“I’m very big on giving students as much choice as possible in their middle school years,” said Laura Niemczyk, Nikiski Middle-High School teacher. “I am also very big on turning kids into lifelong readers. With those two objectives in mind, I issued the 25 book challenge to my seventh graders this year. This is not a new idea—it comes from a modified version of Donalyn Miller “Book Whisperer” 40 book challenge. I was tired of fighting struggling readers on reading logs, fluent readers who hated reading after having done years of reading logs, and students who would tell me that they didn’t have time to read. Notice it’s a challenge, not an assignment. There was no mention of grades attached to it and when I introduced the challenge to students, not one asked me, “how much is this worth?” They had many questions: about the types of books they could read, about audio books, about books they wanted to reread, about reading on their devices. So now we read for chunks of each day’s class period. And it’s great.
I don’t consider it innovative when my classroom is full of students actively reading, and not looking up if someone enters the room. What’s better than I did before is that instead of having to assess students on written reading logs, I now meet students where they are at and provide them with multiple ways to show me what they know. We have class book talks, the students recommend books, write reviews, and engage in discussions on theme and characterization. Some of this I planned—once a week there are open ended prompts that are differentiated for student reading level and even book type. And they do them, without complaint, because they chose their book and choose how to respond. Some students write out their answers, others type, others draw, and some record an audio file.
Aspects of how this added innovation into our classroom came from the students. They are required to keep track of the books they have read. Once again I gave them options for this: a Pinterest board (it’s how I chose to do my reading challenge), Twitter, a written reading record form, chart in the classroom, discussion list on Canvas or through Goodreads.com. One student asked if she could record her answers in a blog; I said “yes!” That led to others asking if they could use LibraryThing.com and Shelfari.com to create their virtual book worlds. As always I said yes, and then asked them to show me what these things were.
In the last quarter, I learned A LOT about where kids like to go to share and talk about books, helped struggling readers learn that audio books are still reading (they can only “read” ten audio books for the challenge), and had some of the most authentic and informative reading conference-mini lessons of my teaching career—some of these have even occurred online in these new virtual book worlds the kids have created (and helped me to navigate). The students feel like they have a say in their education, we are doing things that make sense to them, and I am creating connections with my students.”
–Laura Niemczyk, Nikiski Middle-High School
#relevance #responsive #read #AKlearns
Personalized Learning in KPBSD
Tag: KPBSD
How-to measure KPBSD student success #KPI
KPBSD measures student and organizational success with multiple Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Superintendent Sean Dusek explains in short two minute video:
Learn more about the KPBSD 2017 – 2022 Strategic Plan, and KPBSD KPIs
Video text:
Hello! Sean Dusek here with you again today to continue our discussion on the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Strategic Plan.
The focus of this video is on what our district measures to determine organization success. We call these measures Key Performance Indicators. With such a diverse school district we monitor a wide range of data points that are meaningful to not only the district, but to local communities.
First, we monitor academic performance very closely at all grade levels. This includes how students perform in relation to the Alaska State Standards. Most of these measures are classroom based and our teachers use a wide variety of assessments to ensure students are growing on a daily basis.
Attendance is a very important indicator we monitor as we have seen that students who are at school more than 90% of the time perform at a high level in school. While this seems intuitive, we have many students who struggle to get to school for a lot of different reasons and we do our best to support families to be in school every day with a positive and safe learning environment.
Another area that we monitor is a student’s participation in school and the community. Research has shown that school and community connection provides additional supports for a student as they go through a wide variety of experiences. We call these wrap around services to provide safety nets to promote student resilience, work ethic and empathy. These characteristics are highly valued by employers as they are looking for people who can work with others, overcome challenges, be optimistic and think.
We have several other indicators we monitor and I encourage you to take a look at our district dashboard on our website for more information. All of the indicators we currently have are grounded in research and give us a snapshot of how our district, schools and even individual students are doing throughout a school year. We will provide updates on progress with these indicators periodically and utilize the information to make adjustments to better meet the needs of our students.
Tuesday: KPBSD Facebook LIVE Q and A with Superintendent Dusek
You’re invited to the launch of KPBSD
Facebook LIVE Q & A
with KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusek
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
How-to watch:
It’s simple. Go to the KPBSD Facebook page on 11/14/17, at 7:00 PM, via your device or computer, and connect! You’ll see that KPBSD is live – click to view.
How-to ask questions or share thoughts:
Post your questions ahead of time on the Facebook event page, or live during the event in a comment on the live video.
