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 http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/board.aspx?id=28035. 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 School Board meetings should contact Debbie Tressler at 907-714-8836 or email dtressleratkpbsd.k12.ak.us no later than three business days before the meeting date. The board will meet:
■ May 5 (at Seward High School);
■ June 2;
■ June 3 (Board Planning Session).
Summer break approaching
The last day of school is May 21.
Career and Tech training offered
KPBSD Career and Tech Department is offering free after school academies to train students in the Welding, Construction and Medical Field.
There will be a summer construction academy at the Workforce Development Center (located behind KCHS). Students will be constructing a greenhouse and a shed. Class days will be May 28-30 and June 2-6 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Also offered this summer is an Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) academy. Dates and times TBA. 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 one-half practical art credit.
To sign up go to http://onestop.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/ or for more information call Debbie Pearson at 283-2145 or students can see there counselor.
Funding for the Alaska Construction Academies comes from a grant from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development and the Alaska Youth First Program.
Visit the Study
The Study will be holding Kindergarten Visitation for next year’s incoming Kindergartners and Pre-K students from 1-2 p.m. on May 16. Students can participate in an hour of school while parents register.
Connections Home-school
Enrollment for 2014/2015 school year has started! Please make an enrollment appointment with your advisor. Also, check out our Facebook page for more information on our Connections Homeschool Program!
Homer Shorebird Festival — Connections is offering an amazing opportunity to explore and celebrate the migration of the shorebirds of Kachemak Bay! Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds, representing over 25 species from as far as Asia, Hawaii and South America, use sites around Kachemak Bay as feeding grounds during their spring migration. Connections will be hosting a science field trip to explore these fascinating birds and science centers will be available, also! This invitation is to all Connections students and families. Where — Homer/ Mud Bay (down East End Road); When — May 13 Begins at 12:30 p.m. on the beach, I suggest arriving at noon. Early birds can help set up the science centers.; Who — Connections students- the field trip is geared for grades 3-6. Please email or call Shelli Furlong to RSVP (required – limited space available) 907-714-8880
sfurlong@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Owl Pellet Investigations — As we investigate these pellets we will be face to face with nature by learning about food chain studies, prey and predator relationships, the importance of a variety of predators, and how these animals help farmers control pests and play an essential role in healthy ecosystems. This is an elementary minded investigation with special attention to the scientific process! When — May 14 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Where — Soldotna Connections Office. Space is limited and your pellet is waiting for your reservation! Please email or call Shelli Furlong: sfurlong@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or 907-714-8880.
Kenai River Kids Clean Up Day —May 16 Mingle with other homeschool students/families, get outside to enjoy the springtime weather, and get an overwhelming feeling of pride that you helped improve your beautiful river community! If you are interested in participating, please contact Mark Wackler (mwackler@kpbsd.k12.ak.us). Lunch is provided for all participants and we’d love to see you there! Below is a tentative time-line for the day along with the primary clean up locations we have selected. We will be using three primary clean up locations: Isaac Walton in Sterling, Swiftwater Park in Soldotna, Centennial Park in Soldotna. Each student will be given their own trash bag and label. Awards will be given to the class or classes that collect the most trash. General awards will also be presented to all the students that participate.
Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Sciences
■ Tuesday — 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 3rd and 4th grade are going on a Study Trip to Johnson Lake for salmon release.
■ Wednesday — Bike Rodeo-classroom instructions for grades 1-6; All throughout the day students will participate in city clean-up; D.A.R.E for the 5th / 6th grade classes
■ Thursday — 6-7 p.m. Band Concert
■ Friday — 9:15-9:45 a.m. Band Assembly; 10 a.m.- noon 3rd thru 6th grade are having Science Field Day; 1:30-3 p.m. Kindergarten thru 2nd grade are having Science Field Day; Student Placement forms are due. They are available in the circular magazine file in the entryway. This form is one of the considerations looked at when building class lists for the Fall.
PTA
■ PTA is now accepting nominations for the 2014/2015 PTA Board. For more information contact the PTA at ksaspta@gmail.com.
