Students Invited to Name Two K9s
Alaska’s sixth-grade classes are invited to submit names for two new law enforcement K9s, whose tasks will include searching for illegal drugs. Use of heroin and other opioids is a growing problem across the United States. Governor Bill Walker, who recently declared a public health crisis in Alaska, signed Administrative Order 283 to outline the state’s next steps to address the drug epidemic. The dog-naming contest is an initiative of Safer Alaska Building Strong Communities, to engage students in illicit-drug prevention.
Each sixth-grade class can submit one name for each dog. Be sure to match each name to a specific dog. K9A is a very friendly Belgian Malinois, one and a half years old, who prances like a horse when he walks. He is long and lanky. K9B, also a Belgian Malinois of the same age, pounces on his toy when he retrieves it. His fur is black from his paws to his knees, so he looks like he’s wearing socks.
Some helpful hints: Avoid cute names like Fluffy; these K9s are professional law enforcement members. Avoid scary names or the names of drugs. The names should be easy to say, preferably of one or two syllables. Names with a connection to Alaska might be strong contenders. Winning classes will receive acknowledgement from the Governor or Lt. Governor, a visit from the dog and his handler, and a plaque with a picture of the dog.
Submit names to Sharon Fishel at the Department of Education and Early Development at Sharon.fishel@alaska.gov. The deadline is May 10. If you have questions, contact Ms. Fishel at 907-465-6523 or Sharon.fishel@alaska.gov
Posted in Community Partners by .
Apr 17
12
Dear Alaska Legislators… #Day86
Your legislators need to hear from you now. Our schools need fiscal certainty, and our children need hope for the future. Please express your individual thoughts to your legislators today.*
You could share how KPBSD makes a difference for you or your children, how a KPBSD education prepared you for your future, or thoughts about proposed bills and funding solutions.
We ask our Senate and House to come together in the next two weeks, overcome the rhetoric, and develop the right fiscal plan so KPBSD can prepare for the school year that begins in August.
Day 86 update
It appears increasingly likely there will be a reduction of state education funding. The Senate is proposing a five percent reduction which equates to a $5 million dollar cut to our budget. This action will have serious, negative consequences for students. Also, this cut significantly reduces the potential funding capability of the Kenai Peninsula Borough by more than $1 million.
The legislative session is coming to its statutory end and education funding for the KPBSD has not been determined. This leaves your schools in a bind, as we develop an educational plan that begins in less than four months. Every one percent reduction to state education funding means a loss of over $1 million in revenue for our district.
KPBSD demonstrates excellent results, and these proposed reductions put our improvements and innovations at significant risk.
“The state has a constitutional requirement to maintain a system of public education and I believe that the system should be of the highest quality,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “Our kids are the number one, consistent and sustainable resource in our state. Students should be supported and not be caught in the middle of a larger political issue.”
The KPBSD Board of Education’s number one priority is a reliable, multi-revenue fiscal plan for the State of Alaska. Please join district administration to advocate for adequate school funding by contacting your legislators.
Links
- KPBSD and The Legislature webpage (includes letters to the legislature about specific bills.)
- KPBSD Communications blog
- Flyer:2017 KPBSD Legislative Priorities
- Flyer:KPBSD Budget 101 and Fiscal Reality Spring 2017
- Annual Report with many KPBSD facts and stories
- The Alaska Legislature website
- KPBSD finance webpage
*Legislator contacts and KPBSD schools represented:
Senator Peter Micciche, District O | Senator.Peter.Micciche@akleg.gov
https://www.facebook.com/SenatorPeterMicciche/ https://twitter.com/AKSenMajority
Schools: Aurora Borealis Charter, Cooper Landing School, Hope School, Kaleidoscope Charter, K-Beach Elementary, Kenai Alternative, Kenai Central High, Kenai Middle, Marathon School, Moose Pass School, Mountain View Elementary, Nikiski Middle-High, Nikiski North Star Elementary, River City Academy, Skyview Middle, Soldotna Elementary, Soldotna High, Soldotna Montessori, Seward Elementary, Seward High, Seward Middle, Sterling Elementary, Connections Homeschool Program
Senator Gary Stevens, District P | Senator.Gary.Stevens@akleg.gov
https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSenateMajority
Schools: Chapman School, Fireweed Academy Charter, Homer Flex, Homer High, Homer Middle, Kachemak-Selo, McNeil Canyon Elementary, Nikolaevsk, Ninilchik, Paul Banks Elementary, Razdolna, Susan B. English, Tustumena Elementary, Voznesenka, West Homer Elementary, Connections Homeschool Program
Representative Mike Chenault, District 29 | Representative.Mike.Chenault@akleg.gov
https://www.facebook.com/repmikechenault/ https://twitter.com/ChenaultRep
Schools: Cooper Landing School, Hope School, Moose Pass School, Nikiski Middle-High, Nikiski North Star Elementary, Seward Elementary, Seward High, Seward Middle, Sterling Elementary, Connections Homeschool Program
Representative Gary Knopp, District 30 | Representative.Gary.Knopp@akleg.gov
Schools: Aurora Borealis Charter, Kaleidoscope Charter, K-Beach Elementary, Kenai Alternative, Kenai Central High, Kenai Middle School, Marathon School, Mountain View Elementary, Redoubt Elementary, River City Academy, Skyview Middle School, Soldotna Elementary, Soldotna High, Soldotna Montessori, Connections Homeschool Program
Representative Paul Seaton, District 31 | Representative.Paul.Seaton@akleg.gov
https://twitter.com/RepPaulSeaton https://twitter.com/AKCoalition
Schools: Chapman, Fireweed Academy Charter, Homer Flex, Homer High, Homer Middle, Kachemak-Selo, McNeil Canyon, Nikolaevsk, Ninilchik, Paul Banks Elementary, Razdolna, Tustumena, Voznesenka, West Homer Elementary, Connections Homeschool Program
Representative: Louise Stutes, District 32 | Representative.Louise.Stutes@akleg.gov
https://www.facebook.com/RepLouiseStutes/ https://twitter.com/AKCoalition
Schools: Nanwalek School, Port Graham School, Tebughna School, Susan B. English, Connections Homeschool Program
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
Thank you to everyone who attended the Key Communicator Hour on Thursday, April 6, 1017. Following up on requests from several attendees:
Click here to watch the April 6, 2017 video with Superintendent Dusek’s presentation, followed by Q & A
A question was asked if KPBSD has budget and legislature talking points; these are helpful links:
- KPBSD and The Legislature webpage (check the letters that are on the page written about specific bills.)
- Flyer: 2017 KPBSD Legislative Priorities
- Flyer: KPBSD Budget 101 and Funding Spring 2017
- Annual Report with many KPBSD facts and stories
If you have questions, please contact Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison: Communications@KPBSD.org, and search this blog for keywords such as budget, legislature, etc. for additional posts.
Posted in KPBSD District Stories Legislature by .
News Release
Alaska Senate proposes 5% cut to education funding
Soldotna, April 4, 2017—The Senate Finance Committee proposed a 5% cut to education funding, creating an additional deficit hit of $5.29 million to the KPBSD. Plus, the 5% links to a second cut of $1.21 million by reducing the maximum allowable contribution the Borough may contribute to KPBSD, thus the cuts could total $6.51 million.
But, you can speak up now to tell our legislators why a cut this large will harm children, and the future of our youth and communities. Cutting education by 5% to solve the state fiscal crisis hurts classroom success and innovation, our youth, and future generations.
Therefore, this week, please call, write, testify, or speak face-to-face to Alaska Senators, and your local legislators.
Tell something true from your own experience. For example:
- What is one simple way that your KPBSD school has made a difference to you or your family?
- How are innovations in the classroom preparing children for their future?
- How did your KPBSD public education prepare you for your current work or career?
Please help propel the quality of education forward through a request for status quo education funding, and a viable solution to the state fiscal crisis.
Senate Finance Committee 5% Base Student Allocation (BSA) cut to education in HB57:
- State contribution to KPBSD is reduced by $5,293,712
- Borough maximum allowable contribution to KPBSD is reduced by $1,217,554
- Additional potential FY18 revenue loss: $6,511,266
On April 3, 3017, KPBSD administration put forth the preliminary FY18 Status Quo funded budget to the Board of Education. (This budget does not include the additional 5% BSA cut.)
- Already, the FY18 budget includes a deficit of $3.49 million
- Expenditure reductions of $2,619,308 includes the elimination of 30.5 full time equivalent (FTE) positions, and use of General Fund savings
“I’m very concerned that the legislature is proposing these further reductions to education funding, particularly this late in our process of budgeting and staffing for next year,” said Superintendent Sean Dusek. “KPBSD is committed to deliver a quality education to our students, and provide stability for our staff and communities. These reductions compromise our ability to prepare our students for their future.”
