Nikiski Middle-High School Mock Convention
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
8:00 a.m. to noon, in the school gym
Live Broadcast beginning 8:00am October 30, 2012
(This presentation is streamed in Windows Media format. If you do not have Windows Media Player, please get it here.)
Scroll down for the convention schedule.
Mock Convention co-chair, Annaleah Ernst, writes:
On behalf of the Senior Government Class at Nikiski Junior Senior High-School, I would like to invite you to our eighth quadrennial Political Mock Convention on Tuesday, October 30th, 2012. The convention will begin at 8:00AM and end at noon.
The Political Mock Convention is an opportunity for students to learn about democracy in action. Starting at Kenai High School in 1984 under the mentorship of former US Senate candidate Bob Bird, and continuing under his guidance at Nikiski High School in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008, we have staged student led exercises in learning to be a good citizen. Every election year, the senior class of Nikiski Junior Senior High-School runs the convention which features resolutions written and debated by students, presidential nominating speeches, and guest speakers.
Every year, we invite local, state, and national politicians to be guest speakers at the convention. This year, we are pleased to announce that our guest speakers will be State Senator Cathy Giessel, State Senate Candidate Ron Devon, Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Mike Chenault, Kenai Borough Mayor Mike Navarre, State Representative and candidate for US House Sharon Cissna, and US Senator Mark Begich. All politicians will be at the convention in person with the exception of Mark Begich, who will be giving his speech via Skype.
Contact: Any contact can be made through Mr. Bird’s classroom phone number at 907-776-9442, an email to me at annaleah.ernst@g.kpbsd.org, or an email to my co-chairman Lincoln Johnson at lincoln.johnson@g.kpbsd.org.
Mock Convention
October 30th, 2012
2012 Co-Chairs: Lincoln Johnson & Annaleah Ernst
Co-Secretaries: Lacy Elsey, Sienna Wallis & Mahlon Troyer
Guest Speakers:
1. State Senator Cathy Giessel
2. State Senator Opponent Ron Devon
3. Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Mike Chenault
4. President of the Kenai Peninsula School Board Joe Arness
5. Kenai Mayor Mike Navarre
6. Democratic member of the Alaska House of Representatives Sharon Cissna
7. State Senator Peter Micciche
8. United States Senator Mark Begich
2012 Nominating Speeches:
1. Barack Obama– Lauren Countryman
2. Mitt Romney– Hannah Tauriainen
3. Ron Paul– Katie O’Brien
4. Condoleezza Rice–Michael Hollinger
Convention Schedule: (all times are approximate)
8:00-8:10…………………………………………………….………………..Caucus
8:10-8:20……………………………………………….….…Call to order, Anthems
8:20-8:25……………………………………………………………Keynote Speech
8:25-8:40…………………………………………………..………………..Roll Call
8:40-9:25……………………………………………………….…Resolutions, Part 1
9:25-9:55……………………………………………………………..Guest Speakers
9:55-10:40…………………………………………………………Resolutions, Part 2
10:40-11:15………………………………………………….Nominating & Seconding Speeches
11:20-11:35………………………………………………….Roll Call for President
Convention Staff:
Resolutions Committee Chairs: Shaylee Rizzo & Caleb Alkire
Seating Committee Chairs: Jesse Ross, Brittany Sexton & Emily Berry
Video Reporters: Paris Davis, Bailey Buchholz, Morgan Sauve & Dylan Griffith
Video & Tech Chair: Asher Phillips, Orren Hyatt
Artists: Colleen Dempsey, Lauren Countryman & Haley Conti
Faculty Tech Advisors: Mr. Vern Kornstad, Sr.
Faculty Director: Mr. Bob Bird
— Annaleah Ernst, 2012 Mock Convention Co-Chairman
www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Posted in School Stories Student Posts by .
Homer Middle School student reports: Homer Huskies Get Into “Calling All Polar Bears”
Homer Middle School students were treated this week to a rap performance by Allison Atkootchkook Warden, titled “Calling All Polar Bears.” Allison is an Inupiaq artist who was sponsored by The Bunnell Street Arts Center to perform for our school. Dressed in a purple kuspuk and green cap, Allison began with rap songs she had written based on her experiences from her village.
Allison’s first song talked about the changes her mother had to face growing up in Kaktovik, Alaska and being sent to the lower 48 states to be treated for tuberculosis. In her next song, she rapped about the challenges of being a polar bear. Allison, wearing her polar bear fur mittens and paper mache polar bear head, got all the middle schoolers to sing along and wonder “where did all the ice go?” Allison even got some of the Homer Middle School students dancing with her next song about caribou herds. Spencer Warren and Kenny Cortez put on some antlers and showed off their moves, prancing and bopping alongside of Allison. Her two other songs were about our ancestors, community, and love. The whole gym swayed their arms in the air to show their unity and sense of community along with Allison’s lyrics.
I think the Homer Huskies definitely enjoyed Allison’s unique style of rapping, and we’d like to thank both Alllison Atkootchkook and the Bunnell Street Arts Center for a wonderful concert.
— Maggie Alston, seventh grade student, Homer Middle School
Posted in School Stories by .
KPBSD curriculum director to meet with parents
Soldotna, October 23, 2012—Parents, guardians and students are invited to an interactive meeting with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District curriculum director, Dr. Doris Cannon.
Purpose: Talk about the curriculum revision process and to offer an opportunity for parents and students to express needs in regards to the KPBSD curriculum and resources.
Locations and Times:
- Seward Elementary library; 606 Sea Lion Drive, Seward, AK 99664
Friday, October 26, 2012, from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
- Mountain View Elementary library; 315 Swires Road, Kenai, AK 99611
Saturday, October 27, 2012, from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
- West Homer Elementary library; 995 Soundview Ave., Suite 1, Homer, AK 99603
Monday, October 29, 2012, from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Snacks will be provided, no RSVP necessary.
Questions: Contact Dr. Doris Cannon at: DCannon@KPBSD.k12.ak.us, or call 907.714.8885
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This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8838
Posted in News Release by .
More than 60 educational institutions will send representatives to meet with KPBSD high school students on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, from 10:00—1:00 at the Soldotna Sports Center in Soldotna, Alaska. That same evening, a financial aid informational program will be offered from 6:30—7:30 p.m.
The third annual Kenai Peninsula College Fair is October 23, 2012, Soldotna Sports Center, 10:00—1:00 p.m. Juniors and seniors will attend with their schools. Connections students can sign-in at the door.
Confirmed educational institutions: Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE); Alaska Pacific University; AVTEC – Alaska’s Institute of Technology; Boise State University; California Baptist University; California Maritime Academy; Central Washington University; Corban University; Eastern Oregon University; Fort Lewis College; George Fox University; Gonzaga University; Hawaii Pacific University; Humboldt State University; Idaho State University; Kenai Peninsula College- UAA; Lewis & Clark College; Linfield College; Mayville State University; Montana State University; NAVY; New Mexico Tech; Northern Arizona University; Northwest University; Oregon Coast Culinary Institute; Oregon State University; Oregon Tech; Pacific Lutheran University; Prince William Sound Community College; Seattle University; Southern Oregon University; Southern Utah University; Southwestern Oregon Community College; The Art Institutes; The Evergreen State College; The University of Montana; UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences; Universal Technical Institute; Motorcycle Mechanics Institute; Marine Mechanics Institute; NASCAR Tech; University of Alaska Anchorage; University of Alaska Fairbanks; University of Alaska Southeast; University of British Columbia (UBC); University of British Columbia (UBC); University of California, Davis; University of Hawaii at Manoa; University of Idaho; University of Puget Sound; University of Saskatchewan; University of Washington; University of Wyoming; US Air Force Academy; US Army/Army Reserve; USU Eastern; Western State Colorado University; Western Washington University; Wyotech.
PLUS! Financial Aid Night: October 23, 2012, Soldotna Sports Center, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Topics covered: overview of federal and state financial aid programs; local scholarship offerings; student timelines; and funding post-secondary education. Sponsored by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula College.
Both are free events, everyone is welcome.
Posted in Communications News Release by .
Schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will participate in the Great Alaska ShakeOut, the state’s largest earthquake drill ever, on Thursday, October 18, at 10:18 a.m.
“Drop, Cover, and Hold On”
KPBSD registered all of our schools in the school district category, joining 59,000 Alaskans who have already registered to participate. Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support, said,
“We need to be prepared for incidents we hope never happen, so if they do, we can minimize the danger to our students, staff and community.”
