District Highlights: 2010-12


  • 2011-2012 Annual Report
    2011-2012 Annual ReportPosted On: Monday, August 20, 2012 8:08 AM

    KPBSD Today’s schools educating for tomorrow  Kenai Peninsula Borough School District celebrates accomplishments, highlights, and our many areas of excellence as thirty thousand printed copies of the 2011 2012 Annual Report make their way into homes, schools, and businesses. Nearly

  • Spring Creek School Graduation: We Did It
    Spring Creek School Graduation: We Did ItPosted On: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 4:23 PM

    The final six graduates received a high school diploma on June 21, 2012. It was a bittersweet day of celebration and even a few tears at the KPBSD Spring Creek School. Keynote speaker Craig Turnbull, the Spring Creek Correctional Superintendent

  • KPBSD educator receives prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
    KPBSD educator receives prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science TeachingPosted On: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 4:43 PM

    Years ago, her high school mathematics teacher predicted, “You will become a high school math teacher.” Stephanie Cronin’s response was to laugh, and say, “No Way ” However, she didn’t forget Mr. Sellnow’s words to her, and although she initially went to college to

  • Collaborating to Transform the Teaching Profession
    Collaborating to Transform the Teaching ProfessionPosted On: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 4:35 PM

    In his invitation to attend the 2012 Labor Management Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, Collaborating to Transform the Teaching Profession, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan wrote    “In order to prepare our young people for an increasingly competitive global economy,

  • CWOW: Classroom Without Walls
    CWOW: Classroom Without WallsPosted On: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 11:08 AM

    For hiking, camping, fishing or other outings related to the natural world, the Kenai Peninsula offers some impressive field trip opportunities for students. But though our mountains may tower above those available to students in, say, Boston or New York

  • 2012 BP Teacher of Excellence program
    2012 BP Teacher of Excellence programPosted On: Friday, May 18, 2012 4:32 PM

    “This award recognizes how teachers inspire their students, and I must thank the teachers who I have had in my life.”   –Mr. Sean Campbell, 2012 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year 

  • Math Bowl - Ten years and counting!
    Math Bowl - Ten years and counting!Posted On: Friday, May 11, 2012 11:42 AM

    May 4, 2012, marked the tenth annual Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Elementary Math Bowl. This event, hosted by Seward Elementary School and sponsored by the Quest program, was conceived by quest facilitator, Agusta Lind, in her first year with

  • Caring for the Kenai 2012—A win for students, teachers, schools, and community partners
    Caring for the Kenai 2012—A win for students, teachers, schools, and community partnersPosted On: Thursday, May 03, 2012 3:26 PM

    This year SoHi, Nikiski, Ninilchik, Kenai, Skyview, Homer, and Cook Inlet Academy all used Caring for the Kenai (CFK) as part of their classroom curriculum. More than four hundred KPBSD students submitted entries   Jenna Hansen of Nikiski won top

  • Alaska Construction Career Days 2012
    Alaska Construction Career Days 2012Posted On: Wednesday, May 02, 2012 9:29 AM

    Hundreds of KPBSD students participated in hands on welding, surveying, building, residential wiring, cable cutting, and much more during the Alaska Construction Career Days, May 1, 2012. Held at the Soldotna Sports Center, students took the driver’s seat in a

  • 2012 ASAA All State Art Competition
    2012 ASAA All State Art CompetitionPosted On: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 8:04 AM

    Imagine the benefits of an online All State Art Competition—a dedicated Alaska Schools Activity Association (ASAA) online art site becomes a virtual gallery, and increased student participation from twenty three Alaska high schools.  The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District celebrates

  • Test prep: Brain Gym, yoga, and extra support grows
    Test prep: Brain Gym, yoga, and extra support growsPosted On: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 11:56 AM

    Every morning during the week that shall not be named—April Standard Based Assessment (SBA) testing week—Redoubt Elementary prepped for the school day with an active gathering in the gymnasium. The elementary school counselor, Lisa Schmitter, led students through a series

  • A Visual Feast: Twenty-third Annual Student Art Show
    A Visual Feast: Twenty-third Annual Student Art ShowPosted On: Monday, April 09, 2012 10:11 AM

    "It’s not just what you see – it’s how you see it!”

    Visual Feast, the twenty-third annual juried student art show is an art exhibition held by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District in cooperation with the Kenai Art Guild. All artwork—more than one hundred pieces—is created by seventh through twelfth grade students under the guidance of a school district art teacher. Seven high schools and four middle schools participated in 2012.

  • Math Counts!
    Math Counts!Posted On: Thursday, April 05, 2012 4:10 PM
    A Kenai Middle School (KMS) team of four students—Ean Atchley, David Beck, Mikaela Salzetti, and Drake Thomas—accompanied by Coach David Thomas competed in Anchorage in the Statewide MathCounts Finals on Saturday, March 31, 2012, and scored! The top nine teams from throughout the state competed in three rounds of very difficult math problems.
  • KPBSD Film Festival 2012
    KPBSD Film Festival 2012Posted On: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 2:03 PM
    The Kenai Peninsula Borough Juried Film Festival 2012 took place on Friday, March 23, 2012, at Soldotna High School auditorium. Elementary through high school age students from the district were asked to produce short films to submit for jurying.
  • Pre-Kindergarten Title I Classes
    Pre-Kindergarten Title I ClassesPosted On: Friday, March 23, 2012 1:56 PM

    Do you know a child who will be four years old by September 1, 2012?

    Please take advantage of an opportunity to attend pre-kindergarten classes at a neighborhood school in the fall. 

    To qualify for the classes, parents and guardians need to contact their local area public school to schedule a Pre-K assessment test, and complete an application prior to the school screening appointment date noted below.

  • Speed Strength Training (SST) in physical education
    Speed Strength Training (SST) in physical educationPosted On: Friday, March 09, 2012 4:43 PM
    On March 7, 2012, Skyview High School hosted the first bi-annual Speed Strength Training (SST) Collaborative Competition between students from Skyview, Kenai Central High School and Nikiski High School. The competition is a showcase of the hard work by students and teachers—just as in art, drama, or industrial arts. It is a motivating factor for students to work hard. And we all know healthy competition breeds hard work!
  • Alaska Braille Challenge
    Alaska Braille ChallengePosted On: Friday, February 24, 2012 3:24 PM
    Kenai Peninsula Borough School District vision teacher Mrs. Engebretsen, and students Destiny Schmidt and Maria Maes are Braille readers. Perhaps you, like other people wonder, “What is Braille? How do you learn it? How difficult is it?”
  • Career and Technical Student Organization Conference
    Career and Technical Student Organization ConferencePosted On: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 10:36 AM
    Did you have the opportunity to join a “Career and Technical” student organization (CTSO) when you were in high school? Students from Homer High School, Kenai Central High School, Soldotna High School and Skyview High School said yes to join a CTSO last fall, and on Thursday, January 16, 2012, seventy students from these schools gathered for a day-long district Career and Technical Conference held at Skyview High School and Soldotna High School.
  • Alaska Winter Physical Education
    Alaska Winter Physical EducationPosted On: Friday, February 10, 2012 3:23 PM

    Delight in a wintery Alaska for students from Homer Middle School, together with Art and Physical Education teacher, Zach Zimny.

    Students sled, build snow sculptures, and learn how to build fires.

  • Positive behavior changing schools, students
    Positive behavior changing schools, studentsPosted On: Friday, January 20, 2012 3:13 PM
    You’ll be hearing more about PBIS: Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support. More importantly, some KPBSD schools, families, and communities already see and experience positive behavior in students that is directly attributed to a school-wide PBIS implementation. PBIS proactively prevents or reduces challenging behaviors through an entire school approach focused on making problem behavior less effective, while desirable behavior becomes more relevant.
  • Essential Images: KPBSD Photo of the Day
    Essential Images: KPBSD Photo of the DayPosted On: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 3:44 PM
    One district, forty-four diverse schools, and more than eighty-eight hundred K-12 grade students are learning every day a KPBSD school is in session. Who are these young Alaska students?
  • KPBSD Southern Peninsula Transportation
    KPBSD Southern Peninsula TransportationPosted On: Thursday, December 22, 2011 2:39 PM
    KPBSD wants your ideas and solutions to solve a transportation deficit of $750,000.00. Informational meetings were held on December 1 and 2, 2011, in the Southern Peninsula area regarding the proposed transportation route changes.
  • KPBSD After School Academies
    KPBSD After School AcademiesPosted On: Monday, December 19, 2011 4:37 PM

    Teens: do you want to learn construction, plumbing, or culinary arts skills? How about employability skills, Dental Assistant, Emergency Trauma Technician, or Personal Care Attendant skills?

    Local business owners: are you aware students receive this type of skill training? Would you consider hiring a student for part-time or summer work who has completed one of these after-school academies? 

     

  • KPBSD Blogging Grows
    KPBSD Blogging GrowsPosted On: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 9:01 AM

    KPBSD blogs share content from classes, schools, media, stories of interest, adventures, and educators’ expertise and experience. Our KPBSD school district is vast, and people communicate on and through many platforms. Blogs provide an opportunity to listen, grow, and broadcast or share information.