Today, please take two minutes to tell the Alaska Senate why you believe education funding should not be cut so drastically, this late in the session. KPBSD believes every child counts. Give your perspective in person, by telephone, via email. Click to find legislator contacts.
Links
- The Alaska State Legislature webpage
- House Bill 57 (HB57) – Operating Budget; Loans; Funds
- Senate Bill 22 (SB22) – Operating Budget; Loans; Funds
- KPBSD Finance webpagehttp://bit.ly/KPBSDfinance
- KPBSD and the Legislaturehttps://bit.ly/KPBSDandTheLegislature
The number one KPBSD Board of Education legislative priority is, “Provide sustained, reliable, and adequate education funding for Alaska’s students.”
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Posted in News Release by .
You’re invited
State of the KPBSD with Superintendent Dusek
Thursday, April 6, 2017
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome!
Superintendent Dusek will provide a legislative and budget update via Skype for Business, followed by time to respond to your questions. Learn about education related bills and school funding. Hosting schools:
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Homer Middle School
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Mountain View Elementary
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Nikiski Middle-High School
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Skyview Middle School
-
Susan B. English School
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William H. Seward Elementary
“This is a critical juncture in Alaskan and American history. We are all working on providing the best education possible for our students every day. This takes hard work and certainty. Our Alaska legislature and borough can provide that certainty while maintaining public education as the number one priority of our state. At the federal level, public funds should also go to public entities while local control should be honored. We are at a crossroads and your voice will be critical to keep our system moving forward to develop high quality, productive citizens to be our future leaders.” – KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusek
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
You’re invited…
The opening reception for the 28th Annual KPBSD Juried Student Art Show is April 6, 2017, from 5:30-8:00 PM at Kenai Fine Art Center.
Seventy-three pieces of artwork from KPBSD middle school and high school students will be represented.
Middle School Awards will be presented at 5:45 and High School Awards at 6:15.
If you can’t make Thursday, the Visual Feast is open through April 28, 2017, at 816 Cook Avenue in Old Town Kenai. The gallery is open from noon to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
News Release
Pre-Kindergarten Title I assessments take place in April and May
Soldotna, March 27, 2017—Children who will be four years old by September 1, 2017, have an opportunity to attend pre-kindergarten classes at their local area school in the fall. To qualify for the classes, parents and guardians must contact their local area school to schedule a Pre-K assessment, and complete an application prior to the school screening appointment date.
- Title I funded Pre-K programs available at specific sites in the KPBSD provide an excellent opportunity for children who turn four by September 1, 2017, to get a jumpstart on success in school
- KPBSD’s Pre-K teachers are all certified and have specialized training in early childhood education
- Programs are engaging and developmentally appropriate, with an emphasis on preparing children to be successful when they enter
- Pre-K the KPBSD Way focuses on experiences that facilitate each child’s growth in the targeted areas of social and emotional development; approaches to learning; communication, language, literacy; cognitive development, and physical well-being.
Parent or guardian action steps
- Contact local attendance area school for times and testing locations. (See alphabetical list of schools offering Pre-K sessions*)
- Complete a Pre-K Application—the school office in your attendance area will provide applications
- Return the application to your neighborhood school office during school hours
- Schedule your child’s assessment prior to the date for your neighborhood (Dates listed below)
- Children must be age 4 by September 1, 2017
- Title I KPBSD programs web link: Title 1 programs at KPBSD
*KPBSD Title I Elementary Schools and Screening dates
Students qualify for Title I services based on academic need
- Chapman Elementary, 235-8671, May 1, 2017
- Mountain View Elementary, 283-8600, May 3, 2017
- Nikiski North Star Elementary, 776-2600, April 27, 2017
- Ninilchik School, 567-3301, May 2, 2017
- Paul Banks Elementary, 226-1801, April 13, 2017
- Redoubt Elementary, 260-4300, April 24, 2017
- Seward Elementary, 224-3356, April 28, 2017
- Soldotna Elementary, 260-5100, April 26, 2017
- Sterling Elementary, 262-4944, May 9, 2017
- Tustumena Elementary, 260-1345, April 25, 2017
- Voznesenka School, 235-8549, April 5, 2017
Title I programs are required to utilize effective, research based instruction, and must also provide evidence that students receiving Title I support are showing academic growth.
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This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Suggest or contribute a story online link: http://bit.ly/SuggestKPBSDstory
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, Communications Liaison, Communications@KPBSD.org, 907.714.8888
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
Caring for the Kenai
Twelve student finalists will take their innovative projects from great to outstanding in a live competition, Thursday, April 20, 2017.
Four hundred entries culled to 120 semi-finalists when eight judges set the final 12 pick on March 8, 2017, in the 27th annual Caring for the Kenai competition. The final 12 will remain anonymous until the evening of April 20, and have a little more than a month to further research, create, and prepare, in order to dazzle a panel of industry experts for the opportunity to win a portion of $8,000 in cash awards plus funds for their respective school.
High school students from Homer, Kenai, Nikiski, Ninilchik, Seward, Soldotna, and Voznesenka responded to the prompt: “What can I do, invent, or create to better care for the environment on the Kenai Peninsula, or to improve the area’s preparedness for a natural disaster?”
Live competition – 12 teens present innovative solutions
Everyone is invited!
Thursday, April 20, 2017
6:00 PM
Kenai Central High School Little Theater
Be inspired, learn, and support the twelve teens who will present their original ideas!
Bonus: this year’s CFK competition will be streamed live over the internet by Soldotna High School technology students and has been viewed in the past in countries such as Canada, Colombia, El Salvador, Peru, Germany, Greenland and Japan. If you can’t attend in person, tune in on a device or online. KPBSD will post the link on social media.
In March, the panel of eight judges from the professional community selected 12 Kenai Peninsula Borough high school students, from 120 semi-finalists, to compete for over $28,000 in cash awards in the oral presentation phase of the CFK program, sponsored by Tesoro. Judges reviewed more than 120 entries in the Caring for the Kenai (CFK) environmental and disaster preparedness contest. “The District’s students greatly appreciate Tesoro’s generous sponsorship of this important annual event and all of the volunteers that make this educational partnership possible every year,” said Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Sean Dusek. “The opportunity that Caring for the Kenai offers our students to showcase their creativity and ingenuity is excellent,” added Dusek.
Community Partnerships
The CFK educational partnership is part of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) science curriculum. This year $20,000 will be awarded to participating schools thanks to a matching grant from, Kenai River Raven Lodge, ConocoPhillips, Peninsula Community Health Services, and Hilcorp. The $20,000 in CFK grants will be divided proportionately to participating schools based on where their students place in the final oral presentation competition to be held Thursday, April 20th at the KCHS Little Theatre, starting at 6:00pm.
Student Recognition Program
In addition to the recognition and prizes that go to the 12 finalists each year, CFK’s Student Recognition award program continues to grow with over 15 local sponsors presenting special recognition awards to entries of the sponsor’s selection. Student recognition recipients will be announced in a Peninsula Clarion full page ad. The 12 CFK finalists will remain anonymous until after their oral presentations Thursday, April 20th.
CFK is being administered as part of the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska’s educational programs. Marnie Olcott, CEO said, “Challenger is thrilled to be part of such a valuable program, for our students, teachers and communities. Challenger shares the vision of growing the program not only within Alaska, but on a national level; we look forward to a long, successful partnership.”
The live feed, complete history and details of the CFK program are available at www.caringforthekenai.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/caringForTheKenai.com
Contest Coordinator, Merrill Sikorski, 907-262-4949
2016 Caring for the Kenai Finalists
Posted in Community Partners KPBSD District Stories by .
“What is Forensics?” We are not talking about science or crime lab stuff like you see on CSI— this kind of forensics has to do with public speaking, oration and debate.
Students from nine KPBSD schools traveled to Tustumena Elementary on Saturday, February 25, 2017, to recite poetry and prose, present interpretative readings, or deliver story telling in front of an audience of judges and parents. This was not a spur of the moment decision, but the culmination of weeks or months of preparation and practice by fourth through sixth grade students and elementary staff all across our district.
Why do we take time out of our busy teaching schedule to work on forensics? The positive benefits of public speaking have been well documented. Besides the fact that forensics can be fun, it can also increase student self-esteem, promote leadership skills, increase communication skills, provide an outlet for creative expression, and increase student understanding and connection to literature. Over 95% of students that participate on high school speech and debate teams go on to a college education. Many colleges and universities also give scholarships to students who participate and do well in this extracurricular activity because employers are often seeking workers with good communication skills. Of all of these excellent reasons for students to practice and learn forensic skills, one of the most important reasons might be that these skills can help them throughout the rest of their lives; at work, at home, and in the community.
