their parents were very nervous about sending them to school. But they quickly discovered Darilynn cares for their children as if they were her own. One parent writes: “She teaches children how to deal with life situations alongside her teaching the school work. She has had to deal with all the health issues that have been put in her path, and she does it with a big heart and love for these children. I do not think my child would be where she is today if not for her hard work and dedication to these kids and her job.” Darilynn says knowing that this level of trust has been placed in her to always be vigilant and mindful of a child’s care, is an honor.
Darilynn is a teacher who spends her evenings at home laminating and glittering projects, developing her curriculum, searching for new ways to engage her students in the joy of learning. She goes to her classroom on weekends and redecorates the walls so her kids arrive Monday morning to discover a whole new world waiting for them. Young students gain far more in her classroom than information like counting and how to tell time. She explores big concepts with them: honesty, work ethic, compassion, triumph, loss, perseverance. They are learning at five and six years old how to be good people.
Darilynn’s path to teaching began at Minot State University in North Dakota where she double majored in Special Education and Elementary Education. She taught in Bristol Bay for eight years, working with limited staff, and often finding herself taking on roles beyond teacher, such as school bus driver (which could be via a boat, four-wheeler or snow machine) cook, gym teacher, music teacher or school nurse.
Darilynn believes her job is to convince children that they have the power to be the best version of themselves, and the way to do that is to be the best version of ourselves.
Congratulations, Darilynn Caston, BP Teacher of Excellence.
“I am inspired by the children in my classroom,” said Sharon Hopkins. “When first graders become confident readers it changes them. Every year I’m rewarded with this process when each student blossoms into a reader. Plus, I’m always appreciative that I’m a teacher at Tustumena Elementary as I work with a talented, inspiring staff that does whatever it takes to educate and enrich the lives of our children.”
Sharon Hopkins, 2016 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year
“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. Mrs. Hopkins truly exemplifies what we expect from all of our teachers. She holds high expectations for all of her students, helps every student meet those expectations, makes sure parents are engaged, and truly cares about the individual student beyond academics. She is a gem who has positively impacted hundreds of children in her career and this award is very well deserved!”
To introduce the 2016 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year, Stan Bennion, Vice-President of Human Resources, BP Alaska, said, “This teacher sets expectations for her students and inspires those kids to rise to meet them.
The principal said, “Nobody leaves that classroom without being a reader, regardless of their ability level when they start.”
This teacher is dedicated to preparing kids not only for their future education, but for their whole lives.
The ability to read well is fuel to all other learning. The teacher achieves such great results by getting to know the kids well, what their abilities are, where they’re coming from, what they bring to the class.
This teacher is more than part of the school, they’re part of the community, engaging parents in the education of their children. Some of this teacher’s students are the children of former students. That’s a powerful, long-term effect on a community.
This teacher is beloved.
But it’s more than just personality-this teacher is uniquely capable of motivating young students.
The principal says, “We have the floor, which is our state standards all students have to get to. But this teacher’s target is way above that.”
This teacher knows the kids so well, lessons specifically match learning to the child’s skill level and interests. The result is they’re thirsty to learn.
This teacher routinely goes beyond what is required or even what is expected and educates with the goal of helping every child find a path to success.
Finding that path is the very reason we have teachers.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I introduce the 2016 BP Teacher of the Year from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Sharon Hopkins. Sharon Hopkins, 2016 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year
2016 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence
Sharon is a first-grade teacher at Tustumena Elementary in Kasilof where she has been at the heart of the small town of Kasilof for 23 years.
Sharon approaches education by first motivating her students with enthusiasm for learning. She designs lessons that are hands-on to make classwork fun for them. The way she does this is quite simple, and it is an inherent facet of who she is as a person–she herself is enthusiastic about learning.
One parent describes her as animated in class, excited about the subject matter, and that excitement is contagious, stating: “She is patient and kind while also being firm. These are young children in first grade, six and seven years old. But she communicates with them as mature little people, and they rise to the standard she sets for them.” Because it is so evident that she cares for her students, they want to please her, whether that means doing a good job on a project or behaving well in class.
A parent describes the academic landscape at Tustumena as challenging, with a mix of every socioeconomic demographic, but Ms. Hopkins happily and successfully instructs the most academically challenged with equal attention and effectiveness as the most gifted children. She does it all with humor, knowledge and grace.
Sharon sees a distinct benefit to teaching in the same community for more than two decades, stating: “I know many of the families that attend our school. I take advantage of these connections to understand how to help children learn. Working with the children to focus on their strengths allows me to individualize to meet their learning needs.”
She is the bright, shining example of what an adult should be. And the children rise to meet her expectations. They look up to her for a better understanding of what is right and what is wrong, for the decent thing to do, for how to be thoughtful towards others.
Sharon is devoted to her children in and out of the classroom. She is often the first person at school early in the morning, preparing her classroom for the day or working on volunteer efforts. She serves as the treasurer of the PTO, putting her mind to work developing fun, creative ways to raise money to augment the school’s budget. She works to encourage parents to take a greater role in their children’s education, often asking them to volunteer in class and on field trips. She talks with them about how important the parent’s involvement is to a child. In this way, she is a teacher to the parents, as well. She directs or volunteers for the Halloween Carnival, Thanksgiving Bingo for Turkeys, cash raffle, Easter Egg Hunt, fundraising for the local Boys and Girls Club; she plans the Summer Reading Program, Box Top Store, Love of Reading Week, and more.
This is a teacher who, quite simply, has determined that her purpose in life is to help children.
Congratulations, Sharon Hopkins, BP Teacher of Excellence. Links
Elementary school teacher Sharon Hopkins is the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District BP Teacher of the Year and the winner of a $1,500 continuing education grant. Hopkins teaches first grade at Tustumena Elementary School in Kasilof, Alaska. A teacher for 23 years in the district, she has taught generations of families. Hopkins says enthusiasm is her most inspiring strength, allowing her students use their sense of wonder to achieve success. She is known for setting clear expectations and modeling kindness to her students. She also mentors new teachers and volunteers with her school’s parent teacher organization.
The BP Teachers of Excellence program recognized 32 Alaska teachers in 2016, for their exceptional performance in the classroom, dedication to students and contribution to the state’s future. Since the program’s inception in 1995, BP has recognized 680 teachers for their dedication to teaching and inspiring students. This year, the program attracted more than 1,000 nominations.
The KPBSD Board of Education encourages everyone to participate in Governor Walker’s Sustainable Future: conversations with Alaskans through an interactive revenue and expenditure model that “allows you to fix Alaska’s budget your way.” In addition, this invitation to the public to testify is shared on behalf of the Alaska Senate Majority:
Public Invited to Testify on Governor’s Proposed Income Tax
For Immediate Release: February 22, 2016
JUNEAU – The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee will host public testimony regarding Gov. Walker’s proposed individual income tax this Tuesday and Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. both evenings.
Citizens may testify in-person at their local LIO; submit written testimony to be placed on the record and distributed to committee members; or call to testify by phone. There are a limited number of phone lines to the Capitol; please plan to attend and testify at your local LIO. WHO: Alaska public WHAT: Public testimony on SB 134 WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. WHERE: Alaska LIOs and Beltz Room 105, Thomas B. Stewart Legislative Office Building, Juneau Call-in number: (907) 465-4962 Written Testimony: Send to Senate.Labor.and.Commerce@akleg.gov Live stream: http://akl.tv
For more information, please contact Michaela Goertzen in the Senate Majority press office at (907) 465-3803.
News Release
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888 Soldotna, October 2, 2015—Peninsula high school students have an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 40 educational institutions
Tuesday, October 20, 2015 10:00—1:00
Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska
Choosing a college takes time and effort so KPBSD is making it easier for students to dream for and plan their future education path by inviting college representatives to come and meet with students here on the Peninsula. The sixth annual Kenai Peninsula College Fair is free, and no appointments are needed.
KPBSD juniors and seniors will attend with their schools. Connections, IDEA and Cook Inlet Academy students can sign-in at the door.
Students and parents can learn more about scholarships, loans, state and federal financial aid programs at the Financial Aid booth. KPBSD students must sign-up with their school counselor to attend; transportation is provided. Confirmed educational institutions: Alaska Bible College, Alaska Christian College, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, Alaska Job Corps OA/CTS, Alaska Pacific University, AVTEC – Alaska’s Institute of Technology, California Baptist University, Central Washington University, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado State University, Eastern Washington University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fort Lewis College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Idaho State University, Institute of American Indian Arts, Kenai Peninsula College, Lincoln College of Technology, Linfield College, Mayville State University, Northern Arizona University, Northern Industrial Training, Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, Oregon Institute of Technology, Pacific Lutheran University, South Dakota State University, Southern Oregon University, Southwestern Oregon University, St. Olaf College, The Art Institutes, The College of Idaho, The Master’s College, UAA College of Engineering, Universal Technical Institute, University of Alaska – Anchorage, University of Alaska – Fairbanks, University of Alaska – Southeast, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Idaho, University of Portland, Willamette University.
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People move in the direction of their conversations and seek accurate stories and information about the school district.
KPBSD 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 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.
People move in the direction of their conversations; KPBSD Key Communicators will be kept informed through email messages, media releases, and news from the KPBSD district office communications.
Opportunity
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. The idea is that our Key Communicators will be kept informed about school district initiatives, issues and celebrations through email messages, media releases, and newsletters from district office communications. Together we will broaden community advocates and help share the golden stories that happen everyday in our schools and district.
Commitment
Key Communicators are asked to simply read the emails and information sent from KPBSD Communications, and potentially share any misconceptions, perceptions, or concerns they hear with KPBSD communications. If a particular issue arises, we may opt to ask you brief questions, utilize an area gathering, advocate or testify with legislators and community members depending on the topic, or broaden our understanding by directly contacting Key Communicators. Your name and contact information will not be published online anywhere as a contact for your school. Participation in Key Communicators is open, with no time frame limit. An annual survey will be conducted to determine shifts needed to grow positive and effective communications.
Meet and Greet
Key Communicators, district leadership, school board members, and any interested school staff are invited to gather informally for a meet and greet. This is an opportunity to meet face-to-face, connect, ask questions, and learn a bit more about things that are happening in the school district and with Key Communicators.
Three dates take place in September 2015, one each in the Central Peninsula, Seward area, and Southern Peninsula, with additional times throughout the 2015-2016 school year.
Thursday, September 10, 2015, Seward Middle School library, 5:30-6:30 PM
Tuesday, September 22, 2015, Soldotna High School library, 5:30-6:30 PM
Monday, September 28, 2015, Homer Middle School library, 5:30-6:30 PM
Action
In early 2014, school principals nominated 2-3 people in their school community and provided Pegge Erkeneff, communication liaison, with the name, context, connection, or position in the community, and contact information including email, address, and telephone. Every year, principals and school board members offer additional names, and everyone interested in KPBSD schools are welcome to attend area gatherings.
If you are interested in becoming a KPBSD Key Communicator, please email Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison, at Communications@kpbsd.org.
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release iPads bring dynamic learning opportunity to Nanwalek
Soldotna, August 17, 2015—Palpable excitement is in the air today at Nanwalek School, where 80 kindergarten through twelfth grade students anticipate receiving their own Apple iPad on Tuesday August 18, 2015.
A year in the planning, the rollout celebration to begin the comprehensive 1:1 technology solution for every student and teacher, including Apple hardware, software, and services, begins at 1:00 p.m.,Tuesday, August 18, 2015, with guests and dignitaries present to speak to students, staff, and the community. The upcoming year is a game-changer for Nanwalek School, the only school in Alaska, and one of 114 schools in the country, to receive an Apple grant as part of the White House ConnectEd initiative begun in 2013.
Nanwalek School is located in a small village on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, across the bay from Homer, Alaska. By giving students access to the latest technology and powerful learning tools, we’re working to transform the classroom into a place of deeper exploration and creativity.
“We are very excited about this opportunity for our students in Nanwalek,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “A key part of any initiative is professional development for our teachers and through the training commitment from Apple, we are confident that the new technology will have a tremendous positive impact for all of our Nanwalek students.” As a result of the initiative to receive iPads, Apple TVs, and MacBook laptops for teachers:
Students and teachers will be introduced to a new level of technology that they have not previously experienced in the village or school. This experience will be enhanced by faster Internet installed by the district through ACS in September 2014
Academic core learning will be strengthened through resources and e-books on the devices
This grant includes professional development for teachers in differentiation to strengthen core instruction, and intervention processes to increase achievement
Nanwalek School honors cultural identity while developing students to be effective members of society. School goals for the ConnectEd initiative include:
Students, parents, and community will be our partners
Teaching will be transformed
Students will be active learners
Students will strengthen their academic learning
Students will have a tool for preservation of language and culture
Students will have more possibilities for postsecondary options
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release KPBSD is grateful our Borough funds public education
Soldotna, June 5, 2015—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will receive the maximum amount of funding for K-12 public education from the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) in 2015-2016 (FY16). At the KPB assembly meeting on June 2, 2015, assembly members voted to fund the KPBSD FY16 budget with the maximum allowable contribution that Alaska state law permits.
“We are grateful the Borough recognizes that with the fiscal unknowns in the state budget, and by funding the school district with the maximum amount possible, this action will help soften any potential reductions in service that we will likely need to make,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “The local funding will minimize negative consequences students will experience with any future reductions in services and educational funding.”
“I am especially thankful for the strong support we received from the Borough administration, assembly, and Mayor Navarre,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent.
The Alaska State Legislature has not yet passed a FY16 budget, so KPBSD remains uncertain about the amount of educational funding that will be designated to the district through the Foundation Formula and One-Time Funding.
The KPBSD $165 million dollar FY16 budget is a deficit budget, and requires use of General Fund reserves. The actions of the Borough will allow KPBSD to extend its General Fund reserves into the upcoming years of fiscal uncertainty.
The village of Port Graham has seen a burst of activity in the area of reading this year. Students’ interest in curling up with a good book has been sparked by two programs, Accelerated Reader and the Battle of the Books.
Elementary teacher, Stephanie DeVault had used the Accelerated Reader (AR) program in a previous district and saw how it motivated students to become avid readers. AR is web-based software that allows teachers to monitor students’ independent reading. It does this by providing comprehension tests on an enormous range of books. In short, students read a book at their reading level and then take a short, multiple choice test. Upon successful completion of the test, students are awarded points based on the length of the book. This allows teachers to set goals for students, monitor student understanding of reading, and provides a motivator for students to finish books on their own.
The program, naturally, is not free. Because DeVault had seen it provide the impetus needed for students to dramatically increase their reading, she was determined to implement it in Port Graham. She wrote a grant using a website called Donors Choose. Donors Choose was designed to help teachers access funds from donors for classroom supplies. People wishing to contribute to education can browse the website and choose projects they find meaningful, but all materials are purchased by the organization. Teachers are never tasked with handling the funds. This allows donors to give tax-deductible donations, but protects teachers from showing extra income.
The grant posted in mid-September and donations started arriving from friends and family of locals in the village and even from parents of Stephanie’s former students who had watched AR transform their children into voracious readers. At best, Stephanie guessed that it would take two to three months for the grant to be fully funded. In early October, the grant was complete! A generous donation from Chevron, as part of their Fuel Your School program, had paid the balance.
Story contributed by Principal Nancy Kleine, Port Graham School Connect:
Natalie Kant, Alaska Counselor of the Year!
Skyview Middle School (SMS) counselor Natalie Kant received top acknowledgment from the State of Alaska for her “exceptional leadership skills, work ethic, enthusiasm for the profession, and care for students.” Sarge Truesdell, principal of SMS said, “There is this old saying in schools that the head secretary and head custodian run a school building. Here at SMS, Mrs. Natalie runs the building. She outworks us all, is a leader amongst her colleagues, is innovative, original, competent, and continually striving to learn and improve. She loves what she does!” Natalie Kant, Alaska Counselor of the Year, with Skyview Middle School (SMS) students
“I am very humbled to receive this incredible award for something that I love to do,” said Natalie Kant. “I am honored to be an employee of the KPBSD and absolutely love being a school counselor. My students, their parents, my colleagues and friends, my family and my school district have inspired me to always be involved and have motivated me to do my best. I love working with all students. Thank you for encouraging and challenging me to be the person I am today. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life. I am very grateful for the influence you have had in my life. Thank You!” KPBSD School Counselors celebrate Alaska Counselor of the Year, Natalie Kant
KPBSD understands that difficult financial decisions have to be made. We have confidence in our legislators and Speaker of the House Chenault, who have demonstrated support and advocacy for public education on the Kenai Peninsula.
Over 80 percent of our 2015-2016 budget is related to staff (salary and benefits). The proposed reductions of $8 million translates into the potential loss of up to 100 positions and vital programs.
It is a constitutional responsibility of the State of Alaska to provide and maintain a public school system open to every child.
Principal Nate Crabtree, K-Beach Elementary: “Legislators are proposing additional reductions to education funding. Our children have one chance for a K-12 education and it needs to be the best we can provide. KPBSD is committed to delivering a quality education to our students and providing stability for our staff and communities. Unanticipated education funding reductions, proposed this late in the budgeting process, will have an impact on K-Beach Elementary. While it is imperative that we find ways to save money as a state, we need to carefully consider doing so in a way that doesn’t negatively influence students during these very formative years when the emerging skills of reading, writing, and math are taking root. Please consider ways in which you can positively influence legislators. Time is essential; the legislative session ends April 19, 2015.”
Principal Dan Carstens, Nikiski Middle-High School: “When I learned of the possible additional reduction to the BSA [Foundation Formula 4.1% reduction], I was taken aback and immediately examined my current staffing sheet to determine what else could go. It came down to programs and opportunities for our students. … I looked at our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and would have to have lighter versions due to the fact that our instructors would need to teach a wider variety at mainly a beginning level. In other words, not a deep understanding, only introductory. Which would be a shame, especially with the variety of equipment we currently possess.”
Soldotna High School student council: “We, the students of Soldotna High School Student Council would like to address the current status of HB72 as it stands on April 8, 2015. We are gravely concerned about the educational implications of this bill if it should pass as it currently exists. … We would encourage you to continue to look at a variety of ways to help balance the budget without such extreme cuts to education.”*
Please contact legislators to voice your opinion about the proposed reductions to education funding.
The Senate Finance Committee amended HB 72 with a 4.1 percent reduction to the Foundation Formula educational funding on April 2, 2015. The impact to KPBSD is:
Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $4,238,432
Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $977,007
Governor Walker proposed an operating budget reduction of educational One-Time Funding in HB 72.The impact to KPBSD is:
Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $2,262,989
Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $520,487
Potential 2015-2016 revenue loss to KPBSD: $7,998,915 Total possible reduction in state funding to KPBSD: $6,501,421 Total possible reduction in local (borough) funding to KPBSD: $1,497,494
