SPECIAL EDITION
Partnership Press
Dedicated to the exemplary partners and nominees of the 2014–15 Spirit of 2014 Tomorrow Spring Awards
Newsletter of the Anchorage School Business Partnership Program • (907) 339-7278 • www.asdk12.org/depts/sbp
Congratulations 2015 School Business Partnership Spirit of Tomorrow Award winners The School Business Partnership Board of Directors would like to congratulate all businesses, schools and educators that were nominated for this years Spirit of Tomorrow Awards. We thank the nominees for the great work they are doing together on behalf of our students and community and dedicate this Spring 2015 edition of the Partnership Press to all of these exemplary partners.
The 2015 Anchorage School Business Partnership Spirit of Tomorrow recipients include: Business Award Winners: Dr. Kelly Ryan and Williwaw ES
Educator Award Winner: Keith Hodson, Central MS
Subway of Alaska and Abbott Loop, Girdwood, Government Hill and Susitna elementary schools
Student Group Award Winner: Public Safety Crime Scene Investigation Team, King Career Center
Alaska Premier Dental Group and Romig MS Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Clark MS Jitters and Chugiak HS Alaska Native Medical Center and King Career Center Alaska Native Heritage Center and SAVE
Executive Award Winner: John Snead, Dimond HS Superintendent Award Winner: Exxon Mobile Board of Directors Award Winner: Rich Owens, Jewel Lake Tastee Freez
The 2015 Anchorage School Business Partnership Spirit of Tomorrow nominees include: Credit Union 1 and Mountain View ES
Gonzales Marketing and Mears MS
Dino’s Donuts and Taku ES
Quiznos and Hanshew MS
Midtown Family Connection and Lake Otis ES
Credit Union 1 and West HS
Aurora Vending and Wendler MS
Dimond Alumni and Dimond HS
Clearwater Church and Wendler MS
Kathryn Kurtz
Downtown Rotary and Central MS
Social Studies Department and Institute of the North
Stories of this years recipients of the 2015 Spirit of Tomorrow Awards can be found on the SBP website at www.asdk12.org/sbp.
Thank you Saltchuk! Co-Chairman Leverette Hoover of School Business Partnerships (SBP) receives a $10,000 contribution from Sabra Million of Carlile Transportation Systems on behalf of Saltchuk Alaska Companies that represent Delta Western, Inc., Inlet Petroleum Company, Northern Air Cargo, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Foss and Carlile Transportation Systems. The contribution was made in support of SBP and its work to improve student achievement through partnerships and partner activities.
Board of Directors Jan Abbott, RurAL Cap David Alexander, Nine Star Education & Employment Services Jay Blury, Northrim Bank Sharon Chriss, GCI Kayla Craft, Dimond High School Adele Daniels, JBER Heidi Embley, Anchorage School District Michael Graham, Anchorage School District Steve Halloran, Visit Anchorage Phyllis Halverson, BMW of Anchorage Brenda Hansen, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce JJ Harrier, GCI
Leverette Hoover, Siemens Industry Inc. James Kirkland, Alaska VA Healthcare Sabra Million, Carlile Transportation Services Karin Parker, SAVE High School Laarni Power, Providence Health & Services Jeff San Juan, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Brian Singleton, Begich Middle School Anita Stevens, Chinook Elementary School Tara Stevens, BP Marla Thompson, AAA Alaska Tim Thompson, Alaska Airlines Dora Wilson, NECA/IBEW
Advisory Board Judith Crotty, Wells Fargo Bank Bettye Davis, Anchorage School Board Representative Bethany Fernandez, ASD Career Technical Education Lydia Garcia, National Education Association Nikki Giordano, Anchorage Homebuilders Association David Kennedy, Wells Fargo Sheila Lomboy, Wells Fargo James Odoardo, Nana Management Services
Kathleen Plunkett, ConocoPhillips Lynn Shaver, MoneyWorks Inc. Andie Stone, Jermain, Dunnagan & Owens Tim Sullivan, Alaska Railroad Corporation Don Thompson, Aurora Vending Dale Tran, Kaladi Brothers Coffee Julie Vincek, King Career Center Natasha von Imhof, Anchorage School Board Representative
Honorary Board Tam Agosti-Gisler, School Business Partnerships James Blasingame, Alaska Railroad Corporation Bob Dickson, Atkinson Conway 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, School Business Partnerships Chris Wilson, Subway of Alaska, Inc.
Executive Director  Cheri Spink 339-7278  sbpartnerships@gmail.com 2
School Business Partnerships
Anchorage student wins the regional Better Business Bureau $10K scholarship Spencer Mitton of South Anchorage High School won the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Foundation’s Students of Integrity Scholarship this spring. High school seniors from across the Northwest applied for the $10,000 scholarship by creating a 90-second video that demonstrates how BBB helps people become smart consumers. Mitton has a 3.73 GPA, is the captain of his high school running team and has received the Eagle Scout award for a service project for the Food Bank of Alaska. Mitton plans to study engineering at Brigham Young University this fall. His video www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mtZ5FVl70cs gives consumer tips on how to prevent identity fraud and has garnered more than 2,000 views on YouTube. BBB narrowed the contestants to 16 finalist videos in February. They have generated thousands of views on BBB’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/ BBBNews4You and are still available for public viewing.
