Jun 21
10

KPBSD Alumni Survey open till June 25

Graduates from 2010-2021 can help shape the future of KPBSD!

KPBSD graduates from 2010 to 2021, how did KPBSD do?

KPBSD wants to learn from the experiences of alumni who graduated from a KPBSD school between 2010 and 2021. Experiences and responses will help ensure that the district’s academic and career-focused programs provide the best possible preparation for graduates.

The survey is open through June 25, 2021—can you help the school district reach graduates from 2010-2021?

Survey link: http://s.alchemer.com/s3/c401e3db16a6 or https://bit.ly/3xgxTR1

The graduate survey will be open through June 25, 2021.
Thank you to everyone who participates–your thoughts and experience count!

This alumni survey will help KPBSD understand the extent to which the district has prepared students to meet goals for college or a career. KPBSD partnered with Hanover Research to administer this survey. Hanover Research is an independent education research firm based in Washington, D.C., and is in no way affiliated with any other entity or organization. All responses will be kept completely anonymous, and no identifying information will be provided to the school district.



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Jun 21
9

COVID-19 Update: June 9, 2021

June 9, 2021

Dear KPBSD Staff, Families, and Community Partners,

I hope your summer is off to a wonderful start and that you have been able to enjoy the warm sunny days we have recently experienced!

At the beginning of the past school year, the District mandated face coverings to keep our staff, students, and community safe. However, it is now time to change our guidance regarding face coverings in our district. Beginning on June 14, 2021, our guidance regarding face coverings for students and staff participating in our Summer Learning and Extended School Year (ESY) programs will change and align with updated CDC guidelines and our current school and community risk levels.

Several factors influence this guidance. First, the Centers for Disease Control is recommending that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks indoors, except in hospitals, on public transit, and in other specified places. Secondly, positive COVID-19 case rates have declined significantly with the successful introduction of several vaccines and the ongoing campaign to vaccinate community members ages 12 and older. The summer is the perfect time to make this change as there are fewer students in our buildings and the temperatures allow our staff to increase outdoor instruction and activity time. As we move through the summer we will continue to monitor local transmission levels and keep track of State and CDC recommendations related to mitigation plans in our schools.   

Updated KPBSD guidance for school operations, beginning June 14, 2021:

  • Face coverings for district staff will follow CDC guidance; the district strongly advises non-vaccinated staff to wear a face covering (self-determined)
  • Face coverings for all students is optional (informed by parental preference). Face coverings for fully vaccinated visitors is optional; non-vaccinated individuals are strongly advised to wear a face covering
  • Physical distancing of 3’ or more will be encouraged while working with others indoors
  • The Symptom Free Schools Protocol will continue, so anyone who does not feel well, is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, or has recently been exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19, needs to remain at home

I thank our staff, parents, students, and community for all that you have done this year to keep our community and schools safe. I look forward to our future work together.

Have a wonderful and safe summer!

Thank you,

Clayton Holland, Acting Superintendent, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

2021-06-09-KPBSD-Updated-Face-Covering-guidanceDownload

Every Child Has a Right to be Safe, Seen, and Celebrated!

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Jun 21
8

KPBSD Virtual Job Chat

Virtual Job Chat

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will join Alaska Teacher’s Placement for a Virtual Job Chat on Thursday, June 10, 2021, from 3:00-4:30 ADT (7:00-8:30 PM EDT).

For 90 minutes on Thursday, June 10, 2021, tap into the Alaska Teacher Placement Virtual Job Fair (VJF) with guest Kenai Peninsula Borough School District! Join us from 3:00-4:30 PM ADT with your questions, or view it later.


Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Virtual Job Chat
Hosts: Amy Hagen, Director of Student Support Services, Pegge Erkeneff, Director of Communications, Community, and Government Relations, and backup crew ready to respond to your questions and comments during the live stream event.

