Soldotna 7-12 grade Schools Reconfiguration Advisory Committee

Media 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
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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

Nikiski Middle-High School Mock Convention

Nikiski Middle-High School Mock Convention

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

8:00 a.m. to noon, in the school gym

Live Broadcast beginning 8:00am October 30, 2012

(This presentation is streamed in Windows Media format. If you do not have Windows Media Player, please get it here.)

Scroll down for the convention schedule.
Mock Convention co-chair, Annaleah Ernst, writes:
On behalf of the Senior Government Class at Nikiski Junior Senior High-School, I would like to invite you to our eighth quadrennial Political Mock Convention on Tuesday, October 30th, 2012. The convention will begin at 8:00AM and end at noon.
The Political Mock Convention is an opportunity for students to learn about democracy in action. Starting at Kenai High School in 1984 under the mentorship of former US Senate candidate Bob Bird, and continuing under his guidance at Nikiski High School in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008, we have staged student led exercises in learning to be a good citizen. Every election year, the senior class of Nikiski Junior Senior High-School runs the convention which features resolutions written and debated by students, presidential nominating speeches, and guest speakers.
Every year, we invite local, state, and national politicians to be guest speakers at the convention. This year, we are pleased to announce that our guest speakers will be State Senator Cathy Giessel, State Senate Candidate Ron Devon, Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Mike Chenault, Kenai Borough Mayor Mike Navarre, State Representative and candidate for US House Sharon Cissna, and US Senator Mark Begich. All politicians will be at the convention in person with the exception of Mark Begich, who will be giving his speech via Skype.
Contact: Any contact can be made through Mr. Bird’s classroom phone number at 907-776-9442, an email to me at annaleah.ernst@g.kpbsd.org, or an email to my co-chairman Lincoln Johnson at lincoln.johnson@g.kpbsd.org.
Mock Convention
October 30th, 2012
2012 Co-Chairs: Lincoln Johnson & Annaleah Ernst
Co-Secretaries: Lacy Elsey, Sienna Wallis & Mahlon Troyer
Guest Speakers:
1. State Senator Cathy Giessel
2. State Senator Opponent Ron Devon
3. Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Mike Chenault
4. President of the Kenai Peninsula School Board Joe Arness
5. Kenai Mayor Mike Navarre
6. Democratic member of the Alaska House of Representatives Sharon Cissna
7. State Senator Peter Micciche
8. United States Senator Mark Begich
2012 Nominating Speeches:
1. Barack Obama– Lauren Countryman
2. Mitt Romney– Hannah Tauriainen
3. Ron Paul– Katie O’Brien
4. Condoleezza Rice–Michael Hollinger
Convention Schedule: (all times are approximate)
8:00-8:10…………………………………………………….………………..Caucus
8:10-8:20……………………………………………….….…Call to order, Anthems
8:20-8:25……………………………………………………………Keynote Speech
8:25-8:40…………………………………………………..………………..Roll Call
8:40-9:25……………………………………………………….…Resolutions, Part 1
9:25-9:55……………………………………………………………..Guest Speakers
9:55-10:40…………………………………………………………Resolutions, Part 2
10:40-11:15………………………………………………….Nominating & Seconding Speeches
11:20-11:35………………………………………………….Roll Call for President
Convention Staff:
Resolutions Committee Chairs: Shaylee Rizzo & Caleb Alkire
Seating Committee Chairs: Jesse Ross, Brittany Sexton & Emily Berry
Video Reporters: Paris Davis, Bailey Buchholz, Morgan Sauve & Dylan Griffith
Video & Tech Chair: Asher Phillips, Orren Hyatt
Artists: Colleen Dempsey, Lauren Countryman & Haley Conti
Faculty Tech Advisors: Mr. Vern Kornstad, Sr.
Faculty Director: Mr. Bob Bird

— Annaleah Ernst, 2012 Mock Convention Co-Chairman
www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us

Dr. Steve Atwater Named 2013 Alaska Superintendent of the Year

PRESS RELEASE

Dr. Steve Atwater Named 2013 Alaska Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Steve Atwater (L), Alaska 2013 Superintendent of the Year, and AASA executive director Bruce Johnson (R)

Soldotna, September 12, 2012—The Alaska Association of School Administrators (AASA) announced that Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) Superintendent, Dr. Steve Atwater, has been selected by his peers as Alaska’s 2013 Superintendent of the Year.
The Superintendent of the Year program, now in its 26th year, pays tribute to a school system’s top leader who exemplifies effectiveness, knowledge, leadership, ethics, and commitment. In nominating Dr. Atwater, colleagues and board members noted his success at leading both small and large school districts. They lauded his leadership expertise by comments such as “If you take a close look at each and every one of Dr. Atwater’s decisions or actions, you will find an unerring focus on the improvement of education and direction that favors kids.” Another nominator commented that “Dr. Atwater exemplifies the true essence of what an educational leader should be … and believes that every child can learn and that every child deserves to be taught by an outstanding teacher.”
When he learned about the award, Dr. Atwater said, “I am both humbled and honored by this award. Humbled because I was nominated by my peers from across the state and honored because it affirms my good work and by association the good work that all of us at KPBSD are doing to meet the learning needs of our 8,900 students.”
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre said, “Kenai Peninsula residents take pride in our outstanding school district and recognize the combined contributions of School Board members, administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and students as a part of our success. Most importantly, we recognize the leadership provided by our superintendent, Dr. Steve Atwater, as a key part of that success. Dr. Atwater’s vision, commitment, values, knowledge, and competence are reflected in the extraordinary job he does and the educational achievements of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. We’re extremely fortunate to have Dr. Atwater as our Superintendent and congratulate him on his well-deserved recognition as 2013 Alaska Superintendent of the Year.”
“Dr. Atwater has been a great supporter of Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) and ensuring Peninsula students are college or career-ready when they graduate,” said Gary J. Turner, KPC director. “He is not only involved with our children from pre-K to 12th grade, but he is also teaching teachers at the university level where he serves as an adjunct faculty member with UAA’s College of Education. While Steve will say this is a district award, his leadership and vision have earned him this well-deserved accolade,” said Turner.
AASA will advance Dr. Atwater’s candidacy to the 2013 National Superintendent of the Year program knowing that he is highly respected by his colleagues, board members, and constituents throughout Alaska. All State Superintendents of the Year will be recognized in February at the 2013 AASA National Conference on Education in Los Angeles, California.
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For more information contact Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communications specialist, Pegge@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907.714.8838
KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships

West Homer Elementary named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School

PRESS RELEASE

West Homer Elementary named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School

Soldotna, September 7, 2012—U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognizes West Homer Elementary School as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School. Based on overall academic excellence or for making progress in improving student academic achievement levels, 269 schools are honored as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School.
Speaking in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, “Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential…. Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.”
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski extended her heartfelt congratulations to West Homer Elementary (WHE) principal Raymond Marshall and everyone in the WHE community. Marshall believes, “West Homer Elementary School works hard to provide every student with a well-rounded, world class education. We have an exceptional teaching staff with hard working students and parents who are dedicated to their children’s success. Additionally, we receive great support from our community and students come to us from Paul Banks with a strong educational foundation that we can build upon.”
KPBSD superintendent, Dr. Steve Atwater, said, “I am thrilled to learn that West Homer Elementary is the recipient of a Blue Ribbon School award. This award is an excellent way to recognize the superb work of the West Homer staff with the students as well as the wonderful level of support for the school by the greater West Homer Elementary community.”
Principal Raymond Marshall and educator Shirlie Gribble will represent West Homer Elementary school in Washington, DC, when the Department of Education will honor approximately 219 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony November 12-13, 2012.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement.
The program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories. The first category is “Exemplary High Performing,” in which schools are recognized among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. The second category is “Exemplary Improving,” in which schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds demonstrate the most progress in improving student achievement levels as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. WHE is recognized as an “Exemplary High Performing” National Blue Ribbon School.
School board member Liz Downing reflected, “I am so proud of the students, teachers, staff, and families of West Homer Elementary School. It truly is a special place well deserving of this recognition!” and Sunni Hilts, school board member commented, “Once again a South Peninsula school has joined others in the district in demonstrating the commitment to quality education that the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District strives to offer. West Homer has been recognized for the awesome school we have known and appreciated. Congratulations!”
In its thirty-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on nearly 7,000 of America’s schools. Between 1982 and 2010, eight additional KPBSD schools have earned the National Blue Ribbon School recognition.
Links:
2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools
September 7, 2012 U.S. Department of Education Press Release
National Blue Ribbon School Program

