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:
■ March 2;
■ April 6;
■ May 4 (at Seward High School);
■ June 1;
■ June 2 (Board planning session).
Holidays and vacation days scheduled
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.
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 is an upcoming academy:
There will be a welding academy at Nikiski High School. The students will be building a snow machine trailer. Class days will run March 17th-May 14th, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30.
A summer construction academy will be taking place at the Workforce Development Center (located behind KCHS). Students will be constructing a greenhouse and a shed. Class days will be May 27th-30th and June 1st-4th from 8:00 a.m.-4:00p.m.
Also offered this summer is an Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) academy. Dates and locations to be announced. This course will cover all areas required to receive certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. The last week of class will be for review and the final exam. If you pass the exam you’ll receive your certification and an ETT patch.
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 ½ 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 Home School Program
Dates to remember:
This Week:
■ 03/01 – 03/31 – Iditaread Program Starts (more info below)
■ 03/02 – 03/13 – Soldotna Connections BUY ONE GET ONE FREE BOOK FAIR! (more info below)
■ 03/05 – Connections Ice Fishing Get Together @ Johnson Lake 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (more info below)
■ 03/05 – Artwork for Connections Handbook Due
■ 03/05 – High School Eligibility Due
Upcoming Activities:
■ 03/09-03/13 – Spring Break: Homer & Seward Offices Closed; Soldotna Office Open – No Advisors Available
■ 03/18 – Homer Connections Annual Ice Skating Party from 1:30-3:00 @ Kevin Bell Arena
■ 03/19 – Winter Ecology Overnight Program
■ 03/30-05/01 – Alaska Measure of Progress (AMP) Testing
■ 03/30-03/31 – Soldotna Safe Sitter Class (more info below)
■ 03/31 – Purchasing/Ordering Deadline
■ 05/07 – Talent Show @ SoHi Auditorium @ 5:00 p.m.
■ 05/14 – Barren Island Trip
Upcoming Events:
Iditaread Starts!
Our annual Iditaread program starts this month! So get out your favorite books or those you haven’t read yet and start keeping track of your reading minutes. When you’ve read your way to Nome and crossed the finish line, see your Connections Office for your prize! If you have any questions, please call the Connections office (714-8880) for more information and how to log onto the Iditarod Insider. Happy reading and MUSH ON!
Artwork for Connections Handbook Needed:
We are in need of student drawings to add life to our Connections Student Handbook.
Requirements:
■ Please submit your entry on 8X10, unlined paper.
■ Drawing may be done in color, BUT will be printed in black and white.
■ Include: Artist full name and grade.
■ Clear, concise drawings work best.
■ Please have drawings to the Soldotna Connections Office by Thursday, March 5, 2015.
All participants will be entered to win a delicious fruit basket!
Soldotna Connections BUY ONE GET ONE FREE BOOK FAIR!
Where: Soldotna Connections Office
What: Scholastic Book Fair – BOGO (Buy One Get One Free!)
When: March 2nd -13th YES – we WILL be open during Spring Break!
Come by during Spring Break, explore and enjoy the rare Buy One, Get One book offer. Connections allotment is available to reimburse these book purchases so stop by and check out all of these great books!
Connections Ice Fishing @ Johnson Lake 10 a.m.-2 p.m.:
What: Connections is hosting an ice fishing get-together
Who: All homeschool students
When: Thursday, March 5th from 10 a.m.-2p.m.
Where: Johnson Lake in Kasilof
Why: To get outside, to bring families together, and to have fun!
■ Be sure to dress appropriately, have a fishing license for anyone 16 or older, and bring your own lunch & drink.
■ Connections will provide fishing gear (rods, tackle, bait) but if you have your own ice rod please bring it along.
■ Directions – From Soldotna travel south on the Sterling Hwy 13 miles, take a left on Johnson Lake Loop Rd and travel ½ mile, take a left on Tustumena Lake Rd and travel about 1 mile, take a right when you see the sign to Johnson Lake. We will meet at the boat ramp at 10am, and if you show up late come find us on the lake.
■ Please RSVP (mwackler@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or 714-8880) so we have an idea of how many rods we’ll need to bring, how many holes we’ll need to drill, and so that we can contact you if there is a need to cancel due to unfavorable weather conditions. We hope to see you there!
Safe Sitter Course:
Connections and Central Peninsula General Hospital are partnering together to offer the Safe Sitter class for homeschoolers. This is a two day class and will be offered March 30 & 31 from 9:00am to 3:30pm. Children need to be between the ages of 11 & 13 to attend. The cost is $50.00 and may be reimbursable by Connections. For more information go to www.safesitter.org or www.cpgh.org click on quick links, go to community programs and click on safe sitter. For more information, or help registering, please contact Marcia Knowlton 598-0950 (Instructor/Parent contact) or Sheila or Roberta 714-4775(Hospital contacts). Please register with the Hospital Cashier to reserve your child’s seat today!
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary
Mr. Vedders’ class would like to thank Dawn Muskgrove of the LeeShore Center for working with us on problem solving and conflict resolution skills. It has made a HUGE difference this year!
Kindergarten visitation for preschoolers will be held Friday, March 27th. If you know of any children that will be entering kindergarten in the fall here at K-Beach, please let their parents know. They can call the office at 260-1300 to schedule a time for their preschooler to “come to school” for an hour while parents meet with the principal and pre-register. Parents will need to bring the student’s immunization record and birth certificate.
■ March 6 – No School due to inservice
■ March 9-13 – No School due to Spring Break
Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science
Clarion News March 2, 2015
Monday, March 2
■ 4:00 p.m. APC Meeting in the library
■ 6:00-7:30 p.m. Science night K-6 with Classroom Celebrations.
For more information on Science night check with your students classroom teacher and our school website http://kaleidoscope.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us .
Tuesday, March 3
■ Dr. Seuss Day, come dressed up like your favorite Dr. Seuss character.
■ 9:15 a.m. PTA meeting
Wednesday, March 4
■ 6:00 p.m. Training for Kaleidoscope parents with the Kenai Police Department to learn of the school’s response to an unexpected occurrence. Join us if you can! Please make arrangements for childcare outside of school.
Thursday, March 5
■ Spell-a-thon Spelling test school wide (this is a PTA fundraiser)
■ 3:00 p.m. Kindergarten Winter Celebration in the Gym, please see teachers for more information.
Friday, March 6
■ In-service Day- NO SCHOOL
■ 4:00 p.m. Lottery application deadline, applications are due into the office by 4:00 p.m.
– No School -Spring Break– Monday, March 9-Friday, March 13
Reminders
■ Artist in Residency Kathy Hocker will be here to work with our staff and students from March 16-27.
■ The school website at http://kaleidoscope.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us provides you with newsletters, lunch menus, the school calendar, PTA and APC information, plus more!
■ If your child will be picked up early from school or will be arriving late to school, please be sure to sign your child in or out of school as appropriate using the computer on the office front counter.
■ The Life Skill we are focusing on this week is Responsibility: To respond when appropriate; to be accountable for one’s actions.
Kenai Central High
Friday, March 6th is the end of the quarter/Teacher In-service Day. Spring Break will start March 9th for the students and school will not resume until March 16th, 2015. Have a safe and relaxing break!
Spring athletes will be finally able to spring into action as softball, track and field, and soccer practices can start Monday, March 9th. Students wanting to participate in Spring Sports must have a current physical, turned in all the required paper work, and pay their dues before they can participate in any sport.
February 2015 Student of the Month
Rotary – Nate Kaaihue
Chamber – Alyeska Krull
Elks – Danielle Updike
Super Staffer – Jesse Settlemyer
Kard-of-the-Deck – Alyeska Krull
Biology – Shay Stiers, Mr. Hanson Chemistry – Caleigh Jensen, Mrs. Bergholtz
Yearbook – Jamie Bagley, Ms. Wagoner Performing Arts/Band – Brett Brown
Mrs. Sounart Work Experience – Cameron Ketah, Ms. Zwink LA 12 – Shayna McKinley
Mrs. Schneider Algebra – Evony Stuller, Mr. Kennedy Life Activities – Clavin Strong
Mr. Marquez Ceramics – Natalie Marlowe, Mr. Morton Study Skills – Dawson Miller
Mrs. Bisset AP U.S. History – Laural Dunham, Mrs. Calvert Construction – Carlos Caballero, Mr. Widaman LA 10 Honors – Mikaela Pitsch Mrs. McCullough Pre-Algebra – Roman Everett, Mr. Peek and Mr. Nyboer Government – Ean Atchley , Mr. Lopez
Kenai Middle
Congratulations to our Character Counts winners: Kylie Anne Raye and Maria Salzetti.