Reminders
■ If you are able to volunteer for the Bike Rodeo on May 12, please let Nurse Mary Lou know.
■ Year-end Study Trips are happening now. If you plan on volunteering for any trip, please make sure that you have the volunteer requirements done 48 hours prior to the trip.
■ The Life Skill we are focusing on this week is Caring: To feel and show concern for others.
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary
Mr. Daniels’s Class is busy lately! Last week we had Jump Rope For Heart Day, Junior Achievement Day, Secretary’s Day, A visit from a Hydro Power expert for our study of energy, State Forestry personnel came in to teach us about fire safety and a tour of their fire engine, and we had our Artist in Residence, Liz, come in for a special art lesson, and we had a boating safety presentation by Nurse Gayle and her daughter Hanna. Those are just the events IN ADDITION to our normal learning and routines! Mr. Daniels’s class isn’t slowing down at the end of the year…full steam ahead!
Second graders in Mrs. McCoy’s hosted a “Trip to the Zoo” for other students in the building on Friday. The class has been busy making posters and dioramas showcasing their favorite animal as part of their research writing project for the fourth quarter of second grade.
The final band concert of the year will take place at K-Beach on Thursday at 7 p.m. Students should arrive to the library from 6:30-6:45 p.m.
Our visiting artist in residence Liz will be showcasing our students’ awesome artistic creations on May 12 from 6-7 p.m. at K-Beach Elementary.
Kenai Central High
As the end of the year is approaching many of the AP Exams will be administered over the upcoming weeks. If you are in an AP class and want to take the AP exam, please make sure that you have filled out the appropriate paper work and paid your fee.
KCHS Choir’s 43rd annual Pops Concert is this Tuesday at 6 p.m. Plan on attending Tuesday at 6 p.m. and enjoy KCHS Choir students at their best – singing their favorite popular songs.
Kenai Middle
Congratulations to our April Students of the Month: Abigail Schneiders, Bradley Lawson, Caleb Streiff, Jenna Hansen, Lexi Nave, Nicole Prior, Raven Patrick, Sierra Longfellow, Stephanie Ellis and Tristan Chavez.
Tuesday is Teacher Appreciation Day. Be sure to stop and share a kind word or gesture with a teacher.
Friday is the last dance of the school year. 6th graders are invited as well.
There is a track meet on Saturday in Nikiski at 10 am. Come support fellow KMS students in what should be a fun and competitive meet.
Congratulations to last week’s Character Counts winners, Caitlyn Tri and Lcey Plumridge.
Only 12 days (83 hours and 21 minutes) of school to go! Have a great week!
Mountain View Elementary
We have a limited number of yearbooks available at the office for $17 each.
This is Teacher Appreciation Week. Tuesday is Teacher Appreciation Day. The Mountain View PTA is providing lunch for the staff every day this week. If you would like to help by bringing some food please call Traci at 953-3779 or the office at 283-8600.
Attention all 1st and 2nd graders mark your calendars, it is Bike Rodeo time!
Thursday will be Bicycle Safety Instruction. The Kenai Police Department will send an officer to teach and instruct students on Safe Bicycle Tips. Friday students may bring their bicycle and helmet to school and ride the obstacle course. Students will also be able to have their bicycle checked and registered with a sticker. Outgrown or don’t have a helmet? No worries! Helmets can be purchased for $5 and will be personally fitted for students thanks to Safe Kids through Central Peninsula Hospital. Get ready for fun! If you would like to help with the bike rodeo, please call the office at 283-8600.
May 13 the PTA will have their final meeting for the school year at 3:45 p.m. in the staff lounge.
Please check the Lost and Found outside the school office before the end of the school year. There are a lot of coats, hats, and gloves just waiting to be claimed.
Please try to repay borrowed lunch money before school is out. The last day to borrow lunch money will be Friday.