When: Thursday, June 10, 3:00-4:30 PM ADT (7:00-8:30 pm EDT)
Time Zone Conversion: (Click here to convert event time)
How to Participate: ATP Facebook Page

Your KPBSD Hosts during the June Virtual Job Chat

Amy Hagen, Director of Student Support Services
Amy’s days are filled working with district employees to help ensure students with disabilities can access quality education and related services within the district. She was raised on the Kenai Peninsula but spent over a decade in Nevada which included working for one of Nevada’s school districts as well as their State Department of Education. Her vast knowledge within the area of disabilities helps provide wrap around services to help meet the needs of each student.

Pegge Erkeneff, Director of Communications, Community, and Government Relations
Pegge describes her role within the KPBSD as a storyteller. Whether it is pitching stories or responding to media, crisis communication, or celebrating what is right in public education in 42 diverse schools, her daily work life includes problem solving, the heart of a good story.

Pegge searches for the story elements to bring solutions and deliver delight to individuals and organizations, oversees school and district digital platforms, engages in meaningful communications with students and publics, offers communications workshops, and advocates with community partners and legislators about all things education related, both instructional and non-instructional. She began exploring Alaska in 2002, and moved her permanently (following her parents) in 2007. She lives alongside the Kenai River in Soldotna, and delights in nature and fishing.


The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is especially interested in chatting on the ATP Facebook page about the following openings:

Open positions, June 8, 2021:

Valuable KPBSD HR and School Links:

The Facebook Live is a great opportunity to connect directly to the Human Resources and decision makers with our school district. Bring your questions, and tune into the ATP Facebook Live stream. This event will be recorded for archived viewing.
KPBSD is not able to sponsor foreign teachers for H1 or J1 visas.

We are thrilled that you are considering employment with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District! We are located in a beautiful part of southcentral Alaska and one of the more unique and progressive districts in our great state. Our schools, ranging in size from a K-8 building of 16 to a traditional high school of 600, offer our students a strong education that prepares them for life after graduation. The 1,200 KPBSD dedicated staff members are committed to continuous improvement that embraces our strategic plan goals in academic success, organizational excellence, and community and family engagement. Should you work with us, you will be joining an exciting and successful team of top notch educators who do what it takes to help our students find success.

“Our diverse K-12 district is a leader in Alaska and at the forefront to support our teachers’ instruction—especially in this new time of remote learning. We strive, every day, to prepare our students for their future in a rigorous, relevant and responsive learning environment. Our students perform at or near the top in any standardized test required of them. They are creative thinkers and problem solvers. Our staff focus is to enhance student skills in critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity through personalized learning. This focus only happens in a culture of continuous improvement with high expectations of staff. Our school district makes a commitment to meet these high expectations through professional development for our staff, and ongoing striving to be an innovative, world class school district.

–Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD Director of Communications, Community, and Government Relations


About the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
The Kenai Peninsula is 25,600 square miles, with 17 distinct communities, and 42 schools. You’ll find neighborhood schools, village schools, a home school program, charter schools, K-12 small schools, and a performance based school. An estimated 58,522 (2018) residents live on the Kenai Peninsula. Southcentral Alaska offers year-round outdoor adventure, mild summers, and relatively warm winters. You can live near glaciers, on salt water, rivers, or lakes. Outdoor activities are plentiful and include fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, canoeing, clamming, birding, berry picking, wildlife viewing, ice skating, sled dog mushing, and more! Art, music, native culture, sports, wildlife centers, and museums are integral parts of the diverse Kenai Peninsula communities. Local industry includes oil and gas, a vibrant medical community, commercial and sport fisheries. The climate is mild in contrast to the interior and northern Alaska. Our winters last a month or two longer than the Lower 48. December temperatures average in the mid 20’s, and our summers are brilliant, with nearly 24-hour sunlight, and a lush, green landscape.

Located south of Anchorage, nothing about the Kenai is formal or stuffy. In fact, no other destination offers such an up close and personal Alaskan experience. That’s why we are known as Alaska’s Playground! This map shows links to a detailed Google Map view of the 42 KPBSD school locations.

Alaska Job Search Links

Facebook Live Streaming Event Format
You will need a free Facebook account to actively participate in ATP’s Live Chats. Once you create that account, you can use it to log in and ask the presenters questions. Anyone can watch the video stream, and observe the chat. If you would like to ask a question or introduce yourself, it is very easy to sign into the comment or post your reactions in real time.

