Partnership Press
Winter 2016
Newsletter of the Anchorage School Business Partnership Program • (907) 339-7278 • www.asdk12.org/sbp
Student owned business inspires high school students Eagle River High School has a new School Business Partner 907Boards. What makes this partnership with Eagle River High School unique, is that the business itself was founded and is run by a high school student, Casey Conner. According to 907Board’s Blog: Conner dreamed of sharing his passion for skating with others, while promoting the sport’s clean-cut side and providing a place for kids to hang out. “With the help of my parents, I wanted to share the love that I have for boarding while giving kids a safe place to do homework, play foosball or just meet up.” Early this Fall, Conner began working with the newlyformed ERHS Longboarding Club by giving workshops, lessons, and providing demonstrator boards for club members to “test drive”. His regular participation at club events each Wednesday has really helped to grow the club. A recent field trip to the store where students were instructed on board care and maintenance was very popular.
With over forty percent of ERHS students from families who are active duty military, the club was able to leverage a Department of Defense Education Activity grant to purchase longboard equipment. 907Boards built 10 custom boards to Eagle River High School specifications
Club member John Randall said, “Being studentowned helps him (Connor) understand where we are coming from. It doesn’t feel like a business coming to sell us something.” Member Jonathan Cripps appreciates the help with technique and safety gear saying, “They are friends more than a business.” Connor Grady was even more direct, stating, “Without them, we wouldn’t even have a club.”
SBP board member Anita Stevens receives Alaska Distinguished Principal of the Year Anita Stevens, SBP Board member and principal of Chinook Elementary School, was named Alaska’s National Distinguished Principal of the Year. She was selected for many reasons including improving school climate by implementing school-wide expectations for positive and responsible behavior. SBP Executive Board Michael Graham, ASD Chief Academic Officer Shiela Lomboy, Wells Fargo Laarni Power, Providence Health & Services
Marla Thompson, Allstate Insurance Dora Wilson, NECA/IBEW
Board of Directors Jan Abbott, RurAL Cap David Alexander, Nine Star Education & Employment Services Leola Atkinson, Middle School Student Representative Jay Blury, Northrim Bank Bruce Bustamante, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Adele Daniels, JBER Military Liaison Heidi Embley, Anchorage School District Steve Halloran, Visit Anchorage Phyllis Halverson, BMW of Anchorage JJ Harrier, Northern Air Cargo Leverette Hoover, Siemens Industry Inc.
David Kennedy, Wells Fargo James Kirkland, Alaska VA Healthcare System Kelly Lykins-Longlet, Northrim Bank Lily Morris, High School Student Representative Karin Parker, SAVE High School Brian Singleton, Begich Middle School Anita Stevens, Chinook Elementary School Tara Stevens, BP Don Thompson, Aurora Vending Tim Thompson, Alaska Airlines Julie Vincek, King Career Center
Advisory Board Sharon Chriss, GCI Judith Crotty, Wells Fargo Bank Bettye Davis, Anchorage School Board Bethany Fernandez, ASD Career Technical Education Lydia Garcia, National Education Association Nikki Giordano, Anchorage Homebuilders Association Diane Maples, ASD Career Technical Education Sabra Million, South Central Foundation
Kathleen Plunkett, ConocoPhillips Jeff San Juan, Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Susan Sonneborn, Jermaine, Dunnagan & Owens, PC Kimberly Stocker, United Way Tim Sullivan, Alaska Railroad Corporation Dale Tran, Kaladi Brothers Coffee Joe Wahl, GCI
Honorary Board Tam Agosti-Gisler, Former Executive Director James Blasingame, Alaska Railroad Corporation Bob Dickson, Atkinson Conway, partner Ernie Hall, Alaska Furniture Mfrs., Inc. Jeff Leonard, Leonard & Martens, LLC Rich Owens, Tastee Freez
Mark Rhodes, Credit Union 1 Sharon Sellens, Kid Proof Barbara Stallone, The Human Resource Umbrella LLC Jim Utter, Past SBP Executive Director Chris Wilson, Subway of Alaska, Inc.
Executive Director Cheri Spink 339-7278 sbpartnerships@gmail.com 2
School Business Partnerships
First Lady Donna Walker with Sam Klein, Tim Harman and Michelle Engelke representing Chevron, teacher Anna Murphy, principal Christine Garbe, ASD chief academic officer Michael Graham and school board member Tam Agosti-Gisler pose with the Williwaw kindergarten class.
Chevron provides classroom materials for teachers The Fuel Your School program, a collaboration between Chevron and Donors Choose, delivered several boxes of supplies and educational materials to a kindergarten class at Williwaw Elementary on Oct. 20. Alaska’s first lady Donna Walker attended and spoke to the class, along with Chevron and Anchorage School District representatives. Anna Murphy, the teacher who requested the materials on DonorsChoose.org, said the items will help her focus on STEM curriculum. Murphy opened the boxes with her students, who were very excited to use many of the new materials immediately. For every purchase of eight gallons or more at a Chevron station during the month of October, $1 was contributed to the Fuel Your School program, which helped fund classroom materials for local public schools. Last year, the program contributed more than $160,000 to Alaska classrooms, fulfilling the request of more than 120 teachers across the state.
Teacher Anna Murphy handing part of the marble run to a teachers aide. Partnership Press
First Lady Donna Walker, teacher Anna Murphy and principal Christine Garbe. 3
Siemens does it again, raising over 1500 pounds of food for the Food Bank with help from partner, Rabbit Creek Elementary Siemens Industry Inc. would like to extend a big “Thank You” to Rabbit Creek Elementary School for supporting their annual food drive for the Food Bank of Alaska. Siemen’s annual goal is to collect 1500 pounds of canned food with the help of their partner schools and employees. This year Rabbit Creek came through with flying colors, collecting a grand total of 1,343 pounds of food. When added to the food donated by Siemens employees, they collected much more than their goal.
“Our School Business Partnership is a great example of how we work together to support each other and the community. We look forward to many more opportunities to partner. Thanks Again Rabbit Creek Students and Staff, for being an awesome partner with our business!” —exclaimed Leverette Hoover, Alaska General Manager for Siemens Industry Inc.
Better Business Bureau corner
Spear phishing attacks on Alaska businesses Alaska businesses have recently been the target of spear phishing cyber threats – email scams where organized criminals research and target specific businesses. A local cyber security firm estimates that 37,000 businesses countrywide could be victims of these attacks. Scammers target businesses by sending spoofed emails, appearing to originate from company CEO’s, requesting information such as access codes and passwords or giving approval to pay attached invoices. According to a local cyber security expert, “the more advanced attackers are buying domains with similar names to existing companies to trick people into believing they are emailing legitimate employees.” These domain names often look exactly like that of a legitimate company, but with an extra letter or period that might not be obvious at a cursory glance. The fraudulent emails ask the Chief Financial Officer or Controller to wire money for payment to a vendor. Attached to the email is an invoice with payment terms, wire transfer instructions and directions to
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notify the “CEO” when the transfer is complete. Once the funds are received, the scammers empty the account. These types of scams have cost businesses significant amounts of money – sometimes in the millions. To help prevent these scammers from succeeding, BBB recommends that businesses: • Ensure there are proper controls on financial transactions and accounts payables. Consider two party procedures for larger payments. • Develop security policies and protocols. Make sure all employees are trained to recognize possible phishing scams and to be vigilant when clicking on links or attachments to emails. • Purchase domains with similar names to protect company branding. • Be aware that information found online about your business may be used by scammers to gain access to protected data. They may also attempt to obtain company information by calling to conduct a survey or by impersonating a company vendor. School Business Partnerships
Brenda Carlson Director of Visitor Services, Casey Karn Admin Assistant, Anita Nelson Public Affairs and Corporate Giving Manager and Steve Halloran with Big Wild Life critters at the Visit Anchorage Trivia contest.
Kids still love “Jeopardy-style” trivia after 25 years with partner Visit Anchorage Since 1991, Central Middle School and partner Visit Anchorage have combined forces to bring middle school students from the Anchorage School District together to compete at the Egan Center for the Big Wild Life (BWL) Trivia Contest. The event challenges students to learn about Anchorage through their Alaska Studies course. The questions and study guides are written by Visit Anchorage and the content varies each year. This year, there was a special emphasis on Anchorage’s Centennial.
says Brenda Carlson, Visitor Services Director for Visit Anchorage. As part of the Anchorage School District School Business Partnership Program, Visit Anchorage partnered with schools to train young people in tap dancing and stage performance through “Seymour University” where the students then interact with community residents and visitors as the “Wild About Anchorage” characters. Students at Central Middle School came in costume and made their debut at the Trivia Contest.
