School board to meet
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education meets at 7 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:
■ Dec. 1;
■ Jan. 12;
■ Feb. 2;
■ March 2;
■ April 6;
■ May 4 (at Seward High School);
■ June 1;
■ June 2 (Board planning session).
Holidays and vacation days scheduled
Dec. 19 — End of second quarter, no school for students; Dec. 22-Jan. 2 — Winter vacation; Jan. 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Feb. 5-6 — Parent-teacher conferences, no school for students; March 6 — End of third quarter, no school for students; March 9-13 — Spring Break; April 3 — Good Friday; May 20 — Last day of school.
STEAM Ahead at Challenger
The Challenger Learning Center is now accepting registration for the upcoming sessions. STEAM Ahead for up to a semester of science for grades K-8th. First session begins Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. Challenger is an approved direct pay vendor for IDEA and Connections. For more information: akchallenger.org, 907-283-2000, or summer.lazenby@akchallenger.org.
Free Training for High School Students
KPBSD Career and Tech Department is offering free after school academies to train students in the welding, construction and medical field. Listed below are our upcoming academies.
Nikiski High School will be offering a welding academy beginning January 6th, running every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-4:30. Students will be learning Oxy-Acetylene Cutting, torch safety and set up, cutting torch free hand, interpret welding symbols and much more.
In January there will be a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) class that is limited to juniors and seniors only. This class will take place at the Workforce Development Center. Students will learn how to physically care for people. Students who are close to the age of 18 by October 2015 will receive a State Certificate after passing the exam. The class is limited to 12 students. Textbooks will be provided, however they are available to purchase for $35 if a student chooses to keep their book. There will be a mandatory meeting on Tuesday January 13th at 3:30 at the Workforce Development Center (located behind KCHS in the Votec building). During this meeting class times will be set depending on the students and instructor’s schedule. Any high school student is able to participate in any of our academies. If a student successfully completes the 60 hour academy they will receive a ∏ practical art credit. To sign up students can see their counselor, call Debbie Pearson at 283-2145 or go to MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “onestop.kpbsd.k12.ak.us” claiming to be http://onestop.kpbsd.k12.Alaskaus/
Funding for the Alaska Construction Academies comes from a grant from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and The Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
Connections Homeschool Program
Dates to remember:
■ 12/01 – My HomeR Art Submissions Due
■ 12/01 – Deadline for the Kenai Fine Arts Student Art Show
■ 12/03 – Tutoring: Secondary Connection @ the Homer Bookstore Wednesdays 10am-Noon
■ 12/04 – Math Tutoring @ the Soldotna Office Thursdays 2:30-4:00pm
■ 12/04 – Battle of the Books Mtg @ 3:30 Grades 3rd & 4th
■ 12/05 – Battle of the Books Mtg @ 11:00am Grades 5th & 6th *Please Note: We have a couple more spots for students that would like to participate*
■ 12/05 – T200 Drawing Contest Entries Due
■ 12/16 – 1st Semester Grade Reports Due; High School Eligibility Due
■ 01/05 – 2nd Semester Begins
■ 01/05-01/30 – AIMS K-5; Ed Performance Testing 6-8
■ 01/17 & 01/18 – Kenai NWR Wilderness First Aid Course
Kenai NWR Wilderness First Aid Course:
The Kenai NWR will be hosting a Wilderness First Aid course January 17th and 18th, 2015. Cost is $175 plus $25 if you want CPR too. Call Michelle at 260-2839 to register or want more information. Deb Ajango with SafetyEd in Eagle River will be facilitating the course. Limited to 18 people and students must be 16 or older to take the course.
Connections Talent Show:
If your student has a talent they may wish to share at our talent show this year, please contact our talent show coordinator, Mark Wackler, at mwackler@kpbsd.k12.ak.us. At this time Connections is mostly just trying to gather interest and help students begin preparing for the show, so a response is not an obligation to have a student perform. Most of the acts are musical (i.e. singing, piano, dance, etc.) but others are welcome and the school encourages a wide variety of different types of talents, so get creative! Please contact Mark with all questions or to express interest. A date has not yet been set, but mid to late April is when the show is typically scheduled. The school is looking forward to seeing everyone turn out at the 2015 Connections Talent Show!
Connections Spelling Bee:
Connections is pleased to announce that Connections Homeschool is enrolled in the National Spelling Bee this year, continuing with a great tradition. All Connections students in grades 3-8 are encouraged to participate in order to build confidence, increase vocabulary and improve spelling skills. Our local Spelling Bee will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Soldotna Public Library. The 2015 Alaska State Spelling Bee will be held on Friday, February 16, 2015 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Anchorage (PAC). For word lists and information, contact Carole Nolden at 714-8880 or cnolden@kpbsd,k12.ak.us. The school looks forward to the entries!
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary
Students from Mrs. McCoy’s second grade celebrated Thanksgiving by entertaining their parents with pies and poetry last week. This was the school’s way of saying “Thanks” to parents for all they do.
K-Beach winter concert for grades k-2 will take place December 16th at 6pm. The show time is early to allow those parents with kids attending Skyview Middle time to get over to Skyview for their concert that same night.
■ December 4 – Band Concert in the K-Beach gym at 6:30 p.m.
■ December 8 through 11 – The PTA is hosting ‘Kids Go Shopping’ from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
■ ecember 16th – K-2 Winter Program; 6:00 p.m. at Sohi auditorium
■ Dec 19 – No School, In-Service day
■ December 22 through January 2 – No School due to Winter Break
Kenai Middle
Kenai Middle School hopes students, staff and parents had a wonderful 4 day Holiday weekend!
Congratulations to our Character Counts winners: Christina Leyden and Shay Smith!
There is a Basketball game for both Boys & Girls “A” teams on Tuesday, December 2nd @ KMS. Girls will play at 3:00 and Boys will play at 4:30. Show your school spirit and come support your fellow students!
The Annual Boys vs. Girls Canned Food Drive starts Wednesday, December 3rd and will end Wednesday, December 17th. Start collecting those cans! It’s always a tight race, who do you think will win?
There are more Basketball games on Friday, December 5th. Both Boys & Girls “A” teams will play at KMS, both Boys & Girls “B” teams will play at the Kenai Rec. Center. Go Kossacks!
Save the date: The KMS Holiday Choir Concert is December 9th @ KCHS. And the KMS & KCHS Holiday Band Concert and Dessert Auction is Dec. 11th @ KCHS. Both concerts begin at 7:00.
Mountainview Elementary
Christmas Drive forms were sent home last week. If anyone is in need of a Christmas basket, applications must be returned by December 3. If a parent would like to sponsor a child or a family please call the office at 283-8600.
“The Holiday Wonderland” will be open Monday, December 8th through Thursday, December 11th. This is a program hosted by the PTA to allow students to shop for inexpensive Christmas gifts for family & friends.
If someone would like to volunteer to help students shop please call the office at 283-8600 to schedule a time.
First, Second, & Third grade students will have a winter performance on Monday, December 15 at 6:00 PM in the KCHS Auditorium.
Donations of baked items are needed for the bake sale being held right after the concert at KCHS. Bring your goodies directly to the high school when coming for the concert. Items will be sold for $1 each after the concert so remember to bring your ones!
Congratulations to our Soaring Eagles for the month of November. They are Bridger Beck, Elijah Cooper, Evelyn Cooper, Moriah Cox, Madison Curren, Jacob Dimick, Shelby Easling, Gregory Fallon, Chad Hernandez, Kasey Maxie, Marissa Moffis, Jasmin Olson, Willow Patrick, Caleb Russell, Jayden Sanders, Drake Torgeson, Kennedy Whitney, & Samiel Wilson.
