Mrs. Engebretsen and two of her students visit a KPBSD elementary school during Celebraille month!
Do you have a dream?
Meet Jordana Engebretsen, KPBSD teacher of the blind and visually impaired! Mrs. Engebretsen teaches KPBSD students who are blind and visually impaired, and she herself is blind. Jordana organizes community events and outreach in KPBSD schools to aid sighted people learn about braille and blindness. #Celebraille
In addition, Jordana has a vision, and serves students with disabilities through summer camps. She entered The 2017 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition competition to expand that service, and Jordana needs your vote by March 7, 2017, to progress in the competition. Winning will help her realize her dream to expand her summer camps for children with disabilities to Iceland and Peru. Meet Jordana in her 85 second video, and CLICK HERE to vote
I have always want to give to others. Yes, I am blind and mobility impaired, however, I am blessed beyond comprehension. I am alive, able to talk, to touch, to hear, and to think. I have a beautiful family, a strong faith, a job that I like and so much more! I believe what Hellen Keller said, ‘The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision’.
I entered the The 2017 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition competition, which could allow me further my dream to expand camps for children with disabilities if I’m awarded $25,000! I made a video, that needs your popular vote in order to progress to the next level of competition. Yes, I’m blind, and made a video!
I uploaded a YouTube video of my project, and it’s titled “Jordana Engebretsen: Reaching Your Full Potential No Matter Your Ability.” I want to develop camps in two new locations: Iceland and Peru. Your help is needed for me to progress, please watch the video and please give it a thumbs up.
I want to give more children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a camp experience. You can check out what I’m currently doing at our website www.cristovive.net. I have developed and led these camps for several years.
Muchas gracias,
Jordana Engebretsen
KPBSD teacher of the blind and visually impaired, TVI, MA
“The Holman Prize is not meant to save the world or congratulate someone for leaving the house. This prize will spark unanticipated accomplishments in the blindness community. You will see blind people doing things that surprise and perhaps even confuse you. These new LightHouse prizes will change perceptions about what blind people are capable of doing.” — Bryan Bashin, CEO at LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
When the #KPBSD Nikolaevsk School basketball team traveled to Nenana, learning happened on the road! Students stopped by the Usibelli Coal Mine for a tour led by the senior engineer. A visit to the lab, shop, mine, and a presentation on the science behind the operations was insightful! #AKlearns
On February 7, 2017, a KPBSD Key Communicator Collaboration with more than seventy participants met at the Challenger Learning Center, in Kenai, Alaska.
Attendees: School board members, Key Communicators, site council representatives, leadership team, students, regional principals, community partners Purpose: Collaborate with key people in our schools to talk about issues KPBSD faces this year, reflect on what we are doing well, ask questions, give administration a perspective, and grow advocates for KPBSD public education KPBSD Key Communicators
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 in everyday ordinary life interactions. At times, people of all ages who care about public education want facts about issues in order to communicate effectively with community leaders, each other, and elected officials. Our KPBSD Key Communicators are informed about school district initiatives, issues, and celebrations through responses to questions, email messages, media releases, and e-newsletters from district office communications–and have an open line of communication with district leadership to ask questions and express concerns and celebrations in the school district. Together we will broaden community advocates and share our #golden stories.
Alaska School Counselor Association’s 2016 Advocate of the Year Award goes to KPBSD Sara Moore!
“Sara Moore has done a terrific job with our students for many years. Even in retirement she is making a positive difference with our students! Congratulations on the award!” – Sean Dusek, superintendent
In 1996, beginning in #KPBSD at Soldotna High School, Sara then served as a districtwide counselor specialist from 2012 to 2016 when she retired, then returned to be the transition lead school counselor for the 2016-2017 school year.
Sara Moore said, “Receiving statewide recognition for advocacy is a testament to both our district and to the colleagues I have worked with over the years. By recognizing the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model as the framework for counseling programs in our schools, the KPBSD leadership team supports the role school counselor’s play in student achievement in the areas of academic, career and personal and social development. The KPBSD school counseling program is viewed as a model for other districts and KPBSD school counselors have a long history of statewide leadership in multiple areas. According to ASCA, “Effective school counseling programs are a collaborative effort between the school counselor, parents and other educators to create an environment that promotes student achievement.” I am inspired by the tireless efforts our school counselors make every day to this end!”
“As school counselors, we best inspire students through a program that strives to reach every student,” said Moore. “By providing both direct classroom instruction and individualized guidance, we help students to set both academic, and career and life goals as well as provide them with the resources and education necessary to reach those goals. We encourage students to realize there are many paths to their goals despite the myriad of challenges and hurdles they might face along the way. In our attempts to grow student learning and achievement, school counselors make every effort to encourage student development, not only as individuals, but as contributing members of families and communities. One of the most exciting aspects of my work has been to observe the developmental changes in students as they acquire the skills and attitudes necessary to transition to the workplace, higher education and, or career and technical training upon completion of their high school experience. As I move into retirement, I know I will continue to encounter past students in the community and look forward to hearing of their journeys!”
John Pothast, director of elementary and secondary education said, “I have found Sara to be a tireless supporter of what we do in our school counseling programs. For years she served as one of our best, and go to counselors in the district, not only serving the students in her building, but also being a mentor to every other school counselor. For the past few years we have been fortunate to have Sara serve in the capacity as our Districtwide Counselor Specialist. In that capacity she has coordinated all of the professional development learning opportunities for our school counselors, including leading the school counselors group through the process of developing a more meaningful evaluation process that is tied to national school counselor standards. She has worked with staff, students and parents in postsecondary career plans and transitions and has developed, and helped school counselors implement, PLCP plans for all secondary students. Sara has officially retired from her roles as school counselor and counselor specialist, but like so many great educators, she just can’t seem to remain retired!” The Advocate of the Year award recognizes a special individual or group for their assistance in furthering the mission of school counselors in Alaska. The Advocate of the Year may have developed or implemented a new program that affects the wellbeing of students/staff; they may have initiated improvement in counseling services; or they may have provided outstanding opportunities for the professional growth of counselors. Whether an administrator, community group, or other individual in or out of the school environment, the recipient of this award represents true advocacy for our profession. Links
State Championship of Teaching!
2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year plus the Alternate Teacher of the Year are #KPBSD educators
Soldotna, December 6, 2016—Why is the the Alaska Commissioner of Education, Dr. Michael Johnson, visiting Soldotna High School? To surprise the 2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year during a crowded assembly of students and staff. And, more excellence: the 2017 Alternate Teacher of the Year is Stephanie Cronin, from KPBSD Seward High School!
“James Harris believes that the fundamental purpose of teaching literature is to connect students with the world,” Commissioner Johnson said. “That’s a very good definition of teaching in general. To his classroom, Mr. Harris brings his knowledge, passion, practical experience in writing, and empathy for students. He is an inspiring choice for Alaska Teacher of the Year.”
L-R: Soldotna High School Principal Tony Graham; James Harris, 2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year; KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusek; Commissioner of Education, Dr. Michael Johnson James Harris, Soldotna High School
2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year
“Yes, yes, yes!” will be the response Mr. Harris offers in 2017 when he is called upon to speak at education conferences and participate in various statewide education working groups. He will be a member of Commissioner Johnson’s teacher advisory group. The Alaska Teacher of the Year is the state’s nominee for national Teacher of the Year. Watch the James Harris learns he is 2017 Alaska Teacher of the Year Polycom video!
“I look at the profession of teaching as one of the most vital and important jobs in our country and I really hope to represent Alaska teachers and all they strive for!” – James Harris
A 12-year professional, James Harris has taught English at Soldotna High School for seven years. A published writer, editor, and college educator, he chairs the English department and professional development at his school, and coaches youth hockey. Harris says, “Through literature I hope to help my students empathize with the human story, open themselves up to the joys, sufferings, motivations, disappointments, and triumphs of others, and thus achieve a kinder and more complex understanding of themselves.”
Once students graduate, they start the stories of their own lives. Harris said he uses every skill, experience, talent, and tool at his command to give his students what they need to face their life choices armed with literacy, empathy, and a deeper sense of what they can contribute to our human community.
Mr. Harris holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Western State College of Colorado, a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and a master of arts degree in teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast.
“James is an outstanding educator who always puts kids first. He makes a lasting impression on all the students he comes into contact with, whether in the classroom or in the hallway. He inspires hope, ignites imagination, and instills a love of learning. He is very deserving of this honor and it is a pleasure to work with him each and every day.” – Tony Graham, Soldotna High School principal KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusek said, “This is the State Championship of teaching! We are excited and humbled to have two of our teachers recognized as the best in our state! Congratulations to Mrs. Stephanie Cronin from Seward High School for being chosen as the alternate this year. She is and always has been an outstanding teacher. As for our new 2017 Alaska Teacher of the year, Mr. James Harris, I am very pleased his great effort with our students has been recognized at the state level. He is an excellent representative of the teachers in our district! It is truly a great day in our district as both of these outstanding individuals have earned the highest honors in our state.”
KPBSD Winter Concerts & Music Programs Please treat yourself and attend a
music concert or school play in December!
Aurora Borealis Charter School – November 22, 7:00 p.m., Winter Program, KCHS
Chapman School – December 15, 7:00 p.m.
Homer High School – December 19, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert; December 21, 7:00 p.m., Candlelight, Carols and Desserts
Homer Middle School – December 15, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Mariner Theater
K-Beach Elementary – December 15, 6:00 p.m., Grades K-2, SoHi Auditorium; De cember 20, 6:30 p.m., 4-6 Bands, K-Beach
Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – December 6, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Concert grades 1-5, KCHS
Kenai Central High School – December 18, 3:00 p.m. KCHS Choir Holiday Concert, KCHS Auditorium; December 13, 7:00 p.m. KCHS Band Holiday Concert, KCHS Auditorium
Kenai Middle School – December 8, 7:00p.m., KMS Choir Holiday Concert, KCHS auditorium; December 13, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert with the KMS Concert Band, Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert Band & Jazz Band, KCHS auditorium
McNeil Canyon Elementary – December 8, 6:30 p.m., Winter Program
Moose Pass School – December 5, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Play
Mountain View Elementary – November 15, 6:00 p.m., Grades 4-5 Concert & Band Concert, KCHS Auditorium; December 15, 6:00 p.m., Grades 1-3 Concert, KCHS Auditorium
Nikiski Middle-High School – December 12, 7:00 p.m., Winter Band and Choir Concert
Nikiski North Star Elementary – December 6, 6:00 p.m., Grades 1-2 Winter Concert, NMHS Auditorium; December 13, 6:00 p.m., Grades PreK-K, modern and concert band Winter Concert, NNS Gym
Ninilchik School – December 19, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Rootbeer Float Fundraiser
Paul Banks Elementary – December 6, 1:00 p.m., Winter Program, Mariner Theatre
Redoubt Elementary – December 8, 6:00 p.m., Grades 1-3 Winter Concert, Soldotna High School; December 13, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert, Gym
Seward Elementary – December 15, 6:00 p.m., South Wing Winter Concert, Gym
Seward Middle School – December 12, 1:40 p.m., Holiday Drama; December 14, 6:30 p.m., Holiday Music Show, Hotel 360
Skyview Middle School – December 15, 7:00 p.m., Band and Choir Winter Concert, Skyview Commons
Soldotna Elementary – December 6, 6:30 p.m., Primary Winter Concert (SOEL and SMCS); December 20, 6:00 p.m., Band and Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS)
Soldotna High School – December 13, 7:00 p.m., Band and Choir Concert (with Soldotna Prep)
Soldotna Prep – December 13, 7:00 p.m., Band and Choir Concert (with Soldotna High School)
Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 6, 6:30 p.m., Primary Winter Concert (SOEL and SMCS); December 20, 6:00 p.m., Band and Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS)
Sterling Elementary – December 13, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Grades Pre K-3; December 15, Winter Concert, Grades 4-6
Susan B. English School – December 13, 6:30 p.m., K-12 Christmas Program
Tebughna School – December 21, 6:00 p.m.
Tustumena Elementary – December 13, 6:00 p.m.
West Homer Elementary – December 13, 1:00 p.m., Mariner Theater
Mrs. Pothast explains, “My first and second hour eighth grade American History classes participated in much of the research “grunt work” guided by our outstanding adult volunteers. Many of the ideas for direct links, etc. that you’ll see in the product are ideas the kids recommended. Our adult volunteers contributed the expertise in their respective fields as well as the actual technical construction of the map. Students worked with adults to add attributes to the app and worked in teams led by the adults to develop the basic content ideas for each tab. Students are seeing the work for the first time and loving it! They are also already thinking of ways to improve it. This has been a wonderful learning experience for all of us, and one I look forward to continuing in the future. Many thanks to our adult volunteers without whom this would not have been possible.”
Forty-four registered teams with close to 200 students from fourth grade through high school competed in the KPBSD annual “Mind A-Mazes” meet on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Soldotna Prep School. Teams came from all parts of the peninsula – Homer, Hope, Seward, Nikiski, Moose Pass, and the Central Peninsula.
This year’s annual “Mind A-Mazes” challenge had teams exercise their communication, teamwork, engineering, and problem-solving skills while constructing and testing a vehicle powered solely by a single mousetrap. The annual challenge is made possible through the active participation of district Quest program (gifted education) teachers, as well as a host of other teachers, volunteers, and supporters. The “Rodent Racers” problem challenged team vehicles to travel a distance of 21 feet with accuracy and speed. If a team’s device met all of the problem requirements and limitations and hit a can target at the end of a 21 foot lane (without going outside of a three foot wide lane), then it qualified for a second heat in which the speed at which it traveled the lane and hit the target were measured.
Thank you to all the students, parents, coaches, teachers, volunteers, judges and coordinators who made this year’s meet such a wonderful experience for students! Link Mind a-Mazes Blog
News Release Southern peninsula school start and end time options Soldotna, October 12, 2016—Changes to school start and end times will begin in August, 2017, and in order to inform and gather input, three southern peninsula community meetings will take place in November. The same content will be presented at each meeting. Parents, KPBSD staff, students, and community members are invited and encouraged to attend a community meeting of their choosing:
Tuesday, November 1, 2016, 6:00 PM, Ninilchik School
Wednesday, November 2, 2016, 6:00 PM, Homer High School
Thursday, November 10, 6:00 PM, Chapman School, Anchor Point
Following community meetings and feedback from community members, on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, school principals met with district administration and staff to develop three options for new school start and end times in the southern peninsula. The preferred option from all school administrators is “X”. However, two additional options were also developed. Option “Y” adds ten minutes to start and end times, and option “Z” is most problematic, swaps the start times, and tiers schools without like needs. Next steps:
The transportation department analyzed X, Y, and Z options, and transportation routes for X and Y are viable.
School administrators will share the three options with site councils, and gather input.
November community meetings will be an excellent time for a shared conversation and discussion.
Principals will evaluate input and make final recommendations to district administration.
KPBSD transportation will make certain bus transportation for the chosen option is viable.
The district anticipates completion and a final decision before winter break so that parents and communities can begin to plan for the changes that will start in August, 2017.
Celebrating Dave Daniel, KPBSD 30+ year teacher, 1986 – In his words…
“They will not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
“Our children are our future, literally. They come from all possible walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds, all types of living conditions, and with their own unique gifts and challenges. The number one thing an elementary teacher needs to remember is, ‘They will not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.’ I’ve been saying that for many, many years, and it has proven more times than I can recall in my students.”
#iAmKPBSD history
In 1986, I started teaching at William H. Seward Elementary School, the same school I had attended. Many of the same teachers were still teaching on staff! I taught 4th grade for two years, and was fortunate in that Roger Sampson was my principal and an excellent mentor. In 1988 I moved to Kenai, and began teaching at Mountain View Elementary.
Room memories:
Room 8: three years of 4th graders
Room 19 for twenty years! Three years with 6th grade; 15 years with 5th grade, and then back to 4th grade.
Portable: two and a half years with 4th grade
Room 14: my current classroom to this day!
When I think over my career in the KPBSD, I especially recall:
#Golden student…
I really appreciate those students who came to realize, I genuinely cared about them as people. Many of them come and visit me still to this day, or drop me a note now and again. This is especially rewarding, because often they are students that may have needed a firmer hand at times. Just this year I received a poignant note from one young man who is on the threshold of graduation. Evidently he was asked to consider those who had helped him through the rough patches, and he thought back to me. Then he took the time to write me a nice letter thanking me for the times I would pick him up for field trips, or go the extra mile for him in some other way. It was nice to know it had a positive and lasting impact on him.
#Golden staff…
I have been extremely blessed over the years to teach with many, many staff. Some have been memorable for their amazing abilities, dedication, love for students, wisdom, or sense of humor. I will never forget Alice Johnson and Jan Daniel’s efforts to help me loosen up and be less regimented. I was an extremely inflexible young teacher who lived by my lesson plan book and the clock. Alice made it her personal goal to cure me of this and would regularly bring her children into my class … Unannounced … to read our combined classes a story during my math lesson, or something else that made me flex. Jan on the other hand regularly hid my lunch in the staff lounge when I was not paying attention. I never knew it was her until the day she retired. Really, you just don’t expect that of such a sweet, kind, and lady. At least I didn’t, and I would accuse everyone else of doing it. She never said a word till we were celebrating her retirement.
What’s best for kids?
Then there was Jim Dawson. Jim started calling me sir the day I met him. I could not figure out why and told him to stop, because I was sure I was not that much older than him. We were the same age. Jim was the PE teacher at Mountain View, and over the years he became my friend, and the principal. He taught me it was okay to take educational risks and think outside the box, if the students would benefit. He taught me to do my best and not sweat the rest, and he was the first person I ever heard say, what’s best for kids? It shaped the way I looked at my students, and my profession. It helped me to develop my tag line on all my emails over these many years, They will not care what you know, until they know how much you care.
A forever memory … #compassion #MakeaDifference
I will never forget the terrible day our class returned from a fieldtrip, and one little girl’s mom was very late coming to pick her up. The police arrived and explained that mom had been rushing back to Kenai when she lost control of her car and was fatally injured. There was no other family in the state for this little girl, besides her young brother. I had to break the news to her, and held her for hours as she cried and cried. I made a call to a close classmate’s mom, who came and took her home. She stayed with this family until her grandparents were contacted. Our little classroom community, and a local congregation, cared for her and her grandparents until all arrangements were made. Then she and her brother went home with the grandparents. That young lady is 22 years old now, and over the years she reached out to me, and even came back once to reassure us all she was doing okay. A teacher often finds themselves doing so much more than the rest of the world even begins to understand. Dave Daniel, Mountain View Elementary, early 1990s, likely 1993
Investing my time in the KPBSD… #31years #PublicEducation
It has given me more perspective than many. I have seen so many programs, teachers, administrators, and curriculums come and go. The one common factor that has always been constant and made the biggest difference in any child’s education, is having a qualified teacher in their lives. The standards, programs, and assessments have never been as important as a community of dedicated professionals working collaboratively to help our students reach their potential. This was true 31 years ago, and it is today, as well.
Then and Now…
There was a time when the teaching reading, writing, math, science, and social studies well was good enough. Believe it or not there really was.
“I am very proud of our staff that have been with our district for so many years. The lives they have made a difference with are incalculable. I truly appreciate what they have given the children of this district and hope they continue their careers with us for many more years! Thank you so much for helping our students and schools grow!” –Sean Dusek, superintendent
