Category: statewide

‘How Alaska Is Learning to Teach Computer Science with Code.org’ by Sam Jordan and Cheryl Bobo at ASDN

ouralaskanschools on

For the past 9 months, over 300 teachers from across Alaska have been attending Code.org curriculum workshops to learn how to implement computer science in their classrooms. Alaska has recently joined 33 other states in adopting its own K-12 computer science standards with the goal of preparing students for careers and college programs in fields as diverse as data science, computer programming, video game design, cybersecurity and film animation.  Continue reading ‘How Alaska Is Learning to Teach Computer Science with Code.org’ by Sam Jordan and Cheryl Bobo at ASDN

“Other Athletic Events Spark Emotions but Native Youth Olympics Stirs Something Deep Inside” by Jeff Erickson, Student Activities Director at BSSD

ouralaskanschools on
Summer Sagoonick in One Hand Reach

The Bering Strait School District (BSSD) is comprised of a unique group of fifteen school sites, even by Alaskan standards. It is a rural district, with three separate cultures, spread out over 86,000 square miles of land and water.

Continue reading “Other Athletic Events Spark Emotions but Native Youth Olympics Stirs Something Deep Inside” by Jeff Erickson, Student Activities Director at BSSD

‘Meghan Redmond, Assistant Principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok, Named 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year’ by Sam Jordan at ASDN

ouralaskanschools on

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has named Meghan Redmond, assistant principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok, Alaska, the 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year. Her award announcement is made during NASSP’s annual celebration of National Assistant Principals Week.

Continue reading ‘Meghan Redmond, Assistant Principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok, Named 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year’ by Sam Jordan at ASDN

Looking for 2019’s Heroes! Alaska Communication’s Summer of Heroes Program Honors Alaskan Youth by Sam Jordan at ASDN

ouralaskanschools on

Now in its ninth year, Alaska Communication’s ‘Summer of Heroes’ program honors outstanding youth from across Alaska. The program’s aim is to promote awareness and support for youth development programs throughout the state.

Continue reading Looking for 2019’s Heroes! Alaska Communication’s Summer of Heroes Program Honors Alaskan Youth by Sam Jordan at ASDN

‘The Inspiring Art of Alaska’s Schools’ by Sam Jordan at ASDN

ouralaskanschools on
Seal and Salmon Art Installation at Juneau-Douglas High School
Hanging art installation that greets students at Juneau-Douglas High School and the Juneau Community Charter School each day.

“For anyone to grow up complete, art is imperative” – Paul Harvey

Alaska’s schools are beautiful.  When you walk into any school, in any part of the state, you are met by not only the sights and sounds of students learning, but you are greeted by art. Supported by our unique, talented and dedicated Alaskan arts community, schools around the state are filled with paintings, photographs, sculptures, mosaics and objects that reflect the regional stories and landscapes of Alaska. Continue reading ‘The Inspiring Art of Alaska’s Schools’ by Sam Jordan at ASDN

Alaska Council of School Administrator’s Winter Education Bulletin

ouralaskanschools on

Three times a year, the Alaska Council of School Administrators publishes a bulletin that highlights K-12 administrative work in Alaska. It’s filled with reflection, commentary and celebration of the work leading Alaska’s schools.

This winter’s edition presents a wide series of voices and perspectives. Dr. Karen Gaborik, Superintendent in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and 2018 Alaska Superintendent Association President, writes about the ‘Mid-Year Team Check-In’, and how it helps gauge progress fulfilled and progress yet to make during a school year. Continue reading Alaska Council of School Administrator’s Winter Education Bulletin

‘Inspiring Creativity with the iDidAContest’ by Katie Harrison, Teacher in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

ouralaskanschools on

Our Alaskan Schools blog

The IDidAContest is an annual Alaskan digital media contest sponsored by the Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) and run completely by volunteer Alaskan educators.The contest will celebrate its 20th year in 2020.  Continue reading ‘Inspiring Creativity with the iDidAContest’ by Katie Harrison, Teacher in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

“Every Conversation Was PASSION and HOPE” by #ASTE19 Keynote Speaker Robyn Hrivnatz, Senior Manager of Education Strategy at Microsoft

ouralaskanschools on

Unplugged ASTE 2019

The Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) 2019 Conference has ended but my hope for the future of education has only been reignited. The gentle snowfall each day in Anchorage was the perfect backdrop to a showcase of educators successfully sharing and learning together. I know that they will be changing student lives in the near future as they bring their optimism and hope back to their classrooms and begin implementing new strategies and resources into their lessons. Continue reading “Every Conversation Was PASSION and HOPE” by #ASTE19 Keynote Speaker Robyn Hrivnatz, Senior Manager of Education Strategy at Microsoft

Esports Alaska by Luke Meinert, EsportsAK Founder

ouralaskanschools on

Alaska E-Sports

Alaska’s high school esports scene continues to grow after a successful inaugural season!

Why Esports

What are esports, you ask? Esports is organized competitive video gameplay between two teams with its own rules and guidelines. Large scale tournaments are happening all over the world where teams compete for millions of dollars in cash prices. Esports is a billion-dollar industry, and three of the ten most watched sporting events last year were esports events. Continue reading Esports Alaska by Luke Meinert, EsportsAK Founder

Better Together: The Power of a Hashtag by Beth Houf, Co-Author of Lead Like A Pirate

ouralaskanschools on

Our Alaskan Schools blog

It’s hard to believe it has been three months since my visit to Alaska as I had the honor and privilege of speaking at the Alaska Principals’ Conference. I was forever changed after this conference for one reason…the people. I met incredible school leaders from all corners of the great state of Alaska doing AMAZING things for students and staff. No matter the overwhelming obstacles that may face each of them, it was evident that each person I had the pleasure of meeting was all about making the world better because of the influence of his/her leadership. Continue reading Better Together: The Power of a Hashtag by Beth Houf, Co-Author of Lead Like A Pirate