  • On the menu: KPBSD Student Nutrition Services
    On the menu: KPBSD Student Nutrition ServicesPosted On: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 4:58 PM

    For lunch today … a few questions:
    Would you like a piece of whole grain bread for you or your child?
    Does low-fat mozzarella cheese sound like a good protein addition?
    How about a serving of a fruit or vegetable? 

    Sound good and healthy?

  • 2011 Alaska School Principal Recognition Day
    2011 Alaska School Principal Recognition DayPosted On: Thursday, November 17, 2011 4:30 PM
    Kenai Peninsula Borough School District applauds the dedicated professionals who serve as principals and assistant principals at our forty-four schools. Thirty-nine principals and nine assistant principals serve in the KPBSD.
  • Grow Awareness: Students Are Homeless
    Grow Awareness: Students Are HomelessPosted On: Monday, November 14, 2011 3:52 PM

    In your neighborhood—temperatures in the teens; young people in the school district seek shelter. KPBSD has a primary mission—educate young people. See in your mind’s eye the challenges that face a child or teen who is homeless, seeking basic shelter

  • 2011 Outstanding School Board of the Year awarded to KPBSD School Board!
    2011 Outstanding School Board of the Year awarded to KPBSD School Board!Posted On: Monday, November 07, 2011 3:22 PM

    On Saturday, November 5, 2011, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District school board received the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) “2011 Outstanding School Board of the Year” award for contributions to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

  • Second annual College Fair—it was a buzz!
    Second annual College Fair—it was a buzz!Posted On: Monday, October 31, 2011 2:12 PM

    Why would four hundred and forty eight students, seventy representatives from colleges, vocational and technical education schools, dozens of counselors and staff make a commitment to one day, October 25, in Kenai, Alaska? Simple a time for minds to blaze

  • Transformational learning for students who are visually impaired
    Transformational learning for students who are visually impairedPosted On: Friday, October 14, 2011 2:54 PM

    What transpires when KPBSD hires a blind teacher for two blind students, two aides, an itinerant vision teacher, and designates space for a vision room at a middle school? Magic and transformational learning.

    This magic is no illusion—it involves hard work, commitment, learning, technology, trust, independence, and interdependence. It could be illuminating for the 350 plus sighted students and nearly fifty employees at Kenai Middle School.

  • Innovation from 400+ students: ''Involve me, and I'll understand.''
    Innovation from 400+ students: ''Involve me, and I'll understand.''Posted On: Monday, October 03, 2011 4:27 PM

    Do you value creativity and leadership skills? Are you the type of person that Thomas Edison describes when he said, “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll understand?”

  • Student Council leaders risk, and connect
    Student Council leaders risk, and connectPosted On: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 11:44 AM
    Kenai Central High School heated up with nearly one hundred student council leaders convening for an annual day of planning, connection, and inspiration. With outdoor temperatures dipping to the low twenties for the first time as students and their advisors traveled from seven high schools, the enthusiasm thermometer rose swiftly when teens from Seward, Port Graham, Ninilchik, Nikiski, and Central Peninsula schools greeted each other
  • Straight up facts: forty-four schools, one district
    Straight up facts: forty-four schools, one districtPosted On: Thursday, September 22, 2011 11:31 AM
    KPBSD Points of Interest: 25,600 square miles: the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is larger than the entire state of West Virginia.; 7,725 miles on the road: everyday school busses transport 2,500 plus students throughout the district.
  • Kenai Middle School students head to the beach with Brie and Sangria
    Kenai Middle School students head to the beach with Brie and SangriaPosted On: Thursday, September 15, 2011 4:22 PM
    Two Pacific Harbor Seals, a science teacher who engages her students, volunteers, and 134 seventh graders from Kenai Middle School joined the Alaska SeaLife Rehabilitation Program team for an exciting learning opportunity.
  • Implementing Three Cs
    Implementing Three CsPosted On: Thursday, September 08, 2011 11:07 AM
    Are you are familiar with the three Rs—reading, writing, and arithmetic? Can you name the emerging three Cs? And, equally important, do you believe the three Cs—cyber safety, cyber citizenship, and cyber security are relevant for next generation learning skills?
  • On the Fifth Day of School, Commissioner Hanley visits KPBSD
    On the Fifth Day of School, Commissioner Hanley visits KPBSDPosted On: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 4:26 PM
    KPBSD and brilliant Kenai Peninsula weather welcomed Alaska State Education and Early Development Commissioner Mike Hanley on August 29, 2011. Beginning his visit at West Homer Elementary, Commissioner Hanley commended the students and educators for their Standard Based Assessment (SBA) scores during a morning assembly.
  • Teachers and Administrators Collaborate at District Wide In-service
    Teachers and Administrators Collaborate at District Wide In-servicePosted On: Monday, August 29, 2011 9:19 AM
    More than seven hundred teachers and administrators from the Kenai Peninsula School District converged at Kenai Central High School on August 17. Throughout the day of Collaboration Leading to Effective Instruction, connections, preparation and learning transpired.
  • Soldotna Middle School Transitions Program
    Soldotna Middle School Transitions ProgramPosted On: Monday, August 22, 2011 4:07 PM
    Need a compass? Eighteen incoming seventh graders took part in an innovative three day summer transitions program, Takin’ It To the Next Level. Soldotna Middle School principle Sarge Truesdell explains, “We want to ease the transition between 6th and 7th grade—studies have shown programs like this ease the hiccups for students.”
  • 2010-2011 Annual Report
    2010-2011 Annual ReportPosted On: Friday, August 19, 2011 5:01 PM
    KPBSD celebrates accomplishments, highlights, and our many areas of excellence as thirty thousand printed copies of the 2010-2011 annual report make their way into homes, schools, and businesses. More than 9,000 students begin classes in August together with more than 1,200 dedicated employees who work throughout forty-four schools.
  • Extended school year is extended fun for students
    Extended school year is extended fun for studentsPosted On: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 4:53 PM