The elementary school forensics competition process starts with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students choosing a piece of literature to present. These pieces must be between one to five minutes long and can be performed by a single student or by a group of two or more together. After choosing whether to present a poem, prose, a short story or reader’s theater, the students must research the author’s intent and try to convey that meaning with their tone of voice, inflection and movements. Shorter pieces must be memorized, which builds strong recall skills. After working on their pieces, students compete in a class-wide competition. Students with high enough scores move on to compete at a school level competition. These students are judged by three judges and only the best go on to compete at the annual district-wide competition. At this competition, students once again present their pieces and are judged against a rubric designed for their age group and category. First, second, and third place ribbons are awarded to the top performers in each category. This is an opportunity for students to receive recognition for their hard work and dedication. It is truly remarkable to watch the level of poise and sophistication of these top performers.
This 2017 district-wide forensics competition is over, but you shouldn’t feel left out. Next year’s competition is just around the corner, it will be held in late February or early March,2018, at Tustumena Elementary. Remember, it is never too early to start looking for a good piece of literature to practice and present! And, it’s a wonderful spectator event for parents, friends, and the community.
Story contributed by JoEllen Fowler and Lisa Gossett
Scroll down for results!
Results
Congratulations to students from the nine competing schools! First place winners:
- Humorous Poetry, Grade 4: Madelyn Ross, K-Beach Elementary
- Humorous Poetry, Grade 5: Nolan Boehme, Nikiski North Star Elementary & Hannah Leaders, Soldotna Montessori Charter School
- Humorous Poetry, Grade 6: Liam Harris, Redoubt Elementary
- Humorous Prose, Grade 4: Alexis Wells, Redoubt Elementary
- Humorous Prose, Grade 5: Cody Thompson, Redoubt Elementary
- Humorous Prose, Grade 6: Aleysa Strait, Aurora Borealis Charter School
- Interpretive Reading, Grade 4: Kaydence Monti, K-Beach Elementary
- Interpretive Reading, Grade 5: Melanie Woodard, Seward Elementary
- Interpretive Reading, Grade 6: Kelsie Kenner, Redoubt Elementary
- Interpretive Reading, Multi/Grade 4: Abigail Doepken & Bethany Doepken, Seward Elementary
- Interpretive Reading, Multi/Grade 5: Christopher Smith & Kael Aamodt, Sterling Elementary
- Interpretive Reading, Multi/Grade 6: Hannah Stonorov, Josh Latham, Faith Latham & Kavindra Johnson, McNeil Canyon Elementary
- Non-Humorous Poetry, Grade 4: Jack Linquist, Moose Pass School
- Non-Humorous Poetry, Grade 5: Casey Bryden, Moose Pass School
- Non-Humorous Poetry, Grade 6: Selena Payment, Soldotna Montessori Charter School
- Non-Humorous Prose, Grade 4: Brian Bliss, Tustumena Elementary
- Non-Humorous Prose, Grade 5: James Bush, Tustumena Elementary
- Non-Humorous Prose, Grade 6: Daisy Rogers, Soldotna Montessori Charter School
- Poetry, Multiple/Grade 4: Sam Klein & James Innes, Aurora Borealis Charter School; Gage Bradford & Hunter Forshee-Kutz, Seward Elementary; and Alexandra Casey & Sofia Loboy, McNeil Canyon Elementary
- Poetry, Multiple/Grade 5: Jaxon Brophy & Koen Pace, Aurora Borealis Charter School
- Poetry, Multiple/Grade 6: Zoe Cravens & Desiree Bunts, Sterling Elementary
- Prose, Multiple/Grade 5: Leora McCaughey & Maggie Grenier, Nikiski North Star Elementary
- Prose, Multiple/Grade 6: Brook Fischer & Josie Sheridan, Tustumena Elementary; and Jordynne Audette & JulieAnn Nye, Aurora Borealis Charter School
- Story Telling, Grade 4: Delaney Smith, K-Beach Elementary
- Story Telling, Grade 5: Katelyn Derleth, Redoubt Elementary
- Story Telling, Grade 6: Blake Lewis, Redoubt Elementary
Thank you to all the students in KPBSD schools who competed, the many volunteers, and Tustumena Elementary School for hosting the event!
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
Alaska Studies, Computer Applications 1, 2, or 3, Employability Skills, Government,
Health, and Keyboarding (Typing)
The KPBSD Distance Learning Program is offering eight online courses for the 2017 Summer Session to KPBSD students.
Free of charge, registration for these courses is first come, first serve. Once the course is full students will be placed on a waiting list.
Details: https://sites.google.com/g.kpbsd.org/2017-summersession/home
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .