Meet #iAmKPBSD outstanding Distance Learning education students, Fall 2016
Annie Quinn Soldotna High School
Distance Class: Computer Applications
Distance Teacher: Darren Jones
“Annie Quinn completed all three computer applications courses this year earning her six college credits from Kenai Peninsula College. Annie has a great work ethic, time management skills and has demonstrated outstanding computer skills.” David Weisser Connections Homeschool
Distance Class: Biology A
Distance Teacher: Kim Leslie
“David’s creativity and enthusiasm for learning shine through on all of David’s work in Biology. He moves through this rigorous course on pace, showing strong understanding and bringing a level of curiosity that honors the wonders of science.” Caleb Rauch Homer High School
Distance Class: World History
Distance Teacher: Steve Cothran
“Caleb finished the whole semester of World History by the quarter mark, and more importantly, did so while maintaining the highest quality of work. His assignments were always comprehensive and he looked for meaningful insights between the course material and his contemporary world.” Gage Charlesworth, Connections Homeschool Gage Charlesworth Connections Homeschool
Distance Class: Health
Distance Teacher: Amanda Adams
“Gage has demonstrated true diligence in his first online course! Working continually to understand the material and remove roadblocks along the way. He responds to feedback by thinking deeper about the topics, and furthering his understandings.” Kaitlyn Johnson, Nikiski Middle-High School Kaitlyn Johnson Nikiski Middle-High School
Distance Class: Language Arts 10
Distance Teacher: Amanda Adams
“Kaitlyn continually demonstrates diligence in her efforts to become a better reader and writer. Her work ethic is unwavering, always reworking assignments, clarifying with questions, and applying feedback. Kaitlyn allows her creativity to shine through into her writing, and she isn’t afraid to take risks in trying new things with the goal of expanding her ability.” Olivia Delgado, Ninilchik School Olivia Delgado Ninilchik High School
Distance Class: Pre-Calculus
Distance Teacher: Gabe Evins
“Olivia is doing outstanding in Pre-Calculus online and is seven assignments ahead of schedule. Olivia continues to be one of my best students and shows exemplary work. She is very respectful with her communications and is not afraid to ask for help if help is needed.” Marissa Geissler, Homer High School Marissa Geissler Homer High School
Distance Class: Italian 1
Distance Teacher: Emanuela Pokryfi
“Marissa has been a remarkable student with her positive and proactive attitude throughout the first quarter. She was very helpful by letting me know of errors or issues with the course and its content whenever she found one, suggesting possible solutions. Marissa also agreed to meeting with another student in her school who is enrolled in the same online course to help her in getting more grounded in the course.” Learn more: KPBSD Distance Learning Department
The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to develop productive, responsible citizens who are prepared to be successful in a dynamic world.
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888 News Release
Two KPBSD educators are Teacher of the Year finalists
Soldotna, October 22, 2016—KPBSD is so proud! Two of the three finalists for the Alaska Teacher of the Year make a difference every day in our district. Join us to celebrate Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School, and James Harris, Soldotna High School, who are finalists chosen by a team of educators from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
“These finalists for teachers of the year represent their profession and remind us of the many great teachers in Alaska,” Commissioner Johnson said in a statement. “We see a common thread of teachers who are enthusiastic about their subject and about learning. They relate to students and place a priority on creating a healthy community in the classroom. They are leaders in their school and community.”
Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School
Stephanie Cronin has been teaching mathematics and engineering at Seward High School for 17 of her 19 years in the profession. A leader in our district and the community, she serves on committees for effective instruction, teacher evaluation, professional development, assessment, curriculum, and educational technology, the school site council, and the local Native Youth Olympics.
“Of course Ms. Cronin is a finalist for the Alaska Teacher of the Year!” said Trevan Walker, principal. “Her genuine love of teaching compels her to continue to learn and grow within the profession. This growth has made her a teacher-leader in technology integration among her colleagues at Seward High and as a member of the KPBSD effective instruction committee. Most importantly, however, is that Ms. Cronin is a caring and compassionate human. Her Positive Math Attitude (PMA) is more than a catch phrase or mantra—it is a philosophy that permeates every interaction she has with her students and they love her for it.”
Cronin says her greatest contribution to education is her impact on students, which is based on respectful, close relationships. Her passion is to show students the beauty and possibilities of mathematics. One student wrote that Ms. Cronin planted the seed that it’s okay to be excited about mathematics. “She increased my positive math attitude exponentially,” the student said, mathematically. She is a leader in Seward High School’s technology-heavy hybrid model, which offers students many ways to earn credits, videotaped lectures to make the most of class time, and online parallels to courses so students have some control over where and when they learn.
“Ms. Stephanie Cronin is clearly one of the best teachers in our district,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “Her excellence stems from the positive relationships she establishes with all of her students and her ability to make math relevant for her students. I am proud that she is a finalist for the Alaska Teacher of the Year award and believe this honor is well deserved.”
James Harris, Soldotna High School
“I feel incredibly honored to be considered a finalist for the 2017 Alaska State Teacher of the Year Award, and proud to teach in the best district in the state,” said James Harris. “I am absolutely thrilled to be thought of highly enough by my colleagues and the Department of Education and Early Development to be considered a finalist. I wouldn’t be half the teacher I am without amazing colleagues who constantly challenge and inspire me, or without the support of administrators who work so hard to create an environment for both students and teachers to grow. One of my favorite aspects of teaching, aside from the fun we have in class, is working with so many supportive parents who hold a deep value and respect for education and the opportunities it provides. Finally, no one makes me a better teacher than my students. I thank my students for challenging me, using strong verbs, and making me thankful every day for my life on the Kenai.”
James Harris is a 12-year professional, and 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 said he overcame a tumultuous childhood with the help of several teachers who could see the goodness and potential in him. He 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. James Harris is one of the best teachers in our district,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “He implements rigorous and relevant instruction into his classroom every day. The students know he cares about them as individuals through his personalization efforts and how he engages them in goal setting and individual improvement. It makes me proud that he is a finalist for the Alaska Teacher of the Year award and I believe this honor is well deserved.”
October 22, 2016: James Harris; Stephanie Cronin; KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusek
“Overall, it is very exciting that two of the three Alaska Teacher of the Year finalists are educators in the KPBSD. They are both excellent representatives of the teachers in our district and I am proud to have them working with our children every day.” – Sean Dusek, superintendent
October 22, 2016: Tony Graham, Soldotna High School principal; James Harris
“James is such a phenomenal teacher. His work and dedication to the craft pushes me to be better. I only wish I had been as good of a teacher as he is. This is an honor he truly deserves.” –Tony Graham, Soldotna High School principal
Soldotna High School Kayla Haeg Kayla Haeg [Soldotna High School] #Classof2016Soldotna High School’s valedictorian Kayla Haeg holds deep pride in her choice to take full advantage of the many opportunities and courses offered at Soldotna High School. She often found that the knowledge she gained in diverse courses extended across multiple academic disciplines and well beyond the classroom. “After spending four years in Soldotna High School’s drama department, I’ve learned that having a small part in something doesn’t mean it’s unimportant. In this way, my experiences in drama have prepared me for success in the community. Through drama, I learned that community is truly enhanced through small acts.” Aside from being a standout student and role model to her peers, many of Kayla’s small acts at Soldotna High School and in the larger Soldotna community came through her countless hours spent volunteering—whether with National Honor Society, blood drives, for events at local elementary schools, or the local little league.
Kayla’s ability to excel in multiple fields of study and her driven goal of taking a wide-breadth of challenging courses ultimately resulted in her long-term aspirations to synthesize academic knowledge in the working world in order to make Alaska an even better place to live. She is proud of her choice to remain in Alaska, where her father taught her how to properly catch a trout, and attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) next year, seeking a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree with the long-term goal of a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering. “With my advanced degree, I can not only become a rare female engineer, but also a female leader, inspiring similar young women to challenge occupational stereotypes and enter the field of engineering to pursue their passion for math and science.” Kayla aspires to eventually apply her skills in solving the unique engineering problems of Alaska, whether they are on the North Slope or through her own firm here at home. “This state has taught me that being a part of a community, whether it’s a large town or small village, not only requires participation, but also contribution and dedication.” Soldotna High School
James Knoebel – Soldotna High School 2016 BP Teacher of Excellence
“Every day I am inspired by the students I work with,” said James Knoebel. “Their persistence, resilience, and steadfastness to overcome barriers push me to be a better educator and person. I am appreciative of my team members at SoHi that support me as I promote inclusive and dynamic learning environments. I love what I do, and look forward to continuing to foster an atmosphere within our school that promotes self-determination and an appreciation for the whole person.”
James Knoebel, Soldotna High School 2016 BP Teacher of Excellence
“This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. I was particularly impressed with how all of the finalists have gone the extra mile for their students and make sure every student they work with know that they are loved.”
James teaches special education at Soldotna High School. He graduated magna cum laude in vocational rehabilitation from University of Wisconsin and achieved his Master of Education in Special Education from University of Alaska Southeast. He has been a teacher for nine years, all in Alaska.
“I don’t think there’s a branch of education that calls for more compassion, patience and a refusal to give up than special education. These are children who have difficulty in class and will have difficulty in life later on. Their experience in school sets the groundwork for how they will deal with life’s challenges, most of which require some form of learning. Many of these kids have been told for years they will never be able to graduate high school. It’s critical for them to learn how to learn. But even more, it’s critical for them to learn to believe in themselves.”
James’ students come to him not only with academic challenges, but also behavioral, social and mental-health issues. He is inclusive in the way he teaches, developing meaningful relationships with each child, working to steer them to general education classes for more-typical students and lighting within them the belief that they can overcome difficult things.
One nominator writes: “He is the most inclusive teacher I have come into contact with in over 20 years of working as an administrator and special education coordinator.”James achieves a notably high graduation rate with kids who might otherwise drop out of school by helping them become independent. He inspires them to become problem-solvers. Mr. Knoebel’s innovative approach to teaching has not only been recognized locally by students, parents, co-workers and administrators, but also by special education professionals from the state, who have visited his classroom to observe his exceptional work.
As the department chair, he assists other teachers in the Intensive Needs program. He also takes on coaching position for girls’ softball. James has been a staunch advocate for students with disabilities throughout the school and, by his example, has succeeded in changing the culture of acceptance in perhaps the most difficult group of all–teenagers. In his classroom, children learn they can complete school assignments, conquer emotions and navigate complex, often frightening social situations.
But James’ favorite time of year is graduation night. He says, “I get to sit in the audience and watch students I’ve worked with for years, sometimes five or six years, walk across that stage and shake the principal’s hand and hold up their diploma.” Our goal in this life as teachers is to inspire young people to believe they can do it, whatever their own personal “it” is. James achieves that goal every year on graduation night–against odds the rest of us simply don’t have to face.
Congratulations, James Knoebel, BP Teacher of Excellence.
On April 9, 2015, the Soldotna High School Student Council sent a letter to Alaska legislators in response to proposed reductions to education funding.
Dear Senators and Representatives,
We, the students of Soldotna High School Student Council would like to address the current status of HB72 as it stands on April 8, 2015. We are gravely concerned about the educational implications of this bill if it should pass as it currently exists.
While we do recognize the importance of drafting a balanced budget, the cuts to education are extremely distressing. With the additional reduction of 4.1% to the Foundation Formula and a cut to other One-Time funding sources, our district is now facing up to an additional $8 million reduction to the new school year budget—which was already a deficit budget and included cuts. We worry about what this means for our school next year and in the future.
With the adoption of new curriculum standards and adjustment to the new testing procedures, we are worried that decreased budgets could lead to increases in the size of our classrooms and a reduction in resources. While each of them by themselves is alarming, combined they could be devastating. Already we do not have enough one on one time with teachers and while we have internet access, our computers and buildings are showing their age.
Extra-curricular activities will also be hit very hard. Student fees to play may need to be increased to help cover the costs of busing, uniforms, referees and coaching staff. Many students are already discouraged about the high costs of participating in sports and yet it is these activities that help keep many kids in school and motivates them to get passing grades. We will need to lean more on local businesses and communities to help with fundraising efforts at a time when they already feel the pressure of helping our local schools.
Thank you for this opportunity to share our concerns. We would encourage you to continue to look at a variety of ways to help balance the budget without such extreme cuts to education.
Sincerely,
Members of Soldotna High School Student Council
Soldotna Alternative (SALT) is new program at Soldotna High School designed to serve primarily juniors and sophomores who are at risk of dropping out or not graduating from high school on time. SALT enables students to earn credits at an accelerated rate through an individualized learning experience, smaller class size and an altered school schedule. Ultimately, SALT offers students the flexibility, small class size, and individuality needed for them to succeed. Hands on biology at Skulls and Bones taxidermy class
A day in the life of a Soldotna Alternative student looks a little different from other students at Soldotna High School. Each day includes time to journal, eat a hot breakfast, extended time to focus on only two subjects at a time, and get some physical exercise. To help meet their physical and emotional needs, a hot breakfast is cooked every morning and consumed as a group. Each learning “rotation” lasts approximately six weeks so students are able to make up missed credit at an accelerated rate while having the ability to focus their attention on only a couple of classes at a time.
This is what students have to say about the program:
“We have more time to do work.”
“It’s small, calm and I can clearly think.”
“It has helped me calm down about school work and has helped me catch up.”
“I’m getting my credits back that I’m missing.”
The goal of Soldotna Alternative is for every student to graduate high school with a diploma and be able to pursue their own dreams. This is based on the belief that all students are important and capable of learning and succeeding.
Questions? Please email or call Soldotna Alternative School, housed in Soldotna High School, 907-260-7000.
The Soldotna High School Construction class is building a 20 foot by 30 foot storage building near the new track and field area. Students assisted with the cement pour and will do the rest of the project from the slab up under the direct supervision and instruction of their teacher Mr. Doug Gordon. Construction is continuing throughout the school year with a completion date this spring.