    In movies and TV shows, summer school usually gets a bum rap. As the movies go, it’s inflicted as punishment for school-year laziness, shattering the promise of endless free hours of sun and fun that otherwise await students upon the final bell of the spring quarter.

  • Tyonek mural a picture of community involvement
    Tyonek mural a picture of community involvementPosted On: Friday, August 12, 2011 9:16 AM
    Painting a mural in Tyonek wasn’t simply a beautification project, though it is beautiful. It wasn’t just a skills-building exercise for the students, though they certainly learned artistic concepts and techniques. It wasn’t even limited to being a community engagement process, though that important goal was achieved, as well.
  • ‘Heads Up’ on student athlete concussions
    ‘Heads Up’ on student athlete concussionsPosted On: Thursday, July 28, 2011 8:24 AM
    Gov. Sean Parnell and the Alaska Legislature recognize the dangers posed by concussions in school sports and have taken measures to protect Alaska’s student athletes with the passage and signing of HB 15 and SB 22. This legislation provides the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District an opportunity to enhance its already proactive emphasis on student safety.
  • Schools roof work looking up
    Schools roof work looking upPosted On: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 8:08 AM
    Work is under way to replace roofs on Kalifornsky Beach Elementary, Kenai Alternative/Aurora Borealis, Soldotna High and Kenai Central High schools and the district’s warehouse in Soldotna. The work is part of a three-year replacement cycle that will cover — rather, re-cover — 11 facilities in all.
  • Feasting eyes on student artwork
    Feasting eyes on student artworkPosted On: Thursday, July 21, 2011 9:19 AM
    Recognizing and celebrating artistic achievement in student work can sometimes be a difficult — and, at times, too infrequent — endeavor. Unlike math or science, there’s often no “right” answer to arrive at in a painting or sculpture. But being creative, diligent and skilled in the arts isn’t easy, either, and art teachers in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District want to make sure those traits are recognized.
  • Construction Academy helps build bright futures
    Construction Academy helps build bright futuresPosted On: Monday, July 18, 2011 8:30 AM

    High school students graduating from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School district have many opportunities for building their futures, and not all have to involve another couple years of sitting in classrooms for a college degree.

  • Soldotna Middle track team takes run at Skyline Trail
    Soldotna Middle track team takes run at Skyline TrailPosted On: Friday, June 10, 2011 3:53 PM

    Soldotna Middle School track team members did a figurative 180 as their eyes took in the 360-degree views. 

    As they climbed above the trees and into the wide-open, bird’s-eye vantage point atop Skyline Trail, the ragged breath and questions of “how much farther” were quickly replaced with exclamations the likes of, “Oh, wow,” and, “Look at that!”

  • Paul Banks students get growing in a new greenhouse
    Paul Banks students get growing in a new greenhousePosted On: Monday, June 06, 2011 2:31 PM

    Students at Paul Banks Elementary School have a new house for their green thumbs. 

    This spring, two Homer High School shop students, Cody Shealy and Neil Richardson, built a greenhouse for the elementary school. It was made possible by donations and support from the Paul Banks PTA, Homer Garden Club and Spenard Builders Supply of Homer.

  • Summing up success in Math Bowls
    Summing up success in Math BowlsPosted On: Wednesday, June 01, 2011 3:04 PM
    KPBSD students learned that math plus competition adds up to excitement in the middle and elementary school Math Bowls held at the end of the year.
  • Soldotna Montessori students gather lessons from trash
    Soldotna Montessori students gather lessons from trashPosted On: Thursday, May 19, 2011 8:18 AM
    It’s difficult to imagine anything outweighing the 300 pounds of trash that students in Terri Carter’s fourth- through sixth-grade class at Soldotna Montessori Charter School picked up at Johnson Lake Campground in Kasilof on the school’s annual community cleanup day
  • 2010-11 BP Teachers of Excellence honored
    2010-11 BP Teachers of Excellence honoredPosted On: Monday, May 16, 2011 11:03 AM

    A reception was held Thursday at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center to honor the five KPBSD teachers chosen for recognition as BP Teachers of Excellence and name the peninsula's Teacher of the Year. This is the 16th year of BP's teacher recognition program, conducted in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna and Fairbanks school districts. More than 1,000 nominees were submitted this year

  • New Teaching Talent - Deana Kahn
    New Teaching Talent - Deana KahnPosted On: Friday, May 13, 2011 8:04 AM
    Years ago Deana Kahn’s husband fished for king crab in the Bering Sea. The experience must have rubbed off, because she’s been thinking about landing a position in Alaska ever since.
     
    “We have visited Alaska, traveling all around the state. We have always wanted to live in Alaska, and when the opportunity arose for me to job search
  • Trooper K-9 Chevron visits Soldotna Elementary classroom
    Trooper K-9 Chevron visits Soldotna Elementary classroomPosted On: Monday, May 09, 2011 2:30 PM

    Shaya Straw’s third-grade class at Soldotna Elementary School went to the dogs this spring with a unit studying working canines.  The class learned about the many types of jobs that canines do — service dogs to help people with disabilities, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, sled dogs and more. To culminate the unit, the class got to meet a professional pup in person — Chevron the German shepherd, who is a K-9 unit with the Alaska State Troopers.

  • New Teaching Talent - Shannon Hoffbeck
    New Teaching Talent - Shannon HoffbeckPosted On: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 8:12 AM

    When her husband got a job at Alaska Christian College, moving to Alaska seemed like a bright idea to Shannon Hoffbeck. “I visited the summer of 2005. Immediately, I was in love with the state and all it had

  • KPBSD teachers awarded technology grant
    KPBSD teachers awarded technology grantPosted On: Friday, April 29, 2011 9:09 AM

    The purpose of the “Classroom Without Walls” project linking social studies classes at Kenai Central, Skyview and Soldotna high schools was to foster interconnected learning beyond the boundaries of a classroom. Those physical walls have become even more nonexistent as the program is now being shared throughout the state as an example of innovative technology use.

  • New Teaching Talent - Stephanie Belger
    New Teaching Talent - Stephanie BelgerPosted On: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 8:56 AM

      It didn’t take Stephanie Belger long to fall in love with her new home. She moved to the Kenai Peninsula from the Midwest — born in Ohio, raised in Nebraska — for a

  • Betty Miller Named Alaska School Nurse of the Year
    Betty Miller Named Alaska School Nurse of the YearPosted On: Monday, April 18, 2011 11:15 AM

    When students come to see Elizabeth "Nurse Betty" Miller, it may just be for a Band Aid or a quiet place to lie down, but whether they realize it or not, they get so much more a health educator,

  • Extra, extra: Kenai Middle students light up daily announcements
    Extra, extra: Kenai Middle students light up daily announcementsPosted On: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 2:29 PM

    Eighth graders Joseph Vicere and Andi Reilly read off the teleprompter while signs remind them to smile, speak up and not chew gum. Students film a video program of the school announcements every

  • SoHi exchange student raises money for Japan:
    SoHi exchange student raises money for Japan:Posted On: Friday, April 01, 2011 1:55 PM
    Aoi Yokomori, of Yokohama, Japan, is raising money to donate to Red Cross relief efforts in Japan. She is an exchange student at Soldotna High School this year.
  • One School, One Book program:
    One School, One Book program:Posted On: Friday, April 01, 2011 1:35 PM

    Nikiski North Star Elementary School students were excited to read "The Trumpet of the Swan" during February as part of the One School, One Book program to celebrate Love of Reading month.