ATP Live Chat on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaTeacher/

KPBSD on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/kpbsd

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Jun 21
2

Welcome 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 (ap), and leadership team members at district office who will begin these new assignments in the 2021-2022 school year!

KPBSD Administrators 2021-2022

  • Connections Homeschool: Mr. Greg Melvin, (AP)
  • Homer Middle School: Ms. Meghan Redmond
  • Kenai Central High School: Mr. Dan Beck
  • Kenai Middle School: Mr. Ken Felchle, (AP)
  • Mountain View Elementary: Ms. Hannah Dolphin (AP)
  • Nanwalek School: Ms. Penny Bearden
  • Nikiski Middle-High School: Mr. Shane Bostic; Mr. Mike Crain (AP)
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary: Mrs. Jenna Fabian
  • Paul Banks Elementary: Mr. Jerry Stapleton
  • Port Graham School: Mr. Eric Hart
  • Razdolna School: Dr. Michael Sturm
  • Seward High School: Mr. Henry Burns
  • Seward Middle School: Mr. Matt Potter
  • Skyview Middle School: Ms. Jill DuFloth; Ms. Shonia Werner (AP)
  • Soldotna High School: Mr. Sarge Truesdell
  • Susan B. English School, Seldovia: Mr. Scott Jonsson
  • Tebughna School: Ms. Christy Gomez

District Office

  • Director of Elementary Education: Mr. Eric Pederson
  • Director of Secondary Education: Mr. Tony Graham
  • Assistant Superintendent: Ms. Kari Dendurent
  • Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Clayton Holland

KPBSD welcomes…

Connections Homeschool
Mr. Greg Melvin has been assigned to be AP for next school year at Connections. Mr. Melvin will be working closely with Rich Bartolowits and also be completing other special projects for the district.

Homer Middle School
Ms. Meghan Redmond accepted the principal position for Homer Middle School for next year. Ms. Redmond has been the assistant principal at New Stuyahok for the last several years. We are thrilled to have her come on board. Ms. Redmond is looking forward to working at HMS and raising her family in Homer.

Kenai Central High School
Mr. Dan Beck has accepted the job of KCHS principal starting next school year. We have the upmost confidence that Mr. Beck and Assistant Principal Will Chervenak will be a powerhouse administrative team working together!

Kenai Middle School

Mr. Ken Felchle will be the new AP at Kenai Middle School. Mr. Felchle has been with the KPBSD for well over 20 years as a teacher and coach.

Mountain View Elementary
Ms. Hannah Dolphin will be the AP at Mountain View Elementary next year. Ms. Dolphin has been an excellent teacher at KPBSD for the last seven years while working at K-Beach Elementary School.

Nanwalek School

Ms. Penny Bearden will be the new principal for Nanwalek School! Penny has been with the district as a teacher in Nanwalek for the last eight years where she has done great work with our students and the community.

Nikiski Middle-High School

Mr. Shane Bostic will be the Nikiski Middle-High School principal starting next year, and Mr. Michael Crain will become the next Assistant Principal!

Nikiski North Star Elementary
Mrs. Jenna Fabian, previously the Assistant Principal at Mountain View Elementary will be the next principal of Nikiski North Star Elementary School! 

Paul Banks Elementary

Mr. Jerry Stapleton will be the new principal at Paul Banks Elementary. In the 2020-2021 school year Mr. Stapleton worked as a primary grade teacher at Nikiski North Star Elementary, but came to our district with vast experience as a principal in Georgia. Mr. Stapleton is thrilled to be leading the team at Paul Banks.

Port Graham School
Mr. Eric Hart will be the next principal/teacher of Port Graham School. Mr. Hart will be joining us from the Chatham School District in SE Alaska where he has spent the last 15 years. We look forward to all that Mr. Hart is bringing to Port Graham and the KPBSD.

Razdolna School

Dr. Michael Sturm has accepted the job as the principal/teacher for Razdolna School. Dr. Strum is a Skyview High School graduate who has been teaching in Razdolna most recently. We are excited to have him come on board with us.

Seward High School
Mr. Henry Burns has the accepted the principal position at Seward High School next year.  Mr. Burns has most recently been an administrator at North Pole High School, in North Pole, Alaska. Mr. Burns is excited to join the KPBSD as the principal of Seward High School and we look forward to the great things to come at Seward High school. 

Seward Middle School

Mr. Matt Potter has accepted the principal/teacher position at Seward Middle School.  Mr. Potter is a long time Alaskan who is currently living in Sitka.  We are excited to have Matt join the KPBSD admin team and we are confident he is going to do great things and bring a lot of energy to Seward Middle School and the district.

Skyview Middle School

Ms. Jill DuFloth, current AP at Skyview has agreed to be the interim principal at Skyview Middle School next school year. Ms. DuFloth has done great work as the AP of Skyview and we are happy to have her step into the principal role next year where we know she will do great work and help the school with the next transition. Ms. Shonia Werner will be joining Principal Jill DuFloth as the AP of Skyview Middle School next school year.  Shonia has been an educator for several years with the KPBSD and most recently has been teaching and doing her administrative internship at River City Academy.

Soldotna High School

Mr. Sarge Truesdell will be the next Soldotna High School Principal. We all look forward to the great things that will come with the team at Soldotna High School.

Susan B. English School, Seldovia
Mr. Scott Jonsson will be joining our administrative team next year as the principal/teacher of Susan B. English School in Seldovia. Mr. Jonsson is joining us from Anchorage and has a spent a lot of time on the Kenai Peninsula, particularly on the water (he can tell you more about that next year). We look forward to all the great ideas and experiences Mr. Jonsson will bring to Susan B. English School.

Tebughna School
In Tyonek, Christy Gomez will take over as principal/teacher for Tebughna School. Ms. Gomez has been an educator at Tebughna for several years and we look forward her to being in this role.

District Office Leadership

Director of Elementary Education
Paul Banks Elementary Principal Mr. Eric Pederson will be the next Director of Elementary Education!

Director of Secondary Education
Soldotna High School Principal Mr. Tony Graham will be the next Director of Secondary Education!

Assistant Superintendent
Homer Middle School Principal Ms. Kari Dendurent will be the next Assistant Superintendent for the KPBSD!

Superintendent of Schools
Assistant Superintendent Clayton Holland will be the next Superintendent of Schools!

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May 21
14

Sleeves Up for Age 12+

May 14, 2021

Dear KPBSD parents and students,

KPBSD respects everyone’s personal choice about vaccinations, and wants to remove every barrier for students age 12+ to receive a free vaccine. We are thankful for community partners who are offering vaccine clinics and pop-ups for youth age 12+, their caregivers, and KPBSD staff.

This communication is at the request of Dr. Anne Zink, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer, who wrote a letter to Alaska parents and students. Included in her May 11, 2021, letter school districts were asked to share, she writes:

“As we look forward to summer and a return to an in-person, healthy school year next year, I would like to bring to your attention that on Monday, May 10, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12+. I encourage you to discuss this with your pediatrician or family doctor.”  

Sleeves Up for Summer campaign wants you to know: The Pfizer vaccine is available to those 12 years of age and older. The decision by FDA and CDC to expand and recommend the use of the vaccine among adolescents followed an in-depth review of available safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy data.

KPBSD health services department learned about these vaccine clinics listed below, you can find more opportunities at the state website, or schedule an appointment: http://covidvax.alaska.gov

May 11, 2021 Letter to Alaska parents and students, from Anne Zink, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Read or download Dr. Zink’s letter:

Dr. Anne Zink Vaccine Letter May 10, 2021Download

Find a vaccine clinic or pop-up at the State of Alaska website: http://covidvax.alaska.gov or contact your local school nurse, public health nurse, or health care provider

Homer

Seward

Kenai

Nikiski

Soldotna

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May 21
14

Could your business use an extra set of volunteer hands?

To assist KPBSD students with disabilities receive supported work experience and vocational skills they need, KPBSD seeks business partners in the central peninsula area, June 14 – July 8, 2021.

Learn More: Read KPBSD 2021 Students with Disabilities Summer Work Program 2021Download

2021 KPBSD SUMMER WORK PROGRAM

Are you a business in need of an extra set of hands this summer? Consider becoming a work site for students in the KPBSD Summer Work Program! The program partners with local businesses in the central peninsula to help students with disabilities receive supported work experience and the skills they need to become successful employees. We cannot do it without you!

Contact Olivia Orth for details. 907-260-7040 or email oorth@kpbsd.k12. ak.us

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May 21
13

KPBSD Inspiration: Nurse Yoly

Our KPBSD Nurse Yoly in Seward, Alaska, is featured in Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and shares additional life insights with KPBSD!

Did a specific person influence or inspire your career path?
“My mother was and is my rock. She died in her early 40s with kidney and heart failure. I visited her in hospitals and a kidney dialysis center. I watched nurses work and take care of my mother, and I knew then that is what I wanted to do as a career.”

Have any life obstacles helped you to learn or persevere?
“I was born in a rural town in the Philippines. We lived off the land and sea and were very poor. My mother wanted a better life for me and education was her answer. I still believe in education as an equalizing factor for people. My education and career as a nurse has allowed me experiences to travel the world and help people in a meaningful way.”

“My mother wanted a better life for me and education was her answer. I still believe in education as an equalizing factor for people.“

Nurse Yoly

Is there a part of your work that helps you know you are in the right place at this time in your life?

“Covid-19 has brought the world to its knees. It has been a year of unrelenting challenges for everyone. I never thought I would be able to offer rapid testing in my schools which provide Covid test results in 20 minutes. I am so inspired by the many brilliant minds that have worked to bring us these tools and to be a very, very small part of the solution has been fulfilling in my daily work.”

What advice would you give to your younger self, or a K-12 student?

“I definitely would say to my younger self “Don’t worry so much.” In terms of students, my “frequent flyers” are unfortunately the ones that are struggling in school for a variety of reasons i.e. mental and physical health issues, lack of resources, poor relationships and support to name a few. I listen to them, offer support and the most important give them hope that they will find a way to be resilient through the tough times.”

2014, training future kid sitters in first aid and CPR!

Thank you Nurse Yoly!

Alliance for a Healthier Generation highlights Yolanda Ifflander, School Nurse, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District during Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Centering Love at one of America’s Healthiest Schools

“As a Pacific Islander woman, I feel like I have had to earn inclusivity and equity, tooth and nail.” 

– Yolanda Ifflander

Growing up on the rural island of Olongapo in the Philippines, Yolanda remembers the joy of three generations of women sitting around a table laughing, chopping vegetables for family meals while children played nearby. These meals, prepared from local foods, nourished Yolanda’s health, cultural identity, and sense of belonging.

“I wouldn’t trade my upbringing, and I carry on this lifestyle in Alaska today,” Yolanda explains. “Simple things such as family and fresh food are core values for me to stay healthy and well.”

The opportunities and challenges facing the next generation–particularly young people of color–are top of mind for Yolanda. As a parent and a school health professional, Yolanda embodies the inclusivity and community care that defined her childhood in Olangapo.

In 2015, thanks to the dedication of Yolanda and her colleagues, Seward Middle School in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District was named one of America’s Healthiest Schools by Healthier Generation. After three decades of service to her school community, she is nearing a well-earned retirement. Until then, she will continue working to improve policies and practices that impact the health and well-being of KPBSD students and staff.

Link to story: https://www.healthiergeneration.org/campaigns/kohls-healthy-at-home/celebrating-health/aapi-heritage-month

Nurse Yoly and her family

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May 21
12

KPBSD Kim Leslie, 2021 Alaska Teacher of the Year Finalist

Celebrate Ms. Kim Leslie, 2021 Alaska Teacher of the Year Finalist!

“My advice to students, or to all humans really, is to be mindful of what truly makes you feel at your best or the most alive. What activities or type of work? Being surrounded by which people? Learning about what? Nourish those elements in your life as much as you can. Do not be wooed by societal expectations about success and wealth; be wooed by your personal flourishment. I think I have done a decent job of that, and it has brought me significant happiness and a sense of balance. As a teacher this is huge: to be able to be a consistent, positive, joyful player in my students’ lives is no small thing. We can all serve our communities the best if we ourselves feel whole.”

One deeply moving part of my work is witnessing the return on investments in people.
“I watch students stand a little straighter, walk a little farther, and sometimes leap over hurdles simply because I (and other stakeholders in their world) said, “I believe in you.” I’m constantly asking students what they want to learn and understand about the world, and then I do my darndest to support them on that education journey. Depending on the student, that encouragement and support can yield incredible personalized outcomes that go so far beyond grades and transcripts. Like many teachers, I’ve had students reach out to me after many years and identify a moment, an assignment, or a conversation that we had that ended up spring boarding them into a positive new chapter in their life, from a career direction to a new geographical location to a new passion or hobby. Having those joyful impacts is powerful and enormously rewarding.”

“What do I want to learn?” graphic created by and frequently used by Kim Leslie

Teaching and learning as part of KPBSD’s Distance Learning department can be such a rich experience.
“Whatever bad taste may be left in people’s mouths from the forced “remote” learning during Covid should not be associated with what we do. I am proud of the intentionality, best practices, diverse learning tasks, and love that goes into the development and facilitation of the courses we offer. Honestly, when I first joined KBPSD as a Distance teacher, I thought it would be a short lived stepping stone toward getting into a “real” classroom. How wrong I was! The positive relationships I form with many of my students and the depth of learning we are able to explore together are incredible. I am fueled by the questions and curiosities my students share, the amazing learning tasks and experiences they bring to our courses, all of which makes each iteration of a course better than the last. I thrive with such a steep learning curve. I feel at my best as a teacher!”

Gulp Life
Kim Leslie’s Journey as an Educator
excerpt from her Teacher of the Year essay

“I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life…” ~Rachel Carson, scientist and author

When I was little, I would go on mini adventures in my backyard: ice skating down the brook behind our house, pushing aside spiderwebs to climb through the drainage pipe under the road (?!?), and trying to jump off a big rock with an umbrella in hopes I would “float” down to the ground. What was the first thing I would do when I met with an ounce of success? Invite someone else to join me. 

I’ve always been a life gulper, but pretty early on I realized the real joy and satisfaction came from sharing the gulps with others … my family, my friends, and ultimately my students. I didn’t realize I had become a teacher until I heard others tell me I was. My first teaching jobs were far from traditional: first a boarding school summer intern, then a naturalist at an outdoor education school. To this day, I have never had a completely “normal” classroom teaching job!

In fact, joining KPBSD’s distance team has been the most “out of the box” position yet! Pre-COVID I always needed my elevator speech handy when people asked what I did; “well, my office is in Seward but my students are all over the Kenai Peninsula…” Now people have a bit more of an understanding.

I design courses rich with information and engaging learning tasks in Canvas, primarily work with my students asynchronously, and the feedback cycles that happen in text, recorded video and Zoom fuel the heart of their learning. Often my students’ curiosities, hopes and dreams guide what we dig into the most. I can honestly say that I learn more from them in the end: They share their gulps with me! 

About Ms. Leslie

“Kim Leslie is the epitome of a highly skilled 21st Century teacher. She has the unique ability to make her blended online learning classes a truly personal experience for her students. From day one in her class, her students know that she cares about them and will tailor the instruction to meet their personal interests. Having Kim on our team of KPBSD teachers is a gift to KPBSD and to her students.” –Superintendent John O’Brien

“Kim Leslie is a genuinely amazing person. She cares deeply about the students and their understanding of science. She teaches with a divergent approach. She allows students to demonstrate their understanding on their terms using their strengths. Her mind is extremely strong and her heart is always in the right place! She is incredible and KPBSD is lucky to have her on the team.” –Reubin Payne, Connections Homeschool advisor

Kim and her student, Anna, who ultimately won the Caring for the Kenai Competition in 2020

“Ms. Leslie made life-long impacts on my two girls in ways I could never have imagined possible. She taught them that science is for everyone-not just boys, not just smart kids, and not just science fanatics. Using the framework of the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards), she unfurled an all-inclusive science: science for dancers, dreamers, dirt-divas, and daredevils. She brings science to life through building authentic connections with her students and their lives. … To say that Kim is a pioneer of quality online teaching is a vast understatement, as is stating that she is an exceptional educator!” –Shona DeVolld, parent

“Her commitment to students extends far beyond the classroom, and that is what sets Ms. Leslie apart from other teachers: she is literally a life-changer. My story began in 2018 when she encouraged me to enter a local environmental competition called Caring for the Kenai. When I was chosen as a top 12 contender, Ms. Leslie drove all the way from Seward to Kenai just to see me present my idea to the judges. Even though it had nothing to do with her class, she wanted to be there to support me, and I know she would do the same for any of her students. It was because of Ms. Leslie that I decided to carry out my idea; I am a President’s Environmental Youth Award Winner and an entrepreneur at age 15 as a result of her genuine interest in my life. This is only one example of the many lives she has changed over the years, and that is what makes her so amazing. Ms. Leslie is already Alaska’s Teacher of the Year in my book!” –Anna DeVolld, student

Kim Leslie being lifted up (literally) by her great friend, colleague and mentor, Amanda Adams

“Ms. Leslie has continually grown in her leadership. She continually partners with colleagues in reflective and collaborative work to deepen impactful practice. She is an inaugural member of the Personalized Learning Champs which are a group of teacher leaders in our district who are driving innovation in the classroom and actively sharing and leading those at their sites through sharing professional development resources and workshops. Kim has continually been a leading member of the Distance Education team always striving to build connective practices that support students and their learning regardless of location. Additionally, she has supported several school sites on a continual basis sharing her knowledge and experience in educational technology and pedagogy of online and blended teaching. Kim continually presents to leaders (teachers and administrators) in the district. These are three examples of sharing her expertise through presentations that she has given. Cultivating Reflection in Teaching Practice (http://bit.ly/2NRfjhk); Personalize Outcomes – A Course Design Mindset Shift (http://bit.ly/3kvCHwO); and Balancing Online and Offline Work (http://bit.ly/3sEMQtR). Ms. Leslie has also contributed at conferences like Elevating and Celebrating Teachers and Teaching (ECET2) Southcentral (http://bit.ly/3uIYwh2) and the Alaska Society for Technology in Education conference on more than one occasion, including a redesign of the Cultivating Reflection district presentation (http://bit.ly/2VAlbyd) and several others! She has even reached beyond the Alaskan borders to present at the U.S. Distance Learning Association’s conference with The Importance of Community – Building Collaborative Online Learning Tasks (https://tinyurl.com/2017USDLA). Kim has developed procedures for onboarding new Distance Education teachers and continually mentors new members to the team. She is a vital component of our district and a wonderful contribution to our profession.” –Amanda Adams, KPBSD Lead Innovation Designer

Links

IMAGES from above, and remainder here

  1. “What do I want to learn?” graphic created by and frequently used by Kim Leslie Kim and student Anna DeVolld
  2. Kim Leslie being lifted up (literally) by her great friend, colleague and mentor, Amanda Adams
  3. Jason, Indigo and Kim Leslie hiking on Mt. Alice in their home town of Seward
  4. Kim Leslie (center) and some of her bellydance troupe 
  5. Indigo, Jason and Kim Leslie packrafting in Lake Clark National Park

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May 21
8

KMS brings you Lion King. Jr the musical *movie*

Treat yourself from the comfort of home!
The Kenai Middle School Drama Department created an incredible show for you – Lion King. Jr the musical *movie*! Stream the FREE movie from the comfort of your own home or device wherever you are this weekend or next!

Streaming Dates & Times:
May 7, 8, 14, 15 – 6:00 pm (AKST)
May 9, 16 – 1:00 pm (AKST)

To stream Lion King Jr.:
Step 1: Go to KMS Showtix4U page https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/47899
Step 2: Pick a date and time you want to stream. Click “BUY STREAM” (a misnomer… the show is free!)
Step 3: At the checkout, consider donating to KMS Drama. They are charged $1.50 for each device that streams the show.
Step 4: You will get an email from Showtix4U with a code. Logon to Showtix4U at the time you chose and enjoy the show!

