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:
■ June 1;
■ June 2 (Board planning session).
Holidays and vacation days scheduled
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 are upcoming academies:
There is a welding academy at Nikiski High School. The students will be building a snow machine trailer. Class days will run March 17-May 14, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
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 27-30 and June 1-4 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Also offered this summer is an Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) academy. The academy will be taking place at the Workforce Development Center (located behind KCHS). Academy days will be May 27 – June 5 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 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 Tiffany Eck at 714-8884 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:
■ Ed Performance: Window now open from May 1-15 for students in grades third through eighth (directions below)
■ 05/11, 05/12, 05/13 – Soldotna Office: AIMS Web Assessment for K-5 Grades
■ 05/14 – Barren Island Trip – Only Two Spots Left!
■ 05/15 – Retirement Party and Ice Cream Social for Mr. Young 1:00-3:00 p.m. @ Soldotna Office (more information below)
■ 05/18 – 2nd Semester Reports Due
■ 05/21 – Connections Graduation @ Soldotna High School 4:00 p.m. (practice @ 2:00-3:30)
April: Re-Enrollment for 2015/2016 School Year Starts – Please call your Connections Office to make an appointment! Unexpended student allotments at the end of this school year (June 30, 2015) will be rolled over to the 2015-2016 school year provided the following conditions are met:
■ Students must complete the enrollment process with Connections prior to August 30, 2015
■ Connections encourages families to reenroll by May 29, 2015
■ Previous grade reports must be submitted
The May testing window is open from May 1-15. It is best not to give all three tests on the same day so please allow plenty of time for your student to take the assessment.
Please call your advisor to schedule an appointment at 714-8880; we are looking forward to meeting with you and discussing your child’s progress!
K-5 Testing: May 11, 12 and 13 from 9:00 -11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Retirement Party and Ice Cream Social for Mr. Young 1:00-3:00 p.m. @ Soldotna Office:
You are invited to Mr. Young’s retirement party and ice cream social May 15th at the Soldotna office from 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. After 28 years of service in education Mr. Young is retiring as principal of Connections. Please come help us celebrate this momentous achievement!
IDEA Homeschool
Now enrolling for the 2015-2016 school year! Please go to www.ideafamilies.org and click enroll now to register! It is also time to re-enroll for our existing families. Please look up your re-enrollment passwords and ID that was sent to your IDEA families webmail. As always, please feel free to stop by the office in the Red Diamond Center to look at our resource room, library or speak with a contact teacher. We are here to serve you as you educate your children.
Upcoming events to put on your calendar:
May 14 – IDEA’s annual track meet at Skyview track!! We will meet at 4:00 p.m. for our track events. This is an event for all ages, including parents! We normally end around 6 p.m. There is no need to sign up, just come!
May 15 – Seward Activity Day!
We will have STAR Early Literacy Testing, then off to Lowe Point Beach at 1:00! Bring your kites and beach gear! IDEA will provide the hot dogs! Come join us and bring a friend!
May 21 – IDEA’s Graduation Ceremony in Anchorage! The ceremony will take place at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Atwood Hall at 2:00 p.m.
Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science
Monday, May 11
■ 10:00 a.m. Bike Rodeo Classroom instruction
■ 4:00 p.m. APC meeting in the library
Tuesday, May 12
■ Bike rodeo for grades 1-6. Students are encouraged to bring their bikes and helmets for the outdoor activities which will include bike inspections, registration, and the obstacle course. If your child needs a helmet, they are available for purchase for $5.00. Money should be given to his/her teacher. The Kenai Moose Lodge and PTA will provide a hot dog lunch for all grades that afternoon – hot lunch will not be available today.
■ 9:50 a.m. Miss Maguire’s Class will go on a walking trip to Charis Place
■ 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Retirement Celebration in the library for Ms. Lafferty and Mrs. Stephens
■ All Library books are due back. Please make sure that your child returns any library books he/she may have at home.
Wednesday, May 13
■ 6:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m. second graders go on a study trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, please be sure to pack your student a sack lunch.
■ 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. first graders go on a study trip to the Soldotna Wildlife Refuge and Soldotna Park.
■ 1:30 p.m. Field Day for third through sixth grade, please send a change of clothes with your child.
Thursday, May 14
■ Shqui Tsatnu Creek Clean-Up; classes will be participating in this event at different times throughout the day. Please have your student dressed for the weather.
Friday, May 15
■ 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Field Day for kindergarten through second grade, please send a change of clothes with your child.
■ 3:00 p.m. third and fourth grade will have their end of year Celebration of learning.
■ End Of Year BBQ 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is an excellent and fun way to end the school year and also a great opportunity for our new families to meet other families and staff members. The PTA sponsors the event and will provide the hot dogs. They are asking that families with the last name beginning in A-L bring a dessert and M-Z bring a side dish. This will be an outdoor event so dress for the weather. Volunteers will be needed.
Mark your calendars
■ May 19 at 5:30 p.m. – Mrs. Harper’s, Mrs. Hurst’s and Mrs. Stephens’ classes will meet at the Kenai Park
■ May 20 Last day of school for students – no hot lunch will be served.
Kenai Central High
Information for the school news from Kenai Central High School:
Wednesday, May 13th at 6:00 is Kenai Central High School’s annual Awards Night Ceremony to recognize our students’ academic success. The Awards Ceremony will be held in the Renee’ C Henderson Auditorium. If you have any questions, please contact Patti Lawyer at the KCHS Counselors Center.
KCHS choir’s annual ‘Pop’s Concert is this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Plan on attending Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m. and enjoy KCHS Choir students at their best – singing their favorite popular songs.
Congratulations to all of the seniors. Graduation practice is Monday, May 18 at 7:45 a.m. All seniors that are panning on walking during the ceremony later that evening need to be at practice that morning. The Graduation Ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m. that night in the Renee’ C Henderson Auditorium.
April 2015 Student of the Month: Rotary – Gunner Smith, Chamber – Sierra Hall, Elks – Andrea Rivera, Biology – Kasey Paxton, Mr. Hanson Earth Science – Brittney Cramer, Mrs. Bergholtz, LA 10 – Seth Byers, Ms. Wagoner Performing Arts/Band – Drake Thomas, Mrs. Sounart, LA 9 – Isaiah Trevino, Mr. Baskins & Ms. Zwink AP Literature – Andrea Rivera, Mrs. Schneider Algebra – Seth Byers, Mr. Kennedy Life Activities – Kyra Betts-Tessaro, Mr. Marquez Ceramics – Austin McKee, Mr. Morton US History – Tacy Caldwell, Mrs. Calvert Welding – Colton Sterling, Mr. Widaman French 1 – Seth Kruse Mrs. McCullough Pre-Algebra – Jesse James, Mr. Peek & Mr. Nyboer Government – Sierra Hall, Mr. Lopez
This Week’s Events
■ Monday: Band Concert 7:00 p.m.
■ Tuesday: Student of the Month Luncheon
■ Wednesday: Academic Awards Night 6:00 p.m.
■ Thursday: Choir “Pops” Concert 7:00 p.m.
■ Friday: Seniors Last Day
Mountain View Elementary
We have a limited number of yearbooks for sale at the office for $18 each. Tuesday, May 12 the PTA will have their final meeting for the school year at 3:45 p.m. in the Library. Please join us for our “Swing Into Summer Reading” Concert on Tuesday, May 12 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. here at Mountain View. Reading Resource Information booths will be open from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. followed by a swing concert from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Come enjoy the toe-tapping, swinging music and help your child have a great summer of reading! Wednesday, May 13 is the last day to borrow lunch money. Please try to pay back all lunch money owed to the office before the last day of school. The Site Council will be meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at 4:00 p.m. in the Library. Please be sure to check lost & found. There are a lot of coats, hats & gloves just waiting to be found!
If you have any Library books checked out please turn them in as soon as possible. Wednesday, May 20th is the last day of school. We will have a picnic lunch for the students provided by the Mt. View PTA and the Moose Lodge.
While the end of every school year brings with it staff from all schools moving on to new adventures, this year at Mountain View Elementary we are saying goodbye to one of our longest serving teachers. Ms. Martine Dikes has served the students at KPBSD for 29 years. If you would like to join us as we thank Martine and wish her well we will be gathering in the Mountain View Elementary library at 4:00 p.m. on May 15. The Mountain View Elementary is looking for new parents for the Site Council for next school year. Nomination forms are available at the office.
Nikiski North Star Elementary
A huge thank you to our PTA and parent volunteers for treating the NNS staff to a wonderful week of goodies, meals, cards, beverages and tokens of appreciation. It was wonderful! Thank you all so much!
Tonight at 7:00 p.m. there will be band concert at Nikiski Middle High School. This concert will feature bands from both NNS and NMHS and will take place in the school auditorium.
Today is the NNS t-shirt tie dyeing celebration. If you need more information, please call the school at 776-2600. Wednesday, May 13 is the Nikiski Track Meet. This will be held at Nikiski Middle High School track beginning at 9:15 am.
Congratulations to the following students who represented NNS at the recent Trimathlon meet at Seward Elementary: Braeden Porter, Trista Apted, Braylee Smith, Dianne Nasibog, Adrienne Stynsberg, McKinlee Jeffreys, Jessica Perry and Griffin Gray. Fifth grade promotion will be held on Monday, May 18 at 9:15 a.m. Pre-K graduation will be on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:30 a.m. and the NNS talent show will also be on the 19 at 1:30 p.m. Each of these events will be held in the school gym. If your child is missing any items, please check our lost and found located by the office. Items not claimed by Wednesday, May 20 will be donated to charity.
Plan now to attend the end of the year picnic on Wednesday, May 20.
Redoubt Elementary
Redoubt Elementary School Principal Selection Process
May 14—5:00 p.m. Principal Interviews will be held Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Redoubt Elementary School Library. For more information call Redoubt Elementary School at 907-260-4300 or Laurie Wood, Recruitment Specialist at 907-714-8888.
PTA – May 12 at 3:45 p.m. staff lounge, child care available. The term of our current PTA president, vice president and secretary are ending this year.
Site Council Meeting – May 13 at 3:45 p.m. staff lounge.
Kindergarten music concert schedule
1-3 grade concert – May 12 – 6:00 p.m. at Soldotna High School
4-6 grade concert – May 13 – 6:00bp.m. at Soldotna High School
5 & 6 grade concert – May 14 – 7:00 p.m. at Redoubt
■ May 18 – Science Day, fourth and sixth grade, 9:00-11:30 p.m.
■ May 19 – Beach Day grades 4-6, 9:00-3:00 p.m.
■ May 20 – Awards assembly 9:00am
■ May 20 – School picnic – scheduled lunch times
■ May 20 – Field Day / Last Day of School
Help wanted – Redoubt Field Day May 20. If you would like to help and have fun at the same time please call the school office. We are seeking 18- 20 district approved volunteers to help during field day. This is a fun filled day of outdoor activities! Call – 260-4300
Yearbooks are on Sale – $15 – there are only a limited number of books available to purchase. Pre-ordered yearbooks have been distributed to students.
Redoubt Elementary Quest students competed at the Seward Trimathalon competition last week. Teams did an awesome job. Two of our teams tied for second place in the Lightning Round. Congratulations to the “Frozen Fractals” – Taylor Edwards, Madelyn Barkman and Spencer Kapp; and to the “To the Third Power Rangers” – Erika Arthur, Emma Craig and Parker Kincaid. The “Angles of Math Destruction” won the best team name award and placed second overall in the competition. Those students were Chaz Bird, Sierra Kuntz, Gabbi Humphreys and David Schramm. Chaz Bird placed third in the Counting Computation competition. Great job Redoubt students!
Skyview Middle
Events this week:
■ Tuesday, May 12 – Award Night and Band/Choir Concert at Skyview Middle School – 7:00 p.m.
■ Tuesday, May 12 – Borough Track and Field Prelims at Kenai High School – 3:00 p.m.
■ Saturday, May 16 – Borough Track Finals at Soldotna High School – TBA
Events next week – Final Week of School!
■ Monday, May 18 – Yearbook Assembly – Yearbooks are now available for purchase at the front office for $35.
■ Tuesday, May 19 – Student Locker Clean out and Textbook Turn-in Day.
■ Wednesday, May 20 – Last Day of School for students! 8th grade Celebration of Academic Achievement in the Skyview Middle School Gym – 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. All family and friends are invited to attend. A reception will follow in the commons.
The end of the year is approaching fast. Please take a moment to check your child’s Power School fees account. Any questions please call the office at 260-2500.
All library books are due! Please contact Ms. McCabe in the library if you have any questions or concerns.
Congratulations to the April Students of the Month!
Lucius Anderson, Asia Angeles Hanson, Vydell Baker, Gracie Bass, David Belger, Brooke Belluomini, Carsen Brown, Elliana Bruce, Abigail Cooke, Logan Craig, Kathryn Craiglow, Aubree Cude, Sadie Daly, Ella Dearmore, Wyatt Dement, Tyler Doolin, Eve Downing, Macey Dreyer, Savannah Eberhard, John Einerson, Megan Eskue, Joseph Fiebelkorn, Tehya Foust, Ruth Frederickson, Nicholas Gage, Blaze Gardner, Mirricale George Mills, Alexis Giles, Victoria Giles, Kameron Hanson, Cristian Harrigan, Sierra Hatfield, Tara Heathers, Cody Hemphill, Ryan Hill, Sara Hinz, Kianna Holland, Jamie Kelly, Katelynn Kimes, Victoria Kitson, Camden Langley, Denali Lombard, Robert Long, Erica Love, Ashley McDonald, Kalyn McGillivray, Darby McMillan, Dakota Merculieff, Madison Merly, Cloe Milbauer, Alex Montague, Elias Moonin, Tyler Morrison, Emma Nash, Kylie Ness, Catherine O’Dell, Natalia O’Toole, Trinity Palm, Adriane Poulin, Mackenzie Powell, Brody Reger, Arin Reger, Renee Rogers, Kody Rohr, Levi Rosin, Marlayna Saavedra, Danica Schmidt, Bethani Shepard, Elora Shockley, Kayli Smith, Blake Smith, Kristina Sopkowiak, Trenton Steadman, Cecilia Steward, Mia Stewart, Glory Stitt, Rebecca Takak, James Taylor, Brittany Taylor, Jeffreyna Tubbs, Brighton Turvin, Braxton Urban, Joseph VanHout, Rowan Vasquez, Mollee Verba, Levi Wahl, Trenton Walden, Bradley Walters, Nelson Watt, Thomas Wells, Madison West, Keith West, Kambree Whittom, Selene Williams, Kaiden Wilshusen, Corbin Wirz, Ryann Yager
Soldotna Elementary
Ladies and Gentlemen, our Grand Prize Winners of our 15-week Reading Counts Contest have been announced! They are Reagan Briggs, Lacey Mathis, Wesley Johnson, Luc Beauparlant, Emma Rock, Brendan Mowery, Tristan Edmondson, Chloe Cullen, and Michel Keyes. Also, I want you to know that Josh Pieh earned 504 RC points during the contest. That exceeds our all-time record, so congratulations to Josh!! He will, of course, also be invited to have lunch with us in the library.
School PTA Picnic coming up on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. All grade levels, staff, and family members are invited to the SOEL p-sponsored picnic on the last day of school. Invitations are also extended to Central Office staff, School Board members, and supportive community members. We are asking for the following donations from these grade levels: Kinders popsicles (pkg), Fourth hot dog buns, First Juice boxes, Fifth hot dog buns, Second Popsicles (Pkg), Sixth hot dogs Third hot dog buns.
Please have the donations in by Monday, May 18. Thank you to everyone for your support! Please come and have lunch with your young ones! Our Music Talent Show was last Thursday evening, and it showcased a variety of musical talents. These students are amazing. Thank you so much, Mr. Dahl for your support and guidance with these children. We can see that they work very hard for you.
The KPBSD TriMATHalon Challenge was last Monday. Ryder Giesler won first place in Chess. The team of Nate Mowery, Rhys Cannava, and Tyler Johnson won second place in the math lightning round. Additional participants were Colton Sorhus, Josh Pieh, Josie Moore, Trent Boots, Olivia Davis, and Tessa Dearmore. Fabulous job, kids!
Soldotna High
Soldotna High School’s Child Development class will be having a free daycare on May 14 and 15 from 12:30-2:00. There will be crafts, games, and a snack provided. Children must be between 2-5 years old and potty trained. Enrollment forms and more information can be provided through meggean@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
(Kenai Aluminum Can Round UP)
Congratulations! We collected 3662.7 pounds of aluminum cans this year, 100 pounds more than last year! And our winners were so close that our new rule, which states that groups with totals within 25 pounds, will split prize money.
Large Schools: Kenai Middle 937.8 pounds, Soldotna High 895.5 pounds.
Medium Schools: Sterling Elementary 921.2 pounds, Soldotna Elementary 453.2 pounds.
Small Schools: Cooper Landing 393.3 pounds, Star of the North 61.4 pounds.
Graduation will be on May 19 at 7:00pm at the Sports Center. Questions can be sent to lead advisor, Meggean Bos, at meggean@kpbsd.k12.ak.us Graduation practice will be on May 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sports Center. Practice is mandatory to be able to walk. Any students or parents who would like to setup on May 18 at 1:00 p.m. or May 19 at 1:00 p.m. are asked to contact lead advisor, Meggean Bos, at meggean@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Soldotna Prep
Tutoring Monday through Friday in Rm 10 during the lunch hour. Chess Club meets during lunch hour Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in room 18. After-School Tutoring Monday through Thursday 2:25-3:25 p.m. Please check Soldotna Prep blog to stay informed on current activities.
Sterling Elementary
Teacher/ Staff/ Nurse/ Kitchen Manager Appreciation Week is May 4 – 8! Thank you to all of our staff for all of the work that they do all year round!
■ Buy One Get One Free Book Fair – May 4 through May 8!!
■ Glow Jam is coming! Friday, May 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm – Featuring DJ Prepmode! Glow in the Dark items for sale. All proceeds will be used for Sterling Elementary Greenhouse and Garden!
■ Sterling Elementary will hold its first annual Summer Reading Program! Calendars will be provided to students to document the number of minutes read throughout the summer. Registration forms were sent home on Monday. Read everyday!!
■ Kinder registration is ongoing! Our planning for next school year has already started! The sooner we know how many kindergartners we have, the better we can plan! If you haven’t registered a soon-to-be-kindergartner, come on in today!
■ Sterling Field Day on May 19! Volunteers needed for the day!
■ Last day of School Festivities: 9:30 a.m. – Awards Assembly, 11:40 a.m. – School wide picnic, 1:30 p.m. Talent Show. Volunteers needed for the day.
■ Lost and found – Time to clean out the lost and found! All items left as of May 22 will be washed and donated to charity!
The Study
The Study is excited to offer academic pre-k/kindergarten and first/second grade in the 2015/16 school year! Our rosters are filling up, so call us to reserve your little ones a spot! The Study is an accredited learning center that partners with the KPBSD, home school entities, and private schools. We offer private tutoring in all academic subjects, music (guitar, voice, and piano), and a variety of courses for high school credit. Contact us about all of our summer classes! Check us out on the web at thestudysoldotna.com or call us at 262-6227.
Tustumena Elementary
May 11 – 15 Staff Appreciation Week
May 12/13/14 – Lynx Track to Nikiski Pool
May 15th second Grade field trip to Kasilof and Soldotna Museum 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 18 – fourth Quarter Award’s Assembly 1:15
May 18 6th Grade Graduation 2 p.m.
May 19 Sixth Grade bridges at 10 a.m.
May 19 – Talent Show, 2 p.m.
May 19 – PTO Meeting, 4 p.m.
May 20 – Field Day, 9:30-noon
May 20 – Last day of school for students
Wings Christian Academy
Tyler Ophus will be graduating from Wings Christian Academy on Friday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. Great job! Students will need to be at the program by 6:45 p.m. Final awards will be handed out during the program and both choir groups will be singing specials. Please bring your assigned dish to share for the reception.
The Wings Christian Academy Eagles Volleyball team finished out the season second overall and won first place in the tournament. Way to go!
Last week, the students enjoyed celebrating “Spirit Week” by wearing crazy socks and school colors, blue and white. This week, students are heading down to the beach today and having some end-of-the-year fun! Hot dogs, chips, cookies, and games are provided.
Wednesday, students will be able to watch the movie “Big Hero 6” when all of their academic requirements are completed. Thank you for another great year! If you have any questions about Wings Christian Academy or would like to enroll for the 2015-2016 school year, please contact us at 283-9361.
