January Newsletter
Kenai Alternative High School
Principal's Corner with Kyle McFall
December was packed with activities and excitement at Kenai Alternative High School. We celebrated the end of the year with a spirit week, our annual Grinch Day, and a staff vs students competition. We also had a large group of students participate in a service project. This project provided students with the opportunity to create community partnerships and work to improve the lives of younger students in the Kenai area. We are very proud of our students' eagerness to take part in these types projects and continue to strengthen the culture of KALT.
The start of the new year brings about a lot anticipation for new things and the culmination of high school careers. At Kenai Alternative, we will continue to work to develop opportunities for students to grow as servant leaders, build partnerships with community members, and prepare for life outside of high school. We are going to start by focusing on the small things, controlling what we can, and taking ownership in our lives. The next several months will be an exciting time at Kenai Alternative High School.
#GoWolves #UnleashThePack
Grinch Day and Holiday Spirit Week
The Giving Tree
We are extremely proud of our students for their work in the Giving Tree service project. They worked together to organize, shop for, wrap, and distribute gifts for children in the Kenai area. With this project, 98 children were provided with a Christmas gift for the holiday season. We feel extremely fortunate for the support we receive from our community and this project served as an opportunity to show appreciation and provide joy to Kenai families. This project also provided opportunities for others to give back as families began bringing in presents of their own to share with the project. The response we received from the community has been awe-inspiring and we are eager to continue working to serve others.
We also want thank the Kenai Elks and the Kenai Community Library for their partnership in this project. Without their generosity and efforts, the Giving Tree would not have been possible.
Student of the Month
Counselor's Corner
Students who are looking for scholarships should attend the Community Scholarship Fair at the Kenai Visitor’s Center on Saturday, January 27 from 10am to 1pm. This event was rescheduled from November 14. The Community Scholarship Fair is a coordinated, grass‐roots effort of local organizations created to educate students and families about the numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to Soldotna and Kenai students. This event is free and open to the public.
The Community Scholarship Fair is for ALL students (high-schoolers, homeschoolers, current undergraduate and graduate students, and adult learners interested in enrolling in college or those already enrolled as CTE students or continuing their education) and any parents/guardians who want to learn more about financial aid opportunities. This is your time to ask how to earn these scholarships!
Also, students interested in any form of post secondary education, including career technical education programs like AVTEC, should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is usually completed in October, but this year it was revised and the new edition of the FAFSA was not available until January. Many scholarships available in the community as well as colleges, universities, or career tech schools require the completion of the FAFSA to determine the financial need of students.
If you need help with completing the FAFSA, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education can help you get started by setting up a virtual appointment with a representative. Shawn can also help with this process, so be sure to reach out to let him know that you need some support to get started.
Additional Information for career development can be found on our counseling office website. If you have any questions about postsecondary planning, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email (sbultsma@kpbsd.k12.ak.us) or phone (907-335-2863).
Senior Spotlight - Levin Hendrickson
Q. How was your experience at Kenai Alternative?
Levin: Good in a way that at Kenai Alternative we are able to have 1-on-1 conversations with the teachers so it is easier for us to understand the curriculum that is being taught.
Q. What advice would you give to incoming students?
Levin: Be yourself. You will be accepted. The teachers mean well when they ask questions about how your day is. It may seem weird because you don't get that attention from other big schools. People here are accepting.
Q. What are your future goals?
Levin: Becoming an EMT or paramedic and potentially getting a bachelor's degree.
Q. Do you have any parting words for your classmates and/or staff?
Levin: This is a really good school. The dynamic is welcoming.
We are proud of Levin for all that she has accomplished and look forward to seeing her take the next step in her journey!
MAPs Testing
All sophomores and some of our new students will be testing the week of January 8-12. Testing will be completed by Friday, January 12.
Community Mentor - Shannon Dodge
Community Event
Kenai Alternative is partnering with KPBSD RIPL, Peninsula Points on Prevention, Change 4 the Kenai, Kenaitze Indian Tribe, KPBSD Sources of Strength, SAFR, and Orca Theater to present a community night on Thursday, January 18th. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm and then we will move into the gym for a viewing of the documentary "Not Enough Apologies: Trauma Stories." This will be followed with a discussion by panel experts. We hope that you can join us!
January Calendar of Events
Early Release
Friday, Jan 12, 2024, 12:30 PM
Kenai Alternative High School, Frontage Road, Kenai, AK, USA
Parent Education Night - ACEs and Resiliency
Thursday, Jan 18, 2024, 05:30 PM
705 Frontage Road, Kenai, AK, USA
Federal Programs Community Night
Thursday, Jan 25, 2024, 05:30 PM
Kenai Alternative High School, Frontage Road, Kenai, AK, USA
KALT Quiz Bowl
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024, 12:00 PM
Kenai Alternative High School, Frontage Road, Kenai, AK, USA
Kenai Alternative HS
Email: kmcfall@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Website: https://kpbsd.org/schools/kenai-alt/
Location: Kenai Alternative High School, Frontage Road, Kenai, AK, USA
Phone: (907) 335-2870
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenaiAlternativeHighSchool
Twitter: @kenaialt