Congratulations to our Soaring Eagles for the month of April. They are Dylan Duniphin, Josie Fadden, Allie Hutchins, Makai Johansen, Patience Kruse, Maryrose Macabuag, Miah Mead, Ty Morris, Sawyer Nyholm, Ryan Pierce, Taylor Pierce, Isaac Potton, Kiarah Ray, Luke Roberts, James Sparks, Abella Stiers, Jack Terrell, Savanna Wilson, & Jalyn Yeoman.
Nikiski Middle-High
■ Monday — Spring Choir Pops Concert at 7 p.m.
■ Tuesday — High School Soccer Vs. Homer. Girls Varsity & Boys JV at 4 p.m. Boys Varsity at 6 p.m.
■ Wednesday — Spring Band Concert at 7 p.m.
■ Thursday — High School Soccer vs. Wasilla. Boys Varsity at 3:45 p.m. Girls Varsity at 5:30 p.m. Boys JV at 7:15 p.m.
■ Friday — High School Soccer vs. Ketchikan. Girls Varsity at 4 p.m. Boys Varsity at 6 p.m.; High School Borough Track Meet at Skyview – TBA
■ Saturday — High School Borough Track Meet at Skyview – TBA; Middle School Track Meet at Nikiski Invite
■ May 12 — High School Soccer at Soldotna High School. Boys Varsity at 3:45 p.m. Girls Varsity at 5:30 p.m. Boys JV at 7:15 p.m.
Congratulations to the Nikiski Middle School 6th and 7th graders who have participated in either the recently held KPBSD Middle School Math Meet in Homer or the Trimathlon Math Meet in Seward: John Bright, Thomas Halliday, Jakobee Anderson, Joe Yourkoski, Sam Berry, America Jeffreys, Katerina Sinenko, and Danielle Elsey.
Nikiski’s Class of 2021, currently 5th graders at Nikiski North Star, visited Nikiski Middle High School last Tuesday for a Step Up Event. The future Nikiski Bulldogs were given T-Shirts and were introduced to the administration. Select Middle School students acted as tour guides for small groups of 5th graders showing them around the school and introducing them to additional staff. Student’s finished their NMHS experience enjoying lunch in the cafeteria. Over 50 students are expected to enroll in 6th grade for the 2014 – 2015 school year at Nikiski Middle High School.
Nikiski North Star Elementary
Today through Friday is Teacher Appreciation Week at NNS. The PTA would like to let parents know that they will be needing lots of help with different events they have planned to make our teachers and staff feel special this week. If you can help, please contact Shannon Biamonte who is chairing this week long event. Also, May 21 is the end of the year picnic at NNS. Michelle Maguire is chairing this event, so if you would like to volunteer please contact her. Please call the office at 776-2600 for more information.
Congratulations to the State PTA Reflections winners: Cooper Stock, photography; Aiden Quiner, visual arts; and Telon Fallon, literature.
Please join us to celebrate the retirement of teachers Sherry Matson and Wayne Floyd. Together they have dedicated over 53 years to our children! The celebration will take place in the NNS library on May 15 at 3:45 p.m.
Please remember that all parent input forms for the 2014-15 school year are due on Friday by 4 p.m. This is your opportunity to provide input into the classroom placement of your child. Please use the form provided in the school newsletter that is sent home with your child or you may pick up a copy in the office.
River City Academy
River City Academy wrapped up Debate week with some well thought out pro and con arguments encompassing a variety of topics. In teams of three or four, the students debated topics like the ethics of declawing cats, books versus Kindles, whether or not human population should be controlled, and which is the better pet, cat or dog. The week was culminated with what the staff billed as “The Clash of the Titans” debate in which the best debaters from grades 7-9 took on the best from 10 – 12. This group tackled Capitalism versus Socialism and had two special guest judges brought in to protect the integrity of the results. Congratulations to Rachael Todd, Sterling Stasak and John Rine for their winning debate in arguing for the Capitalists. Congratulations also to the other winners, fun was had by all.
KTUU Channel 2’s Fund the Future recipient for April was awarded to River City Academy’s very own Kiowa Richardson. As a Fund the Future recipient, Kiowa will receive $3,000 toward a UA College Savings Plan. Congratulations to Kiowa on being presented with this wonderful award!
