Partnership Press
Fall 2015
Newsletter of the Anchorage School Business Partnership Program • (907) 339-7278 • www.asdk12.org/depts/sbp
Partners provide recognition for students with perfect attendance
Troy Jarvis of Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of South Anchorage and Lexie Mizeras of GCI attend a homecoming event at West High School to express the importance of good attendance.
Students at South High School show their enthusiasm for the attendance prizes at their homecoming rally.
This year many school business partners have stepped forward to offer recognition awards to help improve attendance from kindergarten to 12th grade. The partners include Lithia, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of South Anchorage, GCI, Saltchuk Corporation, Subway of Alaska, For Fun Alaska, IBEW, the Alaska Railroad and Alaska Airlines.
off. There has been a steady increase in school attendance since the inception of the program. Many organizations have combined their efforts to support this and other goals to increase the success and graduation rate in the Anchorage School District to 90 percent by 2020. There is an opportunity for everyone and every business organization to help. Contact School Business Partnerships or United Way of Anchorage to get involved.
These partners want students to establish good work habits while in school so that they carry them into the work place. They are sponsoring the Drive for Perfect Attendance in support of the Anchorage School District goal to improve attendance. Studies show that attendance has a direct correlation to student success and increased graduation rates. The Drive for Perfect Attendance sponsors are firm believers that an investment in students is an investment in the future work force. This is the third year of the Drive for Perfect Attendance program and their efforts are paying
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Cheri Spink, Executive Director for School Business Partnerships, shows her enthusiasm at the Administrative Advance/State of the Schools where she announced this year’s Attendance Recognition prizes and sponsors.
SBP Executive Board Michael Graham, ASD Chief Academic Officer Shiela Lomboy, Wells Fargo Sabra Million, South Central Foundation
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 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 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
A note from Anchorage School Board member, Tam Agosti-Gisler Back-to-school season is giving time for social agencies, businesses and organizations. This community’s support of our school children is heart-warming. I volunteered for a couple hours at the HUGSS (Help Us Give School Supplies) distribution held at East High School. I was told people began lining up at 2 a.m. for the event, and was impressed that some value school supplies as much as others value concert tickets. The early morning queuing wasn’t really necessary, as generous donations allowed every child in the more than 1,200 families who showed up to receive a backpack, each filled with grade appropriate supplies. The joint-organization event by Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Social Services, the Salvation Army and the Child-in-Transition and Migrant Education departments of the Anchorage School District was extremely well done. Kudos also go to the Junior ROTC, adult service clubs, like the Lions, and businesses, like Wells Fargo Bank, that provided volunteers contributing to a smoothly run day. Later in the week, the Anchorage Police Department put on another “get ready for school” event called the Clothesline Project at the Northway Mall in which school clothing was distributed. Businesses and citizens throughout the community again donated the items. Like previous events, the line started at 9 a.m. for distribution that began at noon for a chance to collect one piece of clothing for each ticket received. With this assistance to parents and guardians in meeting the basic needs of our school children, I am hopeful that attention can be redirected to a commitment for excellent attendance this school year. It’s not rocket science to understand that regular class attendance has direct impact on academic outcomes. Other valuable contributions by parents and guardians include setting appropriate bedtimes to ensure a good night’s rest, consistently reading to kids, frequently communicating the value of education in the pursuit of life-long goals and the hard work and perseverance needed by a child in order to take advantage of these educational opportunities. Teachers and administrators will be better able to advance one year of academic growth for each student with this assistance from families and the community.
Partnership Press
Those wishing to be directly involved may contact the 90 percent by 2020 coalition 90by2020.org or Anchorage School Business Partnerships asdk12.org/sbp.
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Gas up to support education Chevron is stepping forward to provide support for our schools. They created a program called “Fuel Your School,” a collaboration between Chevron and Donors Choose. With every purchase of eight gallons of gas or more at participating Chevron stations through October, the company will give $1 to “Fuel Your School.” Through the program, Chevron will donate up to $165,000 to help fund materials and supplies that local teachers have requested for their classrooms. By meeting the specific needs of a class, the program not only expands a student’s educational opportunities, but it also assists our teachers, who on average spend more than $400 out of pocket to pay for school supplies and instructional materials annually. Our teachers spend their own personal resources as well as many hours beyond the school day to assist kids. It is wonderful that Chevron recognizes this and is showing their appreciation and support for our teachers by offering this funding opportunity. We’ll meet you at the pumps!
Better Business Bureau corner
Better Business Bureau offers Students of Integrity Scholarship BBB Foundation offers the Students of Integrity Scholarship annually to recognize high school seniors who personify high ethics as demonstrated through leadership, community service, overall personal integrity and academic accomplishments. A scholarship of $10,000 will be awarded to the winning application submitted by students residing in Alaska, Oregon or Western Washington. Last year, a South Anchorage High School student won the scholarship by creating a 90-second video demonstrating how BBB helps people become smart consumers. Applications will be accepted October 1, 2015 – February 14, 2016. Please see BBB’s website for details:www.bbb.org/alaskaoregonwesternwashington/ charities-donors/about-us/bbb-foundation/ bbb-students-of-integrity-scholarship/ National Cyber Security Awareness Month October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and Better Business Bureau offers tips on keeping your online information secure: Create strong passwords: Use unique online passwords by combining upper and lower case letters, numbers 4
and symbols. Passwords can be phrases or a combination of words. Never use personal information such as a family member name or birthdate. And remember, change your passwords frequently. Update software: Make sure you install the latest antivirus software on your computer. Delete unsolicited emails: Be wary of suspicious emails that look like they are from your bank, credit card companies, or national retailers. Always go directly to the company’s website to find out information rather than clicking on a link in an email. Same goes for online shopping – never click on a link in an unsolicited email or on social media. Go directly to the source and make sure you are on a secure page when submitting personal or financial information (“https”). Monitor your statements: Check your bank, phone, and credit cards statements every month. Report unauthorized charges immediately and consider placing a fraud alert if you believe your accounts have been compromised. For more information, visit bbb.org.
School Business Partnerships
Members of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Beans Cafe, staff and students celebrate their harvest.
Huffman Potato Patch On September 25th, the students and staff of Huffman Elementary teamed with their school business partner, Trinity Presbyterian Church, as well as the PTA, parent volunteers, and community members to harvest potatoes and carrots during Huffman’s annual potato harvest. The potatoes and carrots were donated to Beans Café. Beans’ executive director, Lisa Sauder joined in on the fun.
“Trinity is an amazing school business partner who goes above and beyond on behalf of students, staff, families, and the community,” exclaimed Chris Opitz, principal at Huffman. A perfect fall joint community service project. Nice work Huffman and Trinity Church! Trinity members were back at Huffman on Saturday, September 26, volunteering at the Huffman Fun Run.
The Huffman Potato Patch and gardeners. Partnership Press
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Hear about Paws-itive Acts at Trailside on Wolf Radio Trailside has a school-wide behavior expectation program, and are on the look out for students who show responsibility, respect, honesty, caring for others, self-discipline, integrity, perseverance and citizenship. They randomly select three students each week from grades K-6 who have been caught in a PAWS-itive Act. PAWSitive students are announced once a week on 96.3 FM, The Wolf Radio.
“We appreciate our School Business Partner’s, like Ohana Media Group. We are able to positively impact more students and families by joining forces to promote and encourage PAWS-itive acts, such as perseverance and citizenship,” exclaims Mary Ellison, principal.
Chris Snipes of Ohana Media Group (Wolf 96.3 FM) attends Back to School night and receives a Trailside sweatshirt, compliments Trailside PTA presented to him by principal Mary Ellison.
East side dash On Friday, September 25, East high school held its first annual East Side Dash. This new event was designed to foster community involvement with East high school. Megan Coffey, one of East’s great business partners from Texas Roadhouse, was there to help kick off the new competition. Thanks, Megan! Katie Moss (purple headband) receives a gift card from a representative of Texas Roadhouse while Angie Nishimura, the School Business Partner coordinator for East looks on.
Thank you partners! DiTomaso, Inc. has donated $5,043 to purchase winter clothing for students at Mountain View Elementary School. Bartlett High School received an $8,900 grant from the UAA Confucius Institute for continued support of Confucius Classroom, which is part of the school’s Chinese language program.
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Thank you One-Stop Fireweed Cleaners Chugiak High School keeps a Professional Closet run by the Key Club for students in need of professional clothing for interviews and special occasions. OneStop Fireweed Cleaners has been a great partner helping to keep the clothing clean and spot free. This year they started the school year by removing spots from jacket sleeves on a donated men’s jacket. Thank you One-Stop Fireweed Cleaners. School Business Partnerships
FedEx comes out in force to support the International Walk to School day at Northwood ABC.
Northwood ABC celebrates International Walk to School Day with help of partners Safe Kids Alaska, FedEx, Northwood ABC Elementary School staff and parents, community leaders from Anchorage School District, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska Injury Prevention Center, Alaska Regional Hospital, Anchorage Fire Department and Anchorage Police Department walked with children at Northwood ABC Elementary School to advocate for safer walking environments for children during the 16th annual International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, Oct. 7. Volunteers walked to school with students to encourage safe pedestrian behavior, promote driver awareness of pedestrians and educate students regarding the importance of reflective clothing. They wore reflective vests, carried signs and banners and greeted students and parents as they walked to school. Once at school students were treated to a reading of the book “Clifford Takes a Walk� and Clifford himself. This was followed by a visibility fashion show featuring school staff, FedEx volunteers, police and fire personnel as models of safe behaviors and being visible in the dark Anchorage months. According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are the second-leading cause of death among children ages five to 14 worldwide. On average 44 children are killed or injured every day severely enough to seek medical attention and almost 500 children are killed every year in the United States. Safe Kids Alaska and FedEx are working together to raise awareness, promote pedestrian safety and create safer routes for walking and bicycling.
Partnership Press
Kathleen Hollis, Dawn DuPree, Shannon Shea, Cary Van Dyke and Laarni Power of Providence Alaska Medical Center gather for the Walk This Way assembly after volunteering.
Dee Rambo, Lydia Maine and Sharon Headley of Alaska Regional Hospital join school board member Tam AgostiGisler in warming up inside the teachers lounge after greeting students walking to school.
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Junior Achievement volunteers teach students lessons on economics On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, 23 volunteers from BP and the Anchorage business community provided students at Lake Otis Elementary with hands-on activities that helped them understand the importance of business and economics. In partnership with business and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential and preparing them for the world of work.
Volunteer, Terri Norene, reading to her students about working, earning and saving their money
BP Volunteers who taught JA programs to students at Lake Otis Elementary
Volunteer, Monte Mabry, teaching fourth graders about resources in their region
A kindergarten class sharing their JA certificates
Volunteers:
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David Lachance
Donna Benjamin
Mike Bridges
Jamie Staudinger
Terri Norene
Carl Propes
Tiffany Tutiakoff
Kevin McElhaney
Caroline Bajsarowicz
Eli Chambers
Santosh Patil
Monte Mabry
Katie Nitzberg
Ryan Dunn
Juan Marroquin
Mark Fondren
Denise Bailey
Donna Douglas
Megan Moore
Halley Fondren
Jennifer Julian
Matthew Summers
Kyle Bonney School Business Partnerships
Business Partners Offer Power Pledge Challenge for National Energy Awareness Month This fall, more than 1,000 students have been invited to participate in this year’s Power Pledge Challenge. Chugach Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, Municipal Light and Power and Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) have partnered to host the 2015 Power Pledge Challenge in cooperation with the Alaska Energy Authority in an effort to boost the energy literacy of youth in the Anchorage School District and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. The challenge aims to give youth a better awareness of how they use energy and the importance of taking measures to use energy wisely both at home and school. Classes that participate in the challenge receive a presentation on energy, where it comes from and why energy efficiency is important. Students also complete
a hands-on activity from the AK EnergySmart curriculum, a resource developed in Alaska to teach kids about energy. Students will then complete home energy audits and use their findings to identify specific energy saving measures that they can pledge to take at home. Participating classes will earn a chance to win a field trip to their local power plant, and classes with the highest participation rates will be entered to win a classroom ice cream party. Awards will be presented in October, which is National Energy Awareness Month.
Leaders in the Schools Business and political leaders have been visiting schools and classrooms as a part of the Leaders in the Schools event sponsored by Anchorage School Business Partnerships and Partners for Public Education. Leaders get a chance for a tour, a classroom observation and a meet and greet with staff and students to create a better understanding of what our schools are accomplishing and what the needs are. Bruce Bustamante of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce visits Northwood ABC with principal Deanna Beck. Partnership Press
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Fifth-grade student Kaela Wilkie and her seventh-grade brother Jared Wilkie make a presentation about their business partners to members of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce.
Alaska Native Cultural Charter School presents at the Make It Monday forum Students from Alaska Native Cultural Charter School (ANCCS) were invited to make a presentation on their business partners at the October 5th Make It Monday forum organized by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. The topic of the forum was the economic impact of the First Alaskans Elders and Youth Conference and the Alaska Federation of Natives conference (AFN) held in Anchorage in October. The students have been learning about these events and many are signed up to attend. ANCC is school business partners with First Alaskans and Alaska Federation of Natives and will have a table at the AFN to talk to parents and community members about their school. Kaela Wilkie, Cami Malchoff, The presentation at the forum had two very important outcomes. The students were Principal Agerter, Jared Wilkie able to share what their business partners do for their school and also thank First Alas- and Jeff Siverman enjoy lunch at the Make it Monday Forum. kans and Alaska Federation of Natives for their support. The principal Mrs. Agerter and the ANCCS school chairperson also had an opportunity to meet with the president of First Peoples and sit with Jeff Silverman, special assistant to the president of AFN to discuss ways in which the school can be more involved. Don’t be surprised if you see the ANCCS students singing in Yup’ik at the big events!
Principal Agerter takes a moment to connect with President of First Alaskans, Elizabeth Medicine Crow following the Make it Monday forum. 10
School Business Partnerships
Helping on a rainy Saturday at the Steller Peace Garden. Left to right: Michelle Wilbur Yarducopia, Tom Garlock parent, Reagan Steller student, Victoria Weindel Steller Be the Change & SBP Coordinator
Yarducopia at Steller Secondary Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT) is a local non-profit who believes everyone has a right to clean air, clean water, and toxic-free food. Driven by a core belief in environmental justice, ACAT empowers communities to eliminate exposure to toxics through collaborative research, shared science, education, organizing and advocacy. In keeping with this mission, ACAT’s gardening program – Yarducopia – aims to grow food and community, and to do it organically. ACAT’s organic gardening team has helped Steller Secondary in past years to build and maintain the Steller Peace Garden. This year, Yarducopia has officially teamed up with Steller as business partners to help rehabilitate the garden and mentor students interested in taking the garden further.
Two work parties this fall have brought students and community members together to rebuild raised beds, remove an invasive bird cherry, plant a new pie cherry bush, and mulch trees and garden beds. A larger student-led design, build, and planting effort will follow in the spring. Yarducopia is also working with North Star and Campbell Elementary to build gardens and help students to learn about growing healthy food, though not as official business partners. ACAT/Yarducopia supplies garden building materials for a Lasagna-style garden, organic gardening lessons and information, vegetable starts and seeds, and bring tools and volunteers to the garden build.
Steller Peace Garden Partnership Press
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Carlile paves the road ahead with education Carlile began its School Business Partnership with Mountain View Elementary more than 10 years ago. What started out as a small community commitment has grown throughout the years to support many programs within the school both during class time and at evening social events. A wide variety of Carlile employees, from drivers to customer service reps and members of the sales staff, can often be found spending an hour at the school during the week, as well as participating in evening functions such as family night, community cultural night and the community Thanksgiving feast. Carlile also gathers donations from employees during the holidays to create gift baskets for families in need. A new program that is set to launch this year includes bringing locally sponsored Nordic ski athlete, Sadie Bjornstad, into the classroom to share her experience as an Olympic athlete with students. Sadie talks to students about nutrition and eating healthy, how she uses math during training and at competitions, the importance of being physically active and what it is like to compete as an Olympic athlete on an international stage. In 2015, Carlile plans to launch a new aspect of this relationship, “Where in the World is Sadie?” Students will be able to follow Sadie’s competition schedule around the globe online and learn about other countries in the process. 12
One of the more popular ways that Carlile supports the school is through the donation of hoodies each year. During the fall semester, every student and member of the faculty is provided with a new fleece hoodie that sports the school Mustang logo. Because safety is an integral part of Carlile’s workspace, the hoodies include large sections of reflective strips so that students can be easily seen during Alaska’s dark winter months.
“Carlile is committed to the communities we serve and as a company feel it is particularly important that businesses show support for local schools, not only from a community standpoint, but also as a way to foster relationships with a future workforce,” says Terry Howard, president of Carlile.
School Business Partnerships
“Showing students that their community cares – that connection is critical to help develop future leaders.” Career Adventures: Beginning with one partnership, Carlile’s commitment to Anchorage children has expanded throughout the years to include participation in Career Adventures, an elective class at the middle school level that introduces students to various career paths within the transportation industry, such as safety, logistics, warehousing and truck driving. Carlile worked with ASD’s Career Technical Education and Counseling Department to support classes at four middle schools, including Begich and Wendler middle schools. The real-time classwork provides students the opportunity to internalize what a day on the job is like in various workplaces in Alaska. Activities focus around 3 – 5 major tasks and often include job-related equipment.
challenge the students, such as how many miles are traveled approximately by truck per year – 30 million miles total, that’s equivalent to 63 round trips from earth to the moon! Or, the average truck carries 300 gallons of fuel – a family car carries roughly 20 gallons. Students also learn the safety components of driving a large truck. Volunteers also talk to students about the technical skills that are required for various jobs and the need for constant training to keep current. Safety is always wrapped into every element. Carlile is a terrific partner and example of an outstanding Anchorage School District Partnership. Thank you Carlile.
Warehousing: Carlile brought pallets, boxes, weights and other equipment one might find on a loading dock or in a warehouse. Students were challenged to build pallets for shipment using measurements and weights. The class, split into two groups, learned about the components of a bill of lading, why weight and packaging matter for shipping, how products are moved throughout Alaska’s transportation corridor. Truck Driving: Carlile brings two new tractors to the school and pops the hood so that students can get a firsthand glimpse of a large engine. Fun facts are provided to Partnership Press
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Business partners find student employees at KCC Fall Job Fair The King Career Center (KCC) invited businesses to participate in a Fall Job Fair aimed at entry-level jobs for students 14 and older. The room was filled with nervous energy, resumes and eager employers looking for the right candidates to fill upcoming holiday season positions. Business partners all agreed that the event was very successful. “For a lot of these students, it is their first-time employment. The students seem to have come prepared for this event with resumes and dressed nicely,” said Kimberly Williams of JC Penney. Ashley Horen of Body Renew cheerfully shared, “I love the eagerness and potential the students show. I have found some very promising candidates for employment today.” One student came to the fair to find a job and was amazed when
only five minutes into a search, he was offered one at Regal Theater. “This is an amazing turn out. Kids come asking more than questions about the job openings but also why we like working for our company. They seemed really engaged,” claimed Claire Kreil Kamp of Nordstrom. The representatives from Alaska Railroad were very happy with the number and quality of resume’s they received and remarked, “A lot of potential employees are coming from this group.”
Wayne Dick, the president of Independent Lift Truck of Alaska, Inc. tells a student about the opportunities in his business.
Matthew Graham of the Alaska Railroad speaks to a potential employee.
Ashley Horen of Body Renew interviews a prospective employee at her table.
Leianna Dahlke fills out an application at the Fall Job Fair at KCC.
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The King Career Center hosts a larger spring job fair but were encouraged to try one in the fall for the winter season. Based on the remarks of the business partners it looks like this might be an annual event.
School Business Partnerships
Military Partners support our schools Twenty-six military units have adopted schools to support this coming year. These military men and women have been a major volunteer workforce for our schools for several years. The partnership between Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) and the Anchorage School District was a recipient of the coveted Pete Taylor Award for Excellence. Unit members from the Air Force and Army do a variety of activities including mentoring, after-school clubs and programs, tutoring, special events, chaperoning school trips and activities and more. Military leadership, unit partners and principals met this fall to make plans for the 2015-16 school year. Prepared with school calendars, work schedules and goals for partner activities the room was buzzing with ideas. Partners left the meeting with a plan and an exciting kick-start to the school year.
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Members of Lowes celebrated the ribbon cutting performed by principal Mandy Clark.
Lowe’s Heroes Program builds new moose fence and improves schoolyard habitat at Government Hill Elementary Government Hill Elementary hosted an unusual ribboncutting ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 14. The dedication was not for a new building, but for a new moose fence and other improvements at the school’s outdoor classroom, or schoolyard habitat. The fence and other improvements were built this past summer thanks to the Lowe’s Heroes Program, a program that encourages Lowe’s employees to work together on a volunteer project with a nonprofit organization or K–12 public school to make a difference in the community. Anchorage Lowe’s stores chose the Government Hill project this year for its Heroes Program and in June and August, store employees and managers spent about five days at the school building the moose fence, improving an outdoor amphitheater, installing benches, laying down mulch paths among the planted areas and generally sprucing up the habitat area. The Government Hill PTA also received a $4,000 grant from the national Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program to help pay for building materials. “Lowe’s efforts this past summer transformed our schoolyard habitat into a more beautiful and functional outdoor classroom,” said Government Hill Elementary Principal Mandy Clark. “The new moose fence will help keep moose out of the habitat area and off the playgrounds, and the other improvements will make the area more attractive for teachers and students.”
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The schoolyard habitat was first created by the Government Hill Elementary community in 2011 with assistance and funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A little-used area behind the school was remade into a natural area when students, staff and parents planted more than 100 native trees and shrubs. The goal was to eventually create a forested area that would attract small birds and mammals, and to encourage hands-on, place-based outdoor learning without kids right outside the classroom door. An outdoor learning day took place before the ribbon cutting. Activities included a Lowe’s building project, investigating macro invertebrates, birding, a natural scavenger hunt, earthworm and insect investigations, educational birds from Bird Treatment and Learning Center and more. Partners for the learning day included Lowe’s, UAF Cooperative Extension, Anchorage Waterways, Anchorage Audubon, Bird Treatment and Learning Center and parent volunteers. A very young carpenter learns a new craft under the tutelage of Lowes employees. School Business Partnerships
Karen Pfeifer, Kenna Sue Trickey and Susan Westervelt of Audubon teach students how to use binoculars.
Elizabeth Manning (center) of Alaska Department of Fish and Game with parent volunteer April Mobley and a student who just found (fake) bear scat during her nature scavenger hunt. Bev Cason of Alaska Bird Treatment and Learning Center shares information about a Peregrine Falcon with Government Hill students.
A member of the Waterways Council helps young biologists search for living creatures in the water and mud. Partnership Press
Seventy-five volunteers from three Lowe’s locations in Anchorage assisted with this project. 17
Kierin Ramstad, Becky Stephan and Yvette Tousignant pose in front of paintings created by a former West High student in the Stephan Fine Arts Gallery during the West Side Art Project.
West side art project kicks off at First Friday event Stephan Fine Arts Gallery, the Hotel Captain Cook, and the West High Foundation combined to sponsor an October First Friday West Side Art This project opens our Project featuring West High alumni and supporters including well known names such as Karen Mattson, Linda Brady Farr, Lynn Brautigam Boots, Kerri eyes to just how much art O’Neill, Duke Russell, Dawn Gerety, Ted Kim, Tami Phelps, KM Goodrich, touches all of our lives in Christina Zafren and Gail Sieberts. “This project opens our eyes to just how much art touches all of our lives in one way or another. We’ve seen students one way or another.” and graduates from decades ago! It was a very positive community event. The – Becky Stephan, owner of Stephan Fine Arts Gallery student volunteers were fabulous and very professional. One student volunteer was even offered a part time job in the gallery,” exclaimed Becky Stephan, owner of Stephan Fine Arts Gallery and one of the event organizers. A percentage of all sales will go to the West High Foundation to support excellence in public education.
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Callee Dahl and Brynn O’Connell, West High student volunteers greet attendees at a table during the West Side Art Project at the Hotel Captain Cook. 18
School Business Partnerships
A message from United Way: Businesses can make a difference Missing 10 percent of the academic year or just 17 days—can leave third graders unable to read proficiently, sixth graders struggling with coursework and high school students off-track for graduation. Chronic absence is especially problematic among students living in poverty who are least likely to have the resources to make up for the lost time in the classroom. Businesses have a real stake in reducing absenteeism. Students who don’t develop the habits associated with good attendance in the early years will find it difficult to develop them as adults and they won’t have the academic credentials and “soft skills” needed to compete in a 21st century workforce.
Chronic absence is a problem we can solve, especially if business leaders work with schools, parents and communities to improve student attendance. As a schoolbusiness partner, you can make attendance a focus of the partnership with your school(s) throughout the year: • Provide incentives for good or improved attendance such as gift certificates, books, a class party or healthy snacks. • Prepare your employees who tutor or mentor students with the messaging to encourage good attendance and to let students know how important it is to get to school every day. • Become a monthly attendance champion to share the importance of attendance via social media and with your employees and customers. 90% by 2020 has a toolkit and resources to make it an easy, low/ no-cost way to build awareness. We already have 10 companies committed this year and are still seeking additional businesses with a range of sizes, locations and industries to get involved! Visit 90by2020.org for more information about the ways that you and your business can play a role in improving attendance so that children and youth in Anchorage have a better chance at success!
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Alaska World Affairs Council and BP give youth an enlightening opportunity. Fifty-five students from Eagle River were invited to attend the Alaska World Affairs luncheon this fall at the Hilton Hotel. The lecture was titled, Friendly Dictators Should We Embrace Them or Shun Them? The lecture was presented by Dr. Ted Galen Carpenter, the Senior Fellow for Defense and Foreign Policy from Cato Institute. “We thank the Alaska World Affairs Council and BP for their willingness to provide this wonderful opportunity for our students,� exclaimed Pamela Orme, Director of Social Studies for the Anchorage School District.
Anchorage School Business Partnerships 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage, AK 99504-3135 www.asdk12.org/depts/sbp www.facebook.com/AnchorageSBP