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:
— Nov. 7
— Dec. 5
— Jan. 16
— Feb. 6
— March 6
— April 3
— May 1 (Seward High School)
— June 5
— June 6 (Planning Session)
Connections Home-School
Dates to remember:
Nov. 8 – Kenai: Open Gym
Nov. 10 – Homer Connections Picture Retakes 1-3pm @ Paul Banks Elementary School Gym
Nov. 15 – Kenai: Open Gym
Nov. 14 & Nov. 15 – Safe Sitter Class
Nov. 15 – Anchorage Symphony Orchestra presents: The Write Stuff (more info below)
Nov. 16 – Math Tutoring @ new Sterling Hwy Kaladi Brothers – 1:00-2:00
Nov. 22 – Kenai: Open Gym
Nov. 29 – Kenai: Open Gym
Nov. 30 – Math Tutoring @ new Sterling Hwy Kaladi Brothers – 1:00-2:00
Dec. 2 – Homer K-12 Art Show
Seniors: Need help applying to KPC or UAA? Emily Knight, the KPC recruiter, is holding Application Days. Bring the materials and she will be available to help students complete applications. Connections students are welcome to attend any of the following sessions:
Nov. 10, 10:00 a.m.-1 p.m, Nikiski Middle/High;
Nov. 14, noon-2:00 p.m., Kenai Alternative;
Nov. 15, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Ninilchik High School.
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra: The Write Stuff, is a concert program written by Heidi Joyce and Randall Fleischer that explores composers’ creative influences and inspirations and draws parallels between the structure of great stories and the structure of great music. The performance is Nov. 15 at noon, and there are 150 seats open. This can change in a minute if an Anchorage school calls and signs up, so if you are interested please be quick. Tickets are $5.00 per person. For more information please go to the website: http://anchoragesymphony.instantencore.com/web/page.aspx?title=The+Write+Stuff
Homer Connections First Friday K-12 Art Show, Dec. 2, 3-4 p.m. — If you are taking an art course this semester: painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, printmaking, digital art; please share your work! This is an opportunity to recognize students with artistic ability in the Connections’ program. Student Art will be displayed for students, parents, and the community members during an Open House. The deadline for entering artwork is Nov. 29. Appetizers, coffee, and hot cocoa will be provided. Please contact Jake Parrett at jparrett@kpbsd.org or call 226-1880 to reserve a spot. Please include Name/ Grade/ Category when reserving your spot.
IDEA Home-School
IDEA Staff is back in the office this week. They are ready to serve families after a weeklong, all state in-service in Anchorage. IDEA Staff have more knowledge in the latest curriculums, more samples in the Resource Room and more. Stop by the office any time to check out the new items. The IDEA Office is open from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday. Staff is here to serve you!
What’s coming up in the next few months?
Nov. 8th from 12:30-2:30 – Wynn Fall Explorations in Homer! Wynn Nature Center (1.5 miles on East Skyline Rd.) Cost will be determined by number of participants. It will be somewhere between $5-10 per person.
Program Details: CACS Naturalists and volunteers will lead students in activities at the Wynn Nature Center that focus on animal adaptations & the food web. (If there is snow, focus will be on winter survival skills and snowshoeing).
What to Bring: Be prepared for two hours of outdoor activities. Dress in layers and bring a winter or rain jacket and hat. This event is open to all IDEA families!
Dec. 2 – Application Day for high school seniors. Students will meet at the IDEA Office anytime from 11-2 for help from UA staff to apply to KPC or any school in the UA system. Laptops will be available, but it is recommended for students to bring their own. The cost of the applications will depend on the degree programs that the students choose. The fee for a Certificate or Associate Degree is $40, and the application fee for a Bachelor’s Degree is $50.
Dec. 8 – STEAM Workshop at the IDEA Office. More information will be coming, but calendars should be marked.
Jan. 12 – Crazy 8’s Math Club is coming. IDEA Families are invited to participate in eight weeks of math activities.
Jan. 17 – Performance Night at the IDEA Office. This is time for students to show off anything from music to art to PE. Signups are coming soon.
Don’t forget to check out IDEA’s Intentional Math emails! These emails are full of wonderful ways to encourage students in the world of math! Math can be fun! Parents can also post daily math activities on IDEA’s regional Facebook page for a chance to win a $25 gift card.
Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science
The Life Skill we are focusing on this week is Creativity: To generate ideas; To create something original or redesign through imaginative skills.
Notice the new electronic bulletin board in the entryway. This TV displays all upcoming events and meetings as well as pictures of Kaleidoscope in action.
Christmas Drive forms were sent home. If your family needs assistance this holiday season, turn in your request form by 4:00 November 18. If you would like to help with a donation of any kind, please see Miss Linda in the office.
Wednesday — 3:45-5:00 Dance Ensemble Club
Thursday — 9:45 Kindergarten will attend a study trip to the Kenai Library and Post Office.
Reminders: Winter is here and students need to be prepared to go outside unless the temps are below -10. Please remember to label snow pants, hats, gloves and coats as well as backpacks and lunch boxes.
Yearbooks will go on sale next week. Students have the opportunity to design the yearbook cover again this year. Information was sent home last week and the deadline to submit the yearbook cover is November 16.
Mark your calendar:
Nov. 23 — Early release. School ends at 2:10 p.m. Six days throughout the academic year, students will meet the minimum day requirement, leaving teachers with approximately ninety minutes of additional time for planning/training. The length of the school day will be reduced by ninety minutes, for a total of nine hours during the 2015-2016 school year. On these early release dates, school will end ninety minutes (1.5 hours) earlier. Bus transportation will be adjusted by ninety minutes.
Nov. 24-25 — Thanksgiving Holiday – No school.
Nov. 28, 4:15 — APC Meeting
Dec. 6, 7:00 p.m. — Holiday Concert at KCHS with 1st-5th graders performing.
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary
Way to go, Caribou, on collecting so many batty Box Tops for our Halloween Box Tops Trick-or-Treat. Next up will be a classroom collection competition where the prize will be an extra recess. Keep on clipping!
Nov. 7 — Veterans Day Assembly
Nov. 11 — School Picture Retakes
Nov. 18 — Bingo for Books
Nov. 23 — Early Release Day
Nov. 24-Nov. 25 — Thanksgiving Break, no school.
Kenai Central High
October 2016 Students of the Month: Rotary – Mariah Kjostad; Chamber – Eric Kempf; Elks – Brianna Bushnell; Super Staffer – Kristen Davis; Kard of the Deck – Tristan Landry; Study Skills – Onaca Daniels; Biology – Chelsea Plagge; Health – Jordan Knudsen; Earth Science – Kaden Pohl; Algebra I – Clair Bryant; CAD-CAM – Rayce Lee; Health – Travis Verkuilen; Culinary Arts – Alexis Koroll; Band – Raleigh Van Natt; US History – Manny Noriega; Biology – Brooke Nash; AP Calculus – Caleigh Jensen; LA 10 – Maxwell Howland; Study Skills – Ashleigh Herr.
Tuesday — NHS Blood Drive 7:45 – 2:45; Swim / Dive Banquet
Thursday — Student of the month luncheon; Wrestling at Soldotna High School 6:30
Friday — Wrestling at Nikiski Tourney Times TBD
Saturday — Wrestling at Nikiski Tourney Times TBD
Kenai Middle
Congratulations to our Students of the Month: Kaya Cox, Ashley Dahlman, Lillian Miller, Elizabeth Moffett, Grace Morrow, Kiara Moses, Pearl Payne, Koda Poulin, Samuel Roberts, and Joshua Tree. These students received a pizza for lunch for their efforts this past Friday!
If you will be assisting in making bows for the 6th grade Holiday Swag fundraiser, you can join us for the bow-making demonstration today at 8:00 a.m.
After-School Tutoring begins Tuesday from 2:30- 4:00 and continues each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday through the end of the year except for holidays and early release days.
On Wednesday at 10:25 the Drama class will perform a short comedy, PRINCESSES, in the KMS library.
It will last approximately 20 minutes and will be followed by a short reception in the Drama room (room 33). Families, caregivers and guardians are encouraged to attend.
Boys A Team Basketball will practice early this week from 2:30 – 4:00, Girls A team will have the late practice from 4:00 – 5:30 but will stay for study hall after school. Both Boys and Girls B Teams will continue practicing at the Kenai Rec Center from 3:00 – 5:00.
The Socktober event at Kenai Middle School brought in 1351 donated items. The top collecting Advisory class from each grade earned a cookie decorating party to celebrate! Thank you to all KMS students and families for participating!
Mountain View Elementary
There will be a PTA meeting on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the Library.
The 4th and 5th grade choir will be performing during the Veteran’s Day celebration event at the Kenai Senior Center on Thursday.
The winter concert for 4th and 5th grade choir and 5th grade band students will be on Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the Renee C. Henderson auditorium at KCHS.
Nov. 23 is an early release day for students. Students being picked up will be dismissed at 1:50 p.m. and all other students will be dismissed at 1:55 p.m.
There will be no school Nov. 24-25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Nikiski Middle-High
Tuesday
— Football Banquet – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday
— State Volleyball at Dimond
Friday
— State Volleyball at Dimond
— DDF Meet at Kenai
— High School Wrestling at Nikiski Peninsula Duals
— Middle School Basketball at Aurora Borealis Charter School: A Team Boys at 3:00 p.m.; A Team Girls at 4:30 p.m.; B Team Boys at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday
— State Volleyball at Dimond
— High School Wrestling at Nikiski Peninsula Duals
Looking ahead:
Nov. 23 – Early Release
Nov. 24 –Nov. 25 – No School – Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 30 – High School Basketball Begins
Nikiski North Star Elementary
Boys & Girls Club will not be open at NNS today and Tuesday. The Club staff will be at a training. If your child attends this afterschool clubhouse, please make sure you have made arrangements for them after school.
NNS is fortunate to have a family support group geared toward those families who are struggling with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. There will be a meeting on Thursday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the staff lounge. Please call the school office at 776-2600 if you have any questions.
Congratulations to the NNS students who participated in Mind A-Mazes: Kailey Stynsberg, Avery Ellis, Bailey Byrd, Logan Nicks, Keegan Hupp, James Hemphill, Julia Smith, Zoey Ellis, Maggie Grenier, Wynter Yeager, Danielle Thies, Holley Benner and Diva Thies. They all had an outstanding performance under the leadership of Mr. Brian Bailey.
Mrs. Heath’s class will be selling cinnamon rolls this week and also Nov. 14-18. The money raised will help pay for an overnight field trip to the SeaLife Center in Seward. There are order forms available from the front office and from students in her class. Please order early because the rolls sell out fast. Rolls are $1.50 each, $9.00/half dozen or $18.00/dozen. Please make checks payable to NNS.
Nikiski Neighbors along with North Star United Methodist Church put together a program to benefit families who are going through tough times around the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes are available to help. Applications can be found at the Nikiski Post Office, North Star United Methodist Church, Nikiski High School and NNS. Please return your completed application by the deadline which is Thursday.
NNS will be hosting a Veteran’s Day Assembly on Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the gym. This will be a great opportunity to recognize the sacrifice of those who serve in the military and the family members of those who serve. NNS invites all veterans and family members who are part of the NNS community to the assembly.
Redoubt Elementary
Picture Retakes – Tuesday, if your child missed picture day, please send a picture packet and include a form of payment if you would like to purchase pictures. If your child is having retakes, please send them with the original pictures taken on September 30th.
Students should bring warm outdoor gear to school every day. Please make sure that your child has a warm coat, hat and gloves. Outdoor recess is an important part of the school day.
ALICE DRILL – Thursday. Redoubt students and staff will participate in an emergency lockdown drill. Additional information will be sent home with students prior to the drill.
This year the Soldotna Rotary sponsored Redoubt’s Summer Reading Program. All 35 participants will receive a Summer Reading Program T-shirt. According to Mrs. Hassemer the program coordinator for Redoubt, there has been an increase in participation and reading minutes at Redoubt Elementary.
Foodbank Fundraiser – Redoubt’s Canstruction project is underway. Students are asked to bring non-perishable food items to school between November 1st and November 17th. All food items collected will be donated to the Soldotna Food Bank.
Third Grade Fundraiser, Friday, 3:30-5:00 p.m., Retro Movie Night.
Additional information and permission slips will be sent home with students.
Mark your calendar:
Friday – Veterans Day
Nov. 15 – PTA Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Nov. 16 –Site Council Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
Nov. 23 – Early Release Day, 1:45 p.m.
Nov. 24-25 – No school, Thanksgiving Vacation
Skyview Middle
Basketball schedule this week:
Tuesday – Skyview 7th Boys vs. CIA at Skyview – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday – Skyview B Boys vs. CIA at Skyview – 3:00 p.m.
Friday – Skyview 8th Girls vs. Homer at Skyview – 3:00 p.m.
Friday – Skyview 8th Boys vs. Homer at Skyview – 4:30 p.m.
Friday – Skyview 7th Boys vs. Seward at Skyview – 6:00 p.m.
Friday – Skyview B Girls vs. Seward B Girls at Soldotna Prep – 3:00 p.m.
Friday – Skyview B Boys vs. Seward B Boys at Soldotna Prep – 4:30 p.m.
Friday – Skyview 7th Girls vs. Seward at Soldotna Prep – 6:00 p.m.
As Veterans Day approaches, the Panther Student Council would like to thank all veterans for their service to our nation! In a special effort to honor those veterans who are part of the Skyview family, students and staff are invited to bring in photos (copies only, please, no originals.) and a short description of the veteran including his/her name, branch of service, years of service, etc. These items will be added to the display that’s grown over the past six years and will be shared in the Commons area display case. Please drop the photos/descriptions off with Mrs. Pothast no later than Nov. 7 to be included in the display. Many thanks to all veterans and their families!
Yearbooks are on sale for $30! Please order one at the front office or online by visiting the Skyview Middle School Blog.
Mark your calendar! The next Skyview Middle School Site Council Meeting is scheduled for Nov. 14 at 3:30 p.m.
The Skyview Angel Tree is located in the school commons. If you would like to help a Skyview Middle School student in need, please stop by to select a card from the tree. All items purchased need to be returned to the front office by Dec. 5.
Congratulations to the October Students of the Month: Austin Adlam, Robert Allain, Erika Arthur, Ashlyn Asp, Gage Baktuit, Oliver Barnes, Rikki Basson, Adison Beck, Foster Boze, Katharine Bramante, Coen Braxling, Bridger Brewer, Zachary Brockway, Margie Brown, Taylor Bynum, Rhys Cannava, Casandra Carroll, Katelyn Carson, Korbin Carter, Brooklyn Chadburn, James Childers, Brandon Christenson, Wyatt Conner, Molly Cook, Emma Craig, Chloe Cullen, Dylan Dahlgren, Ivy Daly, Dylan Davidhizer, Olivia Davis, Shraddha Davis, Isaac Davis, Gage Davis, Carson Dement, Cannen Demientieff, Seraiah Dorman, Nate Downs, Eva Maye Dunn, Tristan Edmondson, Aubrie Ehret, John Einerson, Ethan Evans, Anthony Evon, Brayden Fain, Autumn Fischer, Victoria Garcia, Matthew Gist, Hanna Giugler, Alexis Gomes, Lexi Gridley, Gwendolyn Hagelund, Rhiley Halverson, William Hamby, Noah Harper, Avery Hart, Liam Hartman, Cole Hawkins, Karlie Hedlund, Paige Hegwer, Emily Hinz, Angela Iraheta Sorto, Josh Jelliff, Nathaniel Johnson, Riley Johnson, Harley Johnson, Jessica Kimes, Keira King, Cassidy King, Catie Kline, Kati Koch, Sierra Kuntz, Ryan Long, Loretta Maal, Claudia Martinez, Kaden Matson, Nicholas McConnell, Jaydin Mead, Kyrie Medina, Samuel Milbauer, Stryder Monsen, Taylor Morse, Briley Morton, Snowy Pannell, Denize Pannick Pootjes, Larry Partin, Nyia Peters, Josh Pieh, Brock Poe, Skyler Pound, Abby Radeck, Faina Reutov, Pavel Reutov, Joshua Riske, Gabriella Rogers, Makenzie Rolenc, JD Schmelzenbach, Jayson Schneider, Tucker Schouweiler, Macie Schroeder Dalebout, Jordan Schwartz, Kaidence Shaeffer, Zach Soby, Destiney Solomona, Kelar Sooter, Cameron Sorenson, Derek Spezialy, Jordan Spies, Kaidan Spies, Logan Steiner, Saije Stewart, Landin Stonecipher, Laynee Strausbaugh, Grace Tackett, Nathaniel Tanape, Crystal Tapia, Harley Thomas, Isabella Tough, Summer Tugan, Kaden Vanderwall, Rayna Varney, Grace Wahl, Kaytlynn Walden, Deja Walker, Aleena Zener
Soldotna Elementary
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
Nov. — Parent PACK Meeting 3:45 p.m. in the Library
School News:
Congratulations to the Soldotna Elementary Hoop Shoot winners: Kaya Breeze-Newman, Trenton Ohnemus, Elizabeth Garcia, Brayden Taylor, Frenlee Ann Dogomos and Kyle Beck. Good luck in the District competition!
Kvamme’s school store is open on Wednesday mornings before school. Students can purchase pencils, pens, folders, pencil holders and much more!
Colder weather is here! Please be sure to send students with appropriate cold weather attire.
Soldotna High
Students/Parents! It’s time to order spirit clothing again! Go to www.aresteamstore.com to order your very own SoHi spirit clothing. Don’t wait…the store closes on Thursday. Order now, and you’ll get the clothes by Christmas.
Congratulations to the PTSA Membership/Fred Meyer Rewards gift card drawing winners: Kurt Eriksson, Brandy Nelson, and Tamra Wear. Many thanks to all the PTSA volunteers who helped staff the tables at conferences. We appreciate you!