How Facebook LIVE Q&A works:
- KPBSD launches Facebook LIVE video, viewers click to view, and see content live in real time.
- Viewers type comments into the feed below the video.
- KPBSD does not “see” viewers via videoconferencing, this is a one way video view feed from KPBSD. Interaction happens via comments and post likes or emojis.
Everyone is invited to tune in – KPBSD parents and students, staff, community members, KPBSD partners, and KPBSD Key Communicators. Afterwards, the Q&A will be saved as a video to review at your convenience.
Why?
This Facebook live event is the first in a series to expand the KPBSD Key Communicator program, engaging our people and publics with conversation, and offering accurate stories, information, and responses to questions about the KPBSD. Please join in, and offer your thoughts and ideas.
Tip:
You don’t need a Facebook account to watch live.
- At 7:00 PM, go to https://www.facebook.com/livemap. Locate the live event streaming from Soldotna, Alaska, using the interactive map.
- Click the blue dot indicating Facebook LIVE is happening in Soldotna, and the video will pop up.
- Click on the video image to enlarge it on your screen. https://www.facebook.com/livemap
- note: You cannot post questions without a Facebook account. You can email them to communications@KPBSD.org, and we will answer as many as we can during the video LIVE Q&A.
The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
www.KPBSD.org
Facebook Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Questions?
Contact Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD Communications Liaison, communications@KPBSD.org. Or private message Kenai Peninsula Borough School District on Facebook.
Tebughna youth learning traditional Native American skills
Tebughna School middle and high school students are participating in a Native American unit of study, where they read Native American themed novels, write Native American folk tales, and practice picture-writing. Students are studying Native American geographical regions, and researching famous Native Americans. In science, students are using STEAM* engineering challenges to create the various types of housing used, such as teepee, long house, adobe, and wigwams. Students learned how to make fry break “aladies”, dissected salmon, learned bear safety, and heard about Tyonek history from Katherine Chickalusion (elder niece of Chief Chickalusion). Students are practicing singing and drumming, beading, making spears, and painting using traditional ochre.
Thank you to Monty Rogers for teaching Tebughna student’s traditional skills!
*STEAM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
October 17: Community Budget Meeting info
Building a school budget is foundational to schools, so bring your questions and concerns about funding, expenditures, and priorities.
Everyone is invited to participate. October 17, 2017. Twenty-two school locations. One hour, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Resources:
-
Watch Superintendent Dusek’s presentation live from 5:30 – 5:45 delivered via PolyCom
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Follow along with PDF of Superintendent Dusek’s PowerPoint presentation
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KPBSD Finance webpage
Additional Resources
- FY19 Budget Development Calendar
- PDF and Video: FY19 KPB Revenue
- PDF and Video: FY19 General Fund Revenue
- PDF and Video: FY19 Fund Balance
- PDF and Video: FY19 Foundation Formula
Discussion process:
Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials are invited to participate at the third annual KPBSD budget development session happening at 22 school sites.
Building a school budget is foundational to schools, so bring your questions and concerns about funding, expenditures, and priorities. Connect with your neighbors who care about K-12 education and vibrant schools.
*Some schools will meet at the same location. Look for your school to see where it will meet:
Aurora Borealis Charter School – Kenai Alt main meeting room; Chapman School – Homer Middle School; Connections – Soldotna High Library; Cooper Landing School – First classroom next to office; Fireweed Acacemy – Homer Middle School; Homer Flex – Homer Middle School; Homer High – Homer Middle School; Homer Middle – Library; Hope School – Mrs. Truesdell’s classroom; K-Beach Elementary – Room 18; Kachemak-Selo – Homer Middle School; Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science – Library; Kenai Alternative – KCHS Library; Kenai Central High School – Library; Kenai Middle School – KCHS Library; McNeil Canyon Elementary – Homer Middle School; Moose Pass School – Library; Mountain View Elementary – KCHS library; Nanwalek School – Secondary Classroom – Old Shop; Nikiski Middle-High School – Library; Nikiski North Star Elementary – Nikiski High Library; Nikolaevsk School – Room 11; Ninilchik School – Library; Paul Banks Elementary – Homer Middle School; Port Graham School – Library; Razdolna School – Homer Middle School; Redoubt Elementary – Soldotna High Library; River City Academy – Soldotna High Library; Seward Elementary – Seward High Library; Seward High School – Library; Seward Middle School – Seward High Library; Skyview Middle School – B104; Soldotna Elementary – Library; Soldotna High – Library; Soldotna Prep – Soldotna High Library; Soldotna Montessori – Room 411; Sterling Elementary – Library; Susan B. English – School Commons; Tebughna School – Room 7; Tustumena Elementary – Library; Voznesenka School – Homer Middle School; West Homer Elementary – Homer Middle School.
Everyone is encouraged to participate!
News Release: Get the process rolling October 17
Get the process rolling October 17, 5:30 PM, at 22 KPBSD school sites
If a quality education and the future success for every young person on the Kenai matters to you, mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.
Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials are invited to participate in the third annual KPBSD budget development session happening at 22 school sites. Building a school budget is a foundation for a quality school, so bring your questions and concerns about funding, expenditures, and priorities for your school.
Participate on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. Some schools will meet at the same location:
Aurora Borealis Charter School – Kenai Alt main meeting room; Chapman School – Homer Middle School; Connections – Soldotna High Library; Cooper Landing School – First classroom next to office; Fireweed Acacemy – Homer Middle School; Homer Flex – Homer Middle School; Homer High – Homer Middle School; Homer Middle – Library; Hope School – Mrs. Truesdell’s classroom; K-Beach Elementary – Room 18; Kachemak-Selo – Homer Middle School; Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science – Library; Kenai Alternative – KCHS Library; Kenai Central High School – Library; Kenai Middle School – KCHS Library; McNeil Canyon Elementary – Homer Middle School; Moose Pass School – Library; Mt. View Elementary – KCHS library; Nanwalek School – Secondary Classroom – Old Shop; Nikiski Middle-High School – Library; Nikiski North Star Elementary – Nikiski High Library; Nikolaevsk School – Room 11; Ninilchik School – Library; Paul Banks Elementary – Homer Middle School; Port Graham School – Library; Razdolna School – Homer Middle School; Redoubt Elementary – Soldotna High Library; River City Academy – Soldotna High Library; Seward Elementary – Seward High Library; Seward High School – Library; Seward Middle School – Seward High Library; Skyview Middle School – B104; Soldotna Elementary – Library; Soldotna High – Library; Soldotna Prep – Soldotna High Library; Soldotna Montessori – Room 411; Sterling Elementary – Library; Susan B. English – School Commons; Tebughna School – Room 7; Tustumena Elementary – Library; Voznesenka School – Homer Middle School; West Homer Elementary – Homer Middle School.
“One of the most important functions we have as district administrators is to develop an annual balanced budget that prioritizes meeting the needs of our students,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “As we begin this process for developing the 2018-2019 budget, it is important to make sure key components of the budget are understood, community questions are gathered, and a clear development plan that includes multiple opportunities for your input is communicated. This process begins on October 17 and I look forward to engaging all our communities throughout a process that will provide the foundation of a high quality educational experience for all of our students.”
“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. 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 17 is an important step in the process to develop the FY19 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
Sources of Strength suicide prevention efforts in KPBSD
News release
Suicide Prevention and Awareness
“While suicide is sometimes a difficult topic to discuss, it is also paramount that we as a community address it head on. Programs such as Sources of Strength are critical components of our commitment and dedication to support our students through the myriad of issues they may experience throughout their lives.” –Sean Dusek, superintendent
KPBSD is dedicated to provide suicide awareness and wellness education to students, staff, and the greater Kenai Peninsula community. GCI and The Alaska Foundation released a PSA video on September 22, to highlight the work KPBSD is doing with Sources of Strength, through the GCI Suicide Prevention Grant.
September is national suicide awareness month, and the Alaska suicide rate is twice the national average. Several schools are creating a Wall of Hope. In addition, KPBSD received a variety of grants from the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and the Alaska Community Foundation to support suicide prevention programming and training to not only our adults, but also our students. In the spring of 2017, over 75 students and adults from Homer, Kenai, and Seward received training in Sources of Strength (SOS). SOS is a strength-based comprehensive wellness program that focuses on suicide prevention but affects other issues such as substance abuse and violence. In early October, Soldotna High School will join the SOS team, and on October 13, high school students from Seward, Homer, Soldotna, and Kenai will participate in a Sources of Strength Upstream Conference in Kenai.
“At the school level, our school psychologists and school counselors are trained and use suicide risk assessments for students who are in need of support,” said Clayton Holland, director of pupil services. “Their good work together with our staff and school administration offer support to at-risk students and provide resources to students and families.”
Several KPBSD counselors are trainers for evidence-based wellness programs such as Youth Mental Health First Aide and The Fourth R. KPBSD will continue to foster and share resources with mental health organizations to increase coordination and support for our students and community members about suicide prevention and wellness.
Links
- Alaska CARELINE: 1-877-266-HELP
- Video – GCI Suicide Prevention Grant, KPBSD, https://youtu.be/ptYP3oYJgRA
- Sources of Strength https://sourcesofstrength.org/
- The Alaska Community Foundation http://alaskacf.org/
- Alaska Statewide Suicide Prevention Council
- The Fourth R, https://youthrelationships.org/
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
GCI Press Release: ‘Sources of Strength’ bolsters suicide prevention efforts on Kenai Peninsula
News Release: State, district, and school PEAKS results now online
State, district, and school PEAKS results now online
Soldotna, September 1, 2017— The first year results of PEAKS, the online assessment for students in grades three through ten in English language arts and mathematics are now available online. KPBSD students continue to outperform state median scale scores in both English language arts and math.
“PEAKS is one part of the overall picture about how well our students and schools succeed,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “KPBSD focuses on continual improvement, creating lifelong learners, and believes the shift toward a greater emphasis on problem solving skills and critical thinking will make a significant, positive difference on all assessments that are implemented in our schools.”
Parents will receive individual student reports with English language arts and math results in mid-September. KPBSD will mail reports from the district office. It is important to remember:
- Student achievement has not declined
- What is expected of students, and measured, is different than in previous years
- These first PEAKS results are setting a new baseline to help educators understand where students stand on their path to success
- PEAKS results are only one data point. Multiple factors demonstrate student success and drive district decision making processes
A September 1, 2017, Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) press release states, “Alaska educators have been involved in determining student performance criteria on the PEAKS assessment. A group of 35 Alaska educators gathered in April to decide how much students should know and be able to do at each achievement level. In early June, 84 Alaska educators gathered to determine the range of scores for each of the four achievement levels.”
As teachers and students gain more experience in the new and more rigorous standards, PEAKS scores will rise. This has been true for other states which adopt higher standards.
- PEAKS is not a pass-fail test
- PEAKS scores do not affect course grades, graduation, or grade retention, but students will receive focused support to improve
- PEAKS, the AMP test and the SBAs are not comparable because they measure different standards, have different questions, and use different scoring
- Fewer students meet the new standards than used to meet the old standards; the new standards focus on higher order thinking skills and problem solving
Links
- 2017 PEAKS KPBSD summary English Language Arts
- 2017 PEAKS KPBSD summary Mathematics
- 2017 PEAKS KPBSD summary Science
- PEAKS assessment results for schools, districts, states: https://education.alaska.gov/tls/Assessments/Results/results2017.html
- Resources to understand PEAKS from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, http://education.alaska.gov/tls/Assessments/PEAKS.html
###
KPBSD Class of 2017 Graduate Profiles
KPBSD celebrates our diverse schools and students!
Be inspired by #Classof2017 graduates–follow the links to read the rest of the story!
Patrick Napier [Connections Homeschool]
Using dual credit and Jumpstart opportunities, Patrick Napier earned 33 college credits over the last two years. He’s traveled to 20 countries, and works to become a good global citizen. For the past three years he pursued missionary work in Uganda and East Africa, working and living in the slums trying to better the lives of impoverished children. http://bit.ly/2uEwirL
Larion Kuzmin [Homer Flex School]
Larion enrolled at Homer Flex his sophomore year, focused on receiving a high school diploma. A Russian Old Believer who has captained his own commercial boat since he was 14, Larion brought with him the tenacity and resolve acquired through years of gillnetting in Cordova. His January graduation ceremony was a celebration of all his hard work! http://bit.ly/2vGxhEN
Juan Sarmiento [Homer High School]
As a very limited-English speaker newly in the United States, Juan Sarmiento wasn’t sure of the question when he was asked if he wanted to take algebra or geometry. Moving from Argentina to Alaska is quite a shock but in the fall of 2017 when he goes from Alaska to Princeton, New Jersey, it will be a shock of a different sort. Juan is an excellent athlete, Poetry Out Loud winner, and a top scholar. He is one of the most independent students ever to graduate from Homer High School while at the same time willing to help anyone who asks, in topics ranging from his native Spanish to calculus. http://bit.ly/2uH0C4t
Ben Peck [Hope School]
Ben Peck started the first debate team for Hope School, and they placed second in the Nikiski High School Debate in February 2017, and ended up going to the State Debate and Forensic 2017 Competition for the first time ever! A small two-man team heading off to state, where they had to prove to the lady at the front desk that they had a right to be there, while she looked and looked for their name on the roster, for a little, not yet known team from tiny Hope, Alaska. http://bit.ly/2tL2kOo
Azary Reutov [Kachemak-Selo School]
One of Azary Reutov’s most notable traits is his positivity. He is cheerful and supportive of classmates and a natural leader in school and out. His ready sense of humor, combined with his willingness to work hard, make him sought after as a teammate and friend. As an upperclassman, he has been a great role model to younger students, showing strong and steadily improving academic achievement and consistent attendance. http://bit.ly/2uf8OqD
Emily Koziczkowski [Kenai Central High School]
Emily Koziczkowski is a shining example of how life’s challenges shape who we become. Emily’s yearbook quote: “Life’s a climb but the view is great” exemplifies her approach to her education. She took the most rigorous classes offered at Kenai Central and still excelled. When she had completed the highest math offered, AP calculus, she decided to continue taking math at Kenai Peninsula College. She took calculus II and III and earned A’s in both classes. Additionally, she took psychology so that she could get a head start on some of the general college requirements. Emily is not just an academic, she is a well-rounded young woman and is a role model in how she gives back to her community. She has a drive to help others and demonstrates this by volunteering at the Leeshore Center and the Central Peninsula Hospital, and by coaching volleyball at Kenai Middle School. http://bit.ly/2ufWyYu
Terence Paul Swenning [Nanwalek School]
Terence Paul Swenning shows exceptional determination, talent, and perseverance. Rather than taking a solely academic route through his schooling, he demonstrated the ability to finish school with attention to academics, artistry, and athletics. Ambitious, Terence plans to move to California to start a business selling t-shirts with his own artistic designs. He is currently putting his mind to the finances of this endeavor, seeking small business loans, and making necessary contacts in California. This independent means of making a living will allow him to pursue professional skateboarding. http://bit.ly/2uH0v9d
Vera Fefelov [Nikolaevsk School]
Graduating summa cum laude with a GPA of 4.105, an incredible work ethic academically and athletically, through hard and focused work Vera is graduating one year early to attend Georgetown University in the fall where she will major in International Business Regional Studies at the McDonough School of Business, with a minor in Russian. Advice for her schoolmates: “Never doubt yourself in anything you put your mind to. Just because you may experience failure in some way, it’s what you do with that failure that defines you. Don’t be afraid to push your limits–that’s where you find yourself and learn what you are capable of. The struggle is definitely worth it. It isn’t easy–but it’s worth it, trust me!” http://bit.ly/2ufE5Ly
Michale Meyers [Nikiski Middle-High School]
Michale Meyers is the first high school graduate in his family, and has taken advantage of every opportunity throughout high school to prepare himself for the world of work. With a diploma in hand, eight semesters of welding courses under his belt, and a job already in place with MagTec, Michale knows his future is bright, with a career in welding. For Michale, having a high school diploma means having options, like the opportunity to take a project management course at Kenai Peninsula College to move up the ranks. He is a great example of a student who has positioned himself for success. With a background working for L&G Enterprises and MagTec, this brand new high school graduate already has real world experience. http://bit.ly/2vp9J86
Mikayla Clark [Ninilchik School]
Through the I-team process Mikayla started taking both math and language arts classes for high school credit and didn’t stop there. She sits on the State Future Farmers of America (FFA) team and travels on a national level to talk to kids about not only FFA but also growing as a young adult. In addition to her academic success, Mikayla has also been a member of three varsity sports and has been part of state track and basketball. She will attend the University of Alaska, Southeast, for her bachelor’s degree in environmental science and then onto the University of Idaho for a masters in biological engineering. http://bit.ly/2tkyRLJ
Rick Jager [Port Graham School]
During the Port Graham School 2017 graduation ceremony, natural storyteller, University of Alaska scholar, and graduate Rick Jager told the story of what helped him reach the finish line. Hard work and perseverance were part of it, but having a teacher who took the time to reach out to Rick during challenging times was the key to his success during his final year. Rick was speaking of his teacher, Mr. Colby Way, one of the 2017 BP Teachers of Excellence finalists. Rick’s story underlines that without supportive relationships, none of us can be as strong. http://bit.ly/2tv0INg
Izabeau Stalkfleet Pearston [River City Academy]
Class of 2017 Valedictorian Izabeau Stalkfleet Pearston has been a cornerstone of River City Academy since seventh grade. Izabeau graduates with a 3.98 GPA and a total of 16 college credits through JumpStart at Kenai Peninsula College (KPC). Her completed college courses include college algebra, trigonometry and communications. Izabeau has earned the University of Alaska Scholars Scholarship, the Alaska Performance Scholarship and a partial tuition waiver from Kenai Peninsula College for next year. http://bit.ly/2uNRj3x
Logan Smith [Seward High School]
Logan Smith is a tinkerer. This curiosity led him to all things tinkering that Seward High had to offer—shop, metals, woodworking, and so forth. Logan also has a natural aptitude for mathematics. This made him a logical candidate for Seward High’s engineering course called Project Lead the Way. It was here that his talents combined to truly find his niche—and make Seward High better in the process. Logan’s work ethic, commitment to studies, and contribution to Seward High was also recognized by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF), who accepted him into their early admission engineering program where he will begin his post-secondary education in the fall. http://bit.ly/2uNP5S6
Jackson Blackwell [Soldotna High School]
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Soldotna High School have provided me and many other students with countless opportunities. Over my thirteen years in the district I have been challenged to excel and make a difference within the school and greater community. I credit my many teachers and the KPBSD staff for allowing many students, like myself, to find opportunities and challenges that engage and make us all better global citizens. I have excelled and will be starting my studies at Boise State University this fall where I am enrolled in the Honors College and plan to receive a double major in Political Science and Economics. Following undergraduate studies, I hope to attend Law School and focus in Constitutional and Resource Law. Following Law School, I hope to move back to Alaska to practice Resource Law and ultimately be involved in State politics. http://bit.ly/2vpmG1C
Gavin Elvsaas [Susan B. English School]
Gavin Elvsaas grew up in Seldovia and is part of the graduating class of 2017 at Susan B. English School, the same school from which her mother, aunts and uncles, cousins, and other relatives graduated. She is a self-possessed, kind-hearted, and passionate girl who has made her family and community proud. As a K-12 school, Susan B. English provides opportunities for students to become leaders and role models for much younger students, and Gavin is both. She worked as a classroom aide in the K-6 class this year, helping kids with their reading and math. She has earned her Emergency Trauma Technician certificate and aced her anatomy class, and she plans to pursue a career in the medical field. http://bit.ly/2uEFkoO
David Kalugin [Voznesenka School]
School, football, and Project Grad are important parts of David’s life, but so is his family, and commercial fishing. For the last two summers David was a captain on his family’s fishing vessel, and prior to that he spent several years as a deckhand. However, David does not have an interest in making fishing his livelihood, rather, his dream is to become an industrial electrician. He is currently working towards an apprenticeship in this field. He has liked electronics since he was a little boy, and earned respect by repairing inoperative cell phones. http://bit.ly/2tkhdrl
www.KPBSD.org
Stephanie Cronin, 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations to the 2017 Kenai Peninsula Borough BP Teacher of the Year, Ms. Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School!
“This is a great honor; I would like to thank BP for recognizing teachers of excellence across the state of Alaska, and for their support of public education! I became a teacher to make a difference. Teachers make a difference when they inspire students to push beyond their imaginary limits and begin to truly believe in themselves. This is my goal every day.” –Stephanie Cronin
A whirlwind of enthusiasm in the classroom, she consistently inspires students to dig deeper and reach higher to achieve their full potential.
Described by colleagues, she is a “legendary teacher in the district and state, who continues to impact many lives through the ability to engage students, and is consistently working to strengthen the district and enrich the working lives of colleagues.”
In addition to her impressive education background, she is a member of many committees and professional organizations, all devoted to improving the education of our young people. Mrs. Cronin states that “volunteerism gives me the chance to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
In a community where there is only one high school, one might say that all paths to a diploma go through this teacher’s classroom. This means that the teacher must be all things that all students need in order to find success. She accomplishes this through PMA or “Positive Math Attitude.”
Principal Trevan Walker states: “If one were to survey any Seward High graduate since the Class of 2000 then I am confident that they would not only be able to describe ‘Positive Math Attitude,’ but that they would be able to describe what ‘PMA’ personally means to them. I can think of no greater tribute, to a truly excellent teacher, than this.”
The 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year receives a $1,500 scholarship to be used towards continuing education and an award sculpture.
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. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential. Mrs. Cronin is definitely one of our finest teachers who has transformed math instruction at Seward High School. She makes a positive difference everyday and is an unforgettable influence on her students. This award is very well deserved.”
