MEET THE TOP ONE PERCENT

The Washington Scholars program is honoring 196 of our state's high school seniors for their academic achievements, leadership and community service.

 STUDENTS SHINE AT REGIONAL ART SHOW

Three CKSD students were honored during an event spotlighting the artistic accomplishments of students in our region.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

This math teacher's over-the-top commitment to education goes beyond the school day--and beyond his current generation of students.

A"FIRST" FOR OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

A recent school board meeting featured an unusual demonstration, combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We also recