Around the District

School board to meet

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. in the borough building at 148 N. Binkley Street in Soldotna (unless otherwise noted). For more information, call 907-714-8888 or visit kpbsd.k12.ak.us. The agenda and packet items are posted on Wednesday afternoon prior to the date of the Board meeting. Persons with disabilities who need accommodations to participate at the School Board meetings should contact Debbie Tressler at 907-714-8836 or email dtressler@kpbsd.k12.ak.us no later than three business days before the meeting date. The board will meet:

■ Feb. 1;

■ Feb. 2 (Worksession);

■ March 7;

■ March 21;

■ April 4;

■ April 5 (Worksession);

■ May 2 (Seward High School);

■ June 6;

■ June 7 (Planning Session);

Holidays and vacation days scheduled

■ Jan. 18 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day;

■ Feb. 4-5 — Parent-teacher conferences, no school for students;

■ March 11 — End of third quarter, no school for students;

■ March 14-18 — Spring Break;

■ May 18 — Last day of school.

Interior Distance Education of Alaska

The school has new and exciting opportunities for students here at IDEA. In the continuing effort to serve families better, IDEA has recently added the capability to allow staff to contact families by cell phone via text. Families can sign up for this service on ideafamilies.org.

The school also has a new Parent Resources link. The school is are introducing a new link on the IDEA website to help teach and parent children on the journey of homeschooling. Families will find information on grade level skills, time spent on subject matter, temperaments, college planning, ACT and SAT, apprenticeships and more! To access log-in to the family section of the IDEA website and look on the menu to the left for: Parent Resources. Open the page by clicking on it and choose the topic that is of interest from the menu. Click on that topic and resource available! Staff hope this information will be useful through the journey on in the adventure of homeschooling!

The Battle of the Books is coming. Each competition will be taking place on the dates below at 10:30 a.m. at the IDEA office.

■ Jan. 19 for the high school

■ Jan. 20 for the middle school

■ Jan. 21 for the grades fifth through sixth

■ Jan. 22 for the grades third through fourth

Do you have a high school student? Come join us at the IDEA office on Jan. 22 for a hands on workshop for all high school students. Learn how to use AKCIS, a tool to help plan for a student’s future as well as take some personality and interest surveys to discover more about opportunities that lie before students. This workshop will be a springboard to finding a direction and focus and how to organize documents, projects and experiences to best help astudent succeed in future endeavors.

Schedule:

— 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Intro to AKCIS – Students will make personal portfolios, take skill and interest surveys and review the checklists for their grade levels.

— 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – LUNCH provided by IDEA

— 12–1 p.m. – Career and College Exploration – Students will begin a search of possible opportunities that fit with their interests and skills. We will explore colleges, vocational training options, military, apprenticeships, and self-employment.

— 1-2 p.m. – Parents join staff for a wrap up –Students will share what they have created and how it will be helpful in the future. IDEA staff will share other resources such as checklists, testing information, FAFSA and APS info.

— 2-3 p.m. – Seniors only time – Graduation Meeting – All Seniors will want to stay to learn about graduation and what to expect in this last semester of high school.

■ Jan. 26 at 1:30-3:30 p.m. is salmon dissection day. Staff will have expert instruction and teaching from a fishery biologist who works for AK Fish and Game. Staff will need signups for this opportunity so Fish and Game can come prepared with the proper amount of salmon. Please sign up on the Region K Blog.

■ Jan. 28 – The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is hosting an APS webinar at 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for the general public to learn more about the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS). Students, parents, educators, and other interested parties are welcome to join. Participants will learn about eligibility requirements, award levels, the application process, and using the APS award. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Go to APS.alaska.gov to register. Registration information can be found on the right hand side of the screen, under ‘APS Webinars.’

Once a student has registered online, the will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to participate in the meeting. Internet and telephone access are required.

For more information on the APS, go to APS.alaska.gov or contact ACPE Customer Service at (800) 441-2962,option #2.

■ Jan. 31 – Art in the Capitol artwork due. The theme for 2016 is Land and Sea – landscapes and seascapes. This is an excellent opportunity to display a child’s quality artwork in the halls of the Capitol building in Juneau for the governor, legislators, Alaskans, and visitors to see and appreciate.

■ Feb. 12 – Spelling Bee- Once again, IDEA-Kenai will be holding our annual Scripps Spelling Bee. This competition is for students in third through eigth grade. All students participate in one and the same bee, that is, there are no grade specific bees. The winner of our local bee will represent IDEA-Kenai at the Alaska State Spelling Bee to be held at the Performing Arts Center in Anchorage on Tuesday, March 22. Our local event will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12 at the IDEA office. We’ll have cookies and certificates for all participants. You may learn more about the Scripps National Spelling Bee by going to spellingbee.com/. If anyone has questions or to sign up contact Marian Werth at the Kenai office (260-7555) or via email (marian.werth@ideafamilies.org). Families can find the spelling words study list on the Region K Blog.

Please remember to check webmail or Region K Blog and to sign up for these events!

Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science

■ Jan. 18 — No School in observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

■ Jan. 20 — 9:15 a.m. PTA Staff Appreciation Committee Meeting

■ Jan. 21

— 1:10 p.m. 5th grade will go to the Triumvirate Theatre. Look for more information coming home in Friday folders.

Upcoming Events

— Re-enrollment forms were mailed January 15 and are due by February 12, 4:00 p.m. Every student must return this form to indicate he / she is returning in the Fall or will not be returning.

■ Jan. 25 – APC meeting at 4:15 p.m. (new meeting date)

■ Feb. 3 – Early Release Day with school dismissed at 2:10 p.m.

■ Feb. 4-5 – No School due to Parent / Teacher Conferences

Reminders:

— The Life Skill the school is focusing on this week is Patience; To wait calmly for someone or something.

— If a child arrives after 9:10 a.m., please come in and sign him-her in at the office.

— If families would like to be a volunteer, be sure to complete a background check and volunteer training. Go to kaleidoscope.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/volunteers and click the link to the background check. Please allow up to two weeks for this to clear. The next link on the page will take viewers to the Online Volunteer Training. These two steps must be completed in order to volunteer at Kaleidoscope. Completed Volunteer Indemnification forms are needed 48 hours before all field trips.

Kalifornsky Beach Elementary

Mr. Daniels’s class worked with clay last week. They created drape molds called “rock pots”. Mr. Daniels lead them through skill lessons on how to roll, shape, and design their rock pot creations. This week, the projects will go into the kiln for their bisque and glaze firing.

This week’s Box Tops winners are Eli Yeager and Ian Thomas. Way to go, Caribou!

Kenai Central High

The school ‘thanks’ everyone who supported the KCHS second annual silent auction and spaghetti feed dinner sponsoring the Students in Transition Program.

The Students in Transition Program helps local children and teens in the KPBSD stay in school, by providing things like transportation, school supplies, clothing, and hygiene products. All proceeds from this year’s event, roughly $9,000 went directly to the SIT program. The event was organized by the KCHS student leadership class with special recognition to Abby Beck for her efforts. The evening would not have been possible without Edie Handsaker and Marnie Jensen for preparing the delicious meal. Staff would also like to recognize Raymon Machen-Gray and Hunter Hanson for their musical performances throughout the dinner.

Congratulations to the following attendees and winners of silent auction items:

Mel Galloway, Holly Behrens, Renee Bible, Julie English, Joyce Cox, Nicole Egholm, Mr. and Mrs. Duby, Scott Holmes, Julie Williams, Jodi and Roger Helvie, Jennifer Miranda, Wyatt White, Gayle Buben, Amy and Doug Baxter, Mary Bodner, Janelle Plumridge, Marnie Jensen, Victoria Trujillo, Margaret Gilman, and Katy Settlemyer.

We would also like to recognize the extremely generous monetary donations from: Jim & Trina Doyle, Tesoro, Arbys, Mike Navarre, Kelly Brewer, Country Foods IGA, Espresso Barn and PDC Inc. Engineers.

Special thanks to businesses and community members that donated items for our silent auction including: Country Foods IGA, Susan’s Bath and Body, Pizza Boys, Guilt Salon, Orca Theater, Page Metals, IGA, Brown Bears, Nail Boutique, Lisa Murkowski, Dan’s Television, Mike Navarre, Sweeny’s, Heritage Place, Pat Porter, Soldotna Chiropractic, Brown Bears, Kenai Peninsula Suites, Kings Treasures, Ellie Woodvine, Julie English, The Gilman Family, Shanna Johnson, Odie’s, Laura Beeson, Tim Vlasak, Cindy Worley, Jumping Junction, River City Cheer, Echo Lake Meats, and Gama Designs.

Again, a heartfelt thanks to the many generous community members, local businesses, and event attendees that made the fundraiser such a success.

What’s Happening at KCHS:

■ Jan. 18

— Martin Luther King Jr Day: No school

■ Jan. 21:

— Student of the Month Luncheon

— Boys Basketball at South High School vs Ketchikan 3 p.m.

■ Jan. 22:

Girls Basketball Home vs Kodiak 12, 1:30 and 3 p.m.

— Boys Basketball at South High School vs TBD

— Cross Country Skiing at Kenai Classic

■ Jan. 23:

— Girls Basketball Home vs Kodiak 3, 4:30, 6 p.m.

— Girls Basketball Ball (Home) vs Kodiak High School 12, 1:30 and 3 p.m.

— Cross Country Skiing at Kenai Classic

Kenai Middle

There is no school today. The school hopes everyone os enjoying the extra-long weekend.

Our first week of Clubs went fantastically. Hopefully y our student came home and told you all about it. Clubs will happen each Wednesday during last period! Remember to call ahead if you are picking your student up early as some of the clubs are off-campus.

KMS will host a Cross Country Ski Meet on Jan. 22. Please come out to support the skiers!

Volleyball Intramurals will end on Friday as well.

■ Jan. 23 our KMS wrestlers will compete at SMS at 9 p.m.

Have a great week.

Mountain View Elementary

■ Jan. 18 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is a vacation day. There is

no school for students.

■ Jan. 21 — The Mountain View Site Council will meet at 4 p.m.

p.m. in the Library.

■ Jan. 22. — Pajama Day

Nikiski Middle-High

■ Jan. 18 – Holiday – No School!

■ Jan. 19

— Graduation Planning Meeting – 5:30 p.m. in the library

■ Jan. 21

— Girls C Team Basketball at Kenai – 3 p.m.

— Boys C Team Basketball at Kenai – 4:30 p.m.

— Music Movie Night – 6:30 p.m.

— PTSA Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

■ Jan. 22

— Middle School Intramural Volleyball Season ends

— Middle School Cross Country Skiing at Kenai – 3 p.m.

— High School Cross Country Skiing at Kenai Invite

— Girls JV Basketball at Homer – 3:30 p.m.

— Boys JV Basketball at Homer – 5 p.m.

— Girls Varsity Basketball at Homer – 6:30 p.m.

— Boys Varsity Basketball at Homer – 8 p.m.

■ Jan. 23

— Girls C Team Basketball at Nikiski vs. Homer – 11 a.m.

— Boys C Team Basketball at Nikiski vs. Homer – 12:30 p.m.

— Middle School Wrestling at Skyview Invite – 9 a.m.

Nikiski North Star Elementary

Safety Seal will visit the students in Pre-K through second grade on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

NNS will be having a Family Fun Science Night on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 5:45–7 p.m. There will be science fair entries on exhibit, experiments and presentations for students and parents to do together, and hands-on science experiments provided by Alaska LNG, Alaska Sealife Center, Challenger Center and the National Wildlife Refuge. Boys and Girls Club will be providing chili dogs and dessert. Everyone is invited and if families need further information, please call the office at 776-2600.Th

The school will have the annual spring Scholastic Book Fair beginning on Monday, Feb. 1. The fair will be open Monday-Wednesday during school and also on Thursday and Friday during parent/teacher conferences.

Redoubt Elementary

Box Tops-Labels for Education Winners last week were: Osito Engebretson, Banyan Joachim, Emerson Kapp, Gabby Brower & Rebekah Hudson. Keep those Box Tops for education and Labels for education coming, weekly drawings are held so don’t forget to have a child put their name on the back of each Box Top and turn them in at school. Help earn money for the school.

Support Redoubt Elementary while you shop at Fred Meyer. Every time you shop with your linked Rewards Card at Fred Meyer, you’re helping Redoubt Elementary earn a donation. And the more supporters who link their Rewards Cards to Redoubt Elementary the more they can earn. To link your Rewards account go to: fredmeyer.com/

Congratulations to Redoubt’s Logo contest winners Grandma Honey and Emma Karron. The winning logo was a joint effort by Emma in Mrs. Dawson’s kindergarten class and her grandmother. School t-shirts and other logo wear will be available to purchase in the near future. Additional information will be sent home with students. The school thanks everyone who submitted a logo during the contest.

Yearbooks – Pre-order forms have been sent home with students. Only 175 books have been ordered, so make sure to get an order form and payment ($15) submitted.

Fun Fest – Jan. 29, 3:30-5 p.m. All attending students must turn in a permission slip. Volunteers are needed for this event, families, please call the school office if interested in volunteering. The school has many games and activities, hopes families will join the fun.

Redoubt PTA Winter Carnival will be held Saturday, Feb. 20 12-4 p.m. This event will be open to the public. Volunteers are needed, for more information on how to help, please contact Stephanie Belger at sbelger@kpbsd.org

Help keep students safe — the school have a large number of students getting dropped off and picked up every day. A safe, orderly parking lot is a group effort.

Cell Phones—Parents please do not use your cell phones as you move along the pick-up/drop-off lane.

Students being dropped off or picked up should enter and exit the vehicle at the curb. Students should never have to walk behind or in front of a vehicle when being picked up or dropped off at school. The school thanks families so much for help in keeping students and the community safe.

■ Jan. 27 — 9 a.m. Geography Bee – Redoubt Gym.

■ Feb. 3 — Early Release Day – Students will be released at 1:45 p.m.

■ Feb. fourth and fifth Parent Teacher Conferences – No School for students.

■ Feb. 11 — 9:30 a.m. Spelling Bee –Redoubt Gym.

■ Feb. 20 — Redoubt PTA Winter Carnival noon-4 p.m.

Skyview Middle

Sports schedule this week:

— Wresting – Skyview Invitational Tournament at Skyview Middle School – Saturday, Jan. 23 – 10 a.m.

— Nordic Skiing – Kenai Invitational at Kenai – Friday, Jan. 22 – 3 p.m.

— Intramural Volleyball – Ends Friday, Jan. 22. Competitive Volleyball Begins Monday, Jan. 25.

Skyview Middle School Student Council will be holding a Bake Sale for Bethel Jan. 19-23. Baked goods will be available for sale before and after school and on Saturday during the Skyview Wrestling Invitational. All funds raised through this service project will be donated to help our Alaska neighbors in Bethel who suffered a fire at the Kilbuck School last November. Donations of baked goods can be dropped off at the front office for Mrs. Pothast. The school says “Thank you for supporting this effort!”

Yearbooks are still on sale. Price is $35. Yearbooks may be purchased at the front office or on the Skyview Middle School blog.

Parents: Please check Power School to see if a student has any outstanding fees. Just a reminder… Skyview Middle School is now accepting online payments for Class Fees, Athletic Fees and Lunch Fees! Parents have two options available to do this: Option 1 – sign on to Power School – click on the “Lunch and Fees Folder” then choose “Lunch Planner” or “Student Fees” OR Option 2 – visit the KPBSD website > Students/Parents> Online Payments> Skyview Middle School> Class/Activity Fees> sign in to Power School. Please note that online payments will take approximately 24 hours to process. If in need assistance, please call the office at 260-2500 and ask for Mrs. Kircher.

Soldotna Montessori

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

■ Jan. 26 Parents are invited to attend the fifth through sixth grade Gymnastics Performance at 4 p.m. in the gym.

■ Jan. 27 The Spelling Bee will be at 2 p.m. in the gym.

■ Feb. 1 The Parent PACK Meeting will be at 3:45-4:15 in the library.

Soldotna High

The SoHi dancers, under the direction of Jeannie Young and Terri Zopf-Schoessler, will be taking six dances to the Mass Dance 2016 concert at KCHS. Dancers from SoHi, Nikiski, Encore, Peninsula Artists in Motion, Kenai Performers, and Forever Dance Alaska will showcase local dancers Friday and Saturday nights, Feb. 5-6, starting at 7 p.m. $10 tickets are available at the door.

Soldotna High School is collecting gently used formal dresses, shoes, and accessories for 2015 Cinderella’s Closet. This is a program which helps all area high school ladies with prom attire for free. Please email meggean@kpbsd.k12.ak.us for more info. All donations can be dropped off to the front office 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As of Jan 1, 2016 the FAFSA for the 2016-2017 school year is now open and available at fafsa.gov. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the form that colleges use to determine a student’s financial need, taking into account both student and parent income. Every high school senior should file a FAFSA regardless of income, as many scholarships, including the Alaska Performance Scholarship, require that the student complete the FAFSA before award funds are released. If parents and their student would like free assistance in completing the FAFSA, please attend our FAFSA Completion Event on January 26 at 6pm at Kenai Peninsula College. For more information, please contact Emily Knight at 260-7083 or emily.knight@alaska.gov.

The Soldotna High School PTSA will meet in the SoHi Staff Lounge at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14. New members are welcome and the school hopes parents will mark their calendars and plan to attend! Questions? Please contact Sheilah-Margaret Pothast at agr8fulmom@hotmail.com and include “SoHi PTSA” in the subject line.

Soldotna High School PTSA is looking for parents, students, school staff, and community members who want to make a positive difference! Being involved in PTSA provides an opportunity for networking with others who want to support our school, as well as opportunities to be informed about all the great things happening at our school. SoHi PTSA annually provides scholarships to graduating seniors, supports school staff with appreciation luncheons twice a year, and supports parent driven events including After Prom and After Grad. Membership is $10 per year and membership forms can be picked up/dropped off at the school office. If a parent is interested in joining PTSA, contact Sheilah-Margaret Pothast at agr8fulmom@hotmail.com or attend our next meeting on Thursday, Jan.14 at 5:30 p.m. in the SoHi Staff Lounge.

Soldotna High School PTSA’s primary fundraiser is the Fred Meyer Rewards Program. It’s easy to sign up and makes a BIG difference for the PTSA and the school. Visit fredmeyer.com with your Rewards Program number and select Soldotna High School PTSA. It’s quick and simple to make a positive impact just by doing everyday shopping! Thank you!

Soldotna Stars Letterman Jackets are available to order atneffco.com. Click on Varsity Jackets, find our school by State, select Soldotna High School, starting at $149 students can personalize it anyway they would like. Any questions contact Heather Parkki, 260-7022. Makes a great Christmas gift.

Every Friday is spirit Friday. Wear your SoHi gear for a chance to win gift cards and more!

The SOHI Library Media Center will be open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Contact Ms. Wear at 260.7036 or twear@kpbsd.k12.ak.us for information on the 4:15 p.m. bus.

Jackson Blackwell has been elected to serve as the student rep for the City of Soldotna. Andreas Asimakopoulos will be an alternate.

■ Jan. 19-22 The Sophomore class will be selling Match-O-matics at lunch at both buildings. The cost is only $1. Students fill out the questions and can find out who their closest match is!

■ Jan. 22 The Freshmen and volleyball team will be hosting a dance at SoHi from 7:30-10 p.m. More details to come.

Soldotna Prep

The Lego Adventures camp is geared toward 6-9 year old students and the robotics camp is geared toward 10-14-year-old students. The camps are $35 per student and will be held on Jan. 16. Families can conveniently pay with KPBSD online payment system or stop by Soldotna High School and pay at the office from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. There is a registration capacity of 12 students per camp. Please email Mrs. McGlothen at kmcglothen@kpbsd.k12.ak.us for more information or to register student(s).

■ Jan. 19-22 The Sophomore class will be selling Match-O-matics at lunch at both buildings. The cost is only $1! Students fill out the questions and can find out who their closest match is!

■ Jan. 22 The Freshmen and volleyball team will be hosting a dance at SoHi from 7:30-10 p.m. More details to come.

Check SOPREP school blog for important information and updates: soldotnaprep.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/

Soldotna Prep School Honor Roll Second Quarrter

— 4.00 GPA

Asia Angeles-Hanson, Elliana Bruce, Haley Buckbee, Hannah Delker, Porter Evans, Sally Hoagland, Sydney Juliussen, Serena Larrow, Michael Michael, Cloe Millbauer, Cody Nye, Marlayna Saavedra, Jaida Sturman.

— 3.50 – 3.99 GPA

Donald Bennett, Erika Bennett, Kortney Birch, Brittani Blossom, Madelyn Brennan, Carsen Brown, Kristina Bybee, Megan Calloway, Luis Chicas-Sorto, Wyatt Denna, Alyson Driskell, Megan Eskue, Mykenna Foster, Cassie Haeg, Dalton Hatten , Kennedy Holland, Brock Kant, Katelynn Kimes, Trevor Marks, Caleb Matson, Kalyn McGillivray, Darby McMillan, Natalia O’Toole, Aliann Schmidt, Kayli Smith, Kyla Smith, Benjamin Snow, Liam Sullivan, Sophie Thomas, Brighton Turvin, Levi Wahl, Thomas Wells, Brennan Werner, Mikaele Wong.

— 3.00 – 3.49 GPA

Joanna Cornelius, Tanner Craig, Joseph Fiebelkorn, Victoria Giles, Ashlee Heiman, River Kitchens, Derek Lewis, Quinn Lucas, Amanda McGlothen, Dakota Merculieff, Morgan Nelson, Mackenzie Powell, Danica Schmidt, Bethani Shepard, Samuel Skolnick, Holly Todd, Ashlyn Vehmeier, Alijiah West, Colleen Yeskie.

Tustumena Elementary

Geography Bee Champions— First Place: Kelar Sooter Second Place: Evan Veihdeffer Third Place: Noah Harper. Spelling Bee Champions— First Place: Rhiley Halverson Second Place: Abriella Werner Third Place: Gwendolyn Hagelund

■ Jan. 18 — No School,

■ Jan. 19 — PTO Meeting, 4 p.m.

■ Jan. 25 — Site Council Meeting, 4 p.m.

■ Jan. 25–29 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pre-K and Kindergarten Pre-Registration for 2016-17 School Year

■ Feb. 3 — Early Release at 2:05 p.m.

■ Feb. 4-5 — No school for students and Parent Teacher Conferences,

■ Feb. 9 — Battle of the Books, Grades fifth through sixth,

■ Feb. 10 — Battle of the Books, Grades third through fourth

■ Feb. 16 — PTO Meeting 4 p.m.

■ Feb. 18 — SEM 2-3 p.m.

■ Feb. 25 — SEM 2-3 p.m.

■ Feb. 27 — District Wide Forensics,