“We are impressed by the creativity and effort put into all the videos,” BBB CEO Tyler Andrew said. “When we launched the scholarship, we wanted to increase awareness among teens on the importance of marketplace trust. Every video submitted is educational and provides useful information to young and old consumers alike.” A panel of judges from all three states, including Jon Forbes of Shred Alaska who is also a former school principal, submitted scores for all the entries. Mitton’s video received the highest score. Mitton will receive a $10,000 scholarship and travel expenses to Portland where BBB will present him with a check at the March 28 Portland Trail Blazers game at the Moda Center. A portion of his video will be played during halftime at the game.
Partnership Press
Graduation Blitz 2015! #2015ANCGRADS
90% by 2020 is calling on School Business Partners to join in a city-wide celebration to honor the class of 2015, inspire future grads and reinforce the message to families and community members that graduation is an important milestone that we value as a community. Join us in blitzing the city with messages of support and pride for our graduates — from Chugiak to Girdwood! Create a banner or poster to display at your business and help spread the message through social media, your company’s website or email signature. The celebration kicks off May 1st and will run through May 20th, the three weeks when Anchorage School District graduations are held. Check out 90by2020.org for further details and to access a toolkit of graphics. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to share photos of your message to grads as part of our community gallery. Questions? Contact Jann Mylet at (907) 263-3828 jmylet@ak.org.
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Middle school energy efficiency competition has its rewards By Rhonda McBride ANCHORAGE – There were no losers in the “2014 Power Pledge Challenge,” a competition sponsored by Chugach Electric and the Renewable Energy Alaska Project, mainly because finding ways to save energy is always a win-win.
On average, each student who participated in the competition found savings of about $360 a year. Ayers said overall savings amounted to more than $100,000. The students were instructed to discuss their energy saving tips with their parents.
About 1,200 seventh-graders in the Anchorage School District took part. They were armed with information about what causes energy inefficiencies and were told to go home, look around and see what problems could be fixed.
“We moved some curtains out of the way of heat registers,” said Prima Webb, a student in the winning class. “I checked the refrigerator seals, and they were not good, so my dad tightened up those.”
The winning class would be treated to a pizza party, a prize that students in Ben Walker’s first-period science class at Romig Middle School were only too happy to enjoy on Wednesday.
“It’s really expensive, especially because we live in Alaska,” Webb said.
“The reason that this classroom won is because they pledged to do the most things in their home — and therefore save the most energy and save the most money,” said Kate Ayers, an energy efficiency specialist at Chugach Electric Association. “We reached quite a few students, and therefore quite a few homes within Anchorage,” Ayers said.
Webb said this kind of knowledge is important.
The class that placed second, which is also at Romig, is taught by Carolyn Rudzinski. Third place went to Katherine Schroeder’s students at Mears Middle School. Teachers say the students enjoyed the hands-on activities with the meter and calculating the costs of using energy. Teachers also noted that while the students are not in control of their parents’ energy choices, they are in a position to influence them.
Alaska Points of Light Youth Institute grooms leadership in youth This spring several Anchorage students graduated from the Alaska Points of Light Youth Institute (PYLI) student leadership program and were recognized for their dedication to improving the community’s quality of life through volunteer service and leadership projects celebrating Anchorage’s Centennial. Naomi Louvier, owner of Jack White Real Estate has been the lead sponsor for the past 18 years of the Alaska PYLI. The 2015 PYLI graduates included Jasmine Woods, Toni Gilliam and Gabby Gisler of East High School, Taelahna Bennett of Steller Secondary School and Tiawna Lecato of Clark Middle School. Alaska PYLI Institute was held at the Salvation Army Anchorage Corps Community Center, March 9 – 13.
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Correction: In the Winter Partnership Press the photo caption for Walk This Way was incorrect. It should have said: FedEx staff gather to support the SafteKids Alaska event. Students were taught the importance of wearing visible clothing and walking safely during the dark winter months. Thank you Fed Ex and all of the volunteers that helped at this event. School Business Partnerships
Clark Middle School Informers educating and impressing listeners The Clark Middle School Informers have been busy this year doing presentations throughout Anchorage. Their mission is to educate the public on any number of topics. In the fall they attended the Alaska VA Healthcare Clinic to do a presentation about Alaska’s veteran heroes as part of a Veterans Day celebration. Since then they have presented to the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, the School Business Partnership board, the Anchorage School Board and the International Rotary Club, to name a few. Under the leadership of Sharon Pinkney of Clark, the Informers are blossoming. They are doing an amazing job and getting valuable experience at the same time. Keep up the great work Clark Informers!
Julian Rivera-Brown, Nuulau Alaelua and Kelsey Del Rosario present to the Anchorage School Board in March.
Ashley Young, Tiawna Lecato and Kristian Lauofo of the Clark Middle School Informers give a presentation on School Business Partnerships to at the Anchorage International Rotary club luncheon.
Neighborworks Anchorage provides an opportunity for East High entrepreneurs. Several of East’s young entrepreneurs participated in NeighborWork’s Anchorage Winter Market in February. The Anchorage community came out in force to support the event and were treated to a wide variety of excellent food, art and entertainment including East choir members, led by music teacher Melissa Bledsoe Fischer. Students enjoyed new experiences such as making s’mores, hearing the Anchorage Opera and practicing their salesmanship at their food vending tables. NeighborWorks® Anchorage has a history of fostering change, beginning with the revitalization of the Spenard community. NeighborWorks® Anchorage worked with local and state government, as well as residents and business owners in the neighborhood, to formulate a plan to upgrade the community. This effort resulted in road and pedestrian improvements, coupled with small business and home improvement lending, which support the neighborhood. East was pleased for the opportunity to participate in this first winter market and welcome NeighborWorks Anchorage as a new business partner.
Partnership Press
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Northrim Bank an outstanding partner to Fairview Elementary Northrim Bank has been a champion of Fairview Elementary for several years. They began the school year volunteering at the Back to School BBQ serving more than 500 hotdogs, chips and drinks to Fairview families. At the end of October, Northrim volunteers returned to help make Fairview’s First Family Night of the school year a scientific success. Children and families enjoyed ten tabletop experiments that were staffed by Fairview staff, Northrim volunteers and representatives from the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature. When the fun was over, Northrim volunteers pitched-in to assist the museum folks with clean-up and getting the school back in shape for classes Friday morning. This spring bank employees collected clothing items that they found the school was in need of, including gloves, socks, underwear, t-shirts, sweats and backpacks. Northrim volunteers also assisted with a book give away. Fairview students had an opportunity to go home with a new book from more than 200 books donated by Northrim!
Northrim volunteers attended the Winter Program at Fairview where they continued an annual tradition of providing holiday turkeys to be raffled off. Volunteers handed out more than 850 pounds of turkey to 40 happy families. They also stepped up to support the school’s Math Night event. Bank volunteers manned Northrim’s Trail Mix Fractions station and helped with other math themed activities. They also hosted a Parent Financial Workshop where they provided financial literacy information to eight individuals.
A Northrim employee said, “Often it is the simplest things that make the biggest difference!” Northrim bank is making a huge difference at Fairview, one simple act at a time. Thank you Northrim volunteers!
USAF, 381st Intelligence Squadron members lend East High a hand This winter the USAF, 381st Intelligence Squadron from JBER assisted Kelly Auer’s Alaska Studies class from East High on a field trip to the Resource Development Council’s annual convention at the Dena’ina Convention Center. Three chaperones from JBER included TSgt Marshall Davis, SSgt April Joren, and A1C Jasmine Kegler.
“The chaperones were fantastic! They helped facilitate discussions in the students’ small groups, and went on a scavenger hunt with them around the conference booths as well as participating in our industry interview panel. Their presence really added to our day, and our trip would not have been possible without their support.” — Kelly Auer, teacher, East High School
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School Business Partnerships
Providence Health and Services hosts two very different job fairs Providence Hospital staff have been providing Anchorage School District students opportunities to explore health care careers through internships, job shadowing and recently through two very different job fairs. On Wednesday, February 26, Providence provided health care professionals from many departments at the hospital to share personal experience and insight into their jobs. Each professional was armed with information on what education and experience would be required to attain that position. University representatives were present and able to answer questions and help students with course schedules and pathways for each profession. More than 100 students attended this year’s event. Kelsey Olmstead, a junior at Bartlett High, was very enthusiastic when she returned from the job fair. “I know now what I plan to do when I go to college! I knew I wanted to study medicine but didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do or what classes I should be taking. When I approached a table that had germ specimens and tumors I was excited. I always liked biology and chemistry
and found that I could use both of these and with four years of course work at UAA I could become a laboratory technician. This in turn could help me finance my next goal of continuing on to medical school. Having a lab technician to talk to, college counselors and hospital representatives was so amazing. I now have a goal and a path to follow.” The following day Providence hosted a Project SEARCH Expo. Business men and women were invited to go to Providence to meet recent graduates of the SEARCH intern program. Each student stood at attention next to a well-crafted display featuring photos and descriptions of their work at the hospital. Armed with resumes, business cards and professional wear, these students did an amazing job of sharing their skills and experiences gained at Providence during their internship. As Anchorage celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Anchorage School District celebrates its long relationship with the hospital that has been in the state since Anchorage was still a tent city.
International Rotary serving Anchorage students for 24 years.
Tim Trueblood, Rotarian has refurbished, upgraded and prepared computers for students at North Star. Partnership Press
Tim Trueblood of the International Rotary Club has put his computer savvy to work for the benefit of North Star Elementary school students and families. Over the past six years he has refurbished 300 computers which have been used for quarterly incentive awards and have been given to families in need. The International Rotary also supports the “Read to Me” program and purchases dictionaries for the students. This year they awarded ten $1500 scholarships to students at the King Career Center, a tradition they have upheld for 24 years. Our Rotarians in Anchorage are amazing supporters of education and very much appreciated. 7
Project SEARCH intern in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. L-R are: Melodee Smith, RN, assistant clinical manager, Taylor Buchanan, intern; Mary Diel, RN; and Laarni Power, community partnerships coordinator.
Providence Health & Services Alaska Our History in Alaska and Commitments to Schools and the Community Today By Laarni Power, Providence Community Partnerships Providence Health & Services has a long history of serving Alaska. Page Content Founded in Montreal, Canada in 1843, the Sisters of Providence followed their mission to minister to the needs of the poor, sick and vulnerable, and responded to communities throughout the Northwest United States.
many believed Fairbanks would dissipate like other boomtowns. Instead, Fairbanks grew with the influx of the railroad industry. While The Depression hit the Lower 48 in the 1930’s, Fairbanks saw a period of growth. St. Joseph Hospital was known statewide for some of Alaska’s most modern medical facilities.
The Sisters arrived in Nome on June 10, 1902 during the Gold Rush. They soon purchased a two-story building and established the Holy Cross Hospital to provide shelter, care and compassion to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. This pioneering spirit set the standard for modern health care in Alaska and formed the foundation for Providence’s growth.
In 1937 the Anchorage community had started growing with the construction of the Seward to Fairbanks railroad. The Alaskan Engineering Commission made Anchorage its headquarters and funded several new facilities, including the railroad hospital. However, as the community continued to expand, the need for a larger hospital was inevitable.
In 1904 the Sisters responded to yet another community need by establishing a school, offering academic classes, as well as music lessons. By 1906, Holy Cross Hospital had outgrown its first location. With record generosity and support the community opened the second Holy Cross Hospital, but by 1918 the troubled mining industry forced the majority of residents to leave.
In 1939, a new two-story, 52-bed Providence Hospital opened in Anchorage on Ninth and L Streets. There, the Sisters of Providence sought to provide the best medical care available. As a result, Alaskans began to stay instate for their medical care.
Called to join the Sisters of Providence in Fairbanks, the remaining Sisters departed Nome with two boarders still in their care. In 1910, responding to a community need, the Sisters purchased St. Joseph Hospital and were caring for an average of 300 patients a year. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, 8
After World War II, Anchorage became Alaska’s largest city. The new military bases and the war effort contributed greatly to the economy and modernization of Alaska. Continuing their mission of caring, the Sisters of Providence traveled throughout Alaska ministering to those along the way. In 1949, two Sisters began an annual summer vacation bible school. In September 1961, four School Business Partnerships
Sisters came to Anchorage to open Catholic Junior High School. On October 26, 1962, the new Providence Hospital opened at Goose Lake and continues to be its home today as Providence Alaska Medical Center. When the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 wreaked havoc in Anchorage, Providence Hospital stood strong. The Sisters kept the hospital running on auxiliary power while working with the community and helping those in need. After the Chena River flood of 1967, the Sisters of Providence bid farewell to Fairbanks in 1968. They were unable to finance the needed renovations and decided to turn the hospital over to the community. The next two decades witnessed further developments in Anchorage. In 1979 a new Thermal Unit opened to treat burn and frostbite victims. The Cancer Therapy Center opened in 1980. With the opening of Providence House in 1983, patients’ families from out-of-town began to have a place to stay close to the hospital. Also in 1983, Providence Extended Care Center was remodeled and enlarged, continuing to offer individuals with acute and/or chronic illness a long-term care facility. In 1984, Providence began to offer helicopter ambulance service, and in 1985 the new Maternity Center opened with the only in-state Level III facility with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In 1987, Mary Conrad Center, a 90-bed skilled nursing facility, opened.
Chamber of Commerce judges Northwood ABC Elementary Science Northwood ABC invited their business partners from the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce to act as judges for their school science fair. “Students were innovative and very thoughtful. Many projects were dedicated to making situations improved. These are our future leaders in business!” said Brenda Hansen the Vice President of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce.
Growth in the 1990’s included a remodeling of Cardiovascular Services in 1991, and the acquisition of Seward General Hospital in 1996 and Kodiak Island Hospital in 1997. In 1999, the new Children’s Hospital at Providence Alaska Medical Center celebrated its official grand opening. Beginning in 1992, the Sisters’ ongoing commitment to the community is reflected in the work at the Brother Francis Shelter where hot meals are served to an average of 150 guests per night. Today, Providence Health & Services Alaska continues to meet the needs of Alaska’s growing communities. With its ongoing pledge to support education, Providence remains actively involved with Anchorage School Business Partnerships, with continued representation on the board. Among other endeavors, Providence supports the ASD Gifted Mentorship program; the Biomedical Career Academy; Project SEARCH internships; the King Career Center OJT program; and various high school health occupation programs. While Providence’s history provides guidance, its mission drives the commitment to service excellence. Partnership Press
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Partners support attendance recognition program 2nd and 3rd Quarter IBEW Local 1547, For Fun Alaska, GCI and Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of South Anchorage awarded prizes at the completion of 2nd and 3rd quarter to students with perfect attendance. The students are drawn randomly from all students in the Anchorage School District with no absences or in the case of elementary school, no unexcused absences. The purpose of the program is to support the Anchorage School District goal of improving attendance and send a positive message to students that the business community wants them to understand the importance of coming to work every day on time and ready to learn.
Lexie Mizeras of GCI and Michelle Appel of For Fun Alaska pose with 3rd quarter middle school student winner, Nevaeh Peterson.
Students in elementary school won an inflatable party with pizza for their class from For Fun Alaska and IBEW. Middle school students won an iPad compliments of GCI and an inflatable party for 30 from For Fun Alaska. The high school students won 25,000 Alaska Airline miles from GCI. The last quarter will be an exciting one as one junior or senior is going to win a brand new 2014 Jeep Patriot compliments of Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of South Anchorage, four high school students will win 50,000 Alaska Airline miles from GCI and three elementary school students are going to win their school an ultimate field day compliments of For Fun Alaska and IBEW Local 1547. 2nd Quarter Winners: Derek Mack, 9th grade, Highland Tech Charter School Edgie Boy Fernandez, 7th grade, Mears MS Brodie Wedeking, 1st grade, Girdwood ES Angelez Wilson-Ramirez, 2nd grade, Government Hill ES Elena Mitchell, 6th grade, Ocean View ES
Girdwood Elementary: First-grader Brodie Wedeking, mother Katra, Cindy Hemry principal, Dora, Michelle and Katy Bishoff teacher.
3rd Quarter Winners: Damarian Garrett, 10th grade, Bartlett HS Nevaeh Peterson, 6th grade, Clark MS Lexi Roehl, kindergarten, Alaska Native Cultural Charter School Curtis Siems, 2nd grade Susitna ES John Mahoney, 6th grade, Aurora ES 10
Highland Tech: Ninth-grader Derek Mack with mother Svetiana Mack, Leah Scholz GCI, Maureen Moore GCI, Jenifer Nelson GCI, Ed Graff, Troy, Michael Shapiro principal. School Business Partnerships
Wells Fargo speaks to students in Advanced Computer Tech class about banking
Army 1st Battalion Airborne, 40th Calvary teach Ravenwood Elementary students survival skills
Brandon C. Hughes, Branch Manager, Assistant Vice President and Dierre R. Davis, Service Manager.
Army 1st Battalion Airborne, 40th Calvary attended the Ravenwood Winter survival camp to teach outdoor safety and survival skills. “The 40th also helps with winter sports programs, movie nights and more. They are great positive role models for the kids and are great for our school.” said Clare Gauser the principal at Ravenwood.
Gruening MS student William Brand gives his thumbs up to Wells Fargo presenters.
OPA continues to protect our student athletes Orthopedic Physicians of Anchorage (OPA) has played an important roll at East High and throughout the Anchorage School District helping to keep student athletes healthy and programs successful. OPA provides physical trainers to watch and care for East’s players during practice and during games. The players feel more confident playing sports knowing they have professional help near by to assist them when they need it and professionals who can tape and bandage them up to avoid injuries. Thank you OPA for being there for our students. Partnership Press
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The following pages contain stories of 2015 Spirit of Tomorrow Award nominees. The stories of the award recipients are in the 2015 issue of Best Practices. Additional stories of nominees and the award recipients can be found online at www.asdk12.org/sbp/.
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Midtown Family Connection have connected in a big way with Lake Otis Elementary Lake Otis Elementary School and Midtown Family Connection have been partners for only one year and already it’s been an amazing partnership! Midtown Family Partnership is comprised of two churches: Alliance Bible Church and Skyline Foursquare. Midtown Family Connection has proven how much they care and are willing to do. They began the partnership by sitting down to see where they could be of the most help. One of the first projects was helping to run the bike safety rodeo at the end of last school year. They provided volunteers to tune up bikes, run crafts and game stations and barbeque hot dogs for the kids. This winter they had 13 volunteers show up for Winter Fun Day when the temperature was only 6 degrees! At the beginning of the school year, they organized a back to school barbeque and carnival; assisted at a multicultural night; gathered school supplies and donated winter gear. Throughout the year they have collected food and helped to pack it into bags for students to take home over the weekend. They have several people who volunteer in the school on a weekly basis assisting in the classrooms. They provide a volunteer to help with orchestra three times a week. They collect box tops for the school. This year Midtown Family Connection will be hosting a Spring Scavenger hunt for Lake Otis families. Lake Otis gives back to Midtown Family Connection by providing art work for the churches and inviting the churches to come to events such as Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and Winter Holiday Appreciation.
“We have loved our partnership!” — Jeff Wiesinger, Pastor Alliance Bible Church.
“We have really enjoyed our partnership with Midtown Family Connection. We appreciate their commitment and support to Lake Otis Elementary. Their involvement has made a big difference in our school!” — Doug Gray, Principal, Lake Otis
“Midtown Family Connection is amazing. They support our students and families in so many ways! We are so lucky to have a partnership with Midtown Family Connection!” — Jen Stoneburner, Counselor, Lake Otis
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School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Credit Union 1 an integral partner for Mountain View Elementary For the past four years Credit Union 1 has been a huge supporter of the Mountain View community. They are consistently professional and upbeat while in the school. They play an integral role at school family nights and are always there to provide volunteers and donations when they are needed. They provide volunteer judges for the school spelling bee, they host marketing booths during open-houses, donate supplies, host field trips and school assemblies and teach financial classes. The school is extremely thankful to have a partner that is so dedicated and supportive. Mountain View shares their appreciation by displaying the Credit Union 1 logo in their SBP Hall of Fame, on their electronic bulletin board, on their facebook page and in their monthly newsletters.
Dino’s Donuts is making a positive impact on Taku, one donut at a time Taku Elementary school’s partnership with Dino’s Donuts officially last June though Jeanine Keppel, owner of Dino’s Donuts, had been a supporter of the Taku community prior to this. She donated donuts for the fall 2013 carnival and “free donut coupons” for prizes to use at the schools discretion. She also supported the school wide 100th day celebration on January 30th this year by providing donuts.
“Awesome … a new experience for me! The people there were nice. They smiled and laughed!”
Taku and Dino’s Donuts have combined forces to acknowledge students who come to school everyday. One of our district initiatives is a focus on school attendance to improve student academic achievement. Keppel has gone above and beyond in supplying donut coupons to students with perfect attendance each school quarter. The donut coupons are a motivator for some students. Moreover, she is willing to open her doors to our students to perform in public and to entertain the community.
“It was nerve-wrecking. I don’t like singing in front of people or crowds, but it was fun. I would do it again because I had a really good time and it taught me not to be scared.”
On Thursday, December 11, 2014, the Taku choir took a tour and visited Dino’s Donuts. Keppel was pleased to have the choir perform holiday songs for her customers and the students had fun performing. Here are what some had to say:
“It felt like I was going back to when I was a little kid…Alaska Native Dances in front of a lot of people. I like performing.”
“We got to sing and eat donuts. We had fun performing. The audience clapped when we were done and people were smiling at us.”
Taku invites Keppel to special activities such as Open House and quarterly assemblies. They promote her business and recognize her involvement in their monthly newsletter and by displaying Dino’s Donuts logo in their school lobby or front entryway. Taku also purchases donuts from Dino’s for special events to support the business.
“We appreciate Jeanine and we hope to find more creative ways to strengthen our partnership. Even though our partnership with Dino’s Donuts has been for less than a year, we are off to a good start and plan to nurture and expand the relationship in years to come.” — Kelly Ramy, principal, Taku
The Taku choir performs holiday songs for customers at Dino’s Donuts. Partnership Press
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Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Downtown Rotary is committed to supporting Central Middle School In the fall of 2012 the Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club proposed a partnership with Central Middle School of Science. The purpose of the partnership was based on the Anchorage School District’s Destination 2020 plan. The Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club began determining which curricular, extracurricular and career-related programs it could initiate to help assist students academically and improve engagement in the school setting. Rotarians participated in a training to learn how to interact most positively with youth. The selfless commitment that the Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club has made to Central Middle School is without parallel. There are currently more than 10 individual programs at Central Middle School of Science with Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club assistance. More than a dozen volunteers from the Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club are involved weekly at the school. Joint activities include: Mock Job Interviews, Power Lunches (Rotary professionals discuss their jobs,) Art Club, Homework Helper, Track and Field, Basketball, Writing Projects, Math Mentors, Parent Advisory consultant from UAA, buying class sets of books for Language Arts teachers that are not available otherwise and Construction Academy. This year computers donated to the Central Lego Robotics Team helped the team come in fifth in the state, despite starting late in the season. These programs demonstrate that the Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club motto, “service above self”, is being practiced with diligence and enthusiasm. The depth and breadth of programming the Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club participates in offers something for everyone at Central Middle School of Science.
“Rookie year and we placed fifth highest robot score in state and won the Excellence in Teamwork award. Even started the season late and seriously couldn’t have done it without the technology Rotary gave us. BIG thank you!” — Sondra McCotter, counselor and robotics advisor, Central Middle School of Science
Central Middle School of Science’s robotics team “Cyber Central” work on one of their robots.
Central Middle School of Science’s robotics team “Cyber Central” with coaches Mr. Scott Shumway and Mrs. Sondra McCotter storm state meet and wins “Excellence in Teamwork” award. 14
School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Quiznos’ Namen brings her “can do” attitude to Hanshew Middle School Since becoming a business partner in 2012, Missi Namen of Quizos has spent a good deal of time at Hanshew Middle School, especially during volleyball season. The benefit of Namen’s involvement with the students is evident as she walks down the school hallways. As an avid supporter of the Hanshew volleyball team she is quick to share a smile and a friendly greeting for the many students who recognize her.
approach to both arenas. Namen helps students in the School Business Partnership Class understand that employers can work around the busy schedules of students who want to get after school or summer jobs. For many, this is the first time that students hear what employers are looking for in employees and how they might someday be able to juggle a job while continuing to be a focused student and athlete.
The students appreciate her presentations on how to get a first job and during the mock job interviews she takes time to give individual, actionable feedback to students. Students complete their mock interviews smiling and feeling a little more confident about how to interact with a potential employer.
Hanshew School Business Partnership students show their appreciation by creating a Quiznos sign to hang in the foyer, have written thank you cards to Namen for conducting mock interviews and class presentations and have sent Christmas cards and end of the school year thank you notes to Quiznos. Hanshew Middle School also has a link on its school website with a Quiznos logo and a link to the Quiznos website.
The most outstanding characteristic of this partnership is Namen’s willingness to consistently come and work with students, both in the sports realm and in the School Business Partnership class. She brings her “can-do” positive coaching
Gonzalez Marketing LLC inspiring students at Mears Middle School This year Gonzalez Marketing LLC became a School Business Partner with Mears Middle School. The collaboration began informally with Steve Gonzalez guest speaking for the Mears’ Video Production Class and has progressed into Gonzalez and other representatives from Gonzalez Marketing LLC becoming regular guest speakers for the class. Gonzalez has shared his enthusiasm for marketing and advertising which helped inspire the students to participate in the Chugach Electric’s Video Contest for 2014. One Mears student, Jack Anders, won first place in the video contest with Chugach Eclectic and had his video professionally produced pro bono by Gonzalez Marketing LLC and aired on KTUU and KTVA.
recently, Gonzalez and Tom Anderson presented a Go Pro/Quad copter demonstration using an iPhone and video monitor. Many students remarked how this demonstration sparked creative ideas and new areas on interest for them to pursue in their own video production. Working together with Mears Middle School and Gonzalez Marketing has been a win/win situation for all involved. Mears Middle School appreciates the expertise that Gonzalez Marketing brings and in return Mears Middle School posts Gonzalez Marketing LLC Logo on the school website and school newsletters which is sent to all Mears Families.
Tina Arend, Video Production Teacher, shared, “Everyone from Gonzalez Marketing has been so helpful to me in starting the video production class at Mears. Steve has been willing to share his expertise with interesting presentations that students enjoy. He also focuses on life lessons and encourages students to keep on trying new things.” Student comments also echo the message of creative thinking and persistence that Gonzalez teaches. One student writes, “They inspired me by thinking that anything you imagine is possible to make…” Another student writes, “Mr. Gonzalez gave his time to come here early and bring all his technology just to talk to us. He showed us his experiences and was very patient with our questions.” Gonzalez Marketing LLC has shared introductions to many new types of technology with students. Most Gonzalez and Tom Anderson demonstrate a Go Pro/Quad copter. Partnership Press
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Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Aurora Vending giving product to support Wendler programs Aurora Vending of ODOM Corporation has been providing support for Wendler Middle School for 10 years. In support of the Social Emotional Learning activities including school dances, lock-ins and family movie nights they donate drinks for the concessions. These funds are then used to support school field trips, music programs and special assemblies. Their reach is beyond just Wendler. For many years they have provided schools throughout the Anchorage School District with donations of water, drinks and snack products. This year in appreciation of their partnership, the student advisory board at Wendler is planning a partner luncheon. They have also posted their logo in the multi-purpose room and on their website.
“We look forward to many more years of working with Aurora Vending as a partner. Thank you for a great partnership!”
— Piper Jones, teacher, Wendler
Robin Cole from ODOM sets up a soda fountain for Wendler’s Share a heart dance in February.
Clear Water Church at home at Wendler Middle School Clear Water Church rents space from the Anchorage School District so they can hold Sunday services utilizing the Wendler Middle School facility. A wonderful byproduct of that arrangement is that members have embraced the school and have become involved with the school community. At the beginning of the school year they met with the School Business Partner coordinators to discuss how the two entities could support one another through a partnership. The outcome has been mutually beneficial. The school opens its doors to Clear Water Church providing them a table at parent conferences so they can meet the school community and also pass out water to teachers and parents. They also lend a hand in the student run Ram Café when there is a need. During the holidays, Clear Water Church donated items for family holiday baskets for families in need. They also helped wrap the gifts and assemble them into the boxes and baskets to prepare them for delivery. With the assistance of United Way, congregation members are now tutoring students before and after school as part of the initiative to improve student success and increase the graduation rate. To support Clear Water Church, Wendler hopes to open the school café before services on Sundays and plans to host an appreciation luncheon this spring.
“We are thankful to the members of Clear Water Church for helping to support our school and our students and look forward to many more — Piper Jones, Teacher, Wendler years of working together.” Clearwater Church helped us at Christmas time with families in need. The congregation adopted more than 20 families from our school and bought gift cards and gifts for Christmas. Kori Engstrom, Chris Brehmer and the Clear water church representatives. 16
School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Credit Union 1 provides a banking branch and financial training at West High Credit Union 1 and West High School came together in 2009 to create the Credit Union 1 Cyber Branch, a physical banking location within West. The goal of the partnership was to fill a need for students by providing a positive resource for financial literacy. The location is now known as the Credit Union 1 Learning Lab. Through activities such as live concerts, educational contests, “Popcorn Wednesday,” and financial education classes they are able to positively impact students. By allowing CU1 to have a location within the school, CU1 is able to reach out to students and teach them the mechanics of banking, credit and how to navigate the subject of personal finance.
Because personal finance is not a requirement to graduate, the benefits are endless. Credit Union 1 is able to teach and motivate students from a young age how to properly handle their finances and ultimately, teach them how to avoid many common financial pitfalls that others may make. Outstanding characteristics of the partnership are open communication between CU1 and WHS administration, opportunities to work together to support fundraising efforts and general support between the partners. The school gives back to CU1 by providing a permanent space in their building and top-notch students to work with.
Kathryn Kurtz a gem in STEM Submitted by Donna McCray and Kim Fox, ExxonMobil As a private funder dedicated to advancing STEM education throughout Alaska and across the United States, we have had the privilege of working with Kathryn Kurtz in her position of ASD STEM Coordinator. Kathryn is an extraordinary and innovative collaborator who has affected tremendous change in Anchorage’s STEM education community. Her commitment to Title I students and her drive to create the same STEM opportunities for all students across the ASD, regardless of their background or where they go to school, is what sets her apart. Her dedication to developing unique, inventive and low-cost partnerships within the community positively impacts Anchorage students, Native organizations and Title 1 schools in the area of STEM education. She has fine-tuned the interface between the Alaska Zoo’s education programs and Title 1 schools in Anchorage and was instrumental in securing three field trips for Title 1 schools each year. She has designed professional development of STEM teachers in the ASD funded by private partnerships Partnership Press
including the Mickelson Academy, Sally Ride Academy and Iditarod Education Program. Kathryn was instrumental in introducing the National Math & Science Initiative advanced placement training to the Anchorage School district, and having it funded by a private partnership. She introduced the low cost Arduino robotics program to the school district as part of the science curriculum. As a biologist, without an engineering background, this was a significant leap for Kathryn. She didn’t hesitate and jumped in head first. This type of dedication is inspiring. Kathryn was instrumental in coordinating ASD support and student participation in ExxonMobil’s, Introduce a Girl To Engineering Day, a one-day program designed to encourage seventh and eighth grade girls to consider a career in engineering. Kathryn’s next goal is to develop a program of STEM mentors for students K-12. This program would be a collaboration between ASD, STEM professionals, volunteers, and private funders. These STEM mentors would provide continuous support and encouragement to students throughout their school careers. We believe these types of initiatives are the future in STEM education. 17
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Dimond Alumni Association an exceptional partner The Dimond Alumni Association’s roots can be traced back to 1986 when Jim Utter, Dimond’s activity principal at the time, and Don Winchester, class of ’69, held the first annual Dimond Alumni basketball game as a fundraiser to help support school activities. Since its inception, the Dimond Alumni Association (DAA) has given away more than $500,000 in scholarships for both academic and athletic achievement. The association’s gaming permit has allowed countless clubs and activities at Dimond and other schools to raise funds by selling raffle tickets. During the 1997 school year, DAA began advocating for a new grass football field at the cost of $100,000. By the end of the 1999 school year, Dimond had an updated grass football field. The field was maintained throughout the summer by volunteer alumnus Lance Lockard. In the summer of 2007, due to the lobbying and efforts of DAA the field was replaced with artificial turf. Such was the impact of the new facility that Dimond’s field utilization increased from 16 games to 62 football and flag football games in the first year. However, the Alumni Association’s vision of building new football fields didn’t stop with their own. They were instrumental in helping West, Bartlett, East and Service High Schools realize their dreams of artificial turf fields. In 2012 DAA helped to refurbish Dimond’s existing track into an 8-lane nationally certified track, and updated lighting system allowing Dimond to hold state track and field events. More recently, the Alumni are planning on upgrading the announcer booth and replacing the existing scoreboard in the Dimond stadium at an estimated cost of $200,000.
“It’s a work in progress,” according to Don Winchester, President of the Dimond Alumni. “People don’t realize all we do to make even simple school projects work; it takes hours of advocating in the form of meetings, construction planning, permitting, endless fundraising campaigns, and asking for support from our business community, both monetary and nonmonetary to make things happen for kids”. “The Dimond Alumni Association continues to invest in the education of our students because they care about kids and the future of their community. The success of our students is priceless and, for the Dimond Alumni, the core values of being a Lynx remain with us over the course of our lifetimes.” — John Snead, Activities Principal, Dimond High School
“I love the way I feel when I am in the stands watching a football game as an alumni. It’s not same feeling when I’m at other schools. There is pride in being a Lynx. I often wonder who were all the people that I never knew, who worked behind the scenes that made my activities possible when I was a student at Dimond.” —Don Winchester., president of the Dimond Alumni
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School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Institute of the North helping to inspire students to learn about Alaskan issues. In 2011 the Institute of the North reached out to ASD to partner together to raise the bar of student knowledge and understanding of Alaska History. The goal was while working together educating teachers and students, both organizations would benefit as our Alaska citizens would be more knowledgeable and engaged. The partnership with the Institute of the North (ION) and the Anchorage School District started in 2011 when a graduate of West High, Sophie Wiepking-Brown, working as an intern with the Institute, felt there needed to be an engaging activity for students embedded in the Alaska Studies Program. Something that would help students gain a stronger understanding of Alaska’s History that would require research, writing and a formal presentation and also required students to articulate how these ideas are still relevant today. Sophie laid the foundation for the Alaska We The People Program. It has six units: citizenship, natural resources, Alaska Natives, governing entities, the economy and the Alaska Model. The director of ION was willing to provide community support for training teachers and the education of our youth of the unique aspects and challenges facing Alaska citizens. For the past four years the Anchorage School District has received exceptional support for this program. The Institute of the North has collaborated to build a working plan to engage teachers, provided training for over 25 Alaska Studies Teachers in Alaska including credit courses at no cost and presentations by 30 community experts. They have advocated for funding from the State Legislature to support a district and state presentation and collaborated on a working plan to engage students. Through the We the People program, ION has provided over 45 community member judges for three years who have worked with over 530 students. They have also provided free expert lectures and discussions providing hundreds of hours of classroom support.
Teachers feel empowered, respected, supported and appreciated. Students are having high-level conversation about Alaska issues with community members. Community members see the benefit of the student engagement and struggling to answer complex questions that challenge every citizen in the state. With a strong foundation in Alaska History, students see the complex strengths and weaknesses of our situation. This foundation will serve them well, and might even encourage them to return and give back to this great State. “I just wanted to tell you I judged two rounds of WTP at Bartlett today and it seems that the new program is just what was hoped for in getting students civically engaged. The students had well-organized prepared remarks and they did a wonderful job fielding questions from community member judges in front of their class and teacher. The one thing I shared with the students is that all of them showed that they would be able to participate in civic dialogue – ask questions at a community council or PTA meeting, testify at an Assembly meeting or speak out publicly on an issue they had researched and developed a position on. This was a fine experience.” — Sue Urig “ION is an outstanding partner, even when funding and legislative support has dried up, they continue to champion our Alaska Studies Program. We both realize the shared goal of championing the Alaska Studies teachers and engaging our youth. We take seriously the goal of preparing the next generation of Alaska citizens. We champion their organization and through our shared goals strengthen each others organizations.” — Pam Orme, Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator
Institute of the North staff, interns, fellows and board members visit with President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson of Iceland. Partnership Press
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At the School Business Partnership March meeting Co-Chairman Leverette Hoover, recognizes School Board members Tam Agosti-Gisler and Bettye Davis for their support for the organization and the schools during School Board Member Recognition Month. Bettye Davis, Kathleen Plunkett and Natasha Von Imhoff serve as advisory board members. Tam Agosti-Gisler is an honorary SBP board member and former director. Natasha Von Imhoff and Kathleen Plunkett were unable to attend but found a surprise in their mailbox!
You could win a great prize! Complete the 10 question School Business Partnership survey online at: School staff survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/J37NP73 Business/Organization Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/JFBZ8DG
Anchorage School Business Partnerships 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage, AK 99504-3135 www.asdk12.org/depts/sbp www.facebook.com/AnchorageSBP