This year’s event included a special address by Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. Cary Carrigan, longtime local radio personality, returned for his 25th year of MC’ing. The judging panel was comprised of local celebrities including political leaders, federal judges, local athletes, Miss Alaska and Miss Outstanding Teen. Contest participants receive T-shirts and winners receive prizes donated by Visit Anchorage members. Eight schools participated including Central Middle School of Science, Family Partnership Charter School, Romig, Goldenview, Wendler, Gruening, Begich, and Mirror Lake middle schools. In addition to the success of the traditional live competition, Visit Anchorage has made an effort to make the contest accessible to the entire school district with an online component. “While we’ve basically done things the same way for the past 25 years, we are moving to keep the contest itself relevant to today’s teens by introducing an online elimination round component so all schools will have the ability to participate and send their top students to the final round next November,” Partnership Press
Cary Carrigan, MC and Steve Halloran, SBP board member and Vice President of Community, Member and Visitor Relations.
The Big Wild Life Trivia contest winner Emily McKenzie from Mirror Lake Middle School poses with her prizes. 5
Service High students brave the cold to line up for fresh waffles.
Service High loves its waffles, coffee and new banking partners Service High School has several new exciting business partnerships this year. Sugarhouse Waffle truck owner Mandy Gebauer, a prior graduate of Service wanted a venue to give back and to share her sourdough Belgian inspired waffles. As part of the partnership, she donates an Italian ice machine to the Partners Club to fundraise and teach students new skills. She has also offered to partner with ProStart cooking class to develop a signature Service High waffle. Students have been lining up in the cold to enjoy the incredibly delicious new food option on waffle Thursdays and sporting events at Service. Service also recently partnered with Denali Federal Credit Union, Abbott branch. Alfredo Calugay, branch manager, is creating a Green and Gold (school colors)
Day at the branch and the school is creating incentives for fundraising on that day. PTSA donated Service shirts to the bank staff, as well as various Service logo goodies to create a monthly display. Denali Federal Credit Union is offering two $5,000 college scholarships, mentoring/ educational experiences, and lots of fun DFCU schwag. SteamDot donates coffee and provides training to the Partners Club students to make the perfect cup of coffee. They’ve also offered Service faculty a screaming deal on coffee. Service is thrilled to have such exciting new partnerships. They would like to thank their new partners, as well as their ongoing relationships with: Advanced Physical Therapy of Alaska, Alaska Center for Resource Families, Alaska Cleaners, Bagoys Florist, Career College, DQ Grill & Chill, Fantastic Sams, Frontier Tutoring, Great Alaska Pizza Company, Grizzly Cub & Threadz, H&R Block, Junior Achievement of Alaska, Menchies, and Men’s Wearhouse.
Service High juniors Amber Bekkala and Devyn Fish display their waffles. 6
School Business Partnerships
Partners help train future employees in tourism and culinary arts In October school business partners Holland America Line and Princess Cruises helped kick off a community event to showcase the opening of the new commercial kitchen at Chugiak High School. Holland America and Princess Cruises have been helping students who are studying tourism and Culinary Arts. They make classroom presentations about necessary workplace skills, participate in job application and resume preparation lessons, judge at mock job interview events, provide expertise to students operating a school-based enterprise, and work with the school on joint community service projects. This is a great example of industry fostering future employees and preparing students for the future.
Students in the Culinary Arts program at Chugiak High pose with their partners from Holland America Line and Princess Cruises at the opening of their new commercial kitchen.
ExxonMobil volunteer helping students prepare for real world Students in Valerie Ekberg-Brown’s class are preparing for the real world with help from volunteer Hank Jamieson, a geologist from ExxonMobil. Jamieson has been volunteering in her class for the past two years teaching the JA Career Success program. On this day, the students sit in a large circle and take turns sharing the careers that they have researched and why they believe they are a good fit with their personalities, interests and goals. They have researched the salaries, the educational requirements and the necessary skills for each career choice. Jamieson listens, asks questions, gives them feedback and words of encouragement.
“I don’t know who gets the most out of it,” Jamieson shares. “They energize me and give me hope. We hear from the news all of the bad stuff about teens. These kids are impressive. It is really great that the school is doing a good job of preparing kids for careers. It is much better than when I was a student.” Ekberg-Brown couldn’t be more pleased with the experience and knowledge that Jamieson brings to her students. “He is wonderful.”
Student Parker Epple gives his career presentation as Hank Jamieson of ExxonMobil observes. Partnership Press
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Chinese students at Bartlett celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with help from UAA Confucius Institute The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important Chinese holidays. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Families and friends come together to enjoy the harvest moon with special moon cakes. This year’s Mid-Autumn was on September 27. Chinese students at Bartlett High School celebrated this traditional holiday on October 2 with their teacher, Ms. Yan Wang. They enjoyed traditional moon cakes generously donated by business partner, UAA’s Confucius Institute. Students also made rice balls that resemble the brightest full moon of the year.
Providence Health & Services Alaska helping students stay fit Thanks to Providence Health & Services Alaska, students at 37 schools now have a Sqord! Sqord is an activity tracker bracelet made just for kids to track physical play and encourage them to be more active. The device combines a kid-proof activity tracker, online games, and a kid-safe social media app where students can track their progress compared to their classmates.
“Providing students with fitness trackers allows them to use a tool that supports and encourages their fitness and development,” said Superintendent Ed Graff. “This is a great example of business partners working with our students to promote healthy habits that children continue to apply throughout their lives.”
Donations help support student success United Way Community Plus Schools Partnership United Way contributed $14,932 to pay for a teacher liaison position to increase academic success and improve attendance at several schools. Funding will also be used for up to 300 hours of after school tutoring. Michael Nederbrock of KTUU interviews Matt Lobdell of Lowes at a Government Hill elementary event in the fall.
New to school business partnership but not new to education KTUU is one of the newest school business partners but has been supporting education for many years. Meteorologists share knowledge and experience with students through the science department and the station regularly features student achievement and events at the schools. It is great to have you on board KTUU! 8
Anchorage Running Club The Anchorage Running Club made a $6,400 donation to support the purchase of uniforms, equipment and transportation for athletes in training and competition at six high schools. Approximately 400 students will benefit from this donation. BP Grant for Gifted Mentorship Program BP donated $5000 to provide enhancement and supplemental support to the Gifted Mentorship Program. The Mentorship program partners qualifying 11th and 12th grade high school students with a professional or expert in a field of interest to the student. School Business Partnerships
Ajia LaBadie, Alexis Ioane, Liz Lane, OD and Rowena Rivera, OD screen students at Creekside Park Elementary.
Rowena Rivera, OD fits a student for glasses.
Makar Eye Care making the world clearer for our students Optometrists from Makar Eyecare and their assistants are “We are so very grateful to Dr. Liz and her team making sure that our students that need glasses are able to that comes every year. It just warms the heart to get a pair. They have been making rounds to schools all over hear one of our kids say how they now can do the the district examining students and ordering glasses. In some work because they can see. Dr. Liz is truly making cases where there are complications with insurance, they will a difference in supporting student success at donate them. This year 11 schools and over 120 students will be recipients of Creekside!” exclaims Tim Andrews, principal of this service. We are so fortunate to have this amazing partner. Creekside Park Elementary. Thank you Makar Eyecare!
Wells Fargo honors Alaska Teacher of the Year John Bruce on ATMs Wells Fargo honored Romig Middle School math teacher John Bruce as 2015 Alaska Teacher of the Year on its 116 ATMs across the state. All fall, Wells Fargo’s ATMs featured a screen congratulating Bruce with details about his teaching achievements.
“At Wells Fargo, we know that students, families and communities can only thrive when they have talented, passionate teachers, and we believe it’s important to celebrate those teachers,” said Joe Everhart, regional president for Wells Fargo in Alaska. “We’re honored to congratulate Mr. Bruce and to thank all of our teachers for their service. Our entire community benefits from their work, and we want to show our appreciation by honoring one of Alaska’s best.” Partnership Press
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Business partners speak to Hanshew’s school business partnership class Article submitted by Hanshew students Max Duruin (8th grade), James Knudson (7th grade) and Medo Abuobaid (7th grade)
From August through October, 2015, Hanshew Middle School’s School Business Partnership class had five business partners come into the class to speak. Each of them told the students how to get a job easily. The business partners were Alaska Resource Education, Aeropostale, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Alpha Alpha Chapter, Menchies and Lowes. All of the business partners told the students what they do in their jobs and how students can prepare
themselves to get a job in the future. They also told the students how to correctly speak in an interview. Aeropostale manager Shannon Reynolds told the students a clothing store might hire an applicant if they were wearing their product. The business partners told the students to be social because you need to talk to people on the job. Jahyira Jennings-Allen, a student in Hanshew’s School Business Partnership Class said “All of the businesses are important.”
Menchies provides wisdom and special treats Article submitted by Alexis Robancho (7th grade), Elena Curtis (7th grade) and Jahyira Jennings-Allen (8th grade)
On October 7, 2015, Hanshew Middle Schools’ School Business Partnership class had one of their school business partners come to talk. That school business partner was Menchies, a frozen yogurt shop on Lake Otis Parkway. They sell all different kinds of flavored, frozen yogurt, such as strawberry sorbet, fudge and many other flavors. Their motto is “We make you smile.” When Menchies owner Casey Millar came, she talked about the history of Menchies and brought some samples for students to try. She also talked about how the Menchies company was established. Students learned many interesting facts. “I didn’t know that if you carry the Menchies logo, your’e advertising wherever you go!” said student Mackenzie Rodgers. All the student learned how to dress for an interview, how a Menchies employee does their job, and some employee information. Ms. Millar
was invited to share with students how she runs her establishment. “Mench” means good person in yiddish, and Casey Millar is a wonderful person who wants to make people smile. And she made everyone in our class smile’’ said student Alexis Robancho. Students in Hanshew SBP class share their thank you banner for Menchies.
Aeropostale Class Speaker Article submitted by Hanshew eighth-graders Meadow Boster and Kiera Peace
In September, Shannon Reynolds, the manager of Anchorage’s Aeropostale stores, came into Hanshew’s school business partnership class, and talked about getting a job in the apparel business. Reynolds gave students interview tips, such as what to wear and how to present themselves. Attitude is everything, she told them and could determine whether they get a job or not. “I liked that she educated me about the business world, so I didn’t go into it blindly,” said eighth-grader Meadow Boster in Hanshew Middle School’s business partnership class.
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Shannon Reynolds from Aeropostale
School Business Partnerships
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Alpha Alpha Chapter shares tips on jobs Article submitted by Tristyn Ketchum (8th grade), Sophie Simeonoff (8th grade) and Raymond Burke (8th grade)
Mr. Lynus Capehart from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Alpha Alpha Chapter came to Hanshew Middle School on September 24, 2015. Mr. Capehart was invited to teach Hanshew Middle School’s school business partnership class about how to get a job and how to get into programs such as apprenticeships. The class learned about what a person has to do to get into an apprenticeship and why the students might consider doing an apprenticeship. The reason the students might consider the apprenticeship program is because they can get paid while they are learning how to do a job. Mackenzie Rodgers, a student from the class said, “There are more jobs out here than I thought.” Lynus Capehart from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Alpha Alpha Chapter
Janna Walkers sixth grade class with manager Gordon Streeter, server Phallon Rogers and Julie Sandstrom, UAA student teacher intern.
Rogers Park practices restaurant etiquette with partner, Village Inn Sixth grade students in Janna Walkers class walked a few blocks to Village Inn on Northern Lights, their neighborhood restaurant and school business partner to enjoy a business breakfast. “We are learning how to have good manners so if we have a lunch meeting we will make a good impression and get a job,” shared one of the students. Manager Gordon Streeter was hosting the breakfast and was pleased to be supporting the efforts of Rogers Park. “We wanted to set up the tables to give the students a formal breakfast experience. We are trying to teach them how to behave properly and also do things such as tipping their servers. I am super impressed with Partnership Press
their manners.” Server Phallon Rogers added, “I think they are using great manners and for such a large group they are being very quiet. They are doing a great job.” Teachers Janna Walker along with Julie Sandstrom, her student teacher from UAA milled around the students pointing out things such as placing the napkins in their laps, reminding them of things they had learned. Both were grateful to Village Inn for supporting this effort and giving these students an opportunity that many of them had not had before. The students were all smiles and had nothing but nice things to say about the experience. Nice work Rogers Park and Village Inn! 11
An important message from United Way of Anchorage:
Let’s Get Our Kids to School. School attendance is typically highest in September and October, followed by a dip in November and an even deeper drop in January after the winter break. Now is the time to step up efforts across the community so that we can change those patterns and get more of our kids to school, every day. With over 600 businesses participating in the School Business Partnership, just think what is possible if attendance became a driving focus for partner events, projects and sponsorships throughout the year, across the city? Businesses have a very real opportunity to change academic outcomes for kids of all ages and to drive graduation rates across the district.
through your partnership? • Provide incentives. Encourage strong, improved attendance by donating gift certificates, books, a class party or field trip as rewards for meeting class or school-wide attendance goals. • Educate your employees. Share information about the impact of attendance with your employees and prepare those who tutor or mentor students with messaging to encourage good attendance and support the kids they work with.
Looking for ways to get started or to raise the bar on your current efforts?
• Champion attendance. Become a 90% by 2020 monthly attendance champion to spread the word through your social media channels and with your employees and customers to help build a city-wide culture that values attendance.
• Get the facts. Do you know what the attendance rates are at your partner school(s) and what the attendance challenges are for the students you support
Visit 90by2020.org for a toolkit with social media posts and graphics, flyers, messaging and additional ideas for ways to get involved.
School Business Partners deliver prizes to recognize 1st quarter perfect attendance From top left: North Star elementary kindergartner Amariyah AgaluTaala was thrilled to receive a party package for six and an end of year classroom party compliments of IBEW and For Fun Alaska from Dora Wilson of IBEW and Glen Nielsen, Executive Director of Elementary Education. Lexie Mizeras from GCI accompanied by Cheri Spink, SBP Executive Director surprised Elise Oelke of Dimond High with 25,000 Alaska Air miles for her perfect attendance during the first quarter of school. Dora Wilson of IBEW awarded Blake Page, a sixth-grade student at Gladys Wood a movie package for six and an end of year classroom party compliments of For Fun Alaska. Najma Ibrahim of Begich Middle School was recognized with an iPad courtesy of GCI. With her are Cheri Spink, SBP Executive Director and Cessilye Williams, principal. Not in photos: Nyagoa Kong, fourthgrader at Fairview Elementary. 12
School Business Partnerships
High School Supervisor, Joe Zawodny helped serve ham and turkey at the SAVE Thanksgiving Feast
SAVE HS hosts a thanksgiving feast for their students and for their school business partners. In November, SAVE High School held their annual SAVE Thanksgiving Feast. School business partners from the Alaska Native Heritage Center and Tastee Freez were treated to a delicious meal prepared by students and staff. Students were given hams and turkeys to take home and cook and bring back for the lunch. They also brought favorite side dishes that their families make for the holidays. There was a great variety of ethnic food. The luncheon was a way to say thank you to the partners and also provide a special meal for the students attending SAVE.
Rich Owens, owner of Tastee Freez enjoys a Thanksgiving feast with Marge Nakak and Michelle Trefore of the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Partnership Press
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Partners provide turkeys for appreciative families from Chinook Elementary Chinook Elementary School treated their families with a fun night of turkey bingo. Seventy-three families went home with a Thanksgiving turkey. These turkeys were donated by school business partners, Anchorage South Rotary Club, Carrs Huffman, Alaska Surgery Center and Kansha Restaurant. During the evening families learned about AMP scores; how to read and interpret them. They also looked at how wonderful their school is doing in closing the achievement gap. Over 260 people attended.
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School Business Partnerships
Steller students teach water safety education programs with help and training provided by partner Kids Don’t Float Steller Secondary School partnered with the Alaska Office of Boating Safety, in delivering the Kids Don’t Float (KDF) education program to local elementary students. The partnership is inspired by the dedication to serving community and providing life-saving information. The Kids Don’t Float education component is an injury prevention program designed to address Alaska’s high child and teen drowning rate. The KDF education program trained Steller Secondary School students as KDF Ambassadors, one aspect of the KDF education program. The KDF Ambassadors develop their own lesson plans, teach in elementary schools, instruct in-water pool sessions, and Iris Nawiesniak–Alaska Office of Boating Safety, Victoria Weindel–Steller SBP coordinator, Krista Richards–student, Sienna Moyer–student, Kelli help with community projects and events. Toth–Alaska Office of Boating Safety, Reed Whitmore–principal Steller While providing an important role to the Secondary. community, KDF Ambassadors develop public speaking skills, time management, lesson planning, and gain professional skills for future Below are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities career endeavors. Steller Secondary School KDF Ambassador community activity includes: Steller students have gone above and beyond, showing exceptional dedication to the Kids Don’t Float program over the last 15 months. Steller student’s efforts have exceeded the many volunteer hours they have contributed to the Kids Don’t Float classroom and pool sessions. KTUU Channel 2 News featured Steller Ambassadors during Alaska’s Safe Boating Week speaking on-camera about their involvement and dedication to the program. KDF Ambassadors attended various community events bringing their own unique twist to the program while providing life-saving information to the public. Two of the Ambassadors at Steller High School won Ambassador-of-the-Month awards for their commitment and outstanding performance with the Kids Don’t Float education program. One Steller student was recognized and nominated for the Spirit of Youth Award.
Partnership Press
• North Star Elementary School classroom presentations • North Star Elementary School Fall Carnival two years in a row • Denali Montessori community event • Pool Sessions with various Anchorage schools and organizations • Community Health Fairs • Great Alaska Sportsman’s Show • Anchorage Paddle Fun Day • Summer Solstice Event • Safe Boating Week Steller Secondary School students have volunteered over 67 hours with the Kids Don’t Float education program. Their community involvement and dedication to the Kids Don’t Float education program is a valuable asset to the program and to their community.
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Students at Gruening Middle School share photos of family members in the military.
Creekside Park forth and fifth grade chorus leads songs at the Veterans Day assembly.
Veterans Day LTC Hardwick is an Army Ranger, he has seen four combat deployments, he’s jumped from airplanes, he blows things up, he is basically, “Call of Duty”. This is how Hardwick got the attention of the students at Gruening Middle School at their Veterans Day assembly. But he also shared that he is a history nerd. That passion grew in high school US History class. He fell in love with the history of the United States for which he credits his teacher, Ms. Beasley. First the violence, the battles, the wars, the heroes and the villains caught his imagination then he became a Constitutional and Civil-Liberties fanatic while taking a class from another high school teacher. He graduated from college and joined the army. When he went to war, he realized for the first time why he joined the army and sworn an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. Then things changed when his deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq caused him to question why he was doing what he was doing. He lost several good friends in the war. As he was trying to process the meaning of those losses, he had an opportunity to go to graduate school and then to teach history at West Point, as he put it “a history nerd heaven”.
Lt Col David Kurle, Commander of the 447th Force Support Squadron gives inspirational speech to students, staff and families at Creekside Park. 16
Hardwick is a great teacher. He spoke of liberty, the Foundation of the Republic, Independence, the Newburgh Conspiracy, the civil rights movement and education. He shared the pinnacle of enlightenment: the power for the most perfect self-governance is inside each one of us as citizens. There was much more to this inspirational speech but the message he left the students with in closing was this:
“Choose to be a hero in your community and to your family, choose to be a hero to yourself. Be the best you that you can be. You don’t have to be a soldier to be a hero. Be the best doctor, the best teacher, the best car mechanic. Be the best citizen that you can be. Serve others. Get an education. Go forth on Veterans Day and be worthy of the charter we were given as a republic.” I believe we were all inspired by his speech and sincerity. Veteran’s Day had a special meaning to the students, staff and visitors because of Hardwick’s act of service this special day.
LTC Hardwick talks to Gruening Middle school about history and the importance of being the best that you can be on Veterans Day. School Business Partnerships
Dimond High hosts a luncheon for their partners Dimond High School recently hosted their second annual School Business Partnership Luncheon in November. The food and decorations were graciously provided by the Dimond PTSA. Ten of their 19 school business partner representatives were able to attend; Denali Alaska Federal Credit Union, Siemens Industries, Papa Murphy’s, Jewel Lake Tastee Freez, Anchorage Kiwanis Club, Stantec, 3M, Alaska Steamdot Coffee, Bagoy’s Florists, and Orthopedic Physicians of Anchorage.
Principal Tina Johnson-Harris extended a warm Dimond welcome to all in attendance and thanked them for their ongoing contributions to the success of students, schools and the community. Following her remarks, Mr. Campbell of the Dimond Engineering House highlighted upcoming engineering events for the 2015–16 school year, such as CANconstruction and Smart Girls Rock. The finale of the luncheon was a question and answer session wherein Dimond students showcased two Dimond-produced robots.
Rich Owens of Tastee Freez and Fred Fleck of Papa Murphy’s enjoy someone else’s cooking.
Ann Dimatulac and Michelle Tuazon of Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union are joined by John Snead, the School Business Partnership coordinator at Dimond.
Leverette Hoover and Dan Hart of Siemens enjoy lunch at the Dimond SBP appreciation luncheon.
Julie DuClos, Lowell Giron and Fred Chun show their robots created through the First Robotics team. These students are enrolled in the Dimond Engineering program that is supported by several business partners.
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A day in your shoes: my visit to Lake Otis Elementary Submitted by Lydia Garcia, NEA Alaska This fall, NEA-Alaska worked with the Anchorage School Business Partnership, the Alaska PTA, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, and several other groups to host the 2015 “Leaders in the Schools” program – an initiative to bring community leaders into our public schools and spend a day in the classroom with educators and students. On Friday, October 9th, I had the privilege of participating by spending the day in Lake Otis Elementary School. Lake Otis is a Title I school and one of the most diverse elementary schools in the district. Upon my arrival, the students were reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. As I listened, I was reminded that throughout our history it has been America’s public school system that has been our greatest equalizer, allowing students of all backgrounds, colors, creeds and circumstances the opportunity to receive an education. I carried that thought with me throughout a truly amazing day at Lake Otis Elementary. My tour began by meeting three student government leaders, the family school coordinator and Principal Doug Gray. Together, they greeted me with a warm welcome and sent me off with the students for a tour of the school. My next stop was to a life skills class for special needs students. The teacher and the teaching assistants attended to each student as though they were the only one in the class. In our public schools, all students are treated with dignity, respect and care. The gifted and talented students in the advanced 18
Lydia Garcia of NEA and Doug Gray, principal at Lake Otis Elementary participate in the Leaders in the Schools event this fall.
learning programs were tackling higher level mathematical exercises and assessment of data. Their ages varied, but most notable was their intense focus and engagement in learning. I had no doubt that these cerebral students are the leaders, scientists, physicians and engineers of tomorrow. Their teacher demonstrated high energy and confidence in their abilities to decipher complex problems and display their analytical skills. Class after class, students, teachers and teaching assistants were busy engaging in the day of learning. The classrooms were filled to capacity with not much wiggle School Business Partnerships
room. I was told that the school normally opened its doors with 400 students, but had experienced a surge in student growth to over 475 students this year.
every day – and to take the lessons they learn back with them to the State Capitol, city halls and board rooms across Alaska.
Lake Otis Elementary is one of relatively few schools in Alaska with a Pre-K program. The teacher and teachers aide talked about how their current students would otherwise not have the means to experience the enormous benefit of early learning. Next, I visited a music classroom. More than 30 students sat in rows following the teacher’s instruction to rotate playing the instruments, following music notes and synchronizing the beat of the song with the lyrics. I was struck by the joy the students shared as they made music together – and by the teacher’s patience in conducting the lesson and keeping all the students engaged in the activity. It takes a team to provide our students with quality teaching and learning. It takes a team to keep our children safe and to strive for equal treatment for all and to maintain an anti-bullying environment. It takes a team to make all students feel accepted and respected for what they each have to offer regardless of their abilities, background, or individual challenges. Alaska’s public schools – and the tireless professionals who work in them – create an equal playing field for all students to succeed and realize their aspirations, hopes and dreams.
Participants in the Leaders in the School program meet for lunch to discuss their experiences and insights gained visiting the schools.
The staff and students at Lake Otis Elementary encouraged me to come back sometime – and I plan to do so soon. My goal is to go back to visit this special school with my legislator. Going back to school offers our policy makers an opportunity to personally experience the wonders and inspiration that occurs in our schools
Principal Bongi Agerter begins new SBP with James Kirkland of Alaska VA Healthcare System during Leaders in Schools visit to Alaska Native Cultural Charter School. Partnership Press
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Wonder Park gets first hand view of JBER Wonder Park’s fourth grade visited JBER Monday, Nov. 16 for a field trip with School Business Partner 673rd Force Support Squadron. Teachers, staff, and students enjoyed a range of activities and presentations. Wonder Park and 673rd have been partners for three years and every year they have expanded thier partnership. “We love our airmen!” exclaimed Sean Murphy, principal.
Anchorage School Business Partnerships 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage, AK 99504-3135 www.asdk12.org/sbp www.facebook.com/AnchorageSBP