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This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
CONTACT:
Pegge Erkeneff, Communications Specialist
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Pegge@kpbsd.org
907-714-8888
148 N. Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK 99669

Will you dare to dream, think, and plan for college?

2nd Annual Kenai Peninsula College Fair
October 25, 2011

“You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled then something has been lost.” — Martha Graham, dancer, choreographer

Do you want to find a great college to help you become the best you can be? College and post-secondary education helps you discover and achieve your dreams.

For the second year, KPBSD offers a college fair to give you the opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 50 educational institutions. Dare to dream. Arrive with questions, ideas about your next step, or simply a desire to see what doors might open to you, and future possibilities.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Kenai Shopping Center, Kenai, Alaska
10:00—1:00 p.m
Juniors and seniors will attend with their schools
Connections students can sign-in at the door

That same evening, a Financial Aid program will be offered from 6:30—8:00 p.m.
Confirmed educational institutions:
Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education (ACPE); AVTEC, Alaska’s Institute of Technology; Boise State University; California Baptist University; Central Washington University; College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University; Colorado Mesa University; Colorado State University; Colorado’s Fort Lewis College; Eastern Oregon University; Eastern Washington University; George Fox University; Idaho State University; Marquette University; Mayville State University; Montana State University; Northern Arizona University; Oregon Coast Culinary Institute; Oregon Institute of Technology; Oregon State University; Pacific Lutheran University; Prince William Sound Community College; Seattle University; Snow College; Southern Oregon University; Southern Utah University; Southwestern Oregon Community College; The Art Institutes; The Evergreen State College; The University of Montana; UAF Admissions; UAF College of Engineering and Mines; UAF Community & Technical College; UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences; United States Air Force Academy; Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks Graduate School; Universal Technical Institute; University Fire Department; University of Alaska Anchorage; University of Alaska Anchorage; University of Evansville; University of Hawaii at Manoa; University of Hawaii Hilo; University of Idaho; University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); University of Portland; University of Saskatchewan; University of Victoria; University of Wyoming; US Air Force Academy; Western Oregon University; Western State College of Colorado; Whitman College; Wyotech
Later that evening:
Financial Aid Night: October 25, 2011, Kenai Central High School, Renee Henderson Auditorium 6:30—8:00 p.m.
Topics covered: overview of federal and state financial aid programs; local scholarship offerings; student timelines; and funding post-secondary education. Sponsored by: Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Connections, Kenai Central High School, Nikiski High School, Skyview High School, Soldotna High School, and Kenai Peninsula College. Note: Seward and Homer high schools have additional financial aid information dates.
Both are free events, everyone is welcome.
Contact your high school counselor with questions.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela

From Constantinople to Kenai: Classroom Without Walls, October 19

What do Constantinople and Kenai have in common?
To answer this question, embark on a journey into Russia’s past, live from Kenai, Alaska, with Classroom Without Walls.

Three KPBSD high school world history teachers collaborate in Classroom Without Walls, offering innovative world history learning to 350 students from Kenai Central High School, Soldotna High School, and Skyview High School.

Wednesday, October 19, you’re invited to the From Constantinople to Kenai session when a lesson will be presented live from The Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai, Alaska. Parents and community members are welcome.