  • KPBSD hosts Sen. Murkowski:
    KPBSD hosts Sen. Murkowski:Posted On: Friday, April 01, 2011 1:31 PM

    Sen. Lisa Murkowski updates the KPBSD Board of Education and administration during a work session Feb. 21. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R Alaska, had much to chew on during a visit

  • Principles of Technology course:
    Principles of Technology course:Posted On: Friday, April 01, 2011 1:30 PM

    Sure, the cars looked cool, but how well would they run?The final project in Kenai Alternative High School's seven week principles of technology course, focusing on mechanical and fluid systems, was to

  • KPBSD hosts Sen. Murkowski!
    KPBSD hosts Sen. Murkowski!Posted On: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 2:43 PM

    Sen. Lisa Murkowski updates the KPBSD Board of Education and administration during a work session Feb. 21. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R Alaska, had much to chew on during a visit

  • Principles of Technology
    Principles of TechnologyPosted On: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 2:42 PM

    Sure, the cars looked cool, but how well would they run?The final project in Kenai Alternative High School's seven week principles of technology course, focusing on mechanical and fluid systems, was to

  • “One School, One Book” program
    “One School, One Book” programPosted On: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 1:51 PM

    Nikiski North Star Elementary School students were excited to read "The Trumpet of the Swan" during February as part of the One School, One Book program to celebrate Love of

  • New Teaching Talent - Jill Wagner
    New Teaching Talent - Jill WagnerPosted On: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 1:40 PM

    Jill Wagner came to Redoubt Elementary fresh off a whirlwind.She came to Alaska in August 2010 for a vacation with her then boyfriend, now husband, Mychal Wagner, intending to

  • KPBSD hosts Sen. Murkowksi
    KPBSD hosts Sen. MurkowksiPosted On: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 2:27 PM

    Sen. Lisa Murkowski updates the KPBSD Board of Education and administration during a work session Feb. 21. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R Alaska, had much to chew on during a visit

  • Principles of Technology Course
    Principles of Technology CoursePosted On: Monday, March 21, 2011 12:27 PM

    Sure, the cars looked cool, but how well would they run?The final project in Kenai Alternative High School’s seven week principles of technology course, focusing on mechanical and fluid systems, was to

  • New Teaching Talent - Justin Hostetter
    New Teaching Talent - Justin HostetterPosted On: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 3:51 PM

    Considering one of Justin Hostetter’s main interests, it’s a good thing he’s in Alaska.“The snow, the mountains, the snow, the not so blazing hot summers, the snow,” he said.Hostetter has lived in Alaska for 22 years. He grew up and

  • KPBSD team wins 2011 Inclusive Practice Award
    KPBSD team wins 2011 Inclusive Practice AwardPosted On: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 2:35 PM

    Tina Gilman, at right, and a team from Soldotna Elementary School, also were nominated for the Inclusive Practice Award. A team of educators at Sterling Elementary School has been honored

  • Playing with learning
    Playing with learningPosted On: Monday, March 07, 2011 9:51 AM

    Playing with learningYou’ve got to learn something in order to teach it. On Jan. 21, that premise resulted in a group of Kenai Peninsula Borough School District elementary school music teachers engaging in a day of playing new instruments, melting

  • New Teaching Talent - Cathy Walker
    New Teaching Talent - Cathy WalkerPosted On: Thursday, February 24, 2011 10:14 AM

    Cathy Walker brings a variety of unique, Alaska teaching experiences with her to KPBSD. Cathy moved to Alaska 10 years ago and had the opportunity to teach in both Egegik and Kokhanok in the Lake and Peninsula Borough School District.

  • Bionic Bunch’s teamwork builds success in robotics competition
    Bionic Bunch’s teamwork builds success in robotics competitionPosted On: Friday, February 18, 2011 10:33 AM

    Bionic Bunch’s teamwork builds success in robotics competition      Designing and assembling Lego robotic constructions to solve engineering challenges is only part of the blueprint for success in the First Lego League competition. Building teamwork is just as important,

  • New Teaching Talent - Deanne Pearson
    New Teaching Talent - Deanne PearsonPosted On: Tuesday, February 08, 2011 5:01 PM
    Deanne Pearson is no stranger to the Kenai Peninsula. She grew up in Washington and moved to Alaska in 1977 when her dad was transferred to Soldotna. Other than attending college, she’s been here since.

  • School meal program serves up choices
    School meal program serves up choicesPosted On: Tuesday, February 08, 2011 4:11 PM

    Kenai Peninsula Borough School District students can order up choice in school meal programs, through the A La Carte program.

    Student Nutrition Services offers well-balanced meals that comply with USDA nutritional guidelines in its breakfast and lunch programs.

  • New Teaching Talent - Mandi Young
    New Teaching Talent - Mandi YoungPosted On: Wednesday, February 02, 2011 3:33 PM
    Mandi Young is doing double duty with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, as a part-time Title 1 preschool teacher at Soldotna Elementary School in the mornings, and a part-time Title 1 parent liaison in the afternoons at Soldotna, Redoubt, Mountain View and Nikiski North Star elementary schools.
  • New Teaching Talent - Wes Andrews
    New Teaching Talent - Wes AndrewsPosted On: Friday, January 28, 2011 4:54 PM

    With one Andrews coming to Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula got a four for one deal. When Wes Andrews’ sister, Bethany, told him she was applying for a six grade teaching position at Redoubt Elementary School in Soldotna, Wes decided to

  • Volunteers move mountains at Paul Banks Elementary
    Volunteers move mountains at Paul Banks ElementaryPosted On: Friday, January 28, 2011 1:43 PM

    Parents play a vital role in Dina Marion’s science and social studies class projects. Her first-grade students, at Paul Banks Elementary School in Homer, are currently creating three-dimensional landform maps. For a project of this geologic scale, parental involvement is a monumental help.

  • Seward sign of support
    Seward sign of supportPosted On: Thursday, January 20, 2011 12:56 AM

    The Seward community lost an important landmark and communication resource when the Seward Highway road expansion project led to the removal of the Seward High School sign. A group of dedicated individuals from the community and high school created a

  • New Teaching Talent - Aaron Lohmeyer
    New Teaching Talent - Aaron LohmeyerPosted On: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 12:17 AM

    Soldotna Elementary Music Teacher Aaron Lohmeyer spent his summers on the Kenai when he was studying music at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. After a couple of years in Fairbanks, he moved to Florida and obtained two masters degrees

  • First Female Tugboat Captain
    First Female Tugboat CaptainPosted On: Monday, January 03, 2011 12:44 PM

    Soldotna High School students in Mr. Dan Harbison's Alaska History class had the opportunity to meet Marcia Macone, the first female tugboat captain in Alaska. Marcia has received three awards from the Department of the Interior for "Acts of Valor

  • New Teaching Talent - Bethany Nyboer
    New Teaching Talent - Bethany NyboerPosted On: Thursday, December 16, 2010 3:08 PM

    Although Bethany Nyboer's three siblings are teachers, she wasn't sure teaching was her true calling. She attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan and obtained her bachelor of arts in communication. Upon graduation, Bethany worked in the public relations department at

  • Professional Development for Paraprofessionals
    Professional Development for ParaprofessionalsPosted On: Thursday, December 16, 2010 2:22 PM

    Special education paraprofessionals from across the district recently took a break from their duties to attend a special presentation by guest speaker Padmaja Sarathy. Sarathy is the author of five books in the field of special education. She has also

  • 2010-2011 AP Scholars
    2010-2011 AP ScholarsPosted On: Monday, December 13, 2010 11:36 AM

    Ten KPBSD students have earned 2010 AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement exams.The College Board's Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college level courses

  • Vaughn Dosko Receives State Honor
    Vaughn Dosko Receives State HonorPosted On: Monday, December 06, 2010 8:46 AM

    The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Vaughn Dosko, Assistant Principal of Kenai Middle School, as the Alaska Assistant Principal of the Year for 2010 11. Dosko is now eligible for consideration as a candidate for the 2011

  • New Teaching Talent - Benjamin Caswell
    New Teaching Talent - Benjamin CaswellPosted On: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:40 AM

    Benjamin Caswell and his family moved to Alaska from American Fork, Utah. Ben earned his bachelor degree in secondary education from Brigham Young University in Hawaii. As a student teacher, he found a passion to teach children in need, utilizing

  • First Annual KPBSD College Fair
    First Annual KPBSD College FairPosted On: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 10:19 AM

    Nearly 400 students from across the borough recently attended the first annual KPBSD College Fair. Forty eight college representatives were on hand to answer questions one on one from junior and senior high students. Culinary arts students provided the college

  • KPBSD Honors Veterans
    KPBSD Honors VeteransPosted On: Thursday, November 18, 2010 9:46 AM

    Teachers and students honored our military men and women in a variety of ways on Veteran's Day. (Pictured: Kimberly Martin, United States Navy Veteran)

  • Skyview Penny Wars
    Skyview Penny WarsPosted On: Thursday, November 11, 2010 9:43 AM

