►TWO-HOUR Delay Start ALERT
KPBSD schools in the Anchor Point, Homer area*, and Ninilchik will open with a TWO-HOUR DELAY START on Thursday, December 9, 2021, in response to weather and road conditions.
If weather and road conditions warrant a full closure for any schools, that announcement will be made about 7:00 AM. If you don’t hear anything, the two-hour delay start remains in effect. All Pre-K sessions—both morning and afternoon—at these schools are cancelled during a two-hour delay start.
A two hour delay means that morning buses run two hours later than normal, school begins two hours later than normal, and Pre-K sessions are cancelled. The school day ends at the normal time.
*TWO-HOUR Delay Start for these Southern Kenai Peninsula schools
- Chapman School
- Connections Homeschool
- Fireweed Academy
- Homer Flex School
- Homer High School
- Homer Middle School
- Kachemak Selo School
- McNeil Canyon Elementary School
- Nikolaevsk School
- Ninilchik School
- Paul Banks Elementary School
- Razdolna School
- Voznesenka School
- West Homer Elementary School
Nanwalek, Port Graham, and Susan B. English schools will open on a normal schedule.
Be safe. Parents and guardians, if school is open and you decide to keep your child at home based on weather and road conditions near you, absences or late arrivals will be excused.
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
Dec 21
7
Snow Day in Seward
UPDATE! The Two-Hour Delay is Cancelled and it’s now a Snow Day – no school.
►SNOW DAY ALERT
KPBSD schools in Moose Pass and Seward will be CLOSED on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, due to weather and road conditions.
School closure – Seward Area
- Moose Pass School
- Seward Elementary School
- Seward High School
- Seward Middle School
Cooper Landing and Hope schools will open on a normal schedule.
►SCHOOL CLOSURE ALERT
KPBSD schools in the Homer and Anchor Point area* will be closed on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, due to weather and road conditions.
*SCHOOL CLOSURE – Southern Peninsula schools
- Chapman School
- Connections Homeschool (Homer)
- Fireweed Academy
- Homer Flex School
- Homer High School
- Homer Middle School
- Kachemak Selo School
- McNeil Canyon Elementary School
- Nikolaevsk School
- Paul Banks Elementary School
- Razdolna School
- Voznesenka School
- West Homer Elementary School
OPEN: Nanwalek, Ninilchik, Port Graham, and Susan B. English schools will open on a normal schedule.
►Two-Hour Delay Start ALERT
KPBSD schools in Moose Pass and Seward will open with a TWO HOUR DELAY START on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, due to weather and road conditions.
If weather and road conditions warrant a full closure for any schools, that announcement will be made about 7:00 AM. If you don’t hear anything, the two-hour delay start remains in effect. All Pre-K sessions—both morning and afternoon–at these schools are cancelled during a two-hour delay start.
A two hour delay means that morning buses run two hours later than normal, school begins two hours later than normal, and Pre-K sessions are cancelled. The school day ends at the normal time.
TWO HOUR DELAY START schools – Seward Area
- Moose Pass School
- Seward Elementary School
- Seward High School
- Seward Middle School
OPEN: Cooper Landing and Hope schools will open on a normal schedule.
Planning to OPEN on normal schedule
Central Peninsula area schools (Kasilof, Kenai, Nikiski, Ninilchik, Soldotna, and Sterling) are planning to open on a normal schedule on Tuesday. If road conditions deteriorate in the Central Peninsula overnight, a delay start or closure will be announced by about 5:30 AM. If there is not an announcement, school is open on a normal schedule.
Be safe. Parents and guardians, if you decide to keep your child at home based on conditions near you when school is open, absences or late arrivals will be excused.
Link
How it works: school closures and two-hour delay starts
Dec 21
6
Early Release in Homer Area
►EARLY RELEASE ALERT: KPBSD schools in the Southern Peninsula* will end 90 minutes early on Monday, December 6, 2021, due to continued deteriorating weather and road conditions.
*Southern Peninsula Schools
Chapman School
Connections Homeschool (Homer)
Fireweed Academy
Homer Flex School
Homer High School
Homer Middle School
Kachemak Selo School
McNeil Canyon Elementary School
Nikolaevsk School (already closed today)
Ninilchik School
Paul Banks Elementary School
Razdolna School
Voznesenka School
West Homer Elementary School
Today has been challenging with the road conditions and weather. The decision protocol for this morning is being reviewed, as it is with every time schools have a delay start, early release, or closure. Be assured KPBSD and our contractor, Apple Bus, will debrief later today. Be safe, be kind.
KPBSD School Weather Related Delays and Closures
Announcing a school closure or two-hour delay start in a timely manner for our students, families, and staff is important to KPBSD administration. Timing of the decision is crucial so we can notify transportation before busses begin their routes, employees head to work, and students and families prepare for a school day, potentially waiting at bus-stops. The decision to close school for the day or institute a two-hour delay start is the responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools.
KPBSD is committed to school safety, and educating every student. An involved process takes place early in the morning before the decision is made to close, or delay the start of school by two-hours. Additionally, if a school make-up day is necessary, several factors contribute to determine the date for one or more make-up days of school.
If school remains open, and you as a parent or guardian do not believe it is safe for your child to travel to school based on conditions in your area, please use your best judgment to decide what is safest for your family. Please notify the school if your child will not attend; absences will be excused.
How things work
Determine and communicate school closure or two hour delay start
Is school open? Communication to Public
KPBSD district office communications will post two-hour school delays or closures, and subsequent updates, usually starting by 5:30 AM. If nothing is announced, assume schools are open on a normal schedule.
- KPBSD Mobile App push notification (Kenai Peninsula Borough SD)
- Facebook: Kenai Peninsula Borough School District @KPBSD (usually by 5:30 AM)
- Twitter: @KPBSD
- KPBSD website home page: www.KPBSD.org
- Local media including: radio stations, television stations, newspaper online sites
How-to calculate a two-hour delay start time
- Add two hours to normal school start time
- Add two hours to normal bus pick-up time. Thus, students are picked-up two hours later than their normal scheduled bus pick-up time
- KPBSD employees may arrive two hours later than normal work-day morning schedule
- Schools will dismiss at the normal time unless announced otherwise
Is school closed or delayed? Decision Making Process
The Director of Planning and Operations and the Assistant Superintendent gathers information, beginning as soon as accurate information is available. Most of the time this begins very early in the morning. If a significant storm is expected, a decision might be made the night ahead of time, but this rarely happens. Consultation and assessment may include:
- District transportation staff
- Apple Bus Company
- Alaska State Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Alaska State Troopers (AST)
- Central Emergency Services (CES)
- Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
- Homer Electric Association (HEA) and utility providers
- Weather services
- Onsite school district employees
The Assistant Superintendent contacts the Superintendent to give an update about specific conditions and offer a recommendation for a two-hour delay start* or school closure. (Delay starts are always two hours.)
The Superintendent of Schools makes a final decision to delay start by two hours, or close schools.
- School principals are contacted with the decision and supporting information*
- Principal contacts school staff
- School may implement automated call system, social media post, or other type of contact message to parents if applicable
*KPBSD may be briefed with information that helps to determine that a two-hour delay start will result in school being in session for the day. At other times, the two-hour delay allows time to assess the evolving conditions, before making the decision to close school for the day. If the roads are impassable due to inclement weather, a two-hour delay will give road crews additional time for sanding and plowing. Updates are posted as soon as decisions are made.
Make-up Instruction Days
If school is closed for the day, by state law, a make-up day must be scheduled. KPBSD does not build additional days into the annual calendar for potential inclement weather or school closures that may or may not occur.
A make-up day is generally scheduled on a vacation day, or after the official school calendar ends in May. One day is built into the calendar—typically the third Friday in the last quarter—and is often used as the first option for a make-up day.
Factors to consider when a make-up day is scheduled for one or more schools in KPBSD:
- Coordinated bus transportation
- Student nutrition services breakfast and lunch programs
- Staffing
A few school facts in Alaska
State law mandates a school term of 180 days with up to ten of these days used for teacher in-service.
Per state law, all students must attend school for the minimum of 170 student contact days.
KPBSD teaching contract is 188 days (also includes orientation days and 7 mandated holidays.) Teacher in-service days are part of Professional Development and required by contract. Flexible work days are most often utilized at the front end of the school year (August) in preparation for the school year.
Closing school for the day or instituting a two-hour delay start is a complex decision, with several factors involved. Every effort is made to keep school in session.
If school remains open, and you as a parent or guardian do not believe it is safe for your child to travel to school based on conditions in your area, please use your best judgment to determine what is safest for your child and family. Please notify the school if your child will not attend; absences will be excused.
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Links
PDF printout of KPBSD school closure or two hour delay information
KPBSD webpage school closure or two hour delay information
Original version: 2013; updated 2019; 2021 updated graphic and this sentence to indicate: KPBSD employees may arrive two hours later than normal work-day morning schedule
Posted in News Release by .
Dec 21
2
Winter Music Programs
Celebrate what is right in the world, and treat yourself—attend or watch a school music concert or play!
Programs are at school location unless otherwise noted, and some will be prerecorded and shared with families via school websites or social media. Some schools have more than one program, and so the location may vary by date.
Music Lineup
- Aurora Borealis Charter School – December 14, 6:00 p.m., Soldotna Creek Park
- Chapman School – December 10, 1:45 p.m., Grades K-4; December 14, 7:00 p.m., Grades 5-8
- Cooper Landing School – Virtual Event (Recorded) – Available by December 17
- Homer High School – December 13, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Mariner Theater
- Homer High School – December 16, 7:00 p.m., Candlelight Carols & Desserts, Mariner Theater
- Homer Middle School – December 9, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Homer High School Mariner Theater
- K-Beach Elementary School – Winter Program Virtual Event (Recorded)
- Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – Winter Program Virtual Event (Recorded)
- Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – n/a for band this year.
- Kenai Central High School – December 2, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring the KMS and KCHS Bands
- Kenai Central High School – December 12, 3:00 p.m., Holiday Choir Concert
- Kenai Middle School – December 2, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring the KMS and KCHS Bands
- Kenai Middle School – December 14, 7:00 p.m.. Holiday Choir Concert, KCHS auditorium
- McNeil Canyon Elementary School – December 8, 6:30 p.m., Grades 4-6 Band and Winter Program; December 9, 6:30 p.m., K-3 Winter Program
- Mountain View Elementary School – December 16, 6:30 p.m., Livestream Sing-Along (online)
- Nanwalek School – December 22, 1:00 p.m., Nanwalek Christmas Program
- Nikiski Middle-High School – December 14, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, school auditorium
- Nikiski North Star Elementary School – Winter Program Virtual Event (Recorded)
- Port Graham School – December 22, 6:00 p.m., Winter Program
- Redoubt Elementary School – Winter Program Virtual Event (Recorded)
- Seward Middle School – Winter Program Virtual Event (Recorded) available by December 14
- Soldotna Elementary School – December 7, 6:00 p.m., Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary gym
- Soldotna High School – December 9, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Band & Choir Concert, Soldotna High auditorium
- Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 16, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6, Soldotna High auditorium
- Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 7, 6:00 p.m., Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary gym
- Susan B. English School – December 9, 3:00 p.m., Grades K-2 Open Air Holiday Concert, Main Entrance Parking Lot
- Tebughna School – Winter Program (recorded) available by December 14, and shared on school social media
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
The KPBSD Migrant Education Program went on a long-awaited trip to Washington D.C. through the Close Up program. The trip was sponsored by Title I-C (Migrant Education), and gave 14 migrant students from the Kenai Peninsula an opportunity to have an academic experience, while learning life skills and forming new relationships. Our migrant specialists chaperoned the trip and noted incredible personal growth from each student as the week progressed. In fact, the group of students is eagerly planning a get together in December to continue developing their relationships that were formed through the trip.
Close Up
Originally scheduled for the spring of 2020 but postponed due to pandemic travel restrictions, the students were finally able to attend in November of 2021. Close Up is an incredible student travel experience that allows students to visit our nation’s capital, meet congressional representatives, and see numerous historical sites. From the moment they landed in Washington D.C., their days and evenings were packed full of learning and new experiences. Highlights from the trip include: meeting Congressman Don Young, Senator Dan Sullivan, and one of Senator Lisa Murkowski’s aides—Brian Dusek—who talked a lot with the participants, and is a Soldotna High School Class of 2017 graduate!
History
Experiencing history through a new perspective, the focus for Washington D.C. trips has been the inclusion of women and people of color in American History. Sitting on the steps of Capital Building and learning about our government in action, and visiting historical landmarks like the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, Historic Williamsburg, along with the Lincoln Memorial and many others.
Curiosity and Inquiry
Students were overheard wondering why certain people and wars get memorials, asking critical thinking questions about who has access to our countries history, along with the exclamation of awe when they were actually standing next to the Washington Monument. Many students wanted more time in the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and enjoyed learning in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Students came back to Alaska eager for new opportunities and excited to continue learning. This type of experience that weaves academic, life skills, and engagement together is incredible for student success. We are so happy that we could make this experience possible!
From Senator Dan Sullivan’s November 29, 2021, social media post:
“It’s always the highlight of my day when I get to meet with young Alaskans. I welcomed a group of students from the Kenai Peninsula visiting our nation’s capital with the Close Up Program. It was great to take some questions and hear about their goals and plans for the future.”
Student Voice
“After high school, I still don’t know what I’ll be doing, but after DC, I know there are so many opportunities I can do. I’ve always loved meeting new people and trying new things, But Washington D.C is something I could have never imagined.” –Clavdia Kulikov
Story contributed by Jessica Scogin, KPBSD Federal Programs Coordinator
Photos provided by Jessica Scogin, and Senator Dan Sullivan’s Facebook page post
Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
Spencer Kuan Co, now a sophomore at Homer High School, is one of only a couple hundred people worldwide to receive not just a score of 5 on the AP Computer Science exam, but also received every point possible on the test, putting him in the top .29% of people who took the test!
A long time KPBSD student, Spencer attended Fireweed Academy, and Homer Middle School. He is definitely on track to graduate from Homer High School with the Class of 2024.
What sparked an interest in [computer] science?
I’ve been interested in mathematics and engineering for a large portion of my life. I used to tinker a considerable amount with small motors and wires, and try to create little cars and machines. To me, creating something that can move or do something of its own volition is instantly rewarding. Computer science, and coding specifically, seemed like a natural extension of that. I became especially engrossed in coding after taking the programming courses on Khan Academy a few years ago. Once the pandemic hit, I found I had a large amount of time to myself, and I decided to use some of that time to further my programming abilities.
“It’s really rewarding to know that the time and commitment I put into studying computer science was recognized in some regard. Still, my perfect score was in a way simply a matter of chance. I’m sure that other students could have achieved the same, but had only missed a few questions.”
To me, creating something that can move or do something of its own volition is instantly rewarding. Computer science, and coding specifically, seemed like a natural extension of that.
-Spencer Co
Thank you…
I would like to thank Mr. Spurkland, who was my Computer Science teacher at the time, for a large part of this honor. I went into his class with prior knowledge that covered many of the actual computing topics that were taught in the class. He understood this, and challenged me to go beyond the assignments, which forced me to continue to grow and develop. I could have left a similar class with little more than I knew beforehand, but instead the class served as a great opportunity to learn many new things.
Play and fun
I am an avid programmer. 3D graphics are particularly satisfying to research and create, and I enjoy making interesting programs that expand my understanding of mathematics. Aside from that, when I’m not doing schoolwork, I like to read, play with my dog, and of course hang out with friends. Additionally, I debate on the school’s Drama, Debate, and Forensics (DDF) team, which takes up a fair portion of time. I hope to be able to get out and do some skiing this winter. My favorite book is The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, which is a really thought-provoking science fiction novel, and the first of a wonderful trilogy.
My advice to others is to simply stick with and study the topics that really interest them, because it often pays off in the end.
Posted in Awards by .
updated January 10, 2022, to reflect a shortened monitor and required mask wearing time from 14 days, to 10 days.
Monitor, Test, and Stay Protocol
Staff and students who are identified as a close contact have an option to continue attending school or work in a KPBSD school if they are symptom free from illness, and follow the new KPBSD Monitor, Test, and Stay Protocols.
Beginning Monday, November 29, 2021, staff and students who choose this option to stay at work or school need to wear a face covering for 14 days, test and have two negative COVID-19 test results (first day and day 5-7), and remain symptom free from illness.
UPDATED 1-10-22: Reduce 14 days to 10 days
MONITOR
Be symptom free from illness (asymptomatic) through Day 10, and isolate at home if symptoms develop
TEST
Two negative COVID-19 tests: Get an approved Covid-19 test on Day 1 or the first day of return to school, and a second test during Day 5-7. Covid-19 tests can be administered by KPBSD but will require parental consent
STAY
Wear a face covering in school at all times through Day 10. When close contacts cannot wear a face covering (i.e., when eating or drinking) they should maintain a minimum of 3 feet of distance from other individuals to every extent possible
Athletes: In addition to the above three protocols, to continue to participate in school sponsored co-curricular activities athletes must also continue Daily Symptom Check Protocols.
Unvaccinated close contacts should quarantine when not attending school or KPBSD sponsored activities.
When a student or staff member is identified as a close contact in a KPBSD setting, the school nurse, principal, or person who calls will explain the Monitor, Test, and Stay option. Staff and students who choose this option must do all three things—Monitor, Test, and Stay with face covering.
Close contacts with no symptoms of illness may also choose to follow CDC and State of Alaska reduced quarantine guidance:
- Stay home and test Day 5-7, return to school on Day 8, and wear a mask at school through Day 10
- Stay home through Day 10, return to school on Day 11
Message from Superintendent Clayton Holland
November 24, 2021
Dear KPBSD staff, students, and families,
The KPBSD has revised its protocols for close contact tracing and quarantine in response to the needs of our staff, students, families and communities. Students and staff who are identified as close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 positive individuals and who remain asymptomatic will not be required to quarantine and can attend school and school sponsored activities by following the new KPBSD Monitor, Test, and Stay Protocol.
Beginning Monday, November 29, 2021, staff and students will now have the option to stay in school if they wear a face covering for1410 days, test and have two negative COVID-19 test results (first day and day 5-7), and remain symptom free.
This change in protocol was developed after conversations and review of what other school districts in the state and nation are beginning to implement. In KPBSD, data shows close contacts at school led to very few additional cases within1410 days (less than 6%), and the determination that the existing plan put an undue burden on staff and parents, and led to too many students missing school. Additionally, we know that quarantining from school has not kept children from participating together in other non-KPBSD activities. We have had good success in the past two weeks piloting this process with nearly 100 students and staff in three schools. It will be important that we maintain integrity with our existing layered mitigation plans so that we limit the number of students and staff going through a close contact process.
In addition to free testing at schools, KPBSD is making available at-home COVID-19 tests that will be free for staff and families. At this time, any staff member who is concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19, or who has symptoms, will be able to take home a test kit. These tests are available now for staff, and we hope to have enough supplies to offer these to any family that would like them by the time winter break begins. We are working with Soldotna Professional Pharmacy to provide free off campus testing by appointment for our staff and families, and have reached out to other providers to see if we can partner to offer free off campus testing in other locations across the Kenai Peninsula.
Clayton Holland,
Superintendent of Schools
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
LINKS
- Read the Letter from KPBSD Superintendent Holland about changes
- KPBSD Close Contact webpage or covid19.kpbsd.org
- Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available for everyone age 5 and older. Find a location near you: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/epi/id/pages/covid-19/VaccineAppointments.aspx
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Posted in KPBSD District Stories by .
The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Kenai Central High School Assistant Principal Will Chervenak the 2022 State of Alaska Assistant Principal of the Year!
Previously on November 8, 2021, a KPBSD story featured Mr. Chervenak’s recognition as the 2022 Region III Assistant Principal of the Year. Read the KPBSD story and learn more about Mr. Chervenak and that honor.
From the AASSP, November 15, 2021, news release announcing the 2022 Alaska Assistant Principal of the Year:
AASSP President and 2021 Alaska Principal of Year, Robin Jones said, “Will Chervenak is an extraordinary leader who has moved mountains to create a school culture where students and staff thrive, and it is our distinct privilege to announce him as the 2022 Alaska Assistant Principal of Year!”
Chervenak has been with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) for six years and Assistant Principal at Kenai Central High School for the last three years.
“Mr. Chervenak has a continual growth mindset. He always seeks to find ways to improve and thereby become even more effective at positively impacting students. He is supportive of staff, and he seeks to include their voice on decisions made at the site level.”
Clayton Holland, KPBSD Superintendent of Schools
Sharing how he has continued to grow as a leader despite a pandemic, Chervenak said, “I have pushed myself to improve my professional practice and have taken a new approach to student discipline, focusing on restorative justice and building positive relationships.” This year Chervenak has facilitated the N.O.T. (Not On Tobacco) youth cessation program as part of this new approach. N.O.T focuses on tobacco product education and cessation, providing an alternative to out-of-school suspension for students found using tobacco products at school. He shared that he will continue to learn and advocate for response to intervention best practices techniques to bring back to his school.
Kenai Central High School Principal Dan Beck shared his excitement about Chervenak’s recognition saying, “It has been a pleasure to join Will Chervenak on the administrative team at Kenai Central High School this year. He is a true advocate for our community and school.”
Chervenak said the success of Kenai Central High School comes from the dedication and leadership of everyone on staff, “I am very proud of the culture that exists at my school. We are focused on student voice and providing a student-centered curriculum that is further supported by the personalized learning framework.”
“Will is motivated to serve the community, specifically students, which makes him an effective educator,” said Peter Gundunas, Resource Teacher at Kenai Central High School. He taught with Chervenak for four years.
Links
- November 8, 2021 story announcing Mr. Chervenak, Region III 2022 Assistant Principal of the Year
- Website: Kenai Central High School
- Facebook: Kenai Central High School
- AASSP: Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA)
Posted in Awards by .