From Constantinople to Kenai will take students on a journey from the beginning of Russia to the connection in Kenai, Alaska, and the Russian orthodox church. Students and community members will:

Meet Rurik, a Varangian prince who was the leader of the Rus
Princess Olga of Kiev later to be Sainted
Two Greeks who developed the Russian alphabet
Prince Vladimir who made Orthodoxy the official religion of the Rus
and more…

Wednesday, October 19, 2011
World History teacher Gregory Weissenberg from Soldotna High School will present From Constantinople to Kenai six times from The Russian Orthodox Church in Kenai, Alaska. There is no cost, everyone is welcome.
CWOW times: 7:55 – 8:35; 8:50 – 9:35; 10:15 – 10:55; 11:10 – 11:50; 12:39 – 1:19; and 1:35 – 2:15
Students will be in their classes at the three local high schools.

“Our kids have 3 World History teachers–we don’t know that any other students in the nation can say that, and between the 3 of us we make one good teacher.” — Rob Sparks (Skyview), Gregory Weissenberg (SoHi), Greg Zorbas (KCHS)

Making public education public, Bon Voyage!

Link
“Texting, blogging and streaming history: 3 teachers use technology to break down walls” story, Peninsula Clarion, March 5, 2010

A visit to Port Graham, Alaska

Monday morning: I flew to a small school in Port Graham, Alaska, which is south and east of Homer. I’ve had the opportunity to tag along on several trips to our diverse schools where I’m learning about the KPBSD school district, taking photos, meeting students and educators.

Arriving at the school, two framed paintings hinged with a mirror caught my attention. Curious, I learned it will be a part of a cultural learning experience for the students. Two accompanying head pieces had just arrived. One of the Port Graham students I’d met during the recent KPBSD student council conference day showed me the headpiece for the girls. I’ll post more as the students engage this cultural learning experience; meanwhile, I’m grateful to hear the stories and meet Port Graham students. Everyone was welcoming, curious about the camera in my hand, and the K-3 grade elementary students grinned when they each told me their name.

Mind A-Mazes: Fantastic Flight

Fifty-eight student teams from twenty-two schools designed, built, and flew paper airplanes on Saturday, October 8, 2011, in the annual KPBSD Mind A-Mazes contest sponsored by Quest.

A KPBSD problem-solving competition, 3 to 4 students work in a team to solve a long-term problem, prior to the competition. In addition, the day of the competition, a spontaneous problem is presented for teams to solve in a short period of time. A dedicated blog, hosted on our KPBSD servers provides an opportunity for students to ask questions, receive and post answers, and demonstrate collaboration in action.

The 2011 Long-term Fantastic Flight problem instructions:
Teams will design and create paper devices that will be used to earn points by performing a series of tasks. Devices will be constructed for competition at the time of the event, using paper that will be provided. Students will not be allowed to bring any devices that were constructed prior to the event into the competition area. Up to five different devices may be constructed during the competition and will be used for attempting the following flight challenges: Distance; Flight Duration; Accuracy; and Altitude.

Congratulations to the 2011 Winning Teams and Schools
Junior Division (4th-6th grade)
1. West Homer – “The Paper Bombers”
2. Nikiski Middle/High – “Flying Bacon Strips”
3. Mc Neil Canyon – “McNeil Canyon 4”
Judges Choice – Nikiski North Star – “The Flaming Hawks”
Spontaneous – West Homer – “Ernie Airlines”
Intermediate/ Senior Division (7th-12th grade)
1. Hope – “Ice Cream Ninjas”
2. Kenai Middle – “The Firebolts”
3. Nikiski Middle/High – “Mach 5”
Judges Choice – River City Academy – “Angry Birds”
Spontaneous – Ninilchik – “Team Wilcow”
Thank you to Soldotna Middle School, and all the students, educators, volunteers, and families who participated this year in the district-wide Mind A-Mazes academic program.
Please share a comment here, and view photographs or add yours to the Mind A-Mazes photo album on the KPBSD district Facebook page.

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!

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