Share this link with your out-of-state family & friends as well! Everyone is welcome to enjoy this wonderful production – just make sure that they double check what time the show will play in their local time zone.

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Posted in School Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

May 21
7

Be involved in hiring of your next school principal

Hiring School Principals: Public Involvement Opportunities

Everyone is invited to offer their thoughts about the characteristics, plus their wants and wishes for their next school principal through a community meeting via zoom, and a survey. The interview committee will read all the community input. After final candidates are selected to interview, everyone is invited to watch the interviews live via Zoom, and then provide written feedback through a new survey link provided during the live interview.

Thank you for your participation in the selection and hiring of KPBSD principals.

Check back to this page for updates about interviews, or additional schools that are hiring a new administrator.

Community Input Surveys and
Candidate Interviews

Nanwalek School
Community Input Survey is open until Sunday, May 9, 2021, at 5:00 PM AKST
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Nan_Prin_Input

Nanwalek School UPDATE 5-12-21: THREE INTERVIEWS via Zoom, on May 13, 2021, 3:30-6:30 PM
Join ZOOM meeting
3:30; 4:30; 5:30 PM: Zoom audience members join interview process. Doors are open for ten minutes.
3:40; 4:40; 5:40 PM: Introduction and 45 minute candidate interview
Zoom Link: Meeting ID: 865 0466 3782 ; Passcode: 389783

Port Graham School
Community Input Survey is open until Sunday, May 9, 2021, at 5:00 PM AKST
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PG_Prin_Input

UPDATE 5-12-21: Port Graham School
THREE INTERVIEWS via Zoom, on May 13, 2021, 3:30-6:30 PM
Join ZOOM meeting
3:30; 4:30; 5:30 PM: Zoom audience members join interview process. Doors are open for ten minutes.
3:40; 4:40; 5:40 PM: Introduction and 45 minute candidate interview
Zoom Link: Meeting ID: 864 2081 3612 ; Passcode: 180801

Seward High School
Community Input Survey is open until Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 5:00 PM AKST
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SewardHS_Prin_Input

Seward High School
THREE INTERVIEWS via Zoom, on Monday, May 24, 2021, 3:00-6:00 PM
Join ZOOM meeting
3:00; 4:00; 5:00 PM: Zoom audience members join interview process. Doors are open for ten minutes.
3:10; 4:10; 5:10 PM: Introduction and 45-minute candidate interview
Zoom Link: Meeting ID: 868 5564 9762  Passcode: 589782

Seward Middle School
Community Input Survey is open until Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 5:00 PM AKST: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SewardMS_Prin_Input

Seward Middle School
THREE INTERVIEWS via Zoom, on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 3:00-6:00 PM
Join ZOOM meeting
3:00; 4:00; 5:00 PM: Zoom audience members join interview process. Doors are open for ten minutes.
3:10; 4:10; 5:10 PM: Introduction and 45-minute candidate interview
Zoom Link: Meeting ID: 819 3326 0281  Passcode: 112049

Skyview Middle School, Soldotna
Community Input Survey is open until Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 5:00 PM AKST: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Skyview_MS_Prin_Input

UPDATE May 2021: Ms. Jill DuFloth, the current Assistant Principal at Skyview Middle School agreed to be the interim principal at Skyview Middle School for the 2021-2022 school year. Ms. DuFloth has done great work as the AP of Skyview and we are happy to have her step into the principal role next year where we know she will do great work and help the school with the next transition.
*In relation to this, KPBSD posted an opening for an interim AP Principal position for next year that is open only to internal candidates.

Susan B. English School, Seldovia
Community Input Survey is open until Sunday, May 9, 2021, at 5:00 PM AKST: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SBE_Prin_Input
Update 5-11-21:
THREE INTERVIEWS via Zoom, on May 12, 2021, 3:30-6:30 PM
Join ZOOM meeting
Meeting ID: 815 9662 2408; Passcode: 175925

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Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

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