Story contributed by Doug Gordon, Soldotna High School
Soldotna High School is a leader in Family and Consumer Sciences, offering six courses: Nutrition, Culinary Arts, Child Development, Interior Design, Interpersonal Relationships, and Independent Living.
Many of these classes have articulation agreements with the University of Alaska where students can earn college credit. They also earn certifications in First Aid, CPR, AED, ServSafe, and their Alaska Foodworker card.
It is important to bridge our community and our students together. Our Family and Consumer Science students have over 15 community partnerships to learn about careers for future employment.
“My students inspire me because I learn so much from them. The greatest moment is watching them walk across the stage at graduation and knowing you were a part of that.” –Meggean Bos
Soldotna High School (SoHi) freshmen surprise Mr. Walton with a freshly painted ceiling tile with the iNspire logo and their handprints, demonstrating their personal commitment to make a positive difference.
Freshmen students at Soldotna High School (SoHi) discovered a new resource to find inspiration: themselves. Soldotna English teacher Matt Walton recently designed a website specifically to showcase freshmen students who achieve success in academics, sports, or extra-curricular activities, overcome a personal challenge, or perform a good deed. Walton says, “I wanted to design an inspirational website for our freshmen that would be student driven through their own personal success stories. I called the site iNspire, as in I inspire, which in itself represents the central theme of the website.”
As Walton hears of or discovers a new student achievement, with that student’s permission, he uploads a picture or video of the student, along with a brief summary of the student achievement into his website and then links the site to his class webpage. Once a student story is uploaded to the iNspire webpage, Walton informs SoHi counselor Erin Neisinger of the new student entry, and she then places a “positive home call” to that student’s parents.
Response to the iNspire website has been extremely positive as students see and read about themselves and their peers’ accomplishments. Walton stresses, “A good self-image is absolutely essential to any student’s success, and this website offers our freshmen the opportunity to see themselves in a favorable light and for them to also consider the value of working hard to achieve a goal or overcome a personal challenge.” He adds, “If it is true that what we focus on we give power to, then iNspire is an opportunity for our SoHi freshmen class to focus on their positive achievements and to realize that they have the choice to iNspire not only for their good, but also for the good of others.”
Visit the iNspire website
Advisory Committee recommendations for Soldotna schools 7-12 grade reconfiguration
Soldotna, November 8, 2013—The Soldotna area 7-12 grade schools Advisory Committee completed its work and presented recommendations to the KPBSD Board of Education during a work session on November 4, 2013.
Last spring, the school board voted to reconfigure the three Soldotna area secondary schools which set in motion a series of events to address the details of what needed to be in place for these schools at the start of the FY15 school year. One of these events was the administration’s creation of an advisory committee. This committee was tasked with making recommendations on school names, school colors, school mascots and suggestions on how to address the pending changes in school cultures.
This committee’s work is complete, and Doug Hayman, Transitions Coordinator, presented the following recommendations to the school board on November 4, 2013, during a work session. Consensus by the Advisory Committee was reached on the following topics:
The 7-8 grade middle school be named Skyview Middle School
The 7-8 grade middle school mascot be a Panther
The ninth grade school be named Soldotna Prep
Two 10-12 grade high school name possibilities are Soldotna High SchoolorSoldotna Central High School
The ninth grade school and 10-12 grade high school mascots both be a Star
The available colors for all three schools be blue, purple, black and white. (This palette opens the possibility but does not require additions of complementary highlights.)
The committee recommends that the current student body of each of the three schools, with the guidance of staff, develop and plan the transfer and preservation of all cultural and historic elements.
“I am pleased that the advisory committee accomplished so much and I want to thank each member for their positive, can-do approach toward their committee membership,” said Dr. Atwater, Superintendent. “Now that the committee’s recommendations have been made, it is important to dispel the misinformation that large sums of money will be required for next steps. As necessary, the district will change small items, e.g., signs in front of a school, but will not commit to large cosmetic changes, e.g., changing the gym floor. I encourage everyone to look forward to the benefits that the students will receive from this reconfiguration. We have an excellent secondary staff at our three schools who will do all that they can to ensure that the transition to the new schools will be smooth.” Thank you to Soldotna Schools Reconfiguration Advisory Committee 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
Doug Hayman, Transitions Facilitator School reconfiguration
Soldotna area 7-8th grade students will be housed at the existing Skyview High School
Soldotna area 9th grade students will be housed at the existing Soldotna Middle School
River City Academy (7-12) will be moved to the existing Soldotna Middle School
Soldotna area 10-12 grade students will be housed at the existing Soldotna High School
![Kayla Haeg [Soldotna High School] #Classof2016](http://communications.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/files/2016/06/2016-Kayla-Haeg-Soldotna-High-School-SMALL.jpg)