The Outstanding Masonic Student Award for River City Academy was awarded to senior Sheilyn Pogue at their awards ceremony on April 25 in Kenai.
Sheilyn is a senior at RCA. She transferred here this year from Arizona. Sheilyn has worked very hard to complete her credits toward graduation and is working toward eligibility for the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Sheilyn plans are to attend Kenai Peninsula College next year and begin working toward a degree in Physical Therapy. Sheilyn also received a $1,000 Masonic Scholarship Award.
Shelby Fletcher a senior at River City Academy received a $1,000 Scholarship from the Masonic Lodge awarded on April 25 in Kenai.
Shelby is focused on her studies, well-liked by her peers, and admired as a hard worker by her teachers. Shelby took advantage of our KPBSD distance education program this year and enrolled in the Introduction to Pharmacy class. Because of this class, Shelby has decided to enroll at UAA in their Pharmacy Technician program in the fall.
■ Tuesday — 7:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m., New student shadow day. Incoming new students for next year are invited to join us for the morning to see what life is like at RCA. Please call the school to sign up.
■ Wednesday — 5:30–7:30p.m., New building orientation. This invite is open to all students and parents, including those planning to attend next year.
■ Saturday — 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday School; focus will be on science and technology.
Redoubt Elementary
All volunteers must be registered with the school district prior to volunteering in classrooms/driving on field trips. Field trip drivers must complete a driver form and submit required documentation when driving on school related field trips. Please contact the school office for additional information or go to http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/ click on volunteer link and follow the instructions.
Last week’s Box Tops for Education winners were, Hayden Caston, Josiah Burton & Samuel Strouse. Keep turning those Box Tops for Education.
Band Instruments – Students that rented or borrowed band instruments from the school need to return them to the school this week.
Redoubt Library books need to be returned to the school library by today. All library books need to be returned to the school before summer break.
Field Day volunteers are needed for the last day of school, May 21. If you have completed the volunteer registration with the school district and would like to help with our school wide picnic and or Field Day please contact the school office at 260-4300.
School Picnic – students are asked to bring in $2 for the school picnic the last day of school. Hotdogs, cookies and a drink will be served at the picnic lunch. Parents are welcome to join us for the picnic. Please notify the school office if you plan to join your child for lunch so that we order enough hotdogs for everyone.
Yearbooks will be distributed the last week of school. If you are still interested in purchasing a yearbook please contact the school office, we have a few extra.
Garden Party – May 13. Mrs. Belger, Mrs. Lamphier and Mrs. Gomez’s 2nd graders have been learning about the life of plants. This science unit study is about parts of plants and the plant life cycle. Once the unit is completed students will graduate as “Green Thumbs”. In completion of the unit students will be putting their new learned knowledge into action by planting a new flower garden in front of the school. Donations such as bags of soil, garden tools and perennial flowers are welcome and appreciated. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the Garden Party. A Ribbon Cutting ceremony will conclude the initiation of the new school flower garden at Redoubt Elementary. Classroom teachers will send out additional information regarding the time of the Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
Skyview High
The softball team won their season opener against Eagle River 15-11. The team lost to Chugiak, went into overtime against Bartlett, but came up short, and lost to the state champion East team 9-1.
The Track and Field team was at Kenai:
Kaylee Fisher was 2nd in the 100 and Haille Landess was 5th; Jessie McNamara was 4th in the 200; Casey Neill was 4th in the 100 hurdles and 6th in the 300 hurdles; Hayley Ramsell was 4th in the triple jump; Kaylee Fisher, Heather Tolliver, Haille Landess and Hayley Ramsell won the 400m relay; Micah Hilbish was 3rd in the 400; Adam O’Guinn was 6th in the discus
Home Going Spirit Week May 5 – 9
Monday — Junior Class Elections (current Sophomores) in the Library during Advisory
Decision Day is a day to celebrate those seniors that have chosen to pursue some form of post-secondary education after high school. To celebrate Skyview seniors that will be attending the military, vocational/technical school, or two year/4 year schools, Miss Cotton is hosting an advisory activity as well as a free dinner prior to awards night. Seniors, if you would like to be a part of 2014 Decision Day events, please turn your tickets into Emily Cotton or Wes no later than Monday. If you have not yet received an invitation to the event, please see Miss Cotton.
