Creeanna Whitcome, Seward High School #ClassOf2018
Class of 2018 Creeanna Whitcome, Seward High School Creeanna Whitcome’s accomplishments and contribution to her school and community is nothing short of miraculous when one considers the adversity she has worked through her entire life. Flying drones for the Seward Area Flood Board, raising funds for the Special Olympics, and tutoring Seward Middle Debate students, Creeanna is a four-year member of Seward High’s Student Council, serving as President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Parliamentarian. She competed on Seward High’s Debate, Drama, and Forensics Team, placing in numerous events at State Competition. She is a founding member of Seward High’s online student newspaper, SHStoday.org. Finally, Creeanna ...
Amelia and Stella video convo #TaylorSwift
Dear Taylor Swift, kindly meet Amelia and Stella, two very special teens from Homer High School, in Homer, Alaska. You inspire Stella to be herself, and you brighten her life everyday. My name is Amelia Springer and I compiled this video for my friend Stella, who says she is the #1 Taylor Swift fan! I love watching Stella dance and sing to Taylor Swift songs at lunch and thought how amazing it would be if Stella ever got the chance to meet her in person. Stella has down syndrome and I have a rare type of ectodermal dysplasia, AEC, which is a skin ...
Supreme Court LIVE Fosters Understanding of the Justice System
Supreme Court LIVE Event Fosters Understanding of the Justice System Three hundred and seventy-five students from six KPBSD high schools attended Alaska Supreme Court LIVE at Kenai Central High School on March 29, 2018. The court heard oral argument in State of Alaska v. Alaska Democratic Party, which involves a dispute related to the way political parties choose the candidate who will represent them on the general election ballot. The public was invited to this once-in-a-lifetime event for most people present, and the case was streamed live at 360 North at https://www.360north.org/alaska-supreme-court. At the conclusion of the oral argument, Supreme Court ...
Supreme Court LIVE in Kenai: State of Alaska v. Alaska Democratic Party
News Release Supreme Court LIVE is coming to Kenai on March 29, 2018 State of Alaska v. Alaska Democratic Party Three hundred and seventy-five students from six KPBSD high schools will attend, the public is invited, and the case will be streamed live at 360 North at https://www.360north.org/alaska-supreme-court Courtesy Press Release forward: Press Release Alaska Court System, 303 K Street, 5th Floor Anchorage, AK 99501 Contacts: Marilyn May, mmay@akcourts.us, 907-264-0612; FAX 907-264-0878 Mara Rabinowitz, mrabinowitz@akcourts.us, 907-264-0879; FAX 907- 264-0640 ______________________________________________________________________ ALASKA SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CASE AT KENAI CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL “Supreme Court LIVE” Event Fosters Understanding of the Justice System Anchorage, Alaska (March 27, 2018) – The Alaska Supreme Court ...
Battle of the Books #BOB2018
KPBSD Battle of the Books Students of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District have been participating in Battle of the Books (BOB) for 33 years. The original idea for BOB came from a radio program sponsored by the Chicago Public Library in the 1940s. A school librarian from Illinois, Joanne Kelly, took the idea and used it in her library. Years later the idea came to Alaska with Ros Goodman, a former Illinois librarian, on her way to Kodiak. The idea was piloted by a few Alaskan schools and by the 1984-1985 school year 26 districts were involved. KPBSD was one ...
Facebook LIVE Q and A with Instructional Team
You’re invited to a Facebook LIVE Q & A with the KPBSD Instructional Team Thursday, March 22, 2018 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. How-to watch: It’s simple. Go to the KPBSD Facebook page on 3/22/18, 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 ...
Student Voice and #AKleg visits in Juneau
KPBSD and The Legislature School Board Leadership and Youth Advocacy Institute A full weekend of learning and collaborating with school board members and students from around the state, plus two days of appointments with more than 25 legislators to share “Kenai schools” stories was fun, informative, and thought provoking! February 10–13, 2018, two students, three school board members, a Soldotna Prep teacher, and the district communications liaison participated in the Alaska Association of School Board (AASB) Legislator Leadership Flyin and Youth Advocacy Institute in Juneau, Alaska. Whether it was testifying at a hearing, being introduced on the House of Representative floor, meeting with ...
Mrs. Devin Michel Way awarded Golden Apple
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Golden Apple Award | March 5, 2018 Mrs. Devin Michel Way, educator Port Graham School Every school deserves to have at least one teacher as charitable and distinguished as Mrs. Devin Michel Way, for it is teachers like her that cause positive change not only in their own classrooms, but across the staff and beyond. Mrs. Way is a superlative example of an educator who cannot help but give of herself, and who moves through her practice with grace, no matter how large the task and no matter how much she offers to do. Her generosity ...
KPBSD School “Safety Closure” information
KPBSD School “Safety Closure” information After extensive research and study of historical and recent school safety incidents, the U.S. Department of Education issued a new document with new guidelines for school safety entitled “Guide For Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operation Plans.” One of the major findings was that the lone option to lockdown was no longer enough. It was stressed that “as the situation develops, it is possible that students and staff will need to use more than one option.” In order to give our staff and students more options to protect themselves, KPBSD adopted the ALICE protocols to be used when the presence of a violent intruder ...
KPBSD Emergency Guidelines for Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians, school safety is a top priority in the KPBSD. It's important for you to know what to do before, during, and after a school emergency, weather related delay start, or school closure. Kindly read KPBSD Emergency Guidelines for Parents and Guardians. KPBSD regularly practices safety drills in schools, and includes law enforcement in our ALICE trainings for school emergencies. School delays and closures protocol. Before A School Emergency PARENTS NEED TO BE PREPARED Contact information entered in PowerSchool is used to make emergency contact with parents. So that KPBSD can keep you informed, make sure your child’s emergency contact information is accurate, current, and updated as ...
Class of 2018
Creeanna Whitcome, Seward High School
Creeanna Whitcome’s accomplishments and contribution to her school and community is nothing short of miraculous when one considers the adversity she has worked through her entire life. Flying drones for the Seward Area Flood Board, raising funds for the Special Olympics, and tutoring Seward Middle Debate students, Creeanna is a four-year member of Seward High’s Student Council, serving as President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Parliamentarian. She competed on Seward High’s Debate, Drama, and Forensics Team, placing in numerous events at State Competition. She is a founding member of Seward High’s online student newspaper, SHStoday.org. Finally, Creeanna has been a two-year member of Seward High’s National Honor Society. She accomplished all of this while maintaining a 4.084 GPA.
Most profoundly, however, is that Creeanna reached this level of achievement while being responsible for the primary care of all of those around her. She chooses to live with her grandmother, who has profound psychological diagnoses, because this option is more safe than the environment in which her mother is living through a life-time of addiction. Creeanna is also the oldest of two. This means that she handles all of the functions of a head-of-household—bills, taxes, shopping, cooking, and cleaning—even as she handles the responsibilities of primary care for her grandmother and sister.
She has been admitted into the Honor’s Program at the University of California, Davis and is waiting to see if she is admitted to the University of California, Berkeley. Her plan is to study psychology and social work so that she can return to Seward to support students, like her, to help ensure that their demography does not dictate their destiny.
- SHS Today: The Student News Site of Seward High
- Seward High School website
- Kenai Peninsula Borough School District www.KPBSD.org
Posted in Inspiration KPBSD District Stories by .
Dear Taylor Swift, kindly meet Amelia and Stella, two very special teens from Homer High School, in Homer, Alaska. You inspire Stella to be herself, and you brighten her life everyday.
My name is Amelia Springer and I compiled this video for my friend Stella, who says she is the #1 Taylor Swift fan! I love watching Stella dance and sing to Taylor Swift songs at lunch and thought how amazing it would be if Stella ever got the chance to meet her in person.
Stella has down syndrome and I have a rare type of ectodermal dysplasia, AEC, which is a skin condition and was #21 in the world diagnosed with my specific type.
“I want this video to show people that we are individuals outside of our conditions, because I often feel that medical conditions are looked at from the medical side of things and I want people to see the brilliant minds and personalities behind the conditions.” – Amelia Springer
Although Stella and I both have our syndromes we don’t let them define us, which is my goal for this video.
My other goal for this video is for it to possibly reach Taylor Swift so Stella experience her dream of meeting her!
So please like this video and share it!
Let’s see how far this gets!
Posted in Inspiration by .
Supreme Court LIVE Event Fosters Understanding of the Justice System
Three hundred and seventy-five students from six KPBSD high schools attended Alaska Supreme Court LIVE at Kenai Central High School on March 29, 2018. The court heard oral argument in State of Alaska v. Alaska Democratic Party, which involves a dispute related to the way political parties choose the candidate who will represent them on the general election ballot. The public was invited to this once-in-a-lifetime event for most people present, and the case was streamed live at 360 North at https://www.360north.org/alaska-supreme-court. At the conclusion of the oral argument, Supreme Court Chief Justice Craig Stowers said he would issue a written ruling the following week.
Students asked insightful questions to the case attorneys, Laura Fox, Assistant Attorney General, Anchorage who represented the State of Alaska, and Jon Cholate, Cholate Law Firm, LLC, Juneau who represented the Alaska Democratic Party. Then, for twenty-five minutes, the Justices responded to student questions. Chief Justice Stowers said, “There are almost no limits to what you can do with your life. Dedicate yourself to some course of study. Anything is possible is you put your mind to it, and work hard enough.”
On April 4, 2018, The Alaska Supreme Court affirmed that an independent candidate can run in partisan primary elections in Supreme Court No. S-16875.
“It was an honor to host the Supreme Court LIVE program,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent of schools. “The students were able to experience a relevant case that will have immediate impact to our State. I really appreciated how our staff and local attorneys prepared our students for this event and made it very engaging. This is the type of opportunity our schools can facilitate that allow our overall community to participate in State level government. It was a great overall experience for students, staff and the community.”
State of Alaska v. Alaska Democratic Party
The Alaska Democratic Party seeks to allow persons who are not affiliated with any political party, including those who registered to vote as nonpartisan or undeclared, to run as candidates for the Democratic Party in a primary election. A state law requires candidates who want to run in a primary election for a political party’s nomination to be registered to vote as a member of the political party whose nomination they are seeking. The Alaska Democratic Party sued the State of Alaska, arguing that the law was unconstitutional. The trial court agreed with the Democratic Party. The State appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court and asked the court to decide if the law is constitutional.
Supreme Court LIVE
Supreme Court LIVE brings Supreme Court oral arguments in actual cases to student audiences at Alaskan high schools. Designed to help students better understand the justice system, this unique learning opportunity debuted in 2010.
“Kenai Central was honored to host the Alaska Supreme Court at our school and to be the first school in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School district to do so,” said Alan Fields, Kenai Central High School principal. “This is for most people, a once in a lifetime opportunity to see an Alaska Supreme Court case argument. The program gave students an opportunity to see not only how the court works but also a firsthand view into a case that is relevant to all Alaskans and directly related to what students are learning. One of the best parts of the program took place before the supreme court even got to Kenai. Local attorneys visited classrooms and provided students with in depth explanations of how the court system works and the potential ramifications of this decision. Our teachers and students raved about how interesting and educational these presentations were.”
Student Learning
Volunteer attorneys from the Alaska Bar Association and staff from the court system visited many Kenai Peninsula high schools in the days preceding the program to help students understand the appellate process and the case itself, using a case summary and information from the court’s website: http://courts.alaska.gov/outreach/index.htm#scl. The program included engaging question-and-answer sessions with the attorneys arguing the cases, and with members of the Supreme Court.
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
News Release
Supreme Court LIVE is coming to Kenai on March 29, 2018
State of Alaska v. Alaska Democratic Party
Three hundred and seventy-five students from six KPBSD high schools will attend, the public is invited, and the case will be streamed live at 360 North at https://www.360north.org/alaska-supreme-court
Courtesy Press Release forward:
Press Release
Alaska Court System, 303 K Street, 5th Floor Anchorage, AK 99501
Contacts: Marilyn May, mmay@akcourts.us, 907-264-0612; FAX 907-264-0878
Mara Rabinowitz, mrabinowitz@akcourts.us, 907-264-0879; FAX 907- 264-0640
______________________________________________________________________
ALASKA SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CASE AT KENAI CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
“Supreme Court LIVE” Event Fosters Understanding of the Justice System
Anchorage, Alaska (March 27, 2018) – The Alaska Supreme Court will visit Kenai Central High School on Thursday, March 29, from 9:40AM–11:40AM for the Supreme Court LIVE educational program. Supreme Court LIVE brings Supreme Court oral arguments in actual cases to student audiences at Alaskan high schools. Designed to help students better understand the justice system, this unique learning opportunity debuted in 2010.
The court will hear oral argument in State of Alaska v. Alaska Democratic Party, which involves a dispute related to the way political parties choose the candidate who will represent them on the general election ballot. The Alaska Democratic Party seeks to allow persons who are not affiliated with any political party, including those who registered to vote as nonpartisan or undeclared, to run as candidates for the Democratic Party in a primary election. A state law requires candidates who want to run in a primary election for a political party’s nomination to be registered to vote as a member of the political party whose nomination they are seeking. The Alaska Democratic Party sued the State of Alaska, arguing that the law was unconstitutional. The trial court agreed with the Democratic Party. The State has appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court and is asking the court to decide the law is constitutional.
Volunteer attorneys from the Alaska Bar Association and staff from the court system have visited Kenai Peninsula high schools in the days preceding the program to help students understand the appellate process and the case itself, using a case summary and information from the court’s website: http://courts.alaska.gov/outreach/index.htm#scl. The program will include question-and-answer sessions with the attorneys arguing the cases, and with members of the Supreme Court.
The program is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for security screening. Members of the media wishing to use cameras or other electronic equipment should file an Application for Court Approval of Media Coverage https://public.courts.alaska.gov/web/forms/docs/tf-945.pdf with Appellate Clerk Marilyn May by noon, March 28, 2018 at the email address or fax number noted above.
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Posted in Community Partners KPBSD District Stories by .
Mar 18
26
Battle of the Books #BOB2018
KPBSD Battle of the Books
Students of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District have been participating in Battle of the Books (BOB) for 33 years. The original idea for BOB came from a radio program sponsored by the Chicago Public Library in the 1940s. A school librarian from Illinois, Joanne Kelly, took the idea and used it in her library. Years later the idea came to Alaska with Ros Goodman, a former Illinois librarian, on her way to Kodiak. The idea was piloted by a few Alaskan schools and by the 1984-1985 school year 26 districts were involved. KPBSD was one of those districts and had a state-winning team from Kenai Junior High that year.
KPBSD students, once again, competed valiantly in district and state battles. This year’s battles included 61 teams across four grade levels for students in grades 3-12. Students in grades K-2 can also participate, but only at the building level.
Battle of the Books is a statewide reading and comprehension program sponsored by the Alaska Association of School Librarians. The goals of the program are to encourage and recognize students who enjoy reading, broaden reading interests, increase reading comprehension, and promote academic excellence. All this is accomplished through a game-show style competition known simply as “BOB”.
Grades K-12 compete
Lists of books are chosen and questions are written for all the grade levels. Students read the books (12 titles for Grades 3-6 and 10 titles for Grades 7-12), quiz each other, learn title and author information, and compete in teams of no more than three students attempting to score as many points as possible answering questions related to the books. Battle questions all begin with the words, “In which book…”. Students are allowed thirty seconds to confer with team members and come up with an answer which is always the title and author of a book on the list.
Compete via videoconference
All KPBSD battles took place using Skype for Business to video conference. Students loved being able to “see” the competition. In addition to using Skype for battles, a Battle “Canvas” course was created where coaches accessed all needed battle materials and information and discussions took place. Google was used during battles to report scores and chat with Battle Central (Karla Barkman) when needed. Battle coaches were exposed to many different technologies again this year and did a fabulous job. Our KPBSD student battlers did an awesome job as well. District Battles were held in February with state battles in early March.
Congratulations to the following teams that made it to the final round of KPBSD district competition!
Grades 3 & 4
- 1st Place – Seward Elementary
- 2nd Place – Soldotna Connections
- 3rd Place – Aurora Borealis Charter School
- 4th Place – Tustumena Elementary
Grades 5 & 6
- 1st Place – West Homer Elementary
- 2nd Place (Tie) – Cooper Landing
- 2nd Place (Tie) – Fireweed
- 2nd Place (Tie) – Sterling Elementary
Middle School
- 1st Place – Homer Middle
- 2nd Place – Kenai Middle
- 3rd Place – Seward Middle
- 4th Place – Nikiski Middle
High School
- 1st Place – Cooper Landing
- 2nd Place (Tie) – Nikiski High
- 2nd Place (Tie) – Soldotna High
- 4th Place – Voznesenka School
State Battles were held the beginning of March. Each of our first place district teams went on to state competition and did a great job finishing! Congratulations to:
- Seward Elementary (Grades 3 & 4) – 7th place out of 32 teams
- West Homer Elementary (Grades 5 & 6) – 5th place out of 35 teams
- Homer Middle (Middle School) – 3th place out of 27 teams
- Cooper Landing (High School) – 7th place out of 20 teams
Battle of the Books 2018 photo album on Facebook
Book lists for next year’s battles were chosen by librarians, teachers, and battle coaches at a title selection workshop held during the State Library Conference before spring break. The new lists can be found at the State Battle of the Book’s website.
Article contributed by Karla Barkman, District Battle of the Books Coordinator.
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
You’re invited to a
Facebook LIVE Q & A
with the KPBSD Instructional Team
Thursday, March 22, 2018
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
How-to watch:
It’s simple. Go to the KPBSD Facebook page on 3/22/18, 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 the first in a series to expand the KPBSD Key Communicator program, engaging our people and publics with conversation, and offering accurate stories, information, and responses to questions about the KPBSD. Please join in, and offer your thoughts and ideas.
Tip:
You don’t need a Facebook account to watch live.
- At 7:00 PM, go to https://www.facebook.com/livemap. Locate the live event streaming from Soldotna, Alaska, using the interactive map.
- Click the blue dot indicating Facebook LIVE is happening in Soldotna, and the video will pop up.
- Click on the video image to enlarge it on your screen. https://www.facebook.com/livemap
- note: You cannot post questions without a Facebook account. You can email them to communications@KPBSD.org, and we will answer as many as we can during the video LIVE Q&A.
The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
www.KPBSD.org
Facebook Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Questions?
Contact Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD Communications Liaison, communications@KPBSD.org. Or private message Kenai Peninsula Borough School District on Facebook.
Posted in News Release by .
KPBSD and The Legislature
School Board Leadership and Youth Advocacy Institute
A full weekend of learning and collaborating with school board members and students from around the state, plus two days of appointments with more than 25 legislators to share “Kenai schools” stories was fun, informative, and thought provoking! February 10–13, 2018, two students, three school board members, a Soldotna Prep teacher, and the district communications liaison participated in the Alaska Association of School Board (AASB) Legislator Leadership Flyin and Youth Advocacy Institute in Juneau, Alaska.
Whether it was testifying at a hearing, being introduced on the House of Representative floor, meeting with Governor Walker around his many yards long conference table, or the many excellent questions and facts and figures shared, our team was so well received. Aides and legislators showed our young people and team kindness, genuine interest in schools, and affirmation about the diverse schools in KPBSD. Two KPBSD student leaders reflect on their experience:
Highlight of High School
“Going to Juneau was the highlight of my high-school experiences. Having the opportunity to go to the state capital building and seeing, first hand, how hard our government works for us opened my eyes to the challenges we, as a state, face. I was proud to be a part of a group with such a positive attitude and the ability to articulate the needs of not only our district but all the districts of our state. The respect we were shown as a group and on an individual basis by everyone we met, from the Commissioner of Education, the Governor of Alaska, to the members of the House and the Senate showed me the value of a student’s voice. I have personally been advocating for education for many years, I feel my voice was truly heard in Juneau. I had several legislators stop me in the halls of the capital building to tell me they appreciated my voice and the positive message the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District conveyed. Thank Goodness for the DREAM TEAM of three school board members, two students, a teacher, and our communications liaison!” – Sabrina Ferguson, Ninilchik School, KPBSD Information Committee Student Representative
My Experience
“I had the pleasure and honor of meeting with Representatives and Senators from across the state during the February legislative fly-in with the school board and youth advocacy institute. It was a great time, opened my eyes to so many different things, and an opportunity to promote our wonderful district. I realized that the representatives and senators love hearing from kids! They love hearing what we have to say, and what we think needs changed or improved. Our local school board is just such a wonderful group of people! I loved every moment and aspect of the time in Juneau, and I encourage any student who is reading this to get involved with our school board, and to take the time to write to your Representative and Senator and let them know what’s going on in your school!” – Calvin Mitzel, Soldotna High School, KPBSD Board of Education Student Representative
Alaska Association of School Boards website
KPBSD and The Legislature webpage
Governor Bill Walker meets with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District in the Cabinet Room at the State Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, February 12, 2018.
David Lienemann/Office of the Governor
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Golden Apple Award | March 5, 2018
Mrs. Devin Michel Way, educator Port Graham School
Every school deserves to have at least one teacher as charitable and distinguished as Mrs. Devin Michel Way, for it is teachers like her that cause positive change not only in their own classrooms, but across the staff and beyond. Mrs. Way is a superlative example of an educator who cannot help but give of herself, and who moves through her practice with grace, no matter how large the task and no matter how much she offers to do. Her generosity of spirit builds relationships and trust, and on that foundation Mrs. Way acts as a guide for students and staff to learn and grow.
A tightly choreographed dance
A kindergarten through fourth grade teacher at Port Graham School for the last three years, and a veteran teacher of eleven years, Mrs. Way is a master at differentiating for each and every student across five grades. For many, teaching five grade levels would be daunting, if not impossible, but Mrs. Way succeeds extremely well. Her expertise has grown from her unique experiences, including teaching preschool in Pennsylvania, fifth grade in the Marshall Islands, and a span of preschool to elementary grades in the village of Point Lay. Watching Mrs. Way’s classroom is akin to watching a tightly choreographed dance. Students know the steps, established early on, and learn happily in a relaxed, student-centered environment. Mrs. Way makes this dance look easy, and in her nurturing manner, Mrs. Way provides support to all. While soothing a crying kindergartener, she might chat with her fourth graders about a theme in a novel. All the while, other students are launched on their independent or collaborative projects. Too, over the year, students’ projects branch out into the community to provide service. She is truly an amazing teacher.
Responsibility
Without being asked, Mrs. Way assumes a high level responsibility at Port Graham School beyond the classroom in communications, public relations, and day-to-day functions. Without a principal on campus four days per week, there are myriad challenges, including scheduling variances, community concerns, guest speakers, special events, student support, staff absences, mechanical issues (such as recently testing a generator!), internet outages, and nameless other issues. Mrs. Way cheerfully helps with these challenges. She communicates regularly with her principal, and follows protocols. She keeps parents informed of school activities, and acts as editor on the school Facebook page. She engages with all students, not just her own. She also coaches middle school cross country running, is the Assessment Coordinator, school librarian, and serves on Port Graham Site Based Council. She provides stability for the entire school. Mrs. Way does this all with a gentle spirit, willing attitude, and love for people.
Professional Development
A particularly extraordinary aspect of Mrs. Way’s practice that goes above and beyond is her remarkable ability and eagerness as a professional development facilitator for Port Graham and Nanwalek Schools. This role began as a stipend position, during which Mrs. Way exceeded expectations by fully facilitating in-services, early release days, and collaborations. When the stipend was no longer available, she stepped forward to continue, and leads collaborative sessions for all instructional staff in both locations that could be likened to seminars led by professional facilitators. With a sensitivity to the needs of our K-12 rural schools, agendas center on initiatives such as personalized learning and ConnectED, with practical applications to multi-graded settings. With poise and a touch of authority, Mrs. Way facilitates new concepts, engages meaningful discussions, and requires participants to collaborate on products that can be applied to current practice.
Apple and ConnectED
iPads for Orcas
Recognizing her skill and importance as a professional development facilitator, Apple, Inc. invited Mrs. Way to the Dallas ConnectED Academy with Team Nanwalek last February. Mrs. Way had helped initiate the “iPads for Orcas” technology program in Port Graham, earned status as an Apple Teacher, and is a constant resource to teachers in many areas, including technology. Apple Education Development Executive Katie VanSluys was excited to have Mrs. Way’s participation because of her collaborative nature and generous spirit. Ms. VanSluys stated, “Having worked with Devin over the course of two years—launching and growing programs to integrate and innovate with technology, it became immediately clear to me that Devin is a learning leader. Her work with kids and colleagues is passion-filled, professional, and caring. Her actions model what we, as educators, want to develop in our students. Devin identifies challenges, approaches problem-solving with intrigue and stamina, engages others gracefully and strategically, and finds joy in process of learning. She is a remarkable educator, respected colleague, and inspiring teacher to me and countless others.”
“Mrs. Devin Michel Way exemplifies what we dream that all educators can become,” said Principal Nancy Kleine. “We are fortunate that Mrs. Way is teaching in our district, and is driven to share her expertise with others. Mrs. Way is one of the finest educators because she reaches a hand out to share with others.”
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Mrs. Devin Way for her dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.
Posted in Awards by .
KPBSD
School “Safety Closure” information
After extensive research and study of historical and recent school safety incidents, the U.S. Department of Education issued a new document with new guidelines for school safety entitled “Guide For Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operation Plans.” One of the major findings was that the lone option to lockdown was no longer enough. It was stressed that “as the situation develops, it is possible that students and staff will need to use more than one option.” In order to give our staff and students more options to protect themselves, KPBSD adopted the ALICE protocols to be used when the presence of a violent intruder necessitates a “Safety Closure.” ALICE is an acronym for:
ALERT
Use Plain and Specific Language. Avoid Code Words
Get the word out! Notify authorities and those in harm’s way of the danger at hand. The objective is a conveyance of plain, clear, concise and accurate information, not an issuance of a command. The goal is to empower as many individuals as possible with the ability to make an informed decision as to their best option to maximize their chances of survival!
LOCKDOWN
Barricade the Room. Silence Mobile Devices. Prepare to EVACUATE or COUNTER if Needed
Locking down and barricading entry points may still be the best option in some situations. The noise of cell phones and phone conversations could put students and staff in danger so all mobile devices should be silenced. ALICE training includes instruction on practical techniques to assist in better barricading the room. Pre-Planning and obtaining of materials can improve the ability to barricade. The time in Lockdown can be used to prepare for the use of different protocols (i.e. Counter or Evacuate) as the incident proceeds and situational information is supplied.
INFORM
Communicate the Intruder’s Location in Real Time
Inform is a continuation of Alert and uses any means available to pass on real-time information.
Communicate real-time updates throughout the incident to those involved. This can be accomplished through the use of video surveillance equipment, public address systems, or electronic updates. Updates during an incident allow those involved to make sound decisions about how to react and what steps, if any, to take next. Information should always be clear, direct and, as much as possible, should communicate the whereabouts of the intruder. Effective information can keep the intruder off balance, giving people in the school more time to further lockdown, or evacuate to safety.
COUNTER
Create Noise, Movement, Distance and Distraction
This protocol is used only as a “last-resort” or “worst-case” option if those involved have not been able to find a secured area, or their secure area has been breached. Staff and students are trained in disruptive actions that create noise, movement, and distance to distract, confuse, and gain control through age appropriate tactics. ALICE does not endorse civilians fighting an active shooter, but when confronted directly in a life-and-death situation, individuals should use any actions necessary to defend themselves.
EVACUATE
When Safe To Do So, Remove Yourself From Danger Zone
The goal is to safely put as much time and distance between the threat and our staff and students as possible. The decision to evacuate can be made at any time during the incident based upon information that becomes available. Evacuating to a safe area takes people out of harm’s way and hopefully prevents civilians from having to come into any contact with an intruder. Evacuation is the number one goal! When Evacuation is one of multiple protocols that are safely available, Evacuation should be the first choice.
It is important to understand that these protocols are age appropriate, not sequential or chronological, and those involved have the ability to change protocols as an incident progresses.
KPBSD’s change to the use of A.L.I.C.E. protocols has been done in conjunction with our local law enforcement agencies. These agencies also participate in the training of staff and students.
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Parents and guardians, school safety is a top priority in the KPBSD. It’s important for you to know what to do before, during, and after a school emergency, weather related delay start, or school closure. Kindly read KPBSD Emergency Guidelines for Parents and Guardians. KPBSD regularly practices safety drills in schools, and includes law enforcement in our ALICE trainings for school emergencies. School delays and closures protocol.
Before A School Emergency
PARENTS NEED TO BE PREPARED
Contact information entered in PowerSchool is used to make emergency contact with parents. So that KPBSD can keep you informed, make sure your child’s emergency contact information is accurate, current, and updated as needed. That information may be used during an emergency to generate automated phone messages, emails, or text messages to parents from schools or the district office. Parents need to go to the school office to update and sign their information.
- Download the KPBSD Mobile App so you can automatically receive emergency update push notifications
- Become familiar with the KPBSD Facebook and Twitter social media sites where emergency information is posted
PARENTS NEED TO BE INFORMED
Familiarize yourself with these KPBSD emergency terms and procedures:
- Stay Put: A “stay put” takes place when a potential threat is identified in the school’s neighborhood. All school doors are locked but classes continue inside as normal. No entry into or exit from the school is allowed. Students will not be released until the situation is resolved and the “stay put” has been rescinded.
- Safety Closure: A “safety closure” takes place when a violent intruder is identified on school grounds or in the school building. The ALICE protocols will be followed. No entry into or exit from the school is allowed. Students will not be released until the situation is resolved and the “safety closure” has been rescinded.
- Shelter-In-Place: A “shelter-in-place” takes place when students take refuge in designated areas to be protected from hazardous materials or severe weather. Entry or exit from the schools will be controlled.
- Evacuation: In the event of certain building emergencies, students will be relocated to an appropriate evacuation assembly area. Students will be released to parents per district student release procedures.
During A School Emergency
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
- Should trust that during an emergency the school and district is first doing what is needed to protect students, and then communicating to parents as quickly as possible when we have full and accurate information.
- Should trust that staff and students are prepared for emergency situations. Schools participate in emergency drills throughout the year, and staff and emergency responders know the best procedures for keeping students safe.
- SHOULD NOT call or rush to your child’s school
- Phone lines, staff, and local roads are needed for emergency response efforts.
- SHOULD NOT phone or text your child
- The sound or vibration from cell phones and phone conversations could put students in danger. Also, students need to be paying attention to the instructions from trained staff. Conflicting instructions from parents may put a child’s safety at risk.
After a School Emergency
HOW WILL I BE REUNITED WITH MY CHILD?
Parents and guardians will be directed by school or public safety officials to their child’s specific location. This information will be distributed via the previously discussed emergency modes of communication. Students will be released ONLY to parents and guardians or other designated individuals who are documented as emergency contacts. All individuals will be required to present a valid picture ID such as a driver’s license, military ID, or passport. Please remember to bring your ID with you and inform your child’s emergency contacts that they will be required to show proper identification if they are picking up your child.
The reunification process can be time-consuming, so everyone is urged to be patient.
RECOVERY
Following an emergency, we encourage parents to:
- Listen to and acknowledge your child’s concerns
- Provide reassurance that your child is safe
- Assure your child that additional prevention efforts are being put in place
- Seek help from school personnel or a mental health professional if concerns persist
Should your child have serious concerns in response to an emergency or crisis, contact your school directly for information and guidance.
Questions?: Please contact your school principal or office.
- KPBSD Emergency Guidelines for Parents and Guardians Flyer
- KPBSD School Safety and Closure Information
Link: KPBSD dedicated webpage: School Delays or Closures
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