SPECIAL EDITION
Partnership Press
Dedicated to the exemplary partners and nominees of the 2015–16 Spirit of 2014 Tomorrow Spring Awards
Newsletter of the Anchorage School Business Partnership Program • (907) 339-7278 • www.asdk12.org/depts/sbp
Congratulations 2016 School Business Partnership Spirit of Tomorrow Award nominees In this issue we feature outstanding partners that were nominated for awards this year. 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 2016 Anchorage School Business Partnership Spirit of Tomorrow nominees include: CIRI and Muldoon ES DiTomaso and Mountain View ES OHANA Media Group and Trailside ES Starbucks and Eagle River ES Texas Roadhouse and Campbell ES Turnagain United Methodist Church and Turnagain ES Wells Fargo and North Star ES Barnes and Noble and Mirror Lake MS Caffé D’arte and Mears MS Eagle River Rotary Club and Gruening MS
Junior Achievement and Romig MS UAA Academies and Clark MS Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and East HS Denali Federal Credit Union and Service HS Great Harvest and West HS Holland America Line/Princess Cruises and Chugiak HS Moose A’la Mode and Midnight Sun Café and King Career Center Phyllis Bowie and SAVE HS
The 2016 Anchorage School Business Partnership Spirit of Tomorrow recipients include: Business Award Winners: Northrim Bank and Fairview ES Midtown Family Connection and Lake Otis ES Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Handshew MS Clear Water Church and Wendler MS Alaska Botanical Gardens and Benson Secondary School Army-1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry and Eagle River HS
Educator Award Winner: Mike Woods, King Career Center Student Award Winner: Krista Richards, Stellar Secondary School Executive Award Winner: Superintendent Ed Graff, Anchorage School District Superintendent Award Winner: Jim Utter Board of Directors Award Winner: NECA Alaska Chapter and IBEW Local 1547
You can find more inspirational stories of outstanding partnerships in the 2016 edition of Best Practices available online at www.asdk12.org/sbp.
Chugiak/Eagle River celebrates their local public school educators One educator from each of the Chugiak/Eagle River schools were honored at the 12th Annual Chugiak/Eagle River Educator of Excellence awards dinner held at the Bear Mountain Grill on March 30. Each award winner received an awards plaque and a $100 stipend in recognition of their outstanding work as an educator. The winners included counselors, nurses and teachers. This annual banquet is sponsored by the Chugiak/Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, the Chugiak/Eagle 2015-16 Chugiak/Eagle River Educators of River Foundation and the local Rotary club. Excellence with Superintendent Ed Graff. Board of Directors Jan Abbott, RurAL CAP David Alexander, Nine Star Education & Employment Services Leola Atkinson, Middle School Student Rep Jay Blury, Northrim Bank Adele Daniels, JBER Military Liaison Bettye Davis, Anchorage School Board Heidi Embley, ASD, Chief Communications Officer Carol Fraser, The Lake Front Anchorage Michael Graham, ASD Chief Academic Officer 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 Sheila Lomboy, Wells Fargo
Kelly Lykins-Longlet, Northrim Bank Lily Morris, High School Student Representative Lisa Noland, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Karin Parker, SAVE High School Representative Laarni Power, Providence Health & Services AK Brian Singleton, Begich Middle School Representative June Sobocinski, United Way of Anchorage Anita Stevens, Chinook Elementary School, Principal Tara Stevens, BP Don Thompson, Aurora Vending Marla Thompson, Allstate Insurance Dale Tran, Kaladi Brothers Coffee Company Julie Vincek, King Career Center Joe Wahl, GCI Dora Wilson, NECA/IBEW
Advisory Board Karen Allmann, Nana Management Services Sharon Chriss, GCI Judith Crotty, Wells Fargo Bank Bethany Fernandez, ASD CTE Lydia Garcia, National Education Association Nikki Giordano, Anchorage Home Builders Association Steve Halloran, Visit Anchorage Beki Kelly, Alaska Resource Education Lavoie Jessie, Credit Union 1 Diane Maples, ASD Director of Career & Technical Education Sabra Million, Southcentral Foundation
Jann Mylet, United Way of Anchorage Kathleen Plunkett, Conoco Phillips Jeff San Juan, Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Lynn Shaver, MoneyWorks, Inc. Susan Sonneborn, Jermaine, Dunnagain & Owens Tim Sullivan, Alaska Railroad Tracy Thomas, Key Bank Tim Thompson, Alaska Airlines
Honorary Board Tam Agosti-Gisler, Anchorage School Board/Former Executive Director James Blasingame, Alaska Railroad Corporation retired Bob Dickson, Atkinson, Conway and Gagnon 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
Partners host the 2015 Power Pledge Challenge to teach energy efficiency Middle school students awarded for taking energy efficiency pledge In December, Chugach Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, Municipal Light & Power, and Renewable Energy Alaska Project held the 2015 Power Pledge Challenge for middle school students in the Anchorage School District and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. The grand prize-winning class was from Romig Middle School and was presented with an award by Alaska First Lady Donna Walker. More than 2,000 local middle school students, from 74 classrooms in 10 middle schools, participated in the 2015 Power Pledge Challenge. This two-week challenge, held in cooperation with the Alaska Energy Authority, aimed to help youth better understand how they use energy, how to calculate the cost of their usage and the importance of taking measures to use energy efficiently at home and school. Representatives from Chugach, MEA, ML&P and REAP visited participating classes and presented on how to calculate energy usage, the importance of using energy efficiently, and specific and realistic ways in which students can reduce their usage. Students completed a hands-on
activity from the AK EnergySmart curriculum, a resource developed in Alaska to teach kids about energy. To qualify for the challenge, students then conducted an online home energy audit with their families and identified specific actions they would take to use energy more efficiently. Each student who completed the online energy pledge earned a single entry for their class into a drawing to win a field trip to a local power plant and a pizza party. One student winner was drawn from the Anchorage School District and another from the area served by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough plus the ASD area from Eagle River to the Knik River. For the grand prize, each classroom that had 75 percent or greater student participation in the pledge was entered to win an ice cream party with Alaska First Lady Donna Walker. The winning classes were:
“Today’s Alaskan students are the key to our energy future and educating them about energy efficiency is one piece in creating scientifically literate citizens,” said Ben Walker, science teacher for the grand prize-winning class. “Considering the big issues they will face as adults, such as climate change, students need to understand there is no one solution to Alaska’s energy challenges and energy efficiency is one piece of a bigger puzzle.” Partnership Press
• Anchorage School District Winner: Hanshew Middle School – Lauren O’Connor, teacher, 4th period science class. • Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District and Eagle River Winner: Palmer Jr. Middle School – Robin Mullican (teacher), 4th period science class. • Grand Prize Winner: Romig Middle School – Ben Walker, teacher, 3rd period science class. 3
The Chinook Elementary School Choir entertain the SBP Board of Directors at a board meeting held at the school.