Earthquake preparation and the proper “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique is valuable safety education for our students and employees. In addition, we will also practice a radio check in to the district office from each of our 43 schools in conjunction with this event.
Alaska schools, families, and businesses are encouraged to participate. Resources, including audio clips for the drill, are available online at: http://www.shakeout.org/alaska/
- Great Alaska ShakeOut 2012
- Information, posters, and more online at Alaska ShakeOut for schools.
- Alaska survivor YouTube video from 1964 earthquake
Remember: 10/18 at 10:18 a.m., wherever you are … “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”
Posted in News Release by .
The Kenai Peninsula Borough asked the school district to share information about State Disaster Assistance:
For Individuals and Families with damaged homes and essential personal property lost in the Kenai Peninsula Borough during the 2012 Severe Storms.
To apply, please visit the Disaster Assistance Center at:
Anchor Point Fire Department – 72440 Milo Fritz Rd.
October 15-16, 2012 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seward Legends Building 412 Washington St.
October 15-17, 2012 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Soldotna KPB Emergency Response Center – 253 Wilson Lane.
October 18, 2012 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Or call 1-855-445-7131 until November 20, 2012
Please have the following information with you when you visit:
- Description of damages and/or losses
- Home Ownership Documentation
- Insurance information
- Personal Identification
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply in person at a KPB Disaster Assistance Center
To apply by phone, call toll free 1-855-445-7131
TTY 1-855-445-7131
The deadline to apply for individual assistance is November 20, 2012.
Disaster assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or economic status.
Posted in Communications by .
Department of Health and Social Services
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Section of Epidemiology
3601 C Street, Suite 540
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Main: 907.269.8000
Dear Parent,
Since Jan. 1, 2012, the Alaska Section of Epidemiology has recorded more than 50 confirmed and probable cases of chickenpox (varicella) statewide. Of the nine cases reported in September, all were among unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children living in Homer and Soldotna. The six Homer cases occurred in three separate clusters involving several schools.
This suggests that there is ongoing transmission in the wider community and that additional cases are likely to occur throughout the Kenai Peninsula.
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that all children become fully immunized against varicella. Older children and teenagers who were never fully immunized as a child should also be vaccinated. Being fully immunized against varicella not only protects you as a child, but also helps protect against shingles in teens and young adults. Being immunized also helps protect those members of our community who cannot be vaccinated.
Parents are encouraged to check with their family primary care provider to ensure that their children are fully immunized.
Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella virus, a member of the herpes virus family.
How is chickenpox spread?
Chickenpox is transmitted to others by direct person to person contact, by droplet or airborne spread of secretions from an infected person’s nose and throat or indirectly by contact with articles freshly soiled by secretions from the infected person’s lesions. Transmission can also occur from touching or breathing virus particles from an infected person’s blisters.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Initial symptoms include sudden onset of slight fever and feeling tired and weak. This is soon followed by an itchy blister-like rash. The blisters eventually dry, crust over, and form scabs. The blisters tend to be more common on covered than on exposed parts of the body. They may appear on the scalp, armpits, trunk, and even on the eyelids and in the mouth. Mild or unapparent infections occasionally occur in children. The disease is usually more serious in adults than in children.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms commonly appear between 10-21 days (usually ~14-16 days) after exposure to someone with
chickenpox or shingles (herpes zoster).
When and for how long is a person able to spread chickenpox?
A person is most able to transmit chickenpox from 1-2 days before the onset of rash until all lesions have crusted. People who are immune compromised may be contagious for a longer period of time.
Does past infection with chickenpox make a person immune?
Chickenpox generally results in lifelong immunity. However, the virus can remain hidden and recur years later as shingles in a proportion of adults and even in older children.
What are the complications associated with chickenpox?
Newborn children (less than one month old) whose mothers are not immune and patients with leukemia may suffer severe, prolonged or fatal chickenpox. Immune compromised patients, including those on immunosuppressive drugs, may have an increased risk of developing a severe form of chickenpox or shingles. Reye’s Syndrome has been a potentially serious complication associated with clinical chickenpox involving those children who have been treated with aspirin. Aspirin or aspirin-containing products should never be given to a child with chickenpox.
The CDC has more information about chickenpox complications: http://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/complications.html
Is there a vaccine for chickenpox?
Yes. The chickenpox vaccine is recommended as a two-dose series. The first dose is given between 12-15 months and the second (booster) dose typically given between 4-6 years. The state of Alaska requires two doses of vaccine for entry into grades K-6. See http://www.epi.alaska.gov/bulletins/docs/b2012_06.pdf .
What can a person or community do to prevent the spread of chickenpox?
The best method to prevent further spread of chickenpox is for people infected with the disease to remain home and avoid exposing others who are susceptible. They should remain home until one week after the skin eruption began or until the lesions become dry and crusted. Pay particular attention to avoiding unnecessary exposure of non-immune newborns and immune compromised people to chickenpox.
I have heard about “chickenpox parties” to give everyone the disease so they have natural immunity. Is this a good idea?
“Chickenpox parties” were a common practice in previous generations. Public health experts strongly recommend against this practice now that there is effective vaccine available and much better knowledge about potential serious complications of chickenpox. For more information about risks, we recommend this site: http://www.immunizationinfo.org/issues/exposure-parties/chickenpox-parties
Where can I go for more information?
The CDC has an excellent website for the general public: http://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/index.html . You can also refer to http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/varicella.pdf (“The Pink Book”) for more detailed scientific information for public health personnel.
eptember 2012 Letter to Parents, and more at KPBSD Health Services links
Posted in News Release by .
Sep 12
21
Region III Cross Country Running Championships scheduled at Seward High School relocated to Soldotna
KPBSD NEWS RELEASE
Region III Cross Country Championships relocated
Soldotna, September 21, 2012—The Region III Cross Country Running Championships scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 2012, at Seward High School has been moved to Skyview High School at the Tsalteshi Trails Wolverine Trailhead accessible from K-Beach Road, across from the Soldotna Sports Center. Race start time is 1:00, Saturday, September 22, 2012.
In the late afternoon on Thursday, September 20, 2012, after consulting with Kenai Peninsula Borough Emergency Services and other agencies working in the Seward area, a decision was made to change the venue. The decision was made in order to help facilitate logistics and safe transportation for all region teams who will participate, together with preparing the course at the new site. The City of Seward declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 1:15 p.m. in response to localized flooding.
Sixteen Alaska schools—including schools from Cordova, Kodiak, Valdez—are scheduled to compete in the Region III Championships. Athletes must compete in this event in order to qualify for the Alaska State Region III Cross Country Running Championships scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Bartlett High School Trails in Anchorage.
The new meet director will be Skyview High School principal Randy Neill.
Everyone who has requested housing will now be housed at Skyview High.
Coaches’ meeting is 11:30 a.m. in the Skyview High School Library.
NOTE: The race will begin and end at Wolverine Trailhead located on K-Beach Road, approximately 1 mile from Sterling Highway in Soldotna. The parking at the trailhead is reserved for buses; additional parking is available across the street at the Soldotna Sports Center.
- Open Girls 1:00
- Open Boys 1:45
- 123A Girls 2:30
- 4A Girls 3:15
- 123A Boys 4:00
- 4A Boys 4:45
- Awards (location will be determined at the coaches meeting.)
This course is different than the Skyview Invitational course.
The Kenai Peninsula Step Out to Stop Diabetes 5K scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2012, at Skyview High School, Tsalteshi Trails will be held as planned. The course for this is not the same as the Region III Cross Country Running Championships.
Finally, it is with regret that Seward High School will not be hosting the Region III XC Championships. Principal Trevan Walker said, “First and foremost, I want to thank Sami King for all of her work with planning and logistics to host the Region III Cross Country Championships at Seward High School, and for her complete cooperation to get everything to Skyview High School. Ron Hemstock, Dan Marshall, and a fleet of parent volunteers braved our storm here in Seward to continue prepping the course, and we had a crew lined up for hospitality, among other logistics and preparation. I am happy to have colleagues like Skyview High School principal Randy Neill, and Kent Peterson, for taking this on with such short notice.”
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KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
PRESS RELEASE
Bronze Award from the USDA HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC) is awarded to Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science, Paul Banks Elementary, Seward Elementary, and Soldotna Elementary
Soldotna, September 12, 2012—Four Kenai Peninsula Borough School District schools received national recognition for supporting the health of children and communities. As part of their efforts in the federal HealthierUS School Challenge, the districts feature healthy items on their school menus and emphasize physical education and activity. KBPSD is one of the first two Alaska school districts to achieve this award.
A HUSSC Awards Assembly with representatives from the USDA will celebrate Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science, Paul Banks Elementary, Seward Elementary, and Soldotna Elementary on September 20, 2012, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Soldotna Elementary School, 162 Park Avenue, Soldotna, Alaska.
Upon learning of the national award, Dean Hamburg, administrator of KPBSD Student Nutrition Services said, “Since 1946, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has supported success in school meal programs. As a longtime leader in support of appropriate nutrition for student success in American classrooms, the USDA developed the criteria and award program that is the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC). The KPBSD community can be proud and pleased that these four schools are among the first in Alaska to meet the award winning criteria for appropriate nutrition in school meals, physical education, and nutrition education. This is a significant achievement in Alaska nutrition history for the students we serve.”
Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent said, “I am thrilled to learn that our four schools are being recognized in this way. The award speaks to our progressive stance toward student wellness and shines a light on the careful attention that these schools give to their students.”
Together with the USDA, the state of Alaska supports the HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC). HUSSC is a voluntary initiative established in 2004 to recognize schools and Residential Child Care Institutions that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. The three goals of HUSSC are: improve the quality of foods served; provide students with nutrition education; and provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.
KPBSD thanks the support staff who work in student nutrition services, to educators, and to the students who learn the value of physical activity and healthy nutrition.
Links
KPBSD Student Nutrition Services
State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Press Release
HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC) in Alaska
Federal HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC)
For more information contact Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communications specialist, Pegge@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907.714.8838
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KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Posted in News Release by .
PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Steve Atwater Named 2013 Alaska Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Steve Atwater (L), Alaska 2013 Superintendent of the Year, and AASA executive director Bruce Johnson (R)
Soldotna, September 12, 2012—The Alaska Association of School Administrators (AASA) announced that Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) Superintendent, Dr. Steve Atwater, has been selected by his peers as Alaska’s 2013 Superintendent of the Year.
The Superintendent of the Year program, now in its 26th year, pays tribute to a school system’s top leader who exemplifies effectiveness, knowledge, leadership, ethics, and commitment. In nominating Dr. Atwater, colleagues and board members noted his success at leading both small and large school districts. They lauded his leadership expertise by comments such as “If you take a close look at each and every one of Dr. Atwater’s decisions or actions, you will find an unerring focus on the improvement of education and direction that favors kids.” Another nominator commented that “Dr. Atwater exemplifies the true essence of what an educational leader should be … and believes that every child can learn and that every child deserves to be taught by an outstanding teacher.”
When he learned about the award, Dr. Atwater said, “I am both humbled and honored by this award. Humbled because I was nominated by my peers from across the state and honored because it affirms my good work and by association the good work that all of us at KPBSD are doing to meet the learning needs of our 8,900 students.”
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre said, “Kenai Peninsula residents take pride in our outstanding school district and recognize the combined contributions of School Board members, administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and students as a part of our success. Most importantly, we recognize the leadership provided by our superintendent, Dr. Steve Atwater, as a key part of that success. Dr. Atwater’s vision, commitment, values, knowledge, and competence are reflected in the extraordinary job he does and the educational achievements of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. We’re extremely fortunate to have Dr. Atwater as our Superintendent and congratulate him on his well-deserved recognition as 2013 Alaska Superintendent of the Year.”
“Dr. Atwater has been a great supporter of Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) and ensuring Peninsula students are college or career-ready when they graduate,” said Gary J. Turner, KPC director. “He is not only involved with our children from pre-K to 12th grade, but he is also teaching teachers at the university level where he serves as an adjunct faculty member with UAA’s College of Education. While Steve will say this is a district award, his leadership and vision have earned him this well-deserved accolade,” said Turner.
AASA will advance Dr. Atwater’s candidacy to the 2013 National Superintendent of the Year program knowing that he is highly respected by his colleagues, board members, and constituents throughout Alaska. All State Superintendents of the Year will be recognized in February at the 2013 AASA National Conference on Education in Los Angeles, California.
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For more information contact Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communications specialist, Pegge@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907.714.8838
KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Posted in News Release by .