There will be a cheer meeting at Skyview on Tuesday immediately after school. It will be followed by a student and parents meeting on Friday in the evening at SoHi.
Skyview’s last Academic and Senior’s Awards night will be Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the commons.
Wednesday — Sophomore Class Elections (current Freshmen) in the Library during Advisory
There will be parent meetings for the SVHS After Grad Party on Thursday and May 15 at 6 p.m. in the Skyview library. For more information contact Rhonda Neill: rneill2@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Soldotna Elementary
Tuesday is Nurse’s Day, and we are happy to celebrate our wonderful nurse, Mrs. Tammy Dudley, as she continues to take care of the student and staff of SOEL and Soldotna Montessori Charter School who share our building. Nurse Tammy is absolutely dedicated to promoting good health and hygiene in our schools, and we are happy to have this day to honor her. Thank you Nurse Tammy!
Our yearbooks have come in, so if you ordered one, stop by the office to pick it up. We have some extras at the cost of $18 each if you forgot to order one earlier.
Art from the Hearty Family Night is this Thursday. Come and enjoy this celebration from 5-7 p.m. in the gym. There will be student-made ceramic bowls and other pottery pieces available for purchase via a silent auction. This is a fundraiser which helps to support our new Clay Arts program. All students must be accompanied by an adult.
Congratulations to Emma Sanford who was the winner of last week’s box top drawing. Keep those box tops coming into the school! They are such a benefit to the students by providing additional funding for playground equipment, etc. Thank you for your diligence.
Middle School Math Meet: Sixth graders, Clara Moore and Tim Cashman, participated in the Middle School Math Meet at Homer Middle School on April 11. They competed individually and on teams. Great Job!!
Our last PTA meeting will be May 12, 3:45 p.m. in the library. Childcare is provided.
Please be sure to stop by the lost and found area at school. All items left at the end of the year must be donated to charity. Please come in and see what you can identify and claim. Thank you.
It’s almost our last week for the Reading Counts contest. Our winners last week were Fisher Kennamer, Neolani Fullerton, Tori Morse, Haily Woodward, Hamilton Hunt, Josiah DeMello, Rhys Cannava, Josh Pieh, Michael Gagnon, Brody Reger, and Ryann Cannava. The students at SOEL have worked hard again this year, reading and taking comprehension quizzes for 16 weeks which is the duration of the contest. One winner will be selected by drawing from each classroom,2nd grade through 6th, and the grand prize winner from each class will win a ride on a fire truck and lunch with our principal, Mrs. Diamond. Senator Micciche will be presenting their reading certificates in a school-wide assembly. This is the fourth annual Reading Counts contest for our students, and by this time of the school year, we are all getting excited to know who the final winners will be.
Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade class and their “kinder partner” buddies in Mrs. Vasilie’s class will be taking a field trip to the Kenai beach this week. The students will be enjoying a geology-based treasure hunt. They will be on the hunt for and classify volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks, agates, etc. Students will search for drift wood and practice cooperative castle building techniques. Also, the third graders will guide the kindergartners in sand printing the alphabet.
Later this week, Mrs. Marge Mullen will be presenting a history of the old post office cabin which sits in our bus parking lot. Mrs. Straw’s 3rd graders have much to learn from Mrs. Mullen who was one of the early homesteaders in this area, and she loves to share her memories. Thank you Mrs. Mullen. Our kids are in for such a treat!
Soldotna High
2014 Soldotna High School yearbooks will be available for pickup during the last week of school prior to graduation. We have a limited number of extra copies if you haven’t purchased yours yet. The yearbook class is working on a spring event insert for this year’s yearbook. The insert will include all spring sports, prom and graduation. If you are interested in a copy of the insert, they are on sale at the Soldotna High School front office or at the distribution event for $10. Inserts will be available at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year for pickup or will be mailed to graduated seniors upon request.