PTSA will meet on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the SoHi Staff Lounge. Please join us!
Parents of Juniors will meet on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the SoHi Staff Lounge. After Prom is early this year – April 1st! Please attend so we can get started on our event planning!
The Soldotna High School National Honor’s Society is hosting an annual blood drive on Wednesday. The blood drive will just be for SOHI students 8-2:30 p.m.
“Once Upon a Mattress,” the Princess and the Pea musical, opens Thursday-Saturday at the SoHi auditorium at 7 p.m. each night. This musical is under the direction of Terri Zopf-Schoessler and the orchestra — a collaboration of Kenai Peninsula Orchestra members and SoHi students — is conducted by Kent Peterson. Audra Faris from Nikiski North Star Elementary is the vocal director; set, costumes, and props are under the direction of Sara and Nathan Erfurth. The cast and crew is made up of 7-12th grade students from SoHi, SoPrep, RCA, IDEA, SMS, and Connections. $10 tickets are available at the door. Come and support local actors, dancers, singers, technicians, and musicians!
Application Week at SoHi Monday-Friday, hosted by the Counseling Department. Show “proof” that you have applied to be entered in a drawing for prizes! Applications to Military, Trade school, Certificate program, Junior college, College or University will be accepted (Proof of application can be a confirmation email, a printed/completed application, a confirmation screenshot on your phone, or acceptance letter/documentation.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the December Staff Appreciation luncheons at SoHi on December 7th and at SoPrep on December 15th. Please email Sheilah-Margaret Pothast at agr8fulmom@hotmail.com with “PTSA” in the subject line if you can assist Beth with either of these events.
The SoHi SkillsUSA chapter is having a fund raiser selling rural mail boxes. Contact Advisor Mr. Gordon at 260-7000 for more information.
The Girls Basketball team will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, November 19th. What Women Want is a shopping expo that is free, open to the public, and includes over 40 vendors and local businesses. The kid’s jump zone for this event is sponsored by Jumpin’ Junction.
Soldotna Prep
The next meeting of the SoHi PTSA will be Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the SoHi Staff Lounge. New members are always welcome!
Once Upon a Mattress, the Princess and the Pea musical, opens Thursday-Saturday at the SoHi auditorium at 7 p.m. each night. This musical is under the direction of Terri Zopf-Schoessler and the orchestra — a collaboration of Kenai Peninsula Orchestra members and SoHi students, conducted by Kent Peterson. Audra Faris from Nikiski North Star Elementary is the vocal director; set, costumes, and props are under the direction of Sara and Nathan Erfurth. The cast and crew is made up of 7-12th grade students from SoHi, SoPrep, RCA, IDEA, SMS, and Connections. $10 tickets are available at the door. Come and support local actors, dancers, singers, technicians, and musicians!
Volunteers are also needed to help with the December Staff Appreciation luncheons at SoHi on Dec. 7 and at SoPrep on Dec. 15. Please email Sheilah-Margaret Pothast at agr8fulmom@hotmail.com with “PTSA” in the subject line if you can assist Beth with either of these events.
Robotic Club meets Monday and Wednesday from 2:30 – 5:00 in Room 19 and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m.
After School Tutoring Monday and Wednesday 2:30 – 3:30 in Room 10 and Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 30
Please visit Soldotna Prep School Page for important information http://soldotnaprep.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/home/
Sterling Elementary
Our 21 Day Kindness Challenge started on Nov. 1! We had our kick-off assembly with special guests and guest speakers! Our Student Kindness Ambassadors did an amazing job!! Everyone in our school is challenged to do 5 acts of kindness every day for 21 days!
Nov. 7 — Board of Education Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Nov. 11 — Classroom Pie Social 1:45 p.m.; Veteran’s Day Assembly and Concert at 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 — Early Release In-Service – Students out at 2:05 p.m.
Sterling’s Annual Family Day with Soup Lunch for sale for $4 for adults. This is a fundraiser for the 6th grade end of the year field trip! More details to come!
Nov. 24-25 — No School – Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec. 1 — 21 Day Kindness Challenge Celebration! (More details to come!)
Thank you for the kindness that you show to each other every day! Sterling Elementary is proud to be sharing in this kindness!
Tustumena Elementary
Nov. 7 — Book Fair Ends
Nov. 9 — Lynx Track to Ninilchik Pool, Kindergarten
Nov. 15 — PTO Meeting, 4 p.m.
Nov. 18 — BINGO
Nov. 21 — Lynx Track to Ninilchik Pool
Nov. 23 — Early Release
Nov. 24 & 25 — Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 28 — Site Council Meeting, 4 p.m.