Barbara Stallone, one of the founders and first board members of the Anchorage School Business Partnership (SBP) speaks to the current board at a January meeting in celebration of SBP’s 25th Anniversary.
Better Business Bureau corner
Not all online schools are an A+ The Federal Trade Commission is filing charges against two groups of suspected diploma mills that charge anywhere from $135 to $349 for a useless high school diploma. Additionally, a recent survey released by the Online Learning Consortium shows the number of higher education students taking at least one distance learning course was up 3.9 percent in 2015. However, the report also revealed a disparity among private nonprofit colleges and private for-profit schools. While enrollment for private nonprofit institutions increased by 11.3 percent, it decreased 2.8 percent for private for-profit institutions. While the convenience and flexibility offered by forprofit online schools can be enticing, BBB warns of the potential risks that come with attending these types of institutions. Keep these tips in mind when choosing an online school: Start with accreditation. Look for accredited universi4
ties by visiting Accredited Schools Online. Be sure to research the school’s past to make sure it is a trusted institution. Beware of diploma mills. These types of schools offer “degrees” to students in a short amount of time for a flat fee. These types of diplomas are not valid, and end up costing the student more than just money. Review graduation statistics. Ask to see statistics on graduation and drop-out rates from your chosen school. Be skeptical of institutions that are unable to provide the information or if the drop-out rate is high. Find A+ institutions. Many nonprofit colleges now offer degrees online. Because they’ve been accredited for years, nonprofit institutions are often a safer place to get your degree. To find a trusted online school visit BBB’s Online Education Accredited Business Directory to read their ratings, complaint histories and contact details. To research online universities, visit akorww.bbb.org. School Business Partnerships
Project SEARCH EXPO at Providence by Laarni C. Power, Providence Health & Services Alaska Providence Health and Services Alaska hosted an EXPO for its Project SEARCH interns on March 10. During this event, interns presented their skills and experiences through PowerPoint presentations, social skills and communication to potential employers. These interns have been attending classroom training at Providence Alaska Medical Center and working within Providence departments and units since the beginning of the Anchorage School District school year. The classroom training has been led by Mary Erickson, ASD ACE teacher, with support from job coaches Macey Kimpton, ASD; Marj Christoffers, ASD; and Nikki Coston, Arc of Anchorage. Providence departments that have served as internship sites this year are the Ambulatory Services Unit, the Radiology Department, Food and Nutrition Services, Health Information Management, General Stores, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Transport and Logistics, Women’s Boutique and Clinics, Facilities and Grounds, Center for Child Development, the Providence Medical Group Clinic and the Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic. Thank you to business and community members who stopped by the EXPO and engaged with our interns, including representatives from the Arc of Anchorage, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, Nana Development Corporation, the Society for Human Resource Management, GCI, Northrim Bank, Alaska Executive Search, the Anchorage School Business Partnerships and the Anchorage School District. For more information on Project SEARCH, please visit www.projectsearch.us.
Military partners lend an ear at Ursa Major’s Spelling Bee
Susitna student council members with their principal Kim Bautista deliver money and a chain to Providence Hospital.
Members of the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion acted as judges for the 2016 Scripps Spelling Bee held at Ursa Major Elementary School. Congratulations to Ursa Major’s Spelling Bee winner, Kristen Marsh, sixth grade student in Mrs. Kuipers class who represented her school at the 2016 Scripps State Spelling Bee.
Susitna Elementary students raise funds for Providence Children’s Hospital
Susitna Elementary School student council members were seen in the halls of Providence Hospital with big smiles on their faces. They had just donated $349.25 to the Children’s Hospital by selling chain links for 25 cents each. Their chain wrapped around their lunchroom twice. They delivered the money and a five-foot section of the chain to support the hospital. Susitna was one of 18 schools that contributed to the hospital fund. Congratulations Susitna on your generous act of kindness! Partnership Press
Pictured (from left to right) Kim Skipper, Lieutenant Colonel Gavin, Kristen Marsh, Representative Dan Saddler, Sergeant Csog, Second Lieutenant Canali, and Private First Class Gragg.
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Campbell Elementary School partners lend a hand with a fun filled day BDS Architects Jennifer Midthun and Eric Spangler volunteered at Campbell Elementary School at a full day intensive for bridge building. When I arrived, students were armed with glue guns and thoroughly engaged in their bridge building activity. Sixth grade student Sierra Wade-Gonzales said, “We had a hot glue gun and 100 popsicle sticks. We had to try to build a bridge and make it as stable as we could. I learned to overlap the bottom to give it more weight so it wouldn’t fall as quickly as others. We are competing to see what bridge will hold the most weight.” Volunteers Midthun and Spangler had been there all day giving engineering tips and advice and encouraging the students to experiment. Spangler was excited that fifth-grade student Whitney Lamont incorporated an I beam before it was introduced in class.
“ We had twenty students participate in the bridge building exploration class. The professional representation from the architects allowed the students to get real world information. The architects discussed multiple designs including curved bridges, suspension bridges and bridges with trusses. Most bridges the students chose to design incorporated the trusses,” shared Mr. Hoyer, teacher at Campbell.
Donned in a chef’s hat and apron, a student shows off one of the creations made during Campbell’s exploration day. 6
At the end of the day the students were rushing to put the final touches on their designs in hopes of winning the competition. Eric Spangler from BDS Architects makes his way around the classroom giving advice to potential future employees. Amy Olmstead, special education teacher at Campbell is a former professional pastry chef and she shared her love for baking with a large class of students for exploration day at Campbell Elementary. Donned in chef hats and with aprons and towels on loan from business partner Texas Roadhouse, and armed with mini pastry bags, popsicle stick knifes, pastry mats and lots of candy decorations, the students made peppermint patties, edible playdough, no bake cookies, minion cupcakes, rice crispy treats and puppy chow. Cupcakes and frosting were donated by Costco on Dimond and pastry boxes to carry home their creations were donated by Linford of Alaska. This was a very “sweet” class!
Whitney Lamont and Tiana Dimientieff put the final touches on their bridges as part of Campbell’s exploration day with assistance from Jennifer Midthun of BDS Architects. School Business Partnerships
Chinook staff take over Tastee Freez The Chinook Elementary staff worked behind the counter at Tastee Freez taking ice cream orders from their students and their families for an annual fundraiser for the school. Rich Owens the owner said in good humor “The teachers are tough on profits as all their cones were super sized.” Still he looks forward to hosting the school each year. Families filled the restaurant and students loved getting served by their teachers and principal.
Anita Stevens, the principal exclaimed, “We love this event. For some of our families it is the only time we interact in a very positive atmosphere. It breaks down some barriers and the students and families love it too.” This was apparent by the smiles and hugs that the Chinook staff was greeted with. This is just one of many fundraising events that Tastee Freez offers to its partners. Rich Owens said his family raised him to be a citizen that gives back to his community and for many years he has been doing just that. Thank you Rich for your generosity and thank you to the teacher who made my super sized cone!
Grad Blitz 2016! #2016ANCGRADS The 90% by 2020 Community Partnership is about to launch Grad Blitz, a city-wide celebration to honor the class of 2016, inspire future grads and reinforce the message to families and community members that graduation is an important milestone that we value as a community. Help us blitz the city with messages of support and pride for our graduates, from Chugiak to Girdwood. Download a poster, banner or social media template from 90by2020.org or create your own to display at your business during high school graduations across the Anchorage School District from May 1-20. Get online and share pictures with your signs and tag #2016ANCGRADS to be part of our Tagboard. Is your school partner a high school? Tailor your poster or banner for your school and help lead a chalk party to decorate school walks before seniors’ last day in school. Contact Jann Mylet at United Way for more information at jmylet@ak.org or visit 90by2020.org.
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Second quarter attendance recognition program Five students were surprised with gifts from GCI, NECA/IBEW and For Fun Alaska at the completion of the 2nd and 3rd quarters of school. The students were being recognized for their perfect attendance. These sponsors, along with Lithia, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of South Anchorage, Subway of Alaska, Saltchuk Corporation, the Alaska Railroad and Alaska Airlines have been providing recognition and encouragement for students to come to school everyday. They believe it promotes success in school and healthy work habits that carry over when they enter the work force. The winners of the second quarter “Drive for Perfect Attendance� program were:
Third quarter winners included:
Rachel Pickel, 9th grade, South HS
Sophia Zielinsky, 3rd grade, Turnagain ES
Jaden Teague-Moore, 8th grade, Polaris K-12
Nicolas Wagner, 6th grade, Huffman ES
Taylor Ruepong, 3rd grade, Tyson ES
Monet Reimers, 7th grade, Northern Lights ABC
Anika Tronnes, 4th grade, Denali Montessori
Andrew Xayasone, 10th grade, Service HS.
Isaac Reyes, 1st grade, Ravenwood ES
Kai Jaramillo, 1st grade, Aurora ES The prizes included 25,000 Alaska Air miles from GCI for the high school winners, an iPad from GCI for middle school winners and a movie package and basket of goodies for six and an end of year inflatable classroom party for the elementary winners compliments of NECA/IBEW and For Fun Alaska. At the end of the year, high school and middle school students that have perfect attendance for the full school year and elementary students that have not had one unexcused absence will be eligible to win big prizes. Juniors and seniors will be eligible to be in the drawing to win a 2015/16 Jeep Renegade, middle school students an Ultimate Field Day for their school and for elementary schools, a trip to Disneyland for a family of four.
Monet Reimers of Northern Lights ABC Anika Tronnes is pleased as she accepts Isaac Reyes holds his movie basket prize. accepts her iPad from Lexie Mizeras of her prize from Dora Wilson of IBEW. GCI.
Kai Jaramillo and his class celebrate winning an end of year class inflatable party.
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Andrew Xayaxone poses with Troy Jarvis of Lithia, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Lexie Mizeras of GCI and Superintendent Ed Graff.
Rachel Pickel holds her 25,000 Alaska Airline miles certificate with Lexie Mizeras from GCI and Troy Jarvis of Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of South Anchorage. School Business Partnerships
Lake Hood Choir looking good thanks to Northern Air Cargo The Lake Hood Elementary Choir proudly wear new choir shirts generously donated by Northern Air Cargo. This new partnership is soaring. To thank their partner, the choir performed for them on SBP Appreciation Day and also invited them to work on a craft with some students. “Thank You-Quyana” exclaimed principal Michael Thomas.
ExxonMobil helping to foster the next generation of programmers For a group of elementary students at Lake Otis Elementary School, 8 a.m. can’t come quickly enough. Because on Tuesdays and Thursdays they’re learning coding and programming as part of a before-school club. Educational Technology Coach Mark Johannes started the club last year. Thanks to a grant from School Business Partner ExxonMobil, ASD teachers received training and starter materials on Arduino kits. Arduino is the processor used in a nano mouse, which is a low-cost option for getting students introduced with robotics. These kits are mostly used at the middle and high school level; Johannes’ club is one of only two elementary groups using them. Using free online software, students in the club are building their very own nano mice. They’re even using 3D-printed materials made for them by STEM high school students. Thank you ExxonMobil!
IBEW sponsors youth basketball tournaments This school year IBEW sponsored the Anchorage School District’s elementary school basketball tournaments. The Winter Tournament Champion was Susitna Elementary School and the Wolverine tournament champion was Lake Otis Elementary School.
“ On behalf of the players, coaches, families, and volunteers we thank the Members of the IBEW for the smiles that your donations provide to the many athletes of the tournament.” — Leroy Jones, Tournament founder.
Winter Tournament Champions. Partnership Press
Wolverine Tournament Champions. 9
The following pages contain stories of 2016 Spirit of Tomorrow Award nominees. The stories of the award recipients are in the 2016 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 Mountain View ES and Di’Tomaso, Inc. Di’Tomaso has been a partner with Mountain View Elementary School for more than eight years. They donate part of the proceeds from fruit sales to Mt. View to be used for the purpose of purchasing winter clothing for the school. They also donate small pumpkins in the fall for every student. They donate fruit on a regular basis and make additional donations during testing. In the past three years they have donated close to $20,000 to the school. Mt. View is a Title I school that is very diverse and is a high needs community. Many children come to school in need of winter gear and school supplies. Di’Tomasos generous donations help to provide resources to enhance the learning and social opportunities for many children. To show their appreciation, Mt. View invites Di’Tomaso to all school family nights and extracurricular events. They advertise Di’Tomaso in their newsletters, website, Facebook page, SBP hall of fame in the main entrance of the school and on their electronic bulletin board.
Campbell ES and Texas Roadhouse What began as a family night out to the Texas Roadhouse has developed into a dynamic partnership with Campbell Elementary School. In it’s first year as a partner, Texas Roadhouse has participated in the Welcome Back to School Cookie Social, donated gift certificates to support quarterly student recognition, attendance, reading and good choice awards, and supported the school Exploration Day. Texas Roadhouse provided a place for sixth-grade students to sell homemade ornaments and donated a percentage of their sales to the students to support their fundraising efforts. This was a win/win for the school and the restaurant as the community came to the restaurant for the fundraiser, bringing in new business. At parent/teacher conferences Texas Roadhouse spoke to parents about holiday events, family nights and reading incentives that they were sponsoring. Campbell likes to support their new partner by providing opportunities for Texas Roadhouse employees to meet the families and staff at the school during school events and encouraging families to dine at their partner restaurant. They also promote their partner in their school newsletter and have hung posters inside and outside the school.
“ This is the first year I have been the SBP Coordinator and Megan has been very patient, enthusiastic and willing to provide suggestions on how we can continue to strengthen our partnership.” — Karen Lowry, Teacher, Campbell ES
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School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Eagle River ES and Starbucks in Eagle River Mariah Delph, Starbucks Assistant Manager, approached Eagle River Elementary School about becoming a partner on the day before staff was to return to work in August 2015. The next day she delivered two free traveler coffee boxes, cups and all the accompaniments for staff to enjoy on their return from summer break. Her partnership was immensely appreciated, as the school did not have any other business partners. Mariah works closely with the school to schedule ahead for special events and visits. During the first month of school, Starbucks put a basket out with Eagle River Elementary School’s name on it to gather donations of school supplies. She volunteers each month in the preschool–second grade classrooms as a guest reader. Starbucks sponsors a Monday Staff Coffee Day each week and donates coffee and cookies to each of their PTA sponsored evening events.
Mariah hosted a Valentine’s Craft evening family event, providing free hot cocoa for the children and coffee for the adults. She also gave each child a bag with a pencil and heart lollipop. Three paper craft activities were provided along with pipe cleaners to form fun glasses. It was a great success! At each PTA sponsored event, our PTA Board makes a public announcement regarding the generosity of our business partner. Staff is seen with Starbucks coffee or tea travel cups around the building. The school has purchased baked goods for staff in-service trainings as well as random staff coffee and/ or tea beverage surprises to support their partner. The school has also designed thank you posters and a hand crafted book and poem, to express their gratitude. The book was delivered on Valentine’s Day to Starbucks and hangs above the fireplace for all to admire.
Muldoon ES and CIRI The partnership between CIRI and Muldoon Elementary School has been blossoming for seven years and allows students the opportunity to explore their community and celebrate their neighborhood school. Muldoon Elementary School serves a neighborhood with a high rate of poverty that can result in students who, due to transportation costs, have limited access to explore outside their neighborhood. The educational field trips that CIRI have supported allow students to explore the cultural richness within their own city. These opportunities have a lasting impact on a child’s perspective and knowledge base. CIRI has provided transportation and entrance fees for several educational field trips including local museums, botanical gardens, Alaska Zoo and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
weekly through the children’s lunch box program. The relationship between CIRI and Muldoon is built on the understanding that the community is most effective when its members and its schools work together to support children. Muldoon Elementary is proud to advertise their partnership with CIRI through newsletters, visible CIRI logos and banners, website information and hand written thank you letters from grateful students. As one staff member rightly stated, “CIRI is awesome!!”
CIRI is involved on many other levels. They sponsored rewards for academic competitions such as spelling bees and provided snacks during high-stakes tests as well as teacher appreciation gifts. CIRI built a beautiful pavilion outside for presentations, theatre and quiet reading groups. CIRI has supported several school assemblies, school supply giveaways, volunteers in the classroom and fed our children
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Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Trailside ES and The Wolf 96.3 FM Trailside Elementary School and The Wolf 96.3 FM of the Ohana Media Group radio station became business partners three years ago upon discovering that they share a common mascot, a wolf. Since then The Wolf 96.3 has been doing a “howl” out to their school partner during their programming. Students are selected by their teachers and other adults in the building for showing random acts of kindness, such as good citizenship, being responsible, caring for others and using perseverance. Each week, the radio station broadcasts to the community the names of the students at Trailside who are good citizens. This has created a sense of pride for the students, parents and Trailside community. Chris Snipes, a parent of a Trailside student and an employee of Ohana Media Group, works with the school to put together a recorded announcement to be played over the PA system during Friday morning announcements. In addition to announcing good citizens on the air and at the school, Ohana
Media Group has made it possible for students to attend an Aces hockey game by donating tickets. Trailside in turn has been a good partner. Their school choir visits the station during the holidays, they invite their partner to school events and to park their Wolf 96.3 truck in front of the school, they promote the station by placing their logo in newsletters and on their website and they provide student artwork to hang in their station.
“ Ohana Media group is flexible and supportive of kids and learning and is always looking for new innovative ways to support Trailside Elementary.” — Janet Murray, Trailside Elementary
Turnagain ES and Turnagain United Methodist Church Turnagain Elementary School and their neighbors Turnagain United Methodist Church have been partners for more than 10 years. More than 400 students and their families are positively impacted by the partnership activities and shared commitment to the students. Working collectively, the church and school meet before, during and after the school year to discuss current and projected needs and set goals for the new school year. Some of the partnership activities include teacher appreciation events, a community health fair, help at science fairs, work with student council activities, providing school supplies at the beginning of the year and food baskets during the
“ Without the support from the church members our student council representatives would not receive the valuable experience of giving back to the community. They make it possible for our students to practice being responsible.”
holidays. Church members help to direct students to their classrooms on the first day of school and give inspirational gifts to the staff. They also provide help in the library, host a community “Trunk or Treat”, chaperone field trips, support perfect attendance events, provide space for events and serve as an alternative evacuation site. The school and church combine efforts to clean Lyn Ary Park and hold a fundraiser “Chains of Caring”. Turnagain students and staff help clean the church parking lot and playground, help with the community health fair, garage sale and other church community events and collect gift cards for food baskets.
“ Turnagain United Methodist Church members are kind, genuine, reliable and very generous.” — Jane Mellor, school nurse
— Natalie White, teacher
TUMC members leading clean up efforts for Turnagain students at Lyn Ary Park. 12
School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Mirror Lake MS and Barnes and Noble Barnes and Noble and the Mirror Lake Middle School Fine Arts Department have worked closely together for the past 16 years in order to enhance the educational opportunities of the schools young artists. Barnes and Noble is a key resource to ensure that Mirror Lake students have opportunities to share their art with the public and that the school’s art department is well resourced. This partnership culminates each year in a holiday concert performance at the Anchorage Barnes and Noble location. The public is entertained by performances from the school’s jazz band, choirs, orchestras and pianists. Additionally, artists from the school display their pictures. Patrons of the store are delighted each year to see and hear the students perform and the teachers and students are thrilled to have a new audience and venue outside of the school. Beyond what is gained by the students through their performances, the Fine Arts team at Mirror Lake earn a portion of the day’s receipts and Barnes and Noble see a an increase in their profits for the day. The arts team uses the raised funds for field trip admissions, busses, music and a variety of art supplies. In turn, Mirror Lake celebrates the generosity of Barnes and Noble through their website, on a poster in the foyer of the school and in student produced video news programs.
“ Book fairs are such an amazing part of our business, and Mirror Lake does a fantastic job making this a mutually beneficial relationship!” — Andrea Conter, store manager.
“ The entire Mirror Lake staff is a pleasure to work with and the families show a tremendous amount of support. It’s great to be part of such a wonderful community event and to be able to give back to our local schools!” — Renee Millner, community business development manager.
Romig MS and Junior Achievement of Alaska Junior Achievement of Alaska is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and inspire young people to succeed in a global economy. It was founded in 1973, and since then it has helped supplement student’s business and economic education in over 43 communities in Alaska. They have helped Romig Middle School students directly by providing resources and funding this year to assist the School Business Partnership class in creating their own business. Students were able to create a “coffee coat.” A product designed to protect the coffee drinker’s hand from burning and to be decorative. Mrs. Flora Teo and Mrs. Amarin Ellis worked with the students to develop a business plan to support the brainstorming required, capitalization and marketing of their product. They both went into the class and provided an outside prospective on the concepts necessary to create the business plan and get their idea launched. The students were exposed to the structure of a basic business model, collaboration within a business and are thus better prepared to appreciate directions given to them upon their first job in our community. Beyond this project, Junior Achievement provided support to students through their Job Shadow program. They linked a classroom with Watterson Construction, providing students with further exposure to how a business is run. It also provided students with a starting point in career development conversations.
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Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Mears MS and Caffé D’Arte Lori Brewer, president of Caffé D’Arte has been a major supporter of the Mears School Business Partnership helping to open a Black Cat Café at the school. She started the first drive-through espresso stand and the first mobile van in the United States in 1992. Everyone told her that she was crazy and that it would not be successful. It was and now she is a mentor helping other coffee businesses open stands and shops all around the country! Angelique D’Albora, barista trainer for Caffé D’Arte has trained more than 5,000 baristas and assisted with opening more than 600 locations. She shares her enthusiasm about coffee with our students and graciously answers all of their questions. Angelique has come in the classroom numerous times to work with our students on business plans, store set up, barista training and much more. The result of the partnership between Mears Middle School and Caffé D’Arte is that of empowerment. The students take pride in making their school store/Black Cat Café a work of art. They are very comfortable and proud of the work they do.
“We feel extremely fortunate to have Caffé D’Arte as a mentor,” exclaims Carol Johansen, teacher and SBP coordinator. Gruening MS and Eagle River Rotary The Eagle River Rotary Club and Gruening Middle School have worked together for many years, after formalizing a partnership in 2010. “The School Business Partnership offers the opportunity for community leaders and members to actively participate in our school and with our students” says Principal Bobby Jefts. In the tight-knit community of Eagle River/Chugiak, Rotary volunteers not only work with Gruening Middle School, but support all Eagle River middle and high schools. One of the most important programs that Rotarians brought to Gruening Middle School is “Choices” a nationwide program designed to help youth stay in school and successfully finish high school with a plan after graduation. Students experience interactive decision-making workshops that empower them to achieve academic success in pursuit of their career and life aspirations. In two hour-long sessions, Rotarians take students through real-world exercises on academic self-discipline, time and money management, and goal setting. They also dis-
cuss topics such as perseverance, character development, money management and really stress that the choices students make now do impact their futures. Students and staff consistently praise Rotary’s dedication to contributing to the school in meaningful ways. Here are some comments from students who recently participated in Rotary’s “Choices” program: “ You gave excellent examples of what life can be and put it into perspective for me” “ School is a lot shorter part of my life than I realized” “ I liked the timeline because it made me look at life differently” “I found the tips on interviewing helpful” Eagle River Rotarians also support student achievement with a quarterly pizza lunch reward and certificate. This long-standing program is designed for students to create an atmosphere of support and encouragement. Gruening is actively promoting Rotary’s newest community service project; a Junior Rotary Youth Leadership Award program and conference in Spring 2016. The conference will give a select group of middle school students from Gruening and Mirror Lake Middle Schools the opportunity to develop leadership skills with their peers under the tutelage of local Rotary and Business Leaders. “We look forward to this wonderful opportunity for our students, as the future leaders of tomorrow.” Michelle O’Leary, Gruening teacher and SBP coordinator.
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School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Clark MS and UAA Distinguished Leadership Academies The UAA Distinguished Leadership Academies partnership began in 2012 with discussions about how to cultivate and enrich students who were motivated for success. That first year, UAA provided campus tours to more than 400 Clark eighth graders. Former Clark students who had matriculated to UAA spoke to the middle school students about their experiences on the path to higher education. Over the past few years, UAA professors, students and staff have offered brown bag lunch discussions to Clark students about the multitude of academic and career paths available. They’ve volunteered as guest speakers in classrooms during Clark’s University Week each year, sharing with students how they felt about college when they were in middle school and emphasizing the importance of making good academic and personal choices throughout middle school, high school and college. The Leadership Fellow Juniors program officially launched on January 24, 2015, with a class of 16 eighth-grade students and has since expanded into four distinct Distinguished Leadership Academies that provide career exploration opportunities to over one hundred sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade Clark Middle School students. Three of the academies offer three-hour workshops every first and third Saturday throughout the school year, while the fourth is
offered as a weekly after school program. The academies include a Leadership Fellows Junior Academy encouraging young leaders to attend college, Junior Health Professions Academy, Junior Educator Academy and an academy that grooms future information systems and web developers. Part of the mission of the University of Alaska Anchorage is to engage the community and develop a lifelong love of learning. By developing relationships with young students, they ensure a future generation that is excited about higher education and who will continue to give back to their communities.
“ As a visionary that brings ideas to sound practice, the Distinguished UAA Academy Program started with a seed of an idea and has blossomed into a strong viable program that solidly inspires students to know that they are headed and prepared for college. I can attest that grades have gone up, the level of respect has increased, homework completion is almost 100% and most of all 100 percent of the students participating have confirmed that they are going to college.” — Cessilye Williams, principal
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Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees East HS and AEDC East High School’s partnership with Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) began in September of 2015. For their first collaboration AEDC invited 10 East students to help with their 2016 Economic Forecast Luncheon. East students helped set up for the large gathering of over 1,500 local business leaders. Later, they were introduced to the finer aspects of business manners (including the mystery of multiple forks in a formal dining setting), helped welcome more than 1,500 guests and then joined the economic leaders and stakeholders in Anchorage for lunch. The partners are currently working on a second collaboration, creating a series of seminars for the junior class. The series will be comprised of two mini lectures presented by
AEDC and other East business partners. The concept is to have students learn from their future employers about the expectations involved in getting and keeping a job. Students will be impacted by this collaboration by learning how to act and interact in a professional manner and be better prepared to enter the workforce. AEDC offers a wealth of experience that will benefit students. AEDC will benefit by exposing students to the professional world, engaging their interest and imagination, and molding potential interns and future business partners.
“ Both Karli Lopez, Development Director, and Bill Popp, President, have supported our ideas, encouraged us and offered help and direction. I look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.” — Angela Nishimura, East teacher and SBP coordinator.
Service HS and Denali Federal Alaska Credit Union In only a few months Denali Federal Credit Union (Denali FCU) has mentored students, provided job shadow and internship opportunities, on the job training for accounting students, helped with technology training and have made classroom presentations. They have assisted with student recognition and are donating two $5,000 scholarships to graduating students. They have provided judges for school events and expertise for school-based enterprises. They have donated prizes for contests and set up a Denali FCU cash station at the school.
To thank Denali FCU Service PTSA provided school T-shirts for all employees of the bank to wear on Green and Gold Day. On Green and Gold day, Denali FCU raises funds for the school and promotes the relationship with Service in a very public way. Service has given the bank some new student clients and promotes the bank at their school.
“We can’t thank Denali Federal Credit Union enough for being such great partners!” — Lisa Wiley, teacher and SBP coordinator.
Denali FCU walks the talk with their partnership. They are actively trying to give back to their community in tangible ways.
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School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees West HS and Great Harvest Bread Company West High School and Great Harvest Bread Company have been business partners for seven years. Great Harvest Bread Company provides bread or bread coupons to students of families in need for special projects, e.g. holiday baskets, they make presentations on bread making and/or running a business and employability skills, provide gift baskets filled with bread for silent auction fundraisers or raffles and provide bread and/or cookies for school athletic events such as cross country ski races. Great Harvest was a main sponsor of three staff team building activities. The first was a “Scavenger Hunt” where staff was placed in cross discipline teams and given a list of tasks to complete. Staff documented the tasks via photographs. Rick Stone the principal of West said, “With over 100 staff, the Scavenger Hunt was a great opportunity to introduce staff to each other in a fun way. We appreciate Great Har-
vest’s support of this and other team building activities.” The second was the “Reindeer Games” for which staff members received reindeer sunglasses and were given various tasks to do with other staff. The teams could earn prizes. The third was a fundraiser for ASD Charitable Giving benefitting United Way. Donated Great Harvest Bread Company gift cards were used as incentives for staff to participate in cookie baking, soup making and other fundraising activities in the form of cross department team competitions. Great Harvest contributed $800 worth of gift cards used on these three events. Great Harvest also offered help with a fundraiser for a very giving student suffering from a brain tumor at West. They donated a gift basket for the silent auction and advertised for the Variety Show. The event raised $10,000 for his unpaid medical and related expenses. The entire community really came together for the event and Great Harvest set a great example for others. Great Harvest has made the staff at West feel very appreciated. They provide breakfast items to the staff on in-service days, which is a great treat. West celebrates their partnership with Great Harvest by advertising for them on five school televisions around the school and writing articles about their partnership.
Phyllis Bowie and SAVE HS Phyllis Bowie has been the teacher leader in SAVE High School’s partnership with the Alaska Native Heritage Center since its inception during the 2012-13 school year. She has developed and nurtured the relationship between SAVE and the elders who teach a variety of mini-courses to the students including making kuspuks, drums and beaded jewelry as well as teaching native games and the art of drumming. Bowie saw the partnership as an opportunity to enrich the curriculum for Alaska Studies, encourage a cross-cultural exchange and provide additional learning experiences. Bowie has formed lasting relationships with the teachers from the Heritage Center and created a welcoming environment where they are valued and embraced.
classroom has been utilized by the Heritage Center in a production of a nationally recognized video on their outreach to the community. The school displays the kuspuks and drums in its school and features the partnership in their newsletter and website. They also invite them to attend their Thanksgiving feast and at dancing and drumming performances.
During the past four years, almost every SAVE staff member and students of all backgrounds and cultures have made kuspuks and proudly wear them at school with Bowie’s encouragement and guidance. Bowie’s classroom is filled with student work that inspires other students to participate. Her Partnership Press
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Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees Chugiak HS and Holland America Line/Princess Cruises Holland America Line/Princess Cruises has been an ongoing supporter for student development and have provided enhanced opportunities for Chugiak hospitality students. They have served as presenters at job fairs; provided direct instruction for students on job interviewing skills and been available for one-on-one tutoring. In the fall of 2013 they arranged for a group of students to go onboard a Princess Cruise Ship in Whittier for a tour of the galley and dining facilities. Students were escorted by the ships food manager and were treated to a dining experience aboard a large ship. Holland America Line/Princess Cruises also provided the transportation for the students and an employee who facilitated the activities. “We get to see how they work, and see their kitchen. They actually have three and they have amazing culinary equipment and great sanitation.” Culinary Arts student, Paku Yang. Last spring they provided 18-year-old students an opportunity to interview for real jobs with their company. Students made resumes, went through an interviewing skills class and experienced a real interview at Chugiak. Holland America Line/Princess Cruises sent two of their employees to conduct the interviews. Every student who wanted a job was offered one. As business partners, Holland America Line/Princess Cruises continual input and participation with Chugiak has helped reinforce the construction of a full commercial kitchen at Chugiak this past summer. Their support has been a mainstream for moving the program forward to meet the growing needs in Alaska’s hospitality industry. Likewise Chugiak is building a program to meet their desire to hire Alaskans.
“ Holland America Line/Princess Cruise’s commitment to education and Chugiak High School has and will prepare our youth for tomorrow.” — Kathleen L. Vik, National FCS T.O.Y. 2005, AK ProStart Teacher of Excellence 2015, 2012.
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“ At Chugiak High School we appreciate the time, service and opportunities Holland America Line/ Princess Cruises has brought to our students, staff and families of our community. Thanks for making a positive difference.” — David Legg, principal
School Business Partnerships
Spirit of Tomorrow Award — nominees King Career Center and Moose A’la Mode/Midnight Sun Cafe Lindsay Williams, the owner of Moose A’la Mode and Midnight Sun Cafe has gained a reputation as an Anchorage entrepreneur and community activist. She quickly agreed to serve as the chairman of the advisory council at the King Career Center (KCC). She has worked with Ray Voley, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise teacher to build a program that relies primarily on hands-on learning and real-world business situations. Williams comes into the entrepreneur classroom at least six times a year. She conducts a workshop on the business decisions an entrepreneur faces and another workshop on customer service. She has also served on the investment panel during Entrepreneurs’ Day when the students present their business plans to a field of investors. Williams has also opened up her businesses to KCC student interns who have gained much knowledge about what it takes to succeed in business. Williams always inspires students. When she returns to the classroom, it is not unusual to see several students give her hugs. She always returns their emails when they have questions about business. She has particularly inspired many female students. “I want to grow up to be just like Lindsay,” said one of student. She is an incredible role model. Her example teaches young ladies that it is okay to be smart and strong and decisive.
“ Williams has been fully committed to helping the Entrepreneurship class succeed. Her ideas and insights find their way into the curriculum. She brings real-world situations to the table, and presents them to students to figure out solutions. One day she brought in about six resumes, and asked my more advanced students which person she should hire. She wound up hiring the person they recommended, and said she never regretted the choice.” — Ray Voley
North Star ES and Wells Fargo Wells Fargo has been an exemplary School Business Partner for many years. “We want our giving to be intentional and really make a positive impact with our community giving,” says Judith Crotty. Since the partnership started, approximately 3,250 students have benefitted from Wells Fargo’s support. Wells Fargo employees volunteer during school hours to help with literacy initiatives such as the Reading First program. At North Star Elementary School, Wells Fargo employees volunteer once a week to read to students and are encouraged be come Big Brothers and Sisters. Wells Fargo also sponsors a JA in a Day event each year, which involves a work force of volunteers from the bank who work with students from kindergarten to sixth grade for 2 – 6 hours in one day. This day long initiative focuses on building financial literacy skills, workforce development and entrepreneurship programs. Wells Fargo reaches out to parents as well offering free materials on financial management at Math and Science family nights and special events. Wells Fargo invites classes to visit their offices. They sponsor student attendance at performances from the Anchorage Concert Association supporting social and cultural development.
Partnership Press
The partnership with Wells Fargo has grown into a dynamic partnership that provides students with opportunities to build skills, develop interests and prepare for the future. After eight years, Wells Fargo and North Star Elementary have developed a meaningful model that maximizes its benefit to the students.
“ When I first started at North Star, I spent a lot of my time handling discipline issues related to behavior. Since Wells Fargo has started sending their employees to volunteer, the amount of time I spend doing that has dropped considerably. The students carry themselves differently as a result of their interaction with professional adults. It’s truly amazing,” said Marcus Wilson, the Principal. North Star truly appreciates their partnership with Wells Fargo. During the holiday season North Star students gather in the lobby of Wells Fargo to put on a concert for employees and customers. Also North Star treats Wells Fargo employees to an annual breakfast at the school. 19
Join our team for the Visitor Industry Charity Walk May 13 This fun “graze to raise” event involves strolling through downtown and enjoying food stations all along the way. The event starts and ends at the Dena’ina Convention Center. Registration is $35 for adults and $15 for students. Deadline for early registration is May 8. Join our team “Anchorage School Business Partnerships”. To register and for more information: www.anchorage.net/for-alaskans/visitor-industry-charity-walk/
Thank you Panda Express! Panda Express donated $10,000 to support Bartlett High School’s Drum Line, Robotics Club, and Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Romig MS thanks its partners with a bulletin board display in their school.
Anchorage School Business Partnerships 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage, AK 99504-3135 www.asdk12.org/sbp www.facebook.com/AnchorageSBP