Looking Ahead to Next Year:
Families of incoming seniors (class of 2015) are being offered a 10 percent discount on senior recognition ads if they are purchased before June 1. Next year’s recognition ad prices will be: $275 for a full page, $200 for a ∏ page, $100 for a π page, & $60 for a business card size. Recognition ads can be purchased at the Soldotna High School office or by emailing Mrs. McGlothen at kmcglothen@kpbsd.k12.ak.us. 2015 Senior portraits will be required to be head and shoulders portrait with a resolution of at least 300 dpi and are due no later than October 1st. We can take either digital or physical copies of photos. Kelly Reilly Photography Studio does a great job with senior portraits and can be reached at 907-283-7757. Thank you for your support.
The track/football area/field is closed until further notice. No cars will be allowed in the area. The utility road between SOHI and SMS will be closed to all traffic!
Graduation is May 19 at 7 p.m. at the Sports Center.
Higher Expectations Greater Success Parent Guide (Alaska Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics) is now available at the front office. Alaska’s standards in English and math set high expectations for students from kindergarten to grade 12. Students who meet these goals will be ready for success after high school-whether it is in the military, on the job, or in a union apprenticeship, technical school, or college. Your schools will decide how to meet the standards through a local curriculum and teaching methods that respect your community’s cultures.
Soldotna Middle
Erika Bennett was chosen as the April 7th Grade Chamber Student of the Month. She was honored at the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday, April 29. Congratulations Erika!
Events this Week:
■ Tuesday — 8th grade Ed Performance Testing
■ Wednesday — 7th grade Ed Performance Testing
■ Friday — Final Fortnightly! 6-8 p.m. – Parent Volunteers Needed! Please contact the Front Office at 260-2500 if you can help.
■ Saturday — Track Meet, Nikiski Invitational at Nikiski at 10 a.m.
2013-2014 Yearbooks are still available for purchase! Price is $35. Order forms are available at the Front Office.
Many students have outstanding fees. Please check PowerSchool to see if your student has an unpaid balance – all fees are payable by cash or check to the front office. Please contact Mrs. Kircher at 260-2500 if you have any questions.
Parents of next year 9th grade/freshmen students: Soldotna Prep will host a Meet and Greet Night on May 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the current SMS building in the Main Gym. Come meet the teachers your students will be working with next year and listen to a brief presentation from Mr. Schmidt, Principal of Soldotna Prep. Light refreshments will be served.
Soldotna Montessori Charter
Sixth graders will complete their final week of swimming lessons at So Hi this week. Students in grades 4 – 6 will be traveling with their teachers and chaperones to either Kasitsna Bay or Peterson Bay to culminate a unit of study on our marine habitat.
The kindergarten class will be hosting the final School Celebration Assembly on Friday at 9 a.m. in the gym. School Volunteers will be recognized at an assembly at 9 a.m. on May 19.
Tustumena Elementary
■ Tuesday — Salmon Celebration; Title I Family Night
■ Wednesday-Friday — Sixth Grade field trip to K-Bay
■ Thursday — K-1 Field trip – Kenai
Wings Christian Academy
Nine days left until school is out! This week at Wings, Jayla Conner won the “Cleanest Desk of the Week” award. Keep it up! As the end of school grows closer, the students are busy finishing the last of their curriculum for the year. Although some are finishing early, there is still plenty to keep them busy!
In volleyball news, the Wings Eagles won both the match against the WHCS Archers and against the NACA Disciples! Great job! The results from the final volleyball tournament will be posted next week. The team did great this year and had a wonderful time! Don’t forget to practice over summer vacation!
A few reminders for the week: representatives from Pensacola Christian College will be answering questions today at 10 a.m. to those students in grades 7th-12th. Parents are welcome to attend. Also, Field Day will take place this year on Friday off-campus. Remember to bring clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty. Hot dogs and other refreshments will be provided.
