Around the District
School board meetings slated
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. at 148 N. Binkley St. in Soldotna (unless otherwise noted).
For more information, call 714-8888 or visit www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/school_board.aspx/id.
* Today;
* Jan. 12;
* Feb. 2;
* Feb. 16;
* March 2 at Homer High School;
* April 13;
* May 4 at Seward High School;
* June 1; and
* June 2 (board planning meeting.)
Local scholarship offered
The Kenai Peninsula Central Labor Council will offer four $500 scholarships to Kenai Peninsula High School graduates from union families. To be eligible, applicants must have significant improvement in grades; graduate in the 2008-09 school year; and attend an accredited school.
Applications must be postmarked no later than April 1 to be considered. Mail applications to Kenai Peninsula Central Labor Council, P.O. Box 1162, Kenai, AK 99611.
School Web sites available
Web sites for public schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District are available at www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/. Click on the schools tab then choose school.
Student essay contests continues
The Jerry V. Horn Memorial Post No. 10046 and its Ladies auxiliary is the local sponsor for the national Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot's Pen competition, the Voice of Democracy program and the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards Program.
* The Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, Jerry V. Horn Memorial Post No. 10046 will sponsor the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards Program. The program encourages high school students to use their artistic talents to express their patriotism while becoming eligible for funds to further their education.
Artwork, including digital art entries, must be on paper or canvas. (No discs or CDs will be accepted.) Water color, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen-and-ink or oil may be used. Artwork must be matted but not framed. The art should be no smaller than 8" by 10" and no larger than 18" by 24" not including the mat.
Students enrolled in grades nine through 12th grade, including home-schooled students, are eligible to participate. In addition to monetary awards on the local level, the first place winner's entry will be forwarded to state level judging.
The first place state winner's entry will be entered into the national judging where the first prize is $10,000 plus a jacket, plaque, and airfare plus two nights lodging to attend the 2009 Ladies Auxiliary National Convention.
Entry deadline is Friday. Entries should be delivered to the Kenai Fine Arts Center located at 816 Cook Ave., Kenai. For more information, see www.ladiesauxvfw.com, call the program chairman at 283-9443 or the ladies auxiliary president at 262-1262.
Violet Richardson Awards Program begins
Soroptimist International of Kenai Peninsula is offering the "Violet Richardson Awards Program" to young women between the ages of 14 and 17. The award honors young ladies for their volunteer actions, such as fighting drugs, crime and violence, cleaning the environment and/or working to end discrimination and poverty.
Soroptimist International of Kenai Peninsula will present a $200 cash award, as well as contribute $200 in honor of the winner to her volunteer organization. Club level winners then become eligible for state and national awards.
Applications for the award program are available at local high and middle schools, or by calling Rosanne Van Ray at 262-4339. Applications must be received by Dec. 15.
KPBSD holidays announced
Public schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will be closed on the following dates:
* Dec. 19 -- End of second quarter and minimum day;
* Dec. 22-26, 29-31 and Jan. 1 and 2 -- Christmas, New Years (school resumes Jan. 5.)
Aurora Borealis Charter
Students will participate in a Christmas program at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kenai Central High School. Parents are asked to have their children there by 6:45 p.m. and to bring a dozen cookies to share after the program.
There will be an APC meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 in the fifth grade classroom. Parents may attend.
Connections Home-school program
Scholastic book orders are due by Friday books will arrive before Christmas break.
The programs spelling bee will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Aspen Hotel in Soldotna There will be a movie and snack following the bee. To obtain a study booklet, call Michael Hanson at 714-8880 or e-mail mhanson@kpbsd.k12.ak.us.
First semester grade reports are due in the office by Dec. 19.
Movie, reading challenge begins -- Students may sign up to read the book "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke (Connections can order it for you.) Students are asked to read it over the next month, then go to the office to take a short comprehensive test on it. If they get an 80 percent or higher on the test, Connections will pay their admission fee to see the movie by the same title and for their popcorn and drink. The movie will be hosted by Connections. To enter e-mail Doug at dhogue@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, or call him at 714-8880. For a preview of the movie, go to http://www.inkheartmovie.com/
Cook Inlet Academy
Students of the Week are Katie Dutcher, Caleb Lyons and Connor Yarnes.
Andrew B. and Reece O. won the mold jar competition in science.
Between 4 and 7 p.m. today order a large 3-topping pizza for $18 for delivery or pick up from Soldotna Pizza Boys to help the volleyball team raise money for travel to the regional tournament in Tok.
Order hats by Friday.
Knit winter personalized hats are available to order in the office: $25 without a name $30 with a name.
The school has been asked to be part of the SOAR "Stuff a Stocking" child sponsorship program. Students will bring home a brochure. Fill it out and include a picture and a letter and $35. The deadline is Dec. 17. The donation will go directly to SOAR and the on to Russia. The money will purchase hats, gloves, school supplies, candy and a Bible. Elementary kids should take their brochure and donation to their teacher. Secondary students should bring theirs to the office.
National Honor Society will meet at noon Wednesday and Thursday.
The Christmas program for preschool-sixth grade will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in the gym.
Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science
The student council is sponsoring a canned food drive through Dec. 10. Food collected will support the schools Christmas drive and the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank.
The APC will meet at 4 p.m. Dec. 8 in the library.
The holiday concert will begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at Kenai Central High School. Students will take a bus to KCHS for dress rehearsal the morning of the concert.
The Young Shoppers Club will be held Dec. 9 through Dec 11. More information will be sent home in the student's Friday folders.
Family Fun Night will be held Dec. 11.
Kenai Central High
November Students of the Month are: Rotary, Quinton Pribbinow; Chamber, Lynn Zeihmer; Elks, LaJarle Borkowski; Super Staffer, Cheri Johnson; Kard of the Deck, Alex Kiel; Performing Arts, Choir, Jeffrey Narlock; Accounting, Sheldon Hallmark; Chemistry, Jasmine Klauder; Construction, Kendra Ashwell; Algebra, Taylor Ostrander; AP U.S. History, Randale Jackson; art, Morgan Mena; Honors Language Arts 9, Eve Ferguson; physical science, Richard Ziehmer; world history, Carolyn Knackstetd; algebra B, Rebecca Grassano; algebra A, Matthew Mendenhall; French 1, Kierra Isham; and study skills, Justin Wiggins.
Today is the first day of basketball practice for boys and girls. Players must have a current physical on file with Mr. Delaney and have their paperwork turned in before they will be allowed to try out. Boy's tryouts are from 3 to 5 p.m. and girl's are from 5 to 7 p.m.
An afternoon pep assembly to honor the wrestling team will be held at 1:40 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium. Parents are welcome to attend.
The choir will hold its annual Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Sunday in the auditorium. For more information, call Renee Henderson at 283-2125.
The Honor Society and the Blood Bank of Alaska will sponsor a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at the school. A photo identification is required. Students ages 16 and 17 must also have a release signed by your parents. Call Kathy Herring at 283-7524 for more information.
Kenai Middle
The Christmas forms and applications are on the school's Edline site. Wednesday is the due date for the forms to be turned in to the office.
Volleyball camp will be held Dec. 22 and 23. The cost is $80 and it is open to fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade boys and girls from all schools. Forms are available at the office. Volleyball starts Jan. 5.
The school will hold a Christmas activity night from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Pictures with Santa Claus, hair and face painting, dancing, prizes and games are planned. Students may bring $3 to get in or bring a Christmas gift for a child in need. Students need to bring extra money for pizza, pictures and cotton candy. Proceeds will benefit the school's Christmas fund.
Dates to remember:
* Dec. 11 -- choir concert at 7 p.m. at Kenai Central High School;
* Dec. 14 -- Band Concert 3 p.m. at KCHS;
* Dec. 19 -- End of second quarter;
* Jan. 5 -- Volleyball, wrestling and cross country skiing begins.
Mountain View
Character Counts winners were Donny Wynn, Cullen Engebretson, Trinity Poage, Dominick Alexan, Delbrian Parfitt, Alyx Cook, Alex Olsen, Nia Sawyer, Josiah White, Elijah Trevino, Joey Evan-Jones and Connor Jones.
Christmas drive forms were sent home last week. Families in need of a Christmas basket or who would like to sponsor a child or a family may call the office at 283-8600. Forms must be returned by Wednesday.
Fifth grade students will have a band concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at the school.
The Young Shopper's Club will be open Dec. 8 through 11 for students to shop for Christmas gifts. To volunteer and assist students with shopping call the office at 283-8600.
Nikiski Middle-High
Homegoing Week will celebrate the beginning of the winter sports season. Activities will include an assembly Friday afternoon, a bonfire at 7 p.m. Friday and a dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Dates to remember:
* Tuesday -- winter concert at 7 p.m.; and
* Dec. 11 -- ASVAB testing for juniors.
Nikiski North Star Elementary
Character Counts Students of the Week are Dalton Lewis and Paige Brame.
Today through Thursday is Young Shoppers Club. The store will be open during school hours in the library. Each class will visit twice. For more information, call 776-2600.
Pictures with Santa fundraiser will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 at Carl's Jr. in Kenai. Proceeds will benefit spring field trips for Mrs. Zimmerman's fourth grade class.
Peninsula Optional High
The school will host blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at in the borough assembly chambers in the Borough Building in Soldotna. Community members ages 16 and older may donate blood. Participants must have a photo ID, youth must have a parental consent form signed, and to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood.
For more information or to make an appointment, call Rochelle Hanson at 714-8945.
Redoubt Elementary
The school community collected and delivered 671 pounds of food and $540 to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank as part of its Thanksgiving Giving Something Back/Making a Difference fundraiser.
The PTA angel tree is available in the school entry way. The tree contains items from student's wish lists. New, unwrapped angel tree gifts may be delivered to the school office by Dec. 12. Holiday cash donations also will be accepted. Funds and angel tree gifts will be used to help the school's families.
Families who need help are asked to let the school know as soon as possible. Submit requests in a sealed envelope addressed to Mr. Pothast for more information call 260-4300.
Students may pre-order yearbooks through Friday for $15. Yearbooks will arrive in May.
The school is participating in the Great Aluminum Can Roundup. The next drop-off date is Dec. 13.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, The Elf Shelf holiday store will be at the school. Volunteers are needed to work in the store. Call any PTA member or Patti at 262-0436. Complete information will be sent home.
Grades one through three will present a musical at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Soldotna High School Auditorium. It is open to the public. Volunteers are needed to help with costumes and decorating. Call Ms. Biggs at 260-4337 or e-mail sbiggs@kpbsd.k12.ak.us to volunteer.
The lost and found will be emptied Dec. 12.
Skyview High School
November students of the month are: aide, Matthias Walgenbach; business technology, Elan Segovia; fine arts, Megan Neill; foods, Trevor Mathew-Seay; health, Kristin Nagle; language arts, Stefany Malatesta and Missy Massey; math, Stephanie Fox and Kinsey Sutherland; performing arts, Serena Marquis; physical education, Brad Lapp and Dakota Cruze; science, Justin Marsh and Carol Clonan; social studies, Casee Penrod and Jessica Stewart; vocational technology, Carl Hatten; work co-op, Karl Straume; world languages, Elisha Hollers; Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, Missy Massey; Soldotna Rotary, Theresa Ramponi; teacher of the month, Byron Weeks, science; Staff Person of the Month, Lynda Ruesch, library aide.
Basketball begins today. Participants need to show proof of a current physical and have paperwork completed and turned in before they may try out or practice.
At 6 p.m. Tuesday site council will meet in the staff lounge.
Soldotna High
Today is the deadline for sibling photos. Yearbooks may be ordered in room 76 or online at www.ybpay.com for $55. Prices go up Jan. 1. Senior ad space is available. Call 260-7000 for more information.
The band and choir Christmas concert will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 11.
The sophomore class will sponsor a "Whiteout Snoball" dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Dress is casual and the cost is $5. Parents who would like to chaperone are asked to call Lana Syverson at 260-7000.
Seniors are encouraged to review scholarship opportunities in the counseling office. Not all organizations have same application deadline requirements. Students requiring letters of recommendation are reminded to make their contacts now.
Information about the sports and events may be found on the schools Web site.
Production photos of the play "Nevermore" may be viewed at www.ballphotographs.com.
Soldotna Middle
On Friday there will be SOM/COM Bingo.
The second quarter holiday band and choir concert will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. The PTSA will host a bake sale and there also will be an audience Christmas carol sing-along.
Fortnightly will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12. Parent chaperones are needed.
Sterling Elementary
The winter music concert will be held at 2:01 and 6:29 p.m. Wednesday.
The PTA will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday. The agenda includes final plans for the craft fair and planning for the family disco night. Baby- sitting will be provided.
The PTA craft fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 13 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 14. Space is available for $50. Reservations may be made by calling Judy at 262-8545.
Tustumena Elementary
Cash raffle tickets are on sale at the school office or from students for $20. A $2,500 grand prize and 18 other cash prizes will be awarded. The drawing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the multipurpose room.
Students will host a food drive to support The Salvation Army. The school goal is 200 items. Families may send items with their child to take to their classrooms. The school will count and chart students progress in the school entry way.
The schools will hold a Christmas programs at 2:15 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9.
The spelling bee for grades four through six will be held at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 11.
Saftey Seal will visit students in grades kindergarten through two from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 17.
Wings Christian Academy
Alexander Pettey and Andrew Grant received Offices of the Week.
Jesse Puletau won the Interesting Fact Award and has a chance to have his name drawn to see if he moves his desk.
Alexander Pettey also moved into the 1000's Club and received some spy sunglasses.
Play practice is held Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
There will be a junior high school basketball tournament Dec. Thursday through Saturday (place yet to be determined). For more information, call Mr.Ruffridge at the school.
The Tyotkas trip will be Friday and scarves need to be in by the Tuesday. Students are required to wear their approved school uniform.
The school is in need of $2.58 to meet its goal of $40 to help sponsor two deaf orphans in Peru. For more information, call 283-9361.
Schools prints Monday's in the Clarion.