    It was underclassmen vs. upperclassmen in a battle of common cents at Skyview, the annual Penny War. Students brought pennies, silver coins and dollar bills to drop in either the underclassmen bucket or the upperclassmen bucket. A team could gain

  • New Teaching Talent - Christopher Brown
    New Teaching Talent - Christopher BrownPosted On: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 9:02 AM

    The Homer Flex School gained a tremendous new asset this year in Christopher Brown. He brings his extensive experience from a variety of small school settings. Mr. Brown was previously an instructor in Kotzebue, in the Northwest Arctic. Prior to

  • Mind Amazes Competition
    Mind Amazes CompetitionPosted On: Monday, October 25, 2010 1:36 PM

    Teams of 3 4 students, grades 4 12, participated in the Mind Amazes Problem Solving Competition sponsored by KPBSD's Quest Program. This year's district wide event took place on Saturday, October 9th at Soldotna Middle School. Teams tackled long term

  • Career Ready at KPBSD
    Career Ready at KPBSDPosted On: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 3:43 PM

    The Workforce Development Center will be offering a variety of different after school academies for KPBSD high school students. If a student successfully completes any of the 60 hour academies, they are eligible to receive a half practical art credit.

  • Conservation Efforts Support Classroom Instruction
    Conservation Efforts Support Classroom InstructionPosted On: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 1:37 PM

    KPBSD's on going commitment to reduce energy costs and protect the environment netted a $297,411 energy savings for KPBSD during the 2009 2010 school year. The KPBSD Energy Incentive Program, now in its third school year, awards 25% of each

  • New Teaching Talent - Bethany Andrews
    New Teaching Talent - Bethany AndrewsPosted On: Friday, October 01, 2010 4:10 PM

    Bethany Andrews is a sixth grade teacher at Redoubt Elementary. This is her first teaching assignment. Bethany recently moved from Portland, Oregon after she attained her master's degree in K 8 Elementary and Early Childhood. Stephanie's younger brother, Wes Andrews,

  • Father and Son Create A Starworthy SoHi Tradition
    Father and Son Create A Starworthy SoHi TraditionPosted On: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 12:00 PM

    "We wanted to create a program to give back to the school system that had served us so well," explains Todd Syverson. Todd is the principal at Soldotna High School. Tate Syverson is currently a senior at SoHi and attended

  • KPBSD Joins the Global Community of Technology Innovation
    KPBSD Joins the Global Community of Technology InnovationPosted On: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 8:41 AM

    Community members recently got a hands on learning opportunity at the 21st Century Learning Open House held at the Challenger Center. The instructors for this lesson, however, were the students from River City Academy who led a multitude of technology

  • Connecting with the Community
    Connecting with the CommunityPosted On: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 5:05 PM

    KPBSD has launched its first ever Superintendent Blog. The blog will provide an additional communication tool for the district to connect with the community. Blog visitors can read short announcements by Dr. Atwater, and in addition, will have the opportunity

  • Audit Helps to Cultivate Culture of Continuous Improvement
    Audit Helps to Cultivate Culture of Continuous ImprovementPosted On: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 2:01 PM

    The Curriculum Audit Team from International Curriculum Management Audit Center at Phi Delta Kappa International presented its formal final report to the Kenai Peninsula Board of Education at their monthly scheduled meeting in Homer on September 13. The report is

  • Starve a Mosquito. Donate Blood.
    Starve a Mosquito. Donate Blood.Posted On: Monday, September 20, 2010 9:50 AM

    Starve a Mosquito…Donate Blood. That's the theme for this year's annual SoHi Blood Drive. The event is organized and managed entirely by the Soldotna High School Honor Society students. "We had great participation last year because National Honor Students could

  • A Dash to the Finish Line Brings More Than Just Cash
    A Dash to the Finish Line Brings More Than Just CashPosted On: Monday, September 20, 2010 8:39 AM

      Clockwise from top left Ty Shoemaker, Sawyer Skiba, Sebastian Strickland, Jared Wallis, Annaleah Ernst, Rebecca Wheeler, and Daniel Ribbens  Nikiski's cross country team and their coaches, Anna Widman and Justine

  • New Teaching Talent - Paulene Rizzo
    New Teaching Talent - Paulene RizzoPosted On: Thursday, September 16, 2010 9:17 AM

    KPBSD welcomes 35 new classroom teachers to our District this school year. Each week we will highlight one new classroom teacher as part of our series, "New Teaching Talent at KPBSD". Paulene is the new Computer Technology Library Teacher at

Highlights by Year: