Jul 22
1
School begins August 16, 2022!
Visit your school website or social media to learn orientation dates, and more.
KPBSD calendar
New to the KPBSD? Start your enrollment registration online
News Release
KPBSD Student Nutrition Services (SNS)
Streamlined Application for free or reduced meals is available on the KPBSD website starting July 1, 2022
Meals will no longer be free for all students when school starts in August.
The USDA discontinued universal free meals for students, and parents and guardians are encouraged to complete their online meal application so children will have access to meal benefits based on their determination the first day of the school year. On July 1, 2022, the streamlined online application for Free and Reduced Meals to determine benefits and qualify communities for federal funds is live. KPBSD Free and Reduced Meal application: http://mealapp.kpbsd.org
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District 2022-2023 Meal Prices:
Breakfast: Students approved for Free and Reduced meals: $.00; Grades K-12: $2.50
Lunch: Students approved for reduced meals: $.40; Grades K-6: $3.50; Grades 7-12: $4.00
The Community Eligible Program (CEP) qualifies every student in the school to receive free meals. KPBSD CEP schools are Nanwalek School; Nikolaevsk School; and Tebughna School.
Key changes to student meals in the 2022-2023 school year beginning in August:
- Discontinuation of Universal Free Meals: USDA is ending the universal free meals for the 2022-2023 school year. For the 2022-2023 school year, families can apply for free or reduced-price meals starting July 1.
- Online Application: Parents or guardians must reapply each year for free or reduced meal benefits This year, all applications will be accepted online through the new state portal at http://mealapp.kpbsd.org. If someone does not have access to the internet, each school will have a few paper applications in the school office.
- Meal benefits from the 2021-2022 school year will carry over until September 28, 2022, but a new application must be received by KPBSD Student Nutrition Services by then, or the student will revert to a paid meal status.
- Opt-In form required to charge meals up to two days of meals: Students will not be permitted to charge any meals this year until parents or guardians have signed an Opt-In form for their child. The Opt-In is included in the online packet, and SNS needs a form completed for each student that a parent gives permission to charge. When completed, students will be allowed to charge up to two days of meals, and no further charges will be allowed until the amount is paid back.
In 1965, federal funds were established through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to education. KPBSD has developed programs to support struggling learners all around the district, and various forms are included in school registration packets each year to help identify qualifying students and families. Completion of the Free and Reduced Meal application–even by families who do not want to use free or reduced price meals–is important to the continuation of these federally funded programs. Federal funding is based on qualified applications.
Links
KPBSD Student Nutrition Services webpage
KPBSD Free and Reduced Meal application: http://mealapp.kpbsd.org
KPBSD secure webstore to add food service funds for meals, or use the link on the KPBSD mobile app
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Posted in News Release by .
Jun 22
30
Annual volunteer application
New and returning volunteers!
Every year everyone who volunteers must complete a new application. The portal is now open if you want to volunteer when the new school begins in August 2022.
It is the responsibility of the KPBSD to safeguard students while they are in our care. Therefore, every school volunteer must complete the online volunteer application and agree to a background check annually. The process should only take a few minutes for you to complete, and all information gathered will be kept confidential. Thank you for your willingness to become involved in KPBSD schools!
Volunteer in KPBSD online application and FAQs
Jun 22
29
Welcome to new KPBSD leadership
KPBSD is grateful for all our school leaders who served, and retired or moved onto new adventures at the end of the school year in June.
Let us collectively welcome new school principals, assistant principals, and district office coordinators and directors who will begin these new assignments in the 2022-2023 school year!
KPBSD Administrators 2022-2023
- Chapman School, Eric Hart, Principal
- Connections Homeschool Program, Douglas Hayman, Principal
- Fireweed Academy, Kyle Darbonne, Principal
- Kenai Alternative High School, Kyle McFall, Principal and Teacher
- Ninilchik School & Nikolaevsk School, Matthew LaHue, Regional Principal
- Paul Banks Elementary School, Sean Campbell, Principal
- Port Graham School, Jimmy Hayes, Principal and Teacher
- River City Academy, Shea Nash, Principal and Teacher
- Seward Middle School & Moose Pass School, Matthew Potter, Principal and Teacher
- Skyview Middle School, John Galahan, Assistant Principal and Behavioral Interventionist Teacher
- Skyview Middle School, Shonia Werner, Principal
- Soldotna High School, Tracy Smith, Assistant Principal and Behavioral Interventionist Teacher
- Tustumena Elementary School, Devin Way, Principal
District Office
- Human Resources and Title IX, Jeffrey Ambrosier, Coordinator
- Secondary Education, College and Career Readiness, Anna Karron, Coordinator
- Secondary Education, Virtual Learning and Professional Development, Amanda Adams, Coordinator
- Student Support Services, Josh Brantley, Coordinator
- Student Support Services, Amy Hagen, Coordinator
- Director Student Support Services, Theresa Manning
KPBSD is hiring! Do you know someone who is seeking a great school district? Check open positions!
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
Students from Chapman School, Homer Middle School, K-Beach Elementary, Kenai Middle School, Ninilchik, River City Academy, Skyview Middle School, Soldotna Elementary, Sterling Elementary, Tustumena Elementary, and West Homer Elementary participated in E-Game Week One Summer STEAM camp!
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
Jun 22
6
Kids Cleanup 1,318 pounds
450 Kids Cleanup the Kenai River!
The Kids Kenai River Spring Cleanup was another huge success! Nearing the end of the school year, on a sunny day, followed by yet another chilly day with snow, approximately 450 students removed 1,318 pounds of trash from the banks of the Kenai River.
In 2022, seven locations were cleaned on May 12th and 13th from Bing’s Landing and Izaak Walton Campground in Sterling, to Soldotna Creek Park, the Soldotna Visitor Center bridge area, Centennial and Swiftwater Park and Campgrounds in Soldotna, and the KPB River Center on Funny River Road.
Redoubt Elementary removed the most litter—a whopping 380 pounds! As the litter pick-up winners, they celebrated with a pizza party. All participants received root beer float supplies.
Over the past eight Spring Cleanup Events, the kids have removed over 18,000 pounds of trash from the Kenai! The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) is pleased to collaborate with Cindy and Mark Glassmaker to coordinate this annual event. Shannon Martin, KRSA Executive Director said, “It takes a willing community to host such large-scale events and we are seeking additional volunteers to join the Cleanup Committee. Please let me know if you would like to join our efforts in 2023.”
Thank you…
Organizers: KRSA, Cindy and Mark Glassmaker
Volunteers: KRSA Staff, the Glassmakers, and Professional Fishing Guides from Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker, City of Soldotna Parks and Recreation Staff
Donations: Fred Meyers Soldotna, Kenai River Professional Guide Association (KRPGA), Janet Warner Avery Family
Special thanks to City of Soldotna and DNR for allowing early location access to the river locations. Thank you to SAFE Kids and Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) for providing life jackets. Most importantly thank you to the students, teachers, and chaperones for their efforts!
Link: Kenai River Spring Cleanup on Facebook
Story contributed by Shannon Martin, KRSA
Jun 22
1
June Board of Education Meeting
June 2022 Board of Education Meetings and Work Sessions
The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the
Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna AK unless otherwise noted.
PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.
(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.
Zoom ID: 708 024 188
Meeting Schedule
June 6, 2022
Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers
1:00 p.m. Board Policy Review Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
2:30 p.m. Special Meeting-Negotiations (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )
Work Sessions-(Public Listening)
3:00 p.m. Board Policy Review
3:30 p.m. Finance Update
4:00 p.m. Strategic Plan Update
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion
6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )
June 7, 2022
The Donald E. Gilman River Center
514 Funny River Road
Soldotna, AK 99669
Planning Session
9:30 a.m. Review of Staffing Formula
1:00 p.m. Review of Board Self Evaluation
1:30 p.m. Review of 2021-2022 Board Goals & 2022-2023 Board Goals
If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Lisa Gabriel at lgabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public. To view the live Broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org or Live Broadcast
Posted in Board of Education by .
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is hiring a Director of Communications and Community Relations. The position begins July 1, 2022, is fulltime, located at the district office in Soldotna, Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula.
Read the Director of Communications and Community Relations position description
Apply today, position closing soon.
“A key member of the Superintendent of Schools Leadership Team. … The Director of Communications and Community Engagement is the primary spokesperson for KPBSD and responsible to develop, recommend, and administer districtwide verbal, print, video, and electronic communications for district and individual schools using digital platforms that include mobile app and social spaces; both district and school blogs and websites, and statewide media…”
Links
KPBSD Communications webpage
KPBSD Employment and Human Relations
#SchoolPr
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development announced four teachers as finalists for the 2023 Teacher of the Year, including our very own Heather Baker who teaches a multiage 4th and 5th grade class at K-Beach Elementary School!
“It is truly an honor and a humbling experience to be a finalist for Alaska Teacher of the Year. To be nominated for the award means that I was successful in impacting a child’s learning journey in a profound enough way that someone took time to note it. That brings me true joy because that is why I am here every day. I want to positively impact the lives of the children who walk through my doors. I want them to see themselves as more than any label they feel attached to. I want them to see their successes and growth, to love this learning journey they are on and know that I am here to support and love them along the way. I am incredibly proud of the students in my room. This award highlights our learning journey together. It was their work that was highlighted in videos and samples that truly shined.”
-Heather Baker
Heather Baker is an outstanding teacher who is known for her student-centered and personalized approach to teaching students,” said Superintendent Clayton Holland. “Not only does Mrs. Baker have a positive impact with the students she works directly with, she has a huge impact as a teacher leader who works to expand effective educational practices as member of the district Champs Community of Practices. Champs contribute to innovative practices across our entire district with reflection on success, and provides a support system for staff who are problem solving and innovating their instructional practices. Mrs. Baker is known for the support she provides and her strong work with student goal setting, data driven practices, and flexible student choice.”
K-Beach Elementary principal Janae Van Slyke said, “Heather Baker is an outstanding educator who designs her lessons and units using a student-centered approach. She creates an immersive learning environment focused on inquiry through interactive lessons. Mrs. Baker utilizes performance-based assessments and project-based learning rubrics to enhance student learning. She works collaboratively with her students to determine project design criteria and assessment, and she personalizes her instruction to meet the needs and interests of individual students. Mrs. Baker is an exceptional teacher and this honor is well deserved!”
In her words…
Tip: Fail Forward!
“My advice for a current student; fail forward. EVERYONE makes mistakes. Learn from each wrong answer or attempt because that is what true growth looks like. Be willing to take chances and try new things. In doing so you will grow. And know that if it is truly easy, then you already know it. True learning is hard because it is new and it stretches you. Do not be afraid of that process. Know that everyone goes through it.”
Math teacher who made a difference
“There is one experience and teacher who stands out in my own learning journey. Mr. Barrington was one of my high school math teachers. He noticed that my off task disruptive nature was actually boredom. He took time to give me multiple different placement tests and walked me through some different math theories to place me in the class I truly needed to be in rather than the one my grade level dictated. In skipping several math classes, I was able to find a place where I was truly challenged and break the label I had been given of disruptive student. That experience shapes how I approach different learners within my own room.”
Delight
“I love having conversations with students and hearing them articulate their learning. Much of my classroom structure is small group or one on one meetings. Listening to students advocate for their learning and be active participants in designing their journey is the highlight of each day. Each pathway is unique to the individual, and I love that.”
Mom of seven, and a family that reads!
“I am a mom of seven, so my fun comes from watching each of them explore and enjoy the world. They are all incredibly different and unique people from the high schooler to the infant, so that is a very varied adventure. Something we all love doing though and often do together is read. We read to each other, listen to books at night or on drives, and talk about the books we’ve read. That is probably my greatest joy.”
Gratitude
“I am incredibly grateful for Amanda Adams and the CHAMPS Leadership Team. Amanda saw things in me and my classroom before I did. She encouraged me to step out of my classroom and become a teacher leader in the district. She encouraged me to take a role on the CHAMPS Leadership Team and that amazing group of educators has supported me in and out of the classroom. They have mentored and encouraged me while I step up to help mentor and encourage other educators.”
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson said, “Alaska’s Teacher of the Year finalists have been recognized by their peers as deserving of special recognition. We join them in celebrating the dedication of these four educators and also as an opportunity to thank all Alaskan teachers for their hard work.”
The Alaska Teacher of the Year and an alternate will be announced at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. The selected teacher will serve as Alaska’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year and will be able to participate in programs and activities with other State Teachers of the Year coordinated by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
A teacher at K-Beach Elementary School in Soldotna since 2019, Mrs. Baker has also taught at Nikiski North Star Elementary, and worked as a Migrant Ed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) teacher and tutor. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts (MA) in Education with Elementary focus from the University of Southern California.
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“As graduation ceremonies take place across the school district, I’m reflecting about how a graduation is not just a celebration for students and their families, but also a celebration of the tremendous amount of work that our staff contribute as district employees. Our students first come to us with various life situations and backgrounds, and from there, we strive to bring them forward to graduation.
Our staff model appropriate behavior, kindness, patience, structure, academic rigor, and encourage student reflection and critical thinking. This all leads to a foundation of success for them as they leave our schools. Our students are ready for the challenges of life beyond their K-12 education because of our staff. So I especially thank every KPBSD employee for all they do and have done for our students, their families, and our communities.
For everyone who will retire or resign this year, I wish you all the best and thank you for your years of service to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Our schools, students and communities are better for all that you have contributed to them. Enjoy your new adventures!”
– Superintendent Clayton Holland
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District appreciates the commitment and service these retiring employees contributed, each with ten or more years in the school district. Each of you has made a difference, THANK YOU!
- Acela Carr, 33 years, Custodian I at Homer Middle School
- Connie Todd, 33 years, Head Custodian II at Redoubt Elementary School
- Connie Best, 30.5 years, Special Education Resource Aide at Soldotna High School
- John Mills, 30 years, Intermediate Grade Teacher at Tustumena Elementary School
- Gretchen Bagley, 29 years, Physical Education Teacher at K-Beach Elementary School
- Sylvia Ingram, 29 years, Pool Manager at Seward High School
- Lisa Atchley, 28 years, Primary Multi-Grade Teacher at Kaleidoscope Charter School
- Lisa Gabriel, 28 years, Administrative Secretary to the Superintendent and Board of Education at District Office
- Diane Buchanan, 27 years, Student Nutrition Services Supervisor at Student Nutrition Services
- Rich Bartolowits, 25.5 years, Principal at Connections Homeschool
- Christopher Perk, 25 years, Health Teacher and Athletic Director at Homer High School
- William Vedders, 25 years, 3rd Grade Teacher at K-Beach Elementary School
- Bob Ermold, 25 years, Student Support Services Coordinator at District Office
- Jackie Kempf, 25 years, Speech Language Pathologist at Soldotna Elementary School & Soldotna Montessori Charter School
- Heidi Vann, 25 years, Special Education Resource Teacher at Kenai Middle School
- Anita LeDoux, 25 years, School Secretary III at Aurora Borealis Charter School
- Elaine Chalup, 24 years, Intermediate Multi-Grade Teacher at Voznesenka School
- James Carlson, 23.5 years, Career Technical Education Teacher at Soldotna High School & Kenai Central High School
- Dawn Edwards-Smith, 23 years, Principal and Teacher at River City Academy
- Thomas DeGray, 23 years, Generalist Teacher at River City Academy
- Katherine Serge-Hoeschen, 22 years, Language Arts Teacher at Voznesenka School
- Sherry Gladden, 21.5 years, Special Education Intensive Needs Aide at Redoubt Elementary School
- Krista Etzwiler, 21 years, 3rd Grade Teacher at West Homer Elementary School
- Saundra Choate-Hudson, 21 years, Health Teacher at Homer High School
- Julie Nichols, 21 years, Administrative Secretary II at Connections Homeschool
- Elizabeth McDermid, 21 years, Special Education Resource Aide at K-Beach Elementary School
- Tracy Foister, 21 years, Special Education Intensive Needs Aide at Soldotna High School
- Cecilia Deatherage, 20 years, Speech Language Pathologist at Seward Elementary School
- Kien Wilkinson, 20 years, Head Custodian II at West Homer Elementary School
- Mira Banic, 20 years, Food Service Manager I-S at Seward Middle School
- Wendi Dutcher, 18 years, Generalist Teacher and Advisor at Connections Homeschool
- Sheryl Oliver, 18 years, Food Service Cashier at Kaleidoscope School
- Nadejda Reutov, 18 years, Custodian I at Voznesenka School
- Michael Sellers, 17 years, Principal and Teacher at Nikolaevsk School
- Loren Reese, 17 years, Principal and Teacher at Kenai Alternative High School
- Lisa McDonal, 17 years, Special Education Resource Teacher at K-Beach Elementary School
- Ricky Bush, 17 years, Head Custodian II at K-Beach Elementary School
- Cheryl Romatz, 16.5 years, 3rd Grade Teacher at K-Beach Elementary School
- Matt Widaman, 16 years, Career Technical Education Teacher at Secondary Education
- David Justice, 16 years, Special Education Resource Teacher at Soldotna High School
- Kimberly Christianson, 16 years, Food Service Manager I-S at Redoubt Elementary School
- Charlotte Jackson, 16 years, Special Education Intensive Needs Aide at K-Beach Elementary School
- Jill DuFloth, 15 years, Interim Principal at Skyview Middle School
- Lisa Fellows, 15 years, School Counselor at Homer Middle School & Homer High School
- Jennifer Waltenbaugh, 15 years, 2nd Grade Teacher at Paul Banks Elementary School
- Adam Anders, 14 years, Physical Education & Health Teacher at Nikiski Middle-High School
- Jan Darch, 14 years, 4th & 5th Grade Teacher at Kaleidoscope Charter School
- Stephanie Jones, 14 years, School Secretary II at Nikolaevsk School
- Anita Hakkinen, 13 years, Title I Interventionist at Redoubt Elementary School
- Mark Wackler, 13 years, Generalist Teacher & Advisor at Connections Homeschool
- Shanna Johnson, 13 years, Read 180 Teacher at Skyview Middle School
- Yolanda Ifflander, 13 years, School Nurse (Itinerant) at Seward Area Schools
- Jane Dunn, 12.5 years, Homeless Liaison at Homer Area Schools
- Stanley Vogel, 12 years, Special Education Resource Aide at Central Peninsula Schools
- Adam Dang, 11.5 years, Head Custodian I at Tustumena Elementary School
- William Turley, 11.5 years, Head Custodian II at Seward High School
- Pegge Erkeneff, 11 years, Director Communications, Community & Governmental Relations at District Office
- Albert Plan, 11 years, Physical Education, Health Teacher and Athletic Director at Seward High School
- Anne McCabe, 11 years, Student Success Liaison at Soldotna High School
- Cristina Kilcher, 10.5 years, School Nurse at Nikolaevsk School
- Nicole Stover, 10 years, Special Education Resource Teacher at Seward High School
- Natali Jones, 10 years, Itinerant School Counselor at Nikolaevsk School