The Intermediate Band will hold a Concert at the KMS Library @ 6:15 on March 2nd to be followed by a performance by the Concert Band at 7:00.
Be sure to make plans to attend this awesome Spring Performance.
Tuesday, March 3rd is the Annual 3rd Quarter Choir Concert to be held at KCHS, beginning at 7:00. Another wonderful performance you won’t want to miss!
Wednesday, March 4 is Principals Day! Join us in celebrating the awesome and amazing efforts that both Mr. Dosko and Mr. Beck give each and every day to KMS!
Don’t forget to thank them when you see them at school!
Friday, March 6th is the end of the Quarter and an In-Service Day, there is no school for students.
The week of March 9 through 13 is Spring Break! Enjoy and have fun!
On Your Mark….Get Set…It’s time to start thinking about collecting cans for mini-courses. Students who collect a minimum of #10 of cans will get the first opportunity to choose the mini-course they would like to attend when the time comes. Use the time during Spring Break to talk to friends and family and get their help collecting! The turn-in date will be announced sometime late March-early April.
6th Grade Basketball Club begins March 17th and will run through March 26th. This opportunity is for both boys and girls and will run from 2:30 – 4:00 each day. If your student is interested be sure to stop by the office to get a sign-up packet.
Mountain View Elementary
Congratulations to our “Soaring Eagles” for the month of February. They are Emma Beck, Isabella Bond, Darling Brown, Destiny Cansino, Summer Cartier, Kimberly Chanley, Tricity Curren, Cooper Grimm, Luchian Hawkins, Mariah Hernandez, Kenzie Keller, Gracelyn Moore, Ty Morris, Romeo Prieto, Riley Schuetzler, Rylie Sparks, David Taplin, & Joyce Trenton.
The PTA will be meeting on Tuesday, March 3 at 3:45 PM in the Library.
Friday, March 6 is an in-service day. There is no school for students.
Spring break is the week of March 9 – March 13.
Nikiski Middle-High
Congratulations to the 6th grade Battle of the Books team. They took 2nd in the district wide Battle of the Books. 6th grade team members are Brenden Boehme, Boden Quiner, Emily Hufford and Mika Olson. Also placing the district battle was the High School team. Taking 4th place was Margy Cox and Kaitlyn Hoeldt. Other Middle School students competing this year were Ashana Poage and Hannah Young. NMHS Librarian, Nora Ribbens, has done an outstanding job preparing these students for Battle of the Books this year.
Tuesday, March 3 – ACT in the library.
Thursday, March 5 – Saturday, March 7 – Boys and Girls Region Basketball Tournament in Homer.
Friday, March 6 – End of the Quarter. Teacher Inservice/ NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!
School will be closed for Spring Break March 9 – March 13. School will resume on Monday, March 16.
Monday, March 16
■ Students back to school
■ High School Soccer Begins
■ High School Track Begins
Nikiski North Star Elementary
Pre-order your all color NNS yearbook now for only $16! There are order forms available in the school office that need to be completed, along with payment, and turned in by March 5th. The regular price is $20 per yearbook and will be sold at the end of the year on a first come, first serve basis.
If you would like to add a personal message or love line, there is a maximum of 25 words and their school picture will be included for an additional $4. If you have any questions or need an order form, please call the office at 776-2600.
There is no school on Friday, March 6th because of teacher inservice. Also, there will not be school next week for Spring Break. We will see everyone back on Monday, March 16th and we wish all of our NNS families a fun, safe and restful break!
Redoubt Elementary
March 6th – No school for students – In-service day for teachers
March 9th – March 13th – Spring Break – School resumes Monday, March 16th.
Pre-registration forms for next year have been sent home. Please make sure to send the completed form back to school by March 5th. This is a good time to let us know if you will be having a new kindergartener starting in the fall.
Yearbooks are on Sale – $15.00 pre-order yours now, make checks payable to Redoubt Elementary. Yearbooks will arrive in May. Order forms have been sent home with students.
Box Top winners for the month of January – Congratulations! Emma Glassmaker, Noah Frederickson, Cienna Johnson & MaKayla Eberhard are the winners of a Jumpin’ Junction pass. Four additional passes will be given away at the end of March. Box Tops should be glued or taped to collection forms. Collection forms are available at the school.
Congratulations to Brandyn Hileman for placing 1st at Redoubt’s school wide Spelling Bee. Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s spelling bee.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make Redoubt’s Winter Carnival a huge success this year. We had a great turnout and a great time.
Our carnival would not have been possible without the many volunteers who donated endless hours of their time. Thank you to the local business and parents who donated items for our silent auction and raffles. This is just another example of a great community coming together. Proceeds from the carnival will be used to purchase outdoor/indoor PE equipment for our students.
Forensics – Redoubt had a successful Forensics competition February 17th, 18th and 19th. We would like to thank our fabulous judges, Lou Martin, Sally Tachick, Tesia White, Sue Biggs, Tracey Withrow, Quiana McElroy, Amirah Marey and Michelle Hayman. Fourth grade Humorous Poetry, Jireh Aley, Violet Truesdell, Marina Schramm, Non-Humorous Poetry, Kristen Houser, (tied) Mecenha Price, Aryanna Schneider, (tied) Carli Beach, Gavin Hanson. Humorous Pros, Amara Lewis, Taylor Estes. Non-Humorous Pros, Matthew Graham, Sydney Steadman, Rylen Weed. Story Telling, Blake Lewis, Kelsie Kenner, Regan Evans. Fifth grade Humorous Poetry, Simon Graham, Emma Brantley, (tie) Shaeley Derleth, Jacob Belger. Non-Humorous Poetry, Dylan Dahlgren, Naomi Frederickson, Audrey Larson. Humorous Pros, Ashton Jones, Kaidan Spies, Mia Denboer. Non-Humorous Pros, Airah Cude, Caleigh Glassmaker, Brier Books. Story Telling, Melatina Uta, Lincoln Saito, Briar Reaktenwalt. Interpretive Reading, Haley Whelan, Ashton Wright-Hanke, Zander Emery. Multiples, Sadie Sommerville, Kayla Barnes. Sixth grade Humorous Poetry, Mack Frost, Josh Bond, Israel Aley, Non-Humorous Poetry, Taylor Edwards, (tie) Cheyenne Friedersdorff, Alexis Gomes, Emma Craig, Humorous Pros, David Schramm, (tie) Brittany Lewis, Morgan Spies, Calyssa Saporito-Mills, Non-Humorous Pros, Caitlin McCullough, River Dawson, Chaz Bird, Story Telling, Erika Arthur, Madelyn Barkman, Sierra Chapman, Interpretive Reading, Jaron Kenner, (tie) Larry Partin, Kegan Gottlob, Multiples, Alexis Gomes, Katie Kline, Madelyn Barkman, Morgan Spies, Erika Arthur.
Redoubt’s Fourth grade Battle of the Books team (Borough Champs) did an amazing job in the state competition. The team of Blake Lewis, Liam Harris and Lily Bahl tied for 7th place out of 37 teams from across the state. Congratulations, Blake, Liam and Lily.
For the Love of Reading – Today is Dr. Seuss’s birthday! In celebration, guest readers will be visiting classrooms. Special activities will take place throughout the day in honor of Dr. Seuss.
Redoubt’s Fourth grade Battle of the Books team (Borough Champs) did an amazing job in the state competition. The team of Blake Lewis, Liam Harris and Lily Bahl tied for 7th place out of 37 teams from across the state. Congratulations, Blake, Liam and Lily.
For the Love of Reading – Today is Dr. Seuss’s birthday! In celebration, guest readers will be visiting classrooms. Special activities will take place throughout the day in honor of Dr. Seuss.
Skyview Middle
March Calendar of Events:
■ Tuesday, March 3 – Band and Choir Concert – 7:00 p.m. – Skyview Middle School Gym. All welcome to attend!
■ Thursday, March 5 – Last Day of the Third Quarter.
■ Friday, March 6 – No school for students – Teacher In-service.
■ Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13 – Spring break! No school for students and staff.
■ Monday, March 16 – First Day of Fourth Quarter.
■ Tuesday, March 17 – 6th grade Parent/Student Orientation Night @ Skyview Middle School – 6:30 p.m.
■ Tuesday, March 24 – Science SBA testing for all 8th grade students.
■ Friday, March 27 – Early Release Day – Skyview Middle School students will end the school day at 12:55 p.m.
■ Tuesday, March 31 – Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) testing for all 7th and 8th grade students will begin.
Soldotna High
SoHi Pool Schedule
AM Lap swim 5:30-7:30 Mon – Friday
Pm Lap swim 6-7 Mon, Wed, Fri
Pm Open swim 7-8:45 Wed and Fridays
The traveling art exhibit is now being displayed at SoHi Prep and travels among the KPBSD schools for students of all ages to appreciate.
The exhibit is a body of framed paintings which students can actually study and touch the textures in.
Parents and teachers have donated unique pieces along the years. If you have an original painting in your collection that is being stored in the basement, you can donate to arts education too. Contact John Clare at jclare@kpbsd.k12.ak.us <mailto:jclare@kpbsd.k12.ak.us>
Cinderella’s Closet is opening soon. March 24, 26, and 31 from 2:30-5:30 in the theater dressing rooms at Soldotna High School. Look for the pink signs! This is a program where we help local ladies in need with free prom dresses, shoes, and accessories. We have helped over 396 ladies in the past 5 years. Last year, we provided items to 54 local students from Soldotna High, Cook Inlet Academy, Skyview High, River City Academy, Kenai Central High, Nanwalek, Port Graham, Susan B. English (Seldovia), and Nikiski High. Please share this/post at your schools. It is “housed” at SoHi, but is open to any peninsula high school students.
We are still taking donations of prom dresses, shoes, and accessories. These can be dropped off to the main office at Soldotna High School between 8am-3pm.
Soldotna Prep
Delaney Risley was honored as the Chamber Student of the month at a luncheon at Frosos on Tues. Feb 24.
Free sports physicals will be available for any student needing to update their physical for spring sports on Thursday, March 5th, at 5:00 pm at Soldotna High School.
Homegoing week bell schedule for Soldotna Prep March 2-5, 2015-Students will be at SOHI for assemblies in the afternoon. Students who ride the bus will board busses at SOHI, but they will also load at SoPrep.
Monday and Tuesday
1st 7:35 – 8:20, 2nd 8:25 – 9:10, 3rd 9:15 – 10:00, 4th 10:05 – 10:50, Lunch 10:50 – 11:20, 5th 11:25– 12:10, 6th 12:15 – 1:00
Adv. 1:05 – 1:32: @Soldotna High School 1:42 – 2:17
Wednesday
1st 7:35 – 9:05, 3rd 9:10 – 10:40, Lunch 10:40 – 11:10, 5th 11:15 – 12:45
Adv. 12:50 – 1:32: @Soldotna High School 1:42 – 2:17
Thursday
2nd 7:35 – 9:05, 4th 9:10 – 10:40, Lunch 10:40 – 11:10, 6th 11:15 – 12:45, Adv. 12:50 – 1:32
@Soldotna High School 1:42 – 2:17
Friday, March 6 (No School – end of 3rd Quarter)
Spring Break (No school March 8 through March 15, 2015)
Are you looking for something fun to do over spring break? The Kenai Community Library is having a Craftathon March 9-13th from 3-5 pm each day at the library.
The program is for ages 11 and up. On Monday, the 9th, the craft project will help beautify and make your headphones tangle-free, so be sure to bring them. For more information, call Amylou at 283-8210. There is no charge for the program. Please register at the library in advance.
Please check Soldotna Prep blog to stay informed on current activities; http://soldotnaprep.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/ <http://soldotnaprep.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/>
Tustumena Elementary
■ March 6 End of 3rd Quarter NO School for Students, Inservice Day
■ March 9 – 13 Spring Break
■ March 17 PTO Meeting, 4 p.m.
■ March 24 – 3rd Quarter Award’s Assembly, 2 p.m.
■ March 26 Lynx Track Jumpin Junction Kindergarten and First Graders
■ March 27 Early Release, 2:05 p.m.
■ March 30 Site Council Meeting, 4 p.m.
Wings Christian
This week at Wings, Tyler Ophus and Deloma Watkins won the “Cleanest Desk of the Week” award. Great job! Students are also beginning to prepare for the annual Spelling Bee, which will take place in Anchorage at WHCS on April 10.
The last Quiz’em competition for this quarter is on Wednesday, March 4. Students will be quizzed on the last three weeks of Chapel services. On March 5 and 19, Wings will be going to the Soldotna Sports Center to go ice skating for PE.
Last year, the LLC was able to go, but this year the whole school is encouraged to participate. A teacher will be staying on campus for those who choose not to attend. Before the students leave for the quarter, Wings will be having a Lost-and-Found auction.
If your student is missing anything, please have them look then. Spring Break is from March 9-13 and school will resume on Tuesday, March 17. Have a great Spring Break!
