Lower Kuskokwim School District

This spring, select teachers attended the Science of Reading Symposium to learn skills that will help students improve their literacy.

Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, visits Bethel to celebrate infrastructure investments in Bethel and the region, with an event at BRHS, May 17, 4:30 pm.

Yugtun Kits are headed out to many homes across the district to support Yugtun language practice throughout the summer. The kits provide practical tools to practice Yugtun while berry picking, making assaliaqs, communicating with elders, and more.

It's Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! We are so grateful for all of our school staff and all that they do in support of our students, families, and the community.

It's a busy time of year as we plan for all of the end of the year activities, honor our retiring staff, and prepare to celebrate our graduates. Superintendent Hankins gives us an update on student activities, state testing, construction projects, and summer programs.

The Lower Kuskokwim School District Board of Education met on April 20, 2023. Click below to read the board actions for this meeting.

Ayaprun Elitnaurvik principal Josh Gill has been named 2023 National Distinguished Principal by the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals.

What food do dogs like best? Students Cora Butte, Maya Iverson and Stevie Greason are able to answer that question, thanks to their science fair project research which brought them to the Alaska Science & Engineering Fair in Anchorage this month.

ESSA provides increased opportunities for parents, tribal leaders, and school districts to work together on behalf of all students. Please take time to provide the district input on our Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA) Title Programs by completing the survey.

The LKSD college & career fair will be held April 14 via Zoom. Students will have the opportunity to talk to dozens of vendors about employment, training, college, and scholarships. Details below.

Student artwork from around the district will be on display at the Suurvik Cinema April 10-30, with an open house on April 29.

This year’s high school offerings include Art, Film, Trades (Welding), STEM/Fabrication, and Computer Science. Application deadline is Friday, April 7. Summer academies will be held May 28-June 9.

Students involved in speech actively hone an important life skill in a supportive environment. As speech contestants head to Anchorage for the state competition, we've asked our coaches and contestants to share their experiences.

The Lower Kuskokwim Administrator’s Association is granting up to four $1,000 scholarships for any past graduate of an LKSD high school pursuing a degree in the field of education. Graduating high-school seniors may also apply. The deadline is March 17.

The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development recently released the 2021-2022 Report Cards to the Public for each school district and school in Alaska. See below for more information.

Congratulations to all of our students on their hard work and commitment to conducting a science fair project!

We are a few weeks into the new semester and Superintendent Hankins has an update on upcoming activities and events, as well as the current LKSD Board of Education priorities.

This is Deniece Carson's first year teaching for LKSD in Nightmute. She shares her family's experience in words and photos: a story of a welcoming community and the rewards of taking a risk!

The LKSD District JR high speech contest was held in Bethel December 12-13, 2022. See below for results and more information. Great job, contestants!

A peer leader training brought students from around the district to Bethel last week; the program helps students identify their strengths and learn to share with classmates through messages of hope and help.

LKSD held a First Lego League qualifier this past weekend at Gladys Jung Elementary. Congratulations to all the teams who participated, learned, and grew through the experience this season. (Results below.)

This year on Veterans Day, Chefornak held a special celebration. Hosted by Faye Hobson and the Chefornak Reading & Writing Club, the ceremony was dedicated to the Veterans in Chefornak and beyond.

Because we know many students and families will be traveling over the holidays, here's a reminder summary of our COVID 19 Protocols for sites that currently have COVID Community Spread (high) and for other communities in our region (medium). Have a safe and happy holiday!

Click below to read an update from LKSD Superintendent Hankins on assessment data, student activities, and district communications.

Schools thrive when parents and teachers work together to maximize student learning in and out of school. That is the model that brought APTT (Academic Parent-Teacher Teams) facilitators to LKSD villages to support Yugtun language acquisition.

Progress on the new Mertarvik Pioneer School, which will be called the Newtok Ayaprun School, has begun. The district is moving forward with project planning in order to begin construction on the building this school year.

Public Notice: Request for Applications for LKSD Board Section IV, Seat F

The LKSD Board of Education and Administration has decided to shift Chief Paul Memorial School in Kipnuk to remote learning beginning Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

The Advisory School Board Conference was held this past week in Bethel. It was great to be back in person! Thank you to all participating advisory school board members and site administrators for a great two days of professional development and learning.

ANSEP Career Explorations is a free program sponsored by LKSD and AVCP for past and currently involved ANSEP participants who have yet to enter high school. Students take part in hands-on projects designed to promote STEM education and careers. The application is due November 4.

LKSD continues planning and construction work in Napakiak and Newtok, communities impacted by the recent typhoon and ongoing erosion.

The Lower Kuskokwim School District Board of Education met on October 10, 2022. See below for the resulting board actions.

Today is Indigenous Peoples Day, a special day to celebrate the traditions and cultures of Indigenous communities. Across the district, schools are celebrating by inviting everyone to wear qaspaqs, story-telling, Yuraq (dance), and more.

The Lower Kuskokwim School District Board of Education will meet in a SPECIAL BOARD MEETING on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 3:30 PM via Zoom and in the LKSD Board Room, 1004 Ron Edwards Way in Bethel, Alaska.

LKSD's 2022 Summer Work Program gave 35 students a chance to gain valuable work experience and training during the summer.

See below for the Board Actions from the September 22, 2022 meeting.

Evan Mcguckin, an elementary teacher at William Miller Memorial School, Napakiak, is LKSD's Teacher of the Year. Thank you, Evan, for your contributions to your school and community!

Superintendent Hankins' update on the on-going storm impact & recovery

The Annual Fall Conference brought educators across the district together, forming a community as they honed their skills under this year's theme: Ca Tamarmi Elicugngauq or "Every Living Thing Can Learn".

We're already in our 5th week of school; sports and in-person learning are underway, and the district successfully hosted its Annual Fall Conference in person. Superintendent Hankins reflects on the first few weeks of Fall 2022 in her Fall Semester Update.

A wellness-focused peer leader program that seeks to empower youth around topics of suicide prevention, substance abuse, violence, and more, is having a positive impact in LKSD schools.

The Lower Kuskokwim School District Board of Education met on August 18, 2022. See the Board Actions below.

Part of the welcome for incoming Lower Kuskokwim School District teachers, principals and assistant principals includes cultural training. The day-long event is held in Bethel before the group of educators later traveled to their villages for the start of the school year. The cultural day event has been going on for more than two decades.

LKSD educators have stayed busy this summer with professional development opportunities taking place across the country.

Take Wing “Tengluni" is a free program for high school seniors that will provide information and support throughout the academic year to help students pursue college, vocational training, or any training program after high school.

Welcome back to the 2022-2023 school year! Please see Superintendent Hankin's letter below, for more information on back to school, including updated Covid protocols.

New Covid Protocols are available on our Covid Hub. Note that the board has voted to make masking optional at all levels.

LKSD staff, in partnership with universities in the Lower 48, have worked to create a Yup’ik proficiency test. The test is currently being developed for grades K-6 with plans to expand testing for all grade levels.

As another school year comes to a close, LKSD would like to honor the staff who are retiring in 2022. Eleven educators say farewell to LKSD this year, including two powerhouse educators who have worked for the district more than 40 years each, Loddie Jones and Bill Wilkinson.

LKSD has amazing individuals helping enrich the lives of youth around the YK Delta. Today's featured employee is Julie McWilliams, head of Arts Integration and district-wide distance delivery for the arts.

Three BRHS 7th grade students attended the GLOBE and Fresh Eyes on Ice Student Research Symposium in Fairbanks. The symposium provided an opportunity for the students to share their research and connect with other student scientists.

LKSD's career ladder program creates a path for people from the region to become certified teachers, increasing the number of Native and Yup’ik-speaking teachers in LKSD. There are currently nearly 60 program participants.

LKSD will be partnering with YKHC and Public Health to provide space in schools to offer TB testing for students.

The board actions from the recent LKSD Board meeting are available below.

Thank you, teachers and staff, for giving your best, every day, to enrich the lives of our students! ~Superintendent Hankins

Our Native Youth Olympics (NYO) team, the LKSD All Stars, competed at State last weekend, the first State competition for each of our NYO team members and an unforgettable event for everyone. LKSD took home the first place team award.

LKSD has amazing individuals helping enrich the lives of youth around the YK Delta. We’ll be highlighting staff throughout the year so our communities can learn the commitment and diverse skills our staff share with our students every day. Today's featured employee is Atan' Winkelman.

Long-time Ayaprun Elitnaurvik teacher, Ledwina Ayaprun "Loddie" Jones, was honored by the Thirty-Second Alaska State Legislature for 50 years as an educator and for her work championing Yup'ik language revitalization efforts.

SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) is an integral part of LKSD’s approach to students’ emotional wellness, which contributes to educational success. Read more below about SEL programs in our schools.

LKSD has amazing individuals helping enrich the lives of youth around the YK Delta. We are highlighting staff throughout the year so our communities can learn the commitment and diverse skills our staff share with our students. Today's featured employee is Golga Oscar.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 provides increased opportunities for parents, tribal leaders, and school districts to work together on behalf of all students. Please take time to provide the district input on our Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA) Title Programs.

**Deadline extended to April 8** We are currently accepting online student applications for LKSD’s 2022 Summer Academies, May 30-June 10. Online application deadline: Friday, April 1.

Starting April 2, artwork from around the district will be on display at the Suurvik Cinema. The community is welcome to view the gallery anytime the cinema is open throughout April. Student and Staff submissions are accepted through April 1.

The LKSD Board of Education has approved changes to the district's COVID-19 Protocols. These changes include looking at the operational risk level of each LKSD community and updated guidance on mitigation strategies, including masking.

Toksook Bay's 1A Basketball Champions, the Islanders, received an enthusiastic welcome home from their classmates, families and community.

The Lower Kuskokwim School District Board of Education met on March 9, 2022. Click below to view the board actions from this meeting.

Bilingual, culturally appropriate and effective education for all students is central to the mission of the Lower Kuskokwim School District.

The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development has approved the expansion of the Ayaprun Elitnaurvik charter school to include 7th and 8th graders.

LKSD has amazing individuals helping enrich the lives of youth around the YK Delta. We’ll be highlighting staff throughout the year so our communities can learn the commitment and diverse skills our staff share with our students every day.

This spring at UAA, 26 LKSD middle school students will increase their mathematics and science skills through hands-on activities, get familiarized with college life, and be introduced to possible STEM careers at the ANSEP Middle School Academy.

Superintendent Hankins reflects with gratitude on the way our district has come together to support our students, and on the opportunities our students have had these months to grow and learn.

LKSD is committed to honoring Black history this month and every month, and is proud to be a diverse school district. Read more below about how our schools are celebrating Black history this month.

LKSD Board Actions from the February 17, 2022, LKSD Board of Education Meeting.

Seeking local artists who can share their craft with LKSD students!

Two LKSD teams advanced to the Alaska FIRST LEGO League championship in Anchorage. Congratulations, and good work, to the GJE Lego Wizards and The Ayaprun Eagle Blimp Company.

Did you know that every state and school district is required to publish a report card with important information about school performance and progress? See below for important information on this year's report.

Ten students from schools around the Lower Kuskokwim School District put their reporting skills to the test while covering the Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race last month.

LKSD is seeking input on its COVID-19 protocols and the use of funds made available through the American Rescue Plan. Please take our brief survey below.

LKSD Board Actions from the January 27, 2022 LKSD Board of Education Regular Meeting

Students at William Miller Memorial School in Napakiak spent the last week learning how to play badminton from Badminton Goes Viral – a national initiative to get more children interested in the sport.

LKSD held the FIRST Lego League qualifier tournament at Gladys Jung Elementary in Bethel this past Friday. Students had a great time and were able to build upon valuable skills. Thank you students, staff and volunteers for continuing to support this great program!

The LKSD Board of Education decided in a Special Meeting this week to amend the mitigation protocols for student activities.

LKSD has made a few changes to our COVID-19 health and safety protocols in response to updates provided by the CDC and YKHC. Please see Superintendent Hankin's letter and updated documents below.

A happy holidays wish, and an update from Superintendent Hankins. Many thanks to our LKSD community for your dedication and commitment to our students.

The Governor's Dec. 15 budget proposal includes funds to replace the William N. Miller K-12 Memorial School in Napakiak. Due to erosion, the current facilities are now within 30 feet of the river's edge.

When Nanugaq Layla Kashatok moved to Kuigilnguq she did not know how to speak Yugtun. Nanugaq shares her experience learning Yugtun with the help of her mother and her Yugtun teachers in the attached essay.

Please see Superintendent Hankin's letter for LKSD updates that we are especially grateful for this Thanksgiving. Thank you for entrusting your child’s education to our dedicated educators! Happy Thanksgiving!

Ayaprun Elitnaurvik, Bethel's Yup'ik Immersion school, is one of two schools selected to represent the State of Alaska on this year's White House Christmas Tree.

Please join us in welcoming KLA Junior Adrian (Aidan) Johnson as the student representative to the Lower Kuskokwim School District School Board.

Following the FDC authorization and CDC recommendations for Covid vaccinations for 5-11, YKHC will be holding vaccination clinics in our schools.

LKSD regional board president, Clarence Daniel, was honored as the 2022 recipient of the Don McKinnon Educational Excellence and Human Recognition Award at the annual Alaska Superintendent's Conference.

LKSD now has weekly Covid-19 case data for our schools available on our website. This COVID HUB also has our Mitigation Plan and Close Contact Action Plan.

Tess Guinn and members of the VFW Auxiliary 10041 post recently presented Superintendent Hankins with a $5,000 donation check to LKSD for COVID-related PPE and supplies. Thank you!

Your efforts to lead and keep schools, students, and staff safe during the pandemic are appreciated beyond measure. You go above and beyond, every day! Happy National Principal's Month!

What steps is LKSD taking to keep our schools safe and open? How can you help with our mitigation efforts? Please see Superintendent Hankin's letter and safety reminders below.

Take Wing "Tengluni" is a program to explore options for education and training after high school. The application deadline has been extended to October 4 and is open to all LKSD juniors.