Tag: Seward Elementary

Community member Amy Hankins receives Golden Apple

Golden Apple recipient, Ms. Amy Hankins
Golden Apple recipient, Ms. Amy Hankins

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | April 4, 2016
Ms. Amy Hankins, Community Member

Ms. Amy Hankins consistently demonstrates deep support for the students of Seward schools. She has served on the Seward School Site Based Council and is currently serving as the Arts Chair on the board of the Seward Parent-Teacher-Association (PTA). In addition to serving on the PTA board, Amy generously offers her time and talents as the chair of the PTA’s Arts committee. This committee is charged with making the arts available to Seward area students. Last year, Amy spearheaded an 18 month effort to bring Jabali, an African dance troop, from Mombasa, Kenya, to Seward. She coordinated all aspects for this production, including fundraising, PR, ticket printing and sales, transportation and lodging, so that this cultural extravaganza could be enjoyed by the community of Seward and all three Seward schools, along with students from Connections Homeschool and Moose Pass School. This year she spearheaded Scrap Arts music to come to Seward in April 2016.

Amy also has a passion for technology. In 2013, Amy joined with two other staff members to lead a community-based computer programing club for youth aged nine to 18. The Seward Community Library and Museum generously hosts club meetings and activities. Amy’s work with this group eventually evolved into her work with Lego Robotics in the schools.  Amy works with two Lego Robotics groups in Seward: one meets after-school and one meets during school.

The after-school Lego Robotics team, comprised of Seward Elementary and Seward Middle School students, and a homeschool student, met last year to learn to build and program Lego vehicles to perform specific tasks. Co-coach Leigh Ray said, “Amy leads the club by exuding enthusiasm for coding and robotics, which helps the kids get unstuck when the programming gets tough! She is becoming a very accomplished robotics programmer herself!” In 2015, the team competed in the first Lego League regional competition in Anchorage. They were then invited to return and compete in the state championship. At the end of the regional competition in Anchorage, Amy received the Coach Award for her excellence in coaching.

At Seward Elementary, Amy introduced Lego Robotics during the 2013-2014 school year. She worked with approximately 55 second grade students, teaching building and programing skills. This year, she has continued the program with the same students, who are now in third grade, as well as teaching it to all of the current second graders. Students enjoy the challenge of building and coding. Second grader Van Shank says, “It was fun programing the computers. Mrs. Hankins did a really good job.” In addition, Amy began training a teacher to continue the program as the current third graders move up a grade. “We value the way Amy looks for opportunities to enhance the education of all students in Seward through her ongoing dedication to the arts and technology,” said Principal David Kingsland.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Ms. Amy Hankins for her dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.
Ms. Rankin was nominated by Principal David Kingland, on behalf of Seward Elementary School.
Link
Golden Apple recipients

Ms. Amy Hankins and Board Member Lynn Hohl
Ms. Amy Hankins and Board Member Lynn Hohl

10K benefits Seward Elementary classroom instruction

$10,000 Worth of Gifts Arrive at Seward Elementary
The gifts have arrived, and teachers at Seward Elementary School are very excited about integrating all the new equipment into their lessons. After receiving a $10,000 gift for computer hardware from the education non-profit organization, Code.Org, teachers selected items that would enhance classroom instruction, especially S.T.E.M. lessons. For example, the new 3D printer by MakerBot will allow students to engineer tangible solutions to simple real-world problems, design their fix in SketchUp, then print the object out!
10K award
Third grade teachers are thrilled to have 28 new Chromebooks for their students. These are a cross between a notebook and a laptop, and they run without fans—allowing for stackable storage. The Chromebooks use Google for education applications, which KPBSD supports for all teachers and students.
“The third grade classes are looking forward to using the Chromebooks,” said Erin Flowers, a third grade teacher.  “These devices will provide extra opportunities for our students to prepare for AMP tests, improve fluency in reading and math, as well as provide the technological foundation required for continuous improvement in technology skills.”
Excitement stems from the possibilities that the new web cameras give each teacher, too. Leigh Ray, a second grade teacher, explained how websites such as www.epals.com allow teachers to connect with other classrooms around the globe—making contact based on age, academic unit of study, or other similar purposes.
Several other items rounded out the gifts received, including mp3 players, a new digital projector, and document cameras. With these new tools, students at Seward Elementary are definitely receiving a leading-edge, twenty-first century education.
Many thanks to Hadi Partovi, the CEO and co-founder of the education non-profit Code.org, for having the vision to bring computer science to every student in the United States, for instituting the now-famous Hour of Code, and for gifting Seward Elementary School with $10,000 of computer hardware.
Story contributed by David Kingsland, principal, Seward Elementary
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news release: Seward Elementary wins 10K for Hour of Code

Kenai Peninsula Borough School DistrictPrint
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

News Release
Seward Elementary awarded 10K for Hour of Code

Soldotna, December 2, 2014—Second grade Seward Elementary teacher, Leigh Ray, organized an Hour of Code for her school last year, and invited other KPBSD schools to participate. Imagine her surprise in November, 2014, when she learned her school would receive $10,000 worth of computer hardware and accessories from Code.org. In addition, Seward Elementary was one of 51 schools, and the only school in Alaska to receive the award!
“What’s exciting to me about this gift is the increased opportunities it gives our students here in Seward,” said Leigh Ray. “We already have an award-winning school and a supportive little town, and through this gift, our ability to educate our elementary students with first class technology has leapt forward substantially! Imagine what this will do for our students’ curiosity, aspirations, and love of learning! Through technology, our world has changed. It’s only natural that our classrooms should be equipped to support learning that matches those changes.”
Hour of Code 2014The international Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to show that anyone can learn the basics of computer coding. Last year during Computer Education Week, nearly 15 million students tried computer science in one week. This year, December 8 – 14, 2014, marks a week when tens of millions of students in 180+ countries will participate.
A Seward Elementary assembly will take place at 1:00, December 8, 2014, to celebrate the educational experience taking place in the school, and accept the $10,000 award.
“We are very excited that Seward Elementary has won this opportunity through the efforts of the school and in particular, educator Leigh Ray,” said Sean Dusek, KPBSD superintendent. “Utilizing projects that are application based like this are the kinds of activities that make a real difference in developing student thinking and technology skills. I am very happy the school is emphasizing 21st Century learning schools in this manner. Congratulations Seward Elementary!”
Links
http://hourofcode.com/us
KPBSD story: Hour of Code, 2013 http://bit.ly/KPBSDHourOfCode

20131217_HL_HourOfCode_LEAD
Hour of Code, 2013, Seward Elementary

 

Seward Elementary teacher loses home to fire

Lyon Family benefit

Our KPBSD teacher, Nickole Lyon, suffered a devastating home fire in Seward. The KPBSD and Seward communities are showering  the Lyon family with care and outreach. If you would like to assist, these are some ideas:
Donations
An account for donations has been created at Wells Fargo Bank. Anyone can donate at a Wells Fargo to the “Lyon Family Benefit Fund.”
Lyon Family Benefit
Spaghetti Dinner and Auction
Saturday, January 25, 2014
American Legion
All proceeds will go to the family.
4:00-8:00     Spaghetti feed: $10 donation, take outs available
4:00-7:30     Silent auction
7:00-till done     Live Auction
Auction donations needed
Would you like to make a donation to the auction, or volunteer to assist? Contact Joanne Frey via text or call, 907-362-1948, or email: hapi2teach@gmail.com. A volunteer signup sheet is at Seward Elementary lounge, or contact Joanne.
Clothing donations can be brought to Seward Elementary. Household items will be needed when the Lyon’s have a new living location. If you cannot hold them, bring them to Seward Elementary.
Meals
Seward City Church is organizing meals; call Max or Deanna Ingalls, 907-301-1046, to be added to the list.

Much appreciation to everyone who is coming to the assistance of the Lyon family. Thank you for your generosity, care, and compassion.

