Kenai student honored for excellence in distance learning
USDLA Awards Natalie Marlowe with the USDLA Student Achievement Award For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2018 Kenai Central High School student Natalie Marlowe is honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world's most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning. “This year’s USDLA Award recipient Natalie Marlowe represents the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so ...
USDLA awards Kenai student Natalie Marlowe top honors
USDLA Awards Natalie Marlowe with the USDLA Student Achievement Award For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2018 Kenai Central High School student Natalie Marlowe is honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world's most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning. Indianapolis, IN May 2, 2018 -- The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2018 International Distance Learning Awards to Natalie Marlowe in conjunction with the 2018 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987, as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 ...
Do you know how to perceive sound waves? #scienceproject
Do you know how sound waves affect people's lives? Homer Middle School 8th grade student Olivia Glasman does, and she signs you how (and typed in cc to assist!) https://youtu.be/jmzrwj42YFU "Through a science research project on sound waves, I wanted to educate people on how hearing and deaf people perceive sound waves. I think this is an important topic because instead of not talking about disabilities we should educate people on them. I think by doing this it will benefit the deaf community and the hearing community." - Olivia Glasman, 8th grade, Homer Middle School
New! Text Messaging Service Opt-In
New! Text Messaging Service for parents & guardians A positive Opt-In is necessary to participate in this free service Soldotna, Alaska—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District can now utilize the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to a parent, guardian, or student mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more. A positive opt-in text will be sent to current mobile contacts in PowerSchool on Thursday, May 17, 2018 from #67587. To activate the new free Text Messaging Service, a positive opt-in is necessary from your mobile phone. Parents, guardians, and students can participate in this free service by ...
Communications: SMS Text Messaging FAQs
KPBSD Parents and Guardians, you can take advantage of our Text Messaging Service Our schools and district utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more.* You can participate in this free service just by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587. You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop”. The SMS (text) contact numbers for you is sourced from your information in PowerSchool. To update your ...
Free eBook! Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School
School principal authors free interactive eBook to showcase 1:1 iPad initiative Free eBook! Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School Learning leaders in Nanwalek, a small village on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, across the bay from Homer, Alaska, published Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School. The free interactive digital book details and celebrates the journey and accomplishment to leverage iPads for learning across the classrooms and community. The 33 page eBook Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School, showcases how Nanwalek School worked to capture and archive cultural stories, teach native language, personalize learning, and transform classrooms ...
Seward student Heleana Backus awarded Golden Apple
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Golden Apple Award | May 7, 2018 Miss Heleana Backus Heleana Backus is a senior at Seward High School and she has been an integral part of the 2017-2018 ELA curriculum revision process. Her work on the committee is helping to ensure the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District moves toward even more meaningful opportunities for student growth and personalized learning, work which will impact students long after her own graduation. Heleana joined the 2017-2018 ELA curriculum committee as a student representative. She attended every meeting, took time to ask questions and dig into the data alongside the other ...
Principal Nancy Kleine awarded Golden Apple
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Golden Apple Award | May 7, 2018 Principal Nancy Kleine, Nanwalek and Port Graham Schools As a consummate advocate for her students and schools, Mrs. Nancy Kleine is quick to brag about her student’s latest accomplishments, which is usually accompanied by a tour of the building. As a colleague, Nancy is supportive of District initiatives that benefit students. As a result, students from Nanwalek and Port Graham schools benefited from opportunities provided by multiple KPBSD UPSTREAM Academies, the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program Middle School Academy, and through opportunities with District partners such as the Kenai ...
Seahawk Day of Caring is a win-win!
The First Annual Seahawk Day of Caring was a huge success! Spring sports athletes completed several community projects including Spring Cleaning at the Cemetery City Campgrounds. They swept gravel for several local churches and for the Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Local businesses pledged their financial support to these projects, and the teams raised more than of $11,000 to support their sports! Links Seward High SHS Today News Seward Seahawk Athletic Booster Club Facebook page KTVA May 6, 2018 story: Seward girls soccer returns to action
Facebook Live Q and A with Superintendent Dusek
You’re invited to a Facebook LIVE Q & A with the KPBSD Instructional Team Tuesday, May 8, 2018 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. How-to watch: It’s simple. Go to the KPBSD Facebook page on 5/8/18, 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 ...
USDLA Awards Natalie Marlowe with the USDLA Student Achievement Award For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2018
Kenai Central High School student Natalie Marlowe is honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world’s most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning.
“This year’s USDLA Award recipient Natalie Marlowe represents the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Mr. Pat Cassella, President of USDLA.
Natalie Marlowe, Kenai Central High School
In her words
“One of my favorite connections was when I was able to connect an Alaska and Texas elementary classroom to discuss back and forth. The amazement on the faces of Alaskan kids when the Texas students brought out their class pet, a snake, was priceless. The Texan students were equally impressed by the stories of the weather the Alaskan students considered typical on the playground.”
Be involved
“In the fall of 2015, I got involved in a video conferencing program offered at my high school. This program is team taught by a teacher at Kenai Central High School and a teacher at Soldotna Prep School and is designed to connect students around the world as it works to prepare them for the next generation workplace. Although I began the course looking for an extra social studies credit, as I learned more I began to realize how these global connections and networking skills would set me apart when I began applying to colleges and eventually entering the workforce.”
Learning
“My involvement over the past three years in this course has taught me a lot about video conferencing technology and the uses of distance education. However, it has also taught me a lot about myself as an individual. I have learned how to learn from my failures, sometimes more than from successes, and how to be flexible when things do not go as planned. I have learned how to be ready to stand up and participate in the discussion when put on the spot and how to be comfortable presenting in front my peers and large groups of adult professionals. I know the confidence and ease I have learned through these experiences will accompany me through life even outside of distance education and the use of video conferencing technology.”
Challenges and surprises
“Working with technology is always a gamble. There are so many things that can go wrong at any given point. I struggled especially when I was working with teachers because they looked to me to have answers when things went wrong and I didn’t always have them. Being involved in this program required me to grow in my flexibility and know when to admit I needed help and how to get that help. One key challenge I had was when I set up a conference for a teacher at an elementary school. I had gone in a few days before to make sure the technology was working but between that time and the conference date the equipment was moved and disconnected. I ended up having to cancel the conference that day and reschedule. Things like this have really taught me how to be flexible and communicate with people when things go wrong.”
Superintendent Sean Dusek said,
“I am very proud that Natalie Marlowe has earned this prestigious honor for her work with distance education as a student in our schools. She exemplifies the type of student we hope to have as KPBSD graduate. Natalie has demonstrated the highest levels of leadership and innovation in supporting staff and students to be successful in the world of online learning and I believe she will continue to make a huge impact with positively transforming education on a world-wide basis. Congratulations Natalie and I am so very proud to have you as one of our KPBSD graduates!”
KPBSD educator Rob Sparks said, “She has done an outstanding job of representing the KPBSD and has shown a high level of professionalism throughout her internship and is a super nice person on top of all her talents!”
“Natalie has been a part of our video conferencing program for three years at Kenai Central High School, and I truly appreciate all her efforts,” said Greg Zorbas, KCHS educator. “Natalie has gone above and beyond our expectations and is truly a deserving winner of the USDLA student achievement award. I am certain that her experience in the video conferencing program will help her succeed at whatever she chooses to do in the future.”
Posted in Awards by .
USDLA Awards Natalie Marlowe with the USDLA Student Achievement Award For Excellence in Distance Learning in 2018
Kenai Central High School student Natalie Marlowe is honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) with the world’s most prestigious distance learning award presented for excellence in distance learning.
Indianapolis, IN May 2, 2018 — The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2018 International Distance Learning Awards to Natalie Marlowe in conjunction with the 2018 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987, as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.
These prestigious International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Distance Learning, Innovation, Excellence in Teaching/Training, Quality Research Paper, Student Achievement, and Eagle.
“As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring Natalie Marlowe as a leader in the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. Natalie has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by Natalie’s contributions within all distance learning constituencies.
The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.
“This year’s USDLA Award recipient Natalie Marlowe represents the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Mr. Pat Cassella, President of USDLA.
Mr. Ken Conn, Chair of USDLA Board of Directors noted that, “This year’s award winner represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning.” He continued, “I also look forward to seeing Natalie again during National Distance Learning Week, November 5-9, 2018.”
Superintendent Sean Dusek said, “I am very proud that Natalie Marlowe has earned this prestigious honor for her work with distance education as a student in our schools. She exemplifies the type of student we hope to have as KPBSD graduate. Natalie has demonstrated the highest levels of leadership and innovation in supporting staff and students to be successful in the world of online learning and I believe she will continue to make a huge impact with positively transforming education on a world-wide basis. I am so very proud Miss Marlowe is one of our KPBSD graduates!”
Natalie, a Senior at Kenai Central High School, was the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District intern working with i2iTechnologoes, Two Way Interactive Communication in Education and Collaborations Around The Planet (CAPspace)
About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org
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Posted in Awards by .
Do you know how sound waves affect people’s lives? Homer Middle School 8th grade student Olivia Glasman does, and she signs you how (and typed in cc to assist!)
“Through a science research project on sound waves, I wanted to educate people on how hearing and deaf people perceive sound waves. I think this is an important topic because instead of not talking about disabilities we should educate people on them. I think by doing this it will benefit the deaf community and the hearing community.” – Olivia Glasman, 8th grade, Homer Middle School
Posted in Student Posts by .
May 18
15
New! Text Messaging Service Opt-In
New! Text Messaging Service for parents & guardians
A positive Opt-In is necessary to participate in this free service
Soldotna, Alaska—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District can now utilize the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to a parent, guardian, or student mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more. A positive opt-in text will be sent to current mobile contacts in PowerSchool on Thursday, May 17, 2018 from #67587.
To activate the new free Text Messaging Service, a positive opt-in is necessary from your mobile phone.
Parents, guardians, and students can participate in this free service by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school district’s short code number, 67587 anytime, and making certain that your cellular contact is correct in PowerSchool.
FAQs
QUICK CHECKLIST for Parents and Guardians
Do you have a cell phone registered in the KPBSD PowerSchool contact information?
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NO?
Contact the office at your child’s school to update PowerSchool with your preferred mobile phone contact in order to activate SMS text messages and alerts. Each student contact may include three numbers to receive SMS texts: two adult contacts, and the student SMS contact (if applicable).
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YES?
You will receive a legitimate (it’s not spam) text on Thursday, May 17, 2018, from 67587 that begins with, “Kenai Peninsula Borough School District alerts.” The text invites you to positively OPT-IN to receive future messages from your child’s school, or the main school district office. If your cellular number is activated in PowerSchool after May 17, you will receive the positive opt-in text within 24 hours. You can positively opt-in at any time.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FREE SERVICE and ACTIVATE THE ABILITY TO RECEIVE FUTURE TEXT MESSAGES, YOU MUST:
Reply to the text you receive on or after May 17, 2018, with a Y or YES
Or
Initiate your own text anytime to this number: 67587
With this message content: Y or YES
Questions? Review FAQs
The contact information for parents, guardians, and students is sourced from contact information in PowerSchool. To update or review your information in PowerSchool, contact your school secretary, go to PowerSchool via your computer, the PowerSchool app, or the Kenai Peninsula SD mobile app.
In ongoing efforts to increase campus safety and communication, the school district added SMS alert functionality to our existing communication alert system (School Messenger). For specific questions about safety protocols, please talk to your school principal.
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Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
KPBSD Parents and Guardians, you can take advantage of our Text Messaging Service
Our schools and district utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more.*
- You can participate in this free service just by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587.
- You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop”.
The SMS (text) contact numbers for you is sourced from your information in PowerSchool. To update your information in PowerSchool, contact your school secretary, go to PowerSchool via your computer, the PowerSchool app, or Kenai Peninsula SD mobile app.
SMS Text Messaging FAQs
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
KPBSD SchoolMessenger Text Messaging System
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How do recipients “Opt-In” to receive text messages?
- Confirm the text device number(s) are in imported to Communicate.
- Text “Y” to 67587 from each wireless device they wish to receive texts on.
Note: Depending on the data synchronization configuration, it may take 24 hours or more for numbers to be updated from the district SIS database.
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How do recipients opt-out of receiving text messages?
Recipients not wishing to receive text messages to a particular number can simply do one of the following:
- Don’t opt-in and don’t reply to the opt-in invitation message.
- Text “STOP” to 67587 (or whichever is correct for your account) at any time.
- Opt out online at http://schoolmessenger.com/txtmsg
- Request that your organizations Communicate system administrator add the number to the account’s phone number block list.
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Can the text messages come from a district phone number, instead of the short code?
No. Short codes are the industry standard, and the only fast and reliable way to deliver mass text notifications.
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I received a text message that says it’s from SchoolMessenger? What does it mean?
If it was from 67587 that was most likely the Opt-In Invitation message sent by Communicate.
To continue receiving informational text messages from the school(s) reply with “Y” or “Yes”
If you do not reply, you won’t receive any future texts from our schools.
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I “Opted-In”, but I’m not receiving texts?
Ensure that the school district has your correct device number in the PowerSchool database, and that it is located in the SMS phone field(s) that are synchronized with SchoolMessenger Communicate. It may take 24 hours for a number to become active after being changed or added to the district’s system.
Send a text with “Y”, from your specific mobile device, to 67587. You should receive an opt-in confirmation message from the service.
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If you want to receive texts on multiple devices, each device number must complete the Opt-In process.
Confirm that the district has actually attempted to send a Communicate broadcast which includes an SMS text message to your mobile phone number.
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How do I know if it worked?
After you text one of the key words (“Y’ or “Yes”) to the short code number 67587 the system will ALWAYS respond back with one of three messages:
Opt-in Response: You’re registered 4 SchoolMessenger notifications. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. msg freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/txt
Opt-out Response: You’re unsubscribed from SchoolMessenger. No more msgs will be sent. Reply Y to re-subscribe, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. schoolmessenger.com/txt
Help or Unknown Key Word Response: SchoolMessenger notification service: Reply Y to subscribe or STOP to cancel. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Visit schoolmessenger.com/txt for info
Any other response – or no response: indicates the recipient should contact their wireless device provider to have SMS messaging/premium content enabled (see below for more details).
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What does it mean if I texted “Y” or “yes” and I received some sort of error message back?
If you receive what appears to be an error message, similar to one of the following, it most likely means that short code text messaging is not enabled on your wireless subscription plan:
- Service access denied
- Message failed
- Shortcode may have expired or shortcode texting may be blocked on your account
- Does not participate
These replies DO NOT indicate that the wireless provider cannot receive messages from Communicate. Rather, they are an indication that the specific mobile device does not have short code SMS texting enabled for that number (this is sometimes disabled by default on company provided cell phones). To address this, contact your wireless provider.
Note: Providers sometimes use various names for this type of texting service (e.g. short code, SMS, premium, etc.). If you simply ask about text messaging, your carrier may assume you are referring to person-to-person. Therefore, be very clear to refer to “short code” text messages. Most TV programs that have a voting component use short code SMS messaging (e.g. American Idol, Dancing with the Stars). In addition, many department or grocery stores use SMS to distribute coupons and deals. Using an example such as this can be helpful in clarifying the type of texting service you want to enable.
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Will I be charged for the text messages that I receive from Communicate?
Communicate does not charge recipients for the text messages that they receive or send to the short code; however, wireless providers may charge for individual text messages, depending on the plan associated with the wireless device. Please consult your carrier if you are uncertain.
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What does SMS mean? SMS Terminology
You may find these descriptions helpful:
SMS – This stands for “Short Message Service”, and is a system that enables cellular phone users to send and receive text messages.
Common Short Code – A short code is similar to a phone number, but shorter. Typically, short codes are five or six digits and can only be used to send or receive SMS messages. The term “common” refers to the ability of a single short code to work across all major wireless carriers.
Opt-In – Direct permission from a recipient that they are willing to receive your SMS text messages. This must come in the form of a response text sent from the recipient’s wireless device using an opt-in key word.
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
School principal authors free interactive eBook to showcase 1:1 iPad initiative
Free eBook!
Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School
Learning leaders in Nanwalek, a small village on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, across the bay from Homer, Alaska, published Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School. The free interactive digital book details and celebrates the journey and accomplishment to leverage iPads for learning across the classrooms and community.
The 33 page eBook Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School, showcases how Nanwalek School worked to capture and archive cultural stories, teach native language, personalize learning, and transform classrooms into places of deeper exploration and creativity.
In August, 2015, Nanwalek School became an Apple and ConnectED school, when a comprehensive 1:1 technology solution for every student and teacher kicked-off, and included Apple hardware, software, and services.*
“The process of transforming learning at Nanwalek School through technology has been an incredible experience for everyone, and I believe it is important to capture the beginning of what can only continue to grow and expand,” said author Nancy Kleine, principal of Nanwalek School. “Learning focuses on strengthening academic skills while treasuring cultural values and resources at the heart of our students’ lives. Nanwalek’s isolated geography accentuates the impact of our 1:1 iPad initiative through the Apple & ConnectED grant, for it truly unveiled the world and its possibilities to students. However, what we are doing is relevant to everyone.
We offer learning that is engaging, personalized, and place-based.
“I attribute our successes to the time dedicated to strategic planning in partnership with students, parents, community, and the school district. We have provided a model for transforming learning. Sharing our work to date is a way to benefit others, contribute to the collective imagination of the educational community, and most importantly to help all students expand their options to live happy, hopeful lives. This book was created as a gift to the students and community of Nanwalek—people I have come to love dearly—and to the educational world at large.”
“I am very proud of Nanwalek School and Principal Kleine for their work on a book describing learning and traditions at Nanwalek School,” said Superintendent Sean Dusek. “It captures the hard work the students, staff and community do every day to help everyone be a life-long learner to reach their fullest potential. Great work and I look forward to many more years of blending tradition and technology to inspire learning at Nanwalek!”
Links
- The free Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School digital book can be accessed via the iBookstore. Click here to download to iBooks on an iOS device or Mac. This version of the book contains videos and rich media that details learning in Nanwalek.
- The book may also be read in PDF format (without videos and media) via the PDF version on the Nanwalek school website.
*August 17, 2015 News Release: 1:1 iPads bring dynamic learning opportunity to Nanwalek School through White House ConnectEd initiative
Posted in Inspiration News Release by .
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | May 7, 2018
Miss Heleana Backus
Heleana Backus is a senior at Seward High School and she has been an integral part of the 2017-2018 ELA curriculum revision process. Her work on the committee is helping to ensure the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District moves toward even more meaningful opportunities for student growth and personalized learning, work which will impact students long after her own graduation.
Heleana joined the 2017-2018 ELA curriculum committee as a student representative. She attended every meeting, took time to ask questions and dig into the data alongside the other committee members, and engaged in difficult discussions about effective teaching and differing philosophies about students’ academic needs. Heleana remained open-minded, courteous, and professional, even as she stood her ground and brought up the challenges she and her peers are facing in and out of school. She worked tirelessly to remind her teacher colleagues on the committee about the modern society all KPBSD graduates are preparing to join, and to advocate for a broader and more applicable focus on the state’s ELA standards. The work that she is contributing to will be the foundation of the English-Language Arts learning for secondary students in KPBSD. And for being a student, Heleana far and away contributes integrally to the advancement of learning in our district.
Additionally, Heleana jumped right into the creation of district curriculum documents, learning the new format, expectations, and professional vocabulary necessary to complete the task. She pushed herself beyond her comfort zone again and again, all while communicating clearly when she needed assistance and when she was prepared to continue her work independently. She, like all the teachers in the curriculum committee, was assigned specific deadlines and expectations for work quality, and met those standards time and time again. This work on the committee translates to an entire school year of dedication to this work by her.
Heleana’s willingness to explore the depth of the educational field and to participate in creating a strong foundation for future students make her an excellent young leader who goes above and beyond. Her work will leave a lasting impression in our district and help guide our district’s growth and improvement for many years to come.
Miss Backus has professional aspirations of becoming an educator that she is actively pursuing with her work on the committee. Her vision is best shared in her own words, “I push myself towards my goals with this constantly in mind: conformity can no longer be taught under the guise of public education. I am actively helping to integrate this idea into the classroom with the ELA curriculum committee, but I want to take that further. I strive to bring the vision that the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has for personalizing education to every school.” We can only hope to have many more students taking this type of initiative to drive the education that they want to see for themselves, and those that come after them.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Miss Heleana Backus for her leadership and dedication to education for the students of the school district, now and into the future.
Posted in Awards by .
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | May 7, 2018
Principal Nancy Kleine, Nanwalek and Port Graham Schools
As a consummate advocate for her students and schools, Mrs. Nancy Kleine is quick to brag about her student’s latest accomplishments, which is usually accompanied by a tour of the building. As a colleague, Nancy is supportive of District initiatives that benefit students. As a result, students from Nanwalek and Port Graham schools benefited from opportunities provided by multiple KPBSD UPSTREAM Academies, the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program Middle School Academy, and through opportunities with District partners such as the Kenai Peninsula Native Youth Leaders.
eBook – Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School
Going above and beyond, in February, 2018, after working on the project for hundreds of hours, Nancy published a book in the Apple iTunes store. It’s 33 pages, free, and titled, “Inspiring New Ways of Learning at Nanwalek School.” This book chronicles the outstanding education contribution that is now in place for the current students, and students to come in future years. Nancy has worked with local tribal councils, and with partner agencies to publish Nanwalek historical resources about the school, and obtain permissions from older school materials that were produced to tell the story of Nanwalek and Port Graham.
ConnectEd Grant
In 2015, Nancy was instrumental in garnering a ConnectEd grant from Apple for Nanwalek School. They were one of 114 schools across the country who received one-to-one iPads for each student, a Mac and iPad for each teacher, and an Apple TV in each classroom. In addition to the technology, the grant implemented processes for planning and professional learning. Her advocacy led to the acquisition of materials and ConnectEd included Port Graham School in their support. Nancy’s role was vital to the successful implementation of this technology and its transformative effect on both sites.
Additionally, as a seasoned educator, Nancy can be counted on to provide valid insight to situations, practices, and protocols. “Nancy has done a great job mentoring me this year,” says Josh Hinds, principal of Susan B. English School in Seldovia. “Her assistance, clarifications, and insights have been very helpful to me in my first year with the district,” he adds.
Devin Michel, teacher at Port Graham, says about Nancy, “She is the epitome of support. Nancy puts everything she has into her schools, students, and staffs. She works with people as individuals and helps them to utilize their strengths to benefit the greater good. When asked about such things as rabbits, salmon, or chickens, she enthusiastically wants her staff to take on projects that will truly have an effect on the life learning of her students. Nancy will be greatly missed in her retirement, as she has come to be the mother hen of both schools. She leaves big, warm, patient, and loving shoes to fill.” Renee Estelle, KPBSD Itinerant Teacher of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, adds, “It’s been an honor to work with Nancy and to see positive changes in Nanwalek School over the years she’s been at the helm. I appreciate Nancy’s hard work, her commitment to excellence, and her willingness to think outside the box to meet the unique needs of students. Her kindness and caring for students is evident as she encourages them to move ever upward toward success!”
When Nancy Kleine announced that she will retire at the end of this school year, it marked the end of a career in education spent entirely in Alaska. Nancy served KPBSD in multiple capacities and at multiple sites. After two years with Connections serving as an Academic Advisor, Nancy became the principal of Nanwalek School. A year later, she assumed leadership responsibilities at both Nanwalek and Port Graham, where she quickly brought with her the kind of credibility that can only come from a career in education. She is steadfast in her expectations as a school leader, for personnel and students alike. As a result, under Nancy’s leadership, both schools have seen a marked gain in the areas of academic achievement and attendance.
Principal Kleine’s tenure with the District will have lasting effects for the students, families, and schools she has served. Educators, more than anything, want to make a difference. It is clear that Nancy, through a career spent creating opportunities for students, has done this successfully.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Principal Nancy Kleine for her dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.
Posted in Awards by .
The First Annual Seahawk Day of Caring was a huge success!
Spring sports athletes completed several community projects including Spring Cleaning at the Cemetery City Campgrounds. They swept gravel for several local churches and for the Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Local businesses pledged their financial support to these projects, and the teams raised more than of $11,000 to support their sports!
Links
- Seward High SHS Today News
- Seward Seahawk Athletic Booster Club Facebook page
- KTVA May 6, 2018 story: Seward girls soccer returns to action
Posted in Appreciation by .
You’re invited to a
Facebook LIVE Q & A
with the KPBSD Instructional Team
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
How-to watch:
It’s simple. Go to the KPBSD Facebook page on 5/8/18, 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 a way to hear from our communities in a conversation. Your perspective, questions, stories, and ideas are valuable. 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.
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