There will be a PTA meeting on Tuesday, December 9th at 3:45 PM in the Library.
Nikiski High
■ Monday, December 1 – High School Basketball Begins
■ Tuesday December 2 – MS Basketball vs. Skyview at 3:00 p.m.
■ Thursday December 4 – PTSA at 6:00 p.m. in Library
■ Friday December 5 – HS Wrestling Regions @ Houston and HS XC skiing @ Homer Invite
■ Saturday December 6 – HS Wrestling Regions @ Houston and HS XC skiing @ Homer Invite
■ Monday December 8 – Winter Choir Concert at 7:00 p.m.
Nikiski North Star Elementary
There will be a PTA meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd at 9:10 am in the staff lounge. Attendance is always needed and valuable to help students at NNS!
Plan now to attend our Christmas concert on December 11th at Nikiski Middle High School.
Mrs. Faris has been working with the students in grades K – 2 to bring you a wonderful evening of music and memories! Students in the following classes will be performing: Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Trammell, Mrs. Thye, Mrs. Mayberry, Mrs. Erwin, Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Hooper and Mrs. Settlemyer.
Please remember to send your child to school with appropriate winter gear for outside recess. KPBSD policy states that there will be outside recess each day unless the temperature drops below -10 degrees.
During these cold months a pair of gloves or mittens, a warm hat, snow pants and a coat will help your child to have a much more enjoyable recess. If a child has lost any gear, please check the lost and found located by the front office.
NNS is on Facebook so anyone can like the page to learn about all of the exciting events at school!
Redoubt Elementary
■ December 2nd – 1st-3rd Grade Music Concert 5:30 p.m. at Soldotna High
■ December 3rd – 5th Grade Music Concert 5:30 p.m. at Redoubt Gym
■ December 4th- 6th Grade Music Concert 5:00 p.m. at Redoubt Gym
■ December 9th – PTA Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
■ December 10th – Site Council Meeting @ 3:45 p.m.
■ December 10th – 4th Grade Music Concert 5:00 p.m. at Redoubt Gym
■ December 11th – 5th Grade Band Concert 5:30 p.m at Redoubt Gym
Box Tops Winners last week were: Katelyn Morrison, Cassius Miller, Trace Richardson & Layton Jones. Keep those Box Tops for education coming, weekly drawings are held so don’t forget to have children put their name on the back of each Box Top and turn them in at school.
Labels for Education – Redoubt has started collecting Campbell soup labels and other participating product labels. Some products include, Goldfish, Post, Swanson, Pop-Secret, V8 and Dannon.
For the complete list of products and companies that participate in this program visit their website at www.labelsforeducation.com the school will earn points that can be redeemed for items such as physical education equipment, classroom supplies and other educational merchandise for our students. Additional information regarding this program will be sent home with students. Students should put their name on the back of each label and turn them in at school for our weekly drawings to win a prize.
Redoubt PTA Holiday Kindness Program Assisting Redoubt families in need this holiday season is underway. The school asks for people who can help to purchase a gift or gifts from the angel tree for a Redoubt family. All gifts need to be brought to the school by Monday, December 8th. Cash donations in any amount can be dropped off at the school office. Money will be used to purchase holiday gifts for Redoubt children and their families. Volunteer your time. We need people to assemble the angel tree, shop, and much more.
If a family needs help this holiday season, the school asks to please let the office know! Complete the form on the back of Redoubt’s weekly newsletter and return it to Mr. Pothast by December 4th. Please call the school office if you have questions regarding this program.
The Elf Shelf Holiday Store is coming: December 2nd, 3rd and 4th. PTA sponsors this annual gift shopping opportunity for students. Complete information and order forms have been sent home with students.
School Hours 8:45—3:18. When students are absent or late they lose out on valuable instructional time. Frequent loss of class time can make it difficult for a student to catch up on missed work. Often there are health reasons and other issues we are unaware of that may prevent students from attending school.
Morning recess begins at 8:30 and the first bell rings at 8:45. The school asks to please help provide a quality educational program by making every effort to have a child at school on time every day.
“The Great Grocery Grab” Holiday Food Drive was a HUGE success! The school says “A BIG thank you” to everyone who helped with this event. Redoubt Principal, John Pothast, Redoubt PE teacher, Donny Joachim, Borough Mayor, Mike Navarre and Assistant Superintendent, Sean Dusek raced to the finish as they collected food items from students.
All food items were delivered to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank by Mrs. Arthur’s 6th grade class. A grand total of 1,114 pounds was collected and donated by Redoubt students.
Skyview Middle
The Panther Student Council would like thank all those who donated to the Penny Wars fundraiser! SMS raised over $700.00 for the KPBSD Students in Transition Program! Congratulations to the 7th graders for winning the Penny Wars! Great job everyone!
Sports Schedule this week:
■ Tuesday, December 2 – Kenai vs. Skyview 7th @ Kenai Middle School – 3:00 p.m.
■ Tuesday, December 2 – Nikiski vs. Skyview 8th @ Nikiski Middle High School – 3:00 p.m.
■ Friday, December 5 – Seward vs. Skyview 8th @ Seward Middle School – 3:00 p.m.
■ Friday, December 5 – Skyview Girls B vs. Chapman @ Skyview Middle School – 3:00 p.m.
■ Friday, December 5 – Skyview Boys B vs. Chapman @ Skyview Middle School – 4:30 p.m.
Last week to select a card from the Skyview Angel Tree! All items purchased need to be returned by Friday, December 5. The school says “Thank you!”
Only 3 more weeks of school before the end of the semester. Please, both students and parents, check power school to see if there are any outstanding fees still owed. The school asks that all fees be paid by the end of the semester.
The school says “Congratulations to the November Students of the Month!”
Kya Ahlers, Asia Angeles Hanson, Emmanuel Aley, Mackinley Baxter, Brooke Belluomini, Rylan Burrows, Galen Brantley III, Kristina Bybee, Ilysse Cable, Claudia Calderon, Megan Calloway, Ryann Cannava, George Carpenter, Timothy Cashman, Trystin Clucas, Catherine Conner, Abigael Corbett, Kathryn Creglow, Hunter Crosby, Isabella Dearmore, Wyatt Dement, Samantha Denbrock, Elena Dimitrovski, Tyler Doolin, Patricia Doty, Eve Downing, Alyson Driskell, Amanda Eby, Chris Edelman, Kilei England, Aaron Faletoi, Titan Farrell, Joseph Fiebelkorn, Esther Frederickson, Faith Glassmaker, Laurel Glaves, Jordan Goldthwaite, Mckenzie Hale, Wyatt Harvey, Sierra Hatfield, Dalton Hatten, Ashlee Heiman, Ryan Hill, Dalten Hulsey, Angel Joseph Matumeak, Jamie Kelly, River Kitchens, Victoria Kitson, Janna Kreiger, Paige Kruse, Camden Langley, Matthew Lewis, Kylie Loop, Kodi McGillivray, Caleb Matson, Jordan Merrill, David Michael, Sarah Mickelson, Journey Miller, Judd Miller, Quincy Miller, Elias Moonin, Clara Moore, MaCady Musgrave, Mackenzie Powell, Jasmine Prentiss, Carmen Quinones, Ayla Read, Charles Ross, Danica Schmidt, Shane Ray Schneider, Katie Schwartz, Marceles Sepulveda, Bethani Shepard, Samuel Skolnick, Aidan Skura, Kayli Smith, Kyla Smith, Rachel Spence, Mia Stewart, Jersey Truesdell, Robert Van Bruggen, Ben VanHoose, Riley Vickarious, Levi Wahl, Gabriel Wackler Murdock, Trenton Walden, Nelson Watt, Brennan Werner, Madison West, Bryan Whitaker, Tatan White, Kambree Whittom, Jeremija Williams, William Wilson, Corbin Wirz, Arieona Woodard
Soldotna Elementary
SOEL & SMCS, Grades 1, 2, & 3 present “Holidays from Around the World”, Thursday, December 4th at 6:30 p .m. at Soldotna High School auditorium. The school said “Be sure to join for an evening of pure entertainment.
Because we know kids love to shop for their loved ones too, we are scheduling a Holiday Wonderland Store on December 17th and 18th in the library. They will be able to purchase gifts for Moms, Dads, Grandparents, and siblings with adult assistance. Be sure to mark your calendar for this one!
After-School Gymnastics ends: Congratulations to all 5th and 6th grade girls and boys who participated in gymnastics under the coaching of Mrs. Juliussen and Mrs. Mohocich!
The 28 students who turned out for this activity beginning October 23rd were the following: Crystle Tapia, Wyatt Stout, Colton Sorhus, Michael Rutledge, Snowy Pannell, Jade Nelson, Briley Morton, Lila McKay, Jaala Lopez, Christian Kuczmarski, Michal Keyes, Tyler Johnson, Nate Johnson, Tyler Hoagland, Avery Hart, Austin Hardy, Ryder Giesler, Michael Garrett, Tessa Dearmore, Olivia Davis, Chloe Cullen, Jessica Croom, Brooklyn Chadburn, Rhys Cannava, Emily Barto, Gage Baktuit, Ashlyn Asp, and Austin Adlam. The gymnasts performed for parents and friends at the extravaganza on Thursday, November 20th, in the gym. They were absolutely amazing!
Elks Hoop Shoot: The District-level Elks Hoop Shoot was held on Saturday, November 8, at the Soldotna Prep School. Congratulations to our SOEL division winners: Brayden Taylor and Neolani Fullerton. These winners will move on to the state-level competition. Great job to all who participated!
There is a “Toys for Tots” donation box by Nurse Tammy’s office for new and unwrapped toys for kids of all ages, boys or girls. The toys will be picked up on Friday, December 5th.
Be sure to join us at the Parent Pack meeting today, Monday, December 1st. at 3:45 p.m. in the library. All are welcome to join!
Congratulations to our wonderful Steel Seaton, the winner of last week’s box top drawing! We hold that drawing every Friday morning, and the winner receives a fruit bar. Box tops need to have the students name on the back in order for them to win that treat. There is a box-top can on the counter at the office, so be sure to drop those box tops off there.
Remember students need snow pants, jackets, hats, gloves, and snow boots. Some students arriving at school in shorts and tee shirts. They go out to recess every day so they really need that extra gear.
The office still has Savings Cards available. These cards cost $20 each, but allow the recipient to obtain discounts at many local businesses. The school said to “Please ask about them when you come in.” They make perfect stocking stuffers for the adults in your life.
The School Store is open every Wednesday morning (before school) for students who may have run out of pencils or paper, etc. Mrs. Kvamme’s 6th graders are operating the store again this year.The school says “Thank you 6th graders!”
Soldotna High
Soldotna High School and Soldotna Prep School recently completed their Canned Food Drive for the holidays. Advisories competed against one another to bring in canned items and food to provide for a Thanksgiving meal. In all, the students packed boxes for a Thanksgiving meal for 34 areas families and took almost 500 lbs of food to the Food Bank. The winning advisory was Mrs. Raemaeker’s with 2nd place going to Ms. Bos and 3rd place to Mr. Leck.
Thanks to all families who contributed to this effort. Student Council will be selling Candy Cane grams the week of December 8-12. They will be having dress up days on December 15 as Ugly Christmas Sweater day and December 16 is Holiday Attire. The Holiday Assembly will be held on Tuesday, December 16.
Soldotna High School’s National Honor Society Students of the Month for November and December. Alvarado, Perry – Algebra; Ames, Hailey – AK History; Asp, Austin- Anatomy; Baldwin, Sierra – AK History; Carter, Abbie – U.S. History; Dolan, Tylor – Writing Elective; Federle, Sarah – Geometry; Gibbons, Caitlin – Writing Elective; Harshman, Judah – Algebra; Johnson, Robin – French ; Kant, Drew – U.S. History;
Kitchens, Kayli- Ceramics; Kuntz, Dylan – U.S. History ; Larrow, Tyler – Physical Science; McKay, Morgan – Geometry; Meyer, Jackson – Geometry; O’Dell, Hannah – Digital Photo; Olson, Kaylena – Algebra; Raya, Sarah – U.S. History; Schmelzenbach, Noah – Nutrition; Sutton, April – Anatomy; Triana, Gabriela – 10 Hr Truesdell, Nicholas -LA; Tugan, India – Marine Biology; Weeks, Alex – AK History ; Yancey, Coltin – AK History; Dare, Blake – PE; Risley, Delaney – PE ; Trigg, Taha – Math; Kenner, Kallie – LA; Jones, Ashley – Art; Hill, Selby – Social studies; Hubbard, Jaela – Science; Mitzel, Calvin – Music. They will be honored at a luncheon in the SoHi Green Room on Thursday December 4th at noon.
Special Thanks to our Student Councils at SoHi and So-Prep for their work on our 2014 Food Drive!!!! Stu-Co made up 34 food baskets which will include a Turkey and 3 lb of hamburger per box to help support our families in need. Also took the extra food — nearly 400 lbs — out to the Food Bank. The folks at the Food Bank truly appreciated the much needed food! GO STARS!
Galen Brantley, SoHi’s football coach, was contacted by the NFL and invited to an all-expenses paid Character Development Summit in Orlando at Disney World in December.
Seniors: Please order your caps and gowns. You can go to Jostens.com or call Leona at 907-283-9280.
The Soldotna High Art Club will be exhibiting art work at the Kenai Fine Arts Center (Gallery Too) in Old Town Kenai throughout the month of November. Please contact the KFAC for hours of operation.
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 mbos@kpbsd.k12.ak.us for more info. All donations can be dropped off to the front office 8am-2pm.
Senior pics are due December 1. Digital formatting preferred. Billfold Size. 300 dpi. (*.jpg ) File Format. Email to : lthomas@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
The school is collecting pictures to get a jump start for graduation. For the senior video, we are looking for school activities (sports, academics, etc.). We also need baby pictures/senior pictures for the slide show. The best format is to scan them and send to dgordon@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
The Media Center is open until 5pm Monday-Friday.
There are buses at 4:15 for those students working in the Media Center. If a student were to stay after school and would need a bus home at 4:15 please contact Tamra Wear at 260.7036 or twear@kpbsd.k12.ak.us to give her the bus drop off location for your student.
ATOSS tutoring will start in the Library on August 25th and run until May 4th from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Pool Schedule:
■ a.m. lap swim 5:30-7:30am Mon – Friday
■ p.m. lap swim 6-7 Mon, Wed and Fri
■ p.m. Open swim 7-8:45 Mon, Wed and Friday
Sports Calendar- http://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=21192
SoHi will be locking the Parking lot entrance Door during the following hours:
■ 7:40 a.m. to 11:55 p.m.
■ 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
The Study
The Study wants to wish everyone an amazing 2014-2015 school year. The Study is an accredited learning center that partners with the KPBSD, Home School Entities, and Private Schools. We offer private tutoring in all subject matters, music, including: voice, guitar and piano, courses for credit, including: Algebra 1 and 2, Spanish, Alaska Studies, Geometry, High School Art, as well as SAT Prep.
The Study is also excited to begin registering students for Ground School in February.
Check us out on the web at thestudysoldotna.com or call us at 262-6227.
School briefs are submitted to schools@peninsulaclarion.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday.