 

Seward Elementary Six Word Novel Competition

Students at Seward Elementary School submitted 466 six word novels to the third annual six word novel event. There were also 32 adult entries. The novels are displayed throughout the elementary school and students frequently read them as they pass through the hallways on their way from here to there.
Agusta Lind, Seward’s Quest teacher initiated the six word novel event during the 2009-2010 school year after learning about six word novels. A six word novel tells a story using only six words. The words represent more than just six words, they hint at a past and a future. Some great examples of this are “He found the thing that smiled,” written by Justin McMurrary, 2012; “Bob, that is not a dragon,” by Michael Walker, 2010; and “Meet music, his name is George,” by Julia Davenport, 2011.
“The six word novel competition is one of the few school wide events we have at Seward Elementary where every student can get involved,” Terri McKnight, sixth grade teacher—and awesome 6 word novel author—stated about the event. “All the kids really get involved not only writing the novels, but reading them.”
“I love that all of the students are reading the novels and talking about their favorites. I also get excited to see parents and other adults who come into the building stop to read the novels,” reports Ms. Lind. One of the purposes of the event is to get students writing, the other is to get students reading. The six word novel competition certainly accomplishes that.
Students, staff and parents voted on their favorite six word novels the results are recorded below.
Seward Elementary’s Favorite 6 Word Novels 2012
By Grade Level
Kindergarten
I like my mom so much!                                    Zach Hustman
First Grade
The little squirrels ate big nuts.               Emily Mitchell
Batman hit someone with his lasso.                    Nathan Hankins
My dog made a big mess.                                 Alexie Wayne
The lake is sparkling and shining.                       Emily Mitchell
No more buildings. No more animals.    Sam McLain
Second Grade
My pet banana is very gassy.                            Ozzy Deel
My name is @#%^&?! Crazy blop.                  Paxton Hill
I got a fat pig yesterday!                                   Alexi Walker
A fat pig sat on apple.                                       Soren O’Brien
My annoying orange is very annoying.   Connor Williams
Hi my name is Old Lady.                                  Porter Rockwell
I work good at school today.                            Emery Zinis
I eat food off the floor.                          Porter Rockwell
I like chocolate and vanilla cupcakes!    Kiana Vesel
I take showers in the kitchen.                            Porter Rockwell
Third Grade
I play zombie games every day.             Matthias Wood
I forgot my six word novel.                               Annika Rae Nilsson
Layla is my BFF for ever.                                 Emily Unrein
I love my zombie a lot.                          James Milburn
I am late to school because…                            Hannah Schilling
The walking dead will take over.                       Tommy Cronin
Family is love. Love is priceless.                        Wren Dougherty
I need candy candy candy, hyper!                     Sailor Terry
You get what you get alien.                               Luke Gunter
Love is fine. Love is careful.                              Destiny Walker
Fourth Grade
The Dragon vs tree: Ouch! Splinter!!!                Marisa Phasomsap
Love is in the air, forever.                                              Leilani Lackey
Best friends forever love your friend.                             Leilani lackey
This is Bob. Bob got squished.                          Nick Karakokonok
I’m allergic to school…especially today.             Collin Mullaly
I belly flopped a king salmon!                            Gordon Arca
Talent doesn’t matter in my world.                                Malia Hewitt
Ouch! That hair just bit me.                                           Max Pfeiffenberger
I am so allergic to boys.                                                Katelyn Sawyer-Lemme
My heart speaks to your heart.                          Angel Purigay
Fifth Grade
No more homework save the trees!                              Maggie Adkins
Mrs. McKnight VS zombies who will win?                    Daisy Terry
A tank blew up my homework.                         Ethan Forbis
Super model stranded on Zombie Island.                       Heidi Swearingen
Zombies, caution you’re going to die.                Gabriel Wood
WASABI! Dude you’re not a Ninja.                             Ian Beals & Hayley Unrein
Santa needs to trim his nails.                                          Madilyn Moore
French toasted zombies are taking over!                        Shelly Sewell
Don’t trust Santa. He likes cookies!                              Malaya Wallace
I’m scared of the cookie monster.                                 Ryan Miller                              
Sixth Grade
Diet Coke = Chocolate = Money = Mrs. McKnight                  Ashley Jackson
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, CRAZY                                                                                                                                                                        Maggie Adkins & Meghan Mullaly
School is a place for daydreaming.                                            Coral Petrosius
“FAB” is out of this world!!!                                                     Ashley Jackson
The snack that smiles back, goldfish.                                         Coral Petrosius
It always seems like dolphins hiccup.                                         Coral Petrosius
Bullies are just very sad people.                                                James Helberg
Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.                                   Riley von Borstel
Friends don’t let friends fade away.                                           Ellanore DeFreest
Cinderella are you really that happy?                                         Amanda Nguyen
Adult Entries
It snowed last night, NO SCHOOL!                             Mr. Kingsland
Duct tape is allowed at school!                          Mrs. McKnight
My FAB 5/6: Gotta Love ‘Em!                         Mrs. Fabian
At the end, there’s the beginning.                                   Mr. Fraad
Stop the abuse! No more HOMEWORK!                    Mrs. DeBoard
Writing six word novels is fun!                           Mrs. DeBoard
Blissfully dreaming. Alarm RINGS! BOO reality.           Mrs. Fabian
Not all frogs like being kissed!                          Val McHone
Who’s your daddy, who’s your daddy!             Val McHone
Please stay off of the doorstops!                                   Carl Lock 

Overall Favorites
It snowed last night, NO SCHOOL!                                         Mr. Kingsland
Diet Coke = Chocolate = Money = Mrs. McKnight                  Ashely Jackson
No more homework, save the trees!                                         Maggie Adkins
Chocloate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, CRAZY                                                                                                                                                                        Maggie Adkins & Meghan Mullaly
Mrs. McKnight VS zombies who will win?                                Daisy Terry
The Dragon vs tree: Ouch! Splinter!!!                            Marisa Phasomsap
Duct tape is allowed at school!                                      Mrs. McKnight
I’m allergic to school…especially today.                         Collin Mullaly
Love is in the air, forever.                                                          Leilani Lackey
A tank blew up my homework.                                     Ethan Forbis
Thank you to Agusta Lind, Quest Facilitator, Hope and Moose Pass Schools, Seward ELementary and Seward Middle School for providing this article and the photos.

Four KPBSD schools receive USDA HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC) award


PRESS RELEASE

Bronze Award from the USDA HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC) is awarded to Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science, Paul Banks Elementary, Seward Elementary, and Soldotna Elementary
Soldotna, September 12, 2012—Four Kenai Peninsula Borough School District schools received national recognition for supporting the health of children and communities. As part of their efforts in the federal HealthierUS School Challenge, the districts feature healthy items on their school menus and emphasize physical education and activity. KBPSD is one of the first two Alaska school districts to achieve this award.
A HUSSC Awards Assembly with representatives from the USDA will celebrate Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science, Paul Banks Elementary, Seward Elementary, and Soldotna Elementary on September 20, 2012, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Soldotna Elementary School, 162 Park Avenue, Soldotna, Alaska.
Upon learning of the national award, Dean Hamburg, administrator of KPBSD Student Nutrition Services said, “Since 1946, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has supported success in school meal programs. As a longtime leader in support of appropriate nutrition for student success in American classrooms, the USDA developed the criteria and award program that is the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC). The KPBSD community can be proud and pleased that these four schools are among the first in Alaska to meet the award winning criteria for appropriate nutrition in school meals, physical education, and nutrition education. This is a significant achievement in Alaska nutrition history for the students we serve.”
Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent said, “I am thrilled to learn that our four schools are being recognized in this way. The award speaks to our progressive stance toward student wellness and shines a light on the careful attention that these schools give to their students.”
Together with the USDA, the state of Alaska supports the HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC). HUSSC is a voluntary initiative established in 2004 to recognize schools and Residential Child Care Institutions that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. The three goals of HUSSC are: improve the quality of foods served; provide students with nutrition education; and provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.
KPBSD thanks the support staff who work in student nutrition services, to educators, and to the students who learn the value of physical activity and healthy nutrition.
Links
KPBSD Student Nutrition Services
State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Press Release
HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC) in Alaska   
Federal HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC)      
For more information contact Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communications specialist, Pegge@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907.714.8838
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