Education

Photo by Jared Griffin Not even a global pandemic can alter some traditions. And the annual Kodiak High School senior prank is no exception. Wednesday evening, a group of five seniors dressed mostly in black tied a large banner to the outside of the high school building declaring that the school is for sale. The handmade message painted on a …

By Joe Coleman, KNOM – Nome Last month, as classes around the state moved online, Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration announced plans to contract with the Florida Virtual School to provide online classes to students for free. The program could cost the state more than $500,000. Alaska’s contract with the online school followed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s recommendation to Alaska …

For two years, Betty Walters has served as Kodiak College’s interim director, leading the college after the previous director, Alan Fugleberg, retired in 2018. But Walters will be handing over the reins to a new director soon. KMXT news reporter Jared Griffin filed this story about Jacelyn Keys, the newly appointed director of Kodiak College. (In the spirit of full …

After nearly two months of distance learning, Kodiak educators say teachers have “found their groove” in their efforts to continue classes virtually. Teri Schneider, principal at St. Mary’s Catholic School said it’s required flexibility and constant communication. “Flexibility has been the name of the game,” she said. “When something works, you go with it and figure out how to use …

    Our guests this week are several members of Kodiak High School’s Drama Club — Shakesbears, some in the studio and some by video conference. We discuss their historic and record-breaking run to becoming the 2020 Alaska state champions in Drama and Forensics.       Wetherleigh Griffin, (at right in studio), Felix Lewis, (top left of screen shot); Derek …

Kodiak Island Borough School District is into its third week of full-time distance learning classes after the state closed K-12 schools through the end of the school year. Kerry Irons, principal at North Star Elementary says that one of the toughest parts of educating children remotely is making sure they still feel connected to a social emotional support network. “That’s …

On today’s edition of The Lowdown, we get an update on how KIBSD is handling distance education for the entire district. Classes are currently on week three of remote learning, after the state moved to close all K-12 schools through the end of the school year. We talk to Kodiak High School principal Dr. Mel LeVan, secondary instructional specialist Katrina …

Kodiak Island Borough School District announced Friday it would be extending students’ spring break by one week. Vacation starts Monday, and will now continue through Superintendent Larry LeDoux says it’s to allow time for teachers to plan for the possibility of distance learning, in the event schools need to be shut down to stem the spread of the coronavirus. “During …

KMXT received the following press release from the governor’s office. We post it here as received, with minor edits.   Governor Issues First COVID-19 Health Mandate   March 13, 2020 (Anchorage, AK) – Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today issued the State of Alaska’s first COVID-19 Health Mandate following a series …

Kodiak Island Borough School district is releasing students early from school on Wednesday and Thursday to train staff to continue teaching remotely, in the event schools need to be shut down as a precaution against the coronavirus. Superintendent Larry LeDoux said distance learning will involve iPads for every child in the district, delivering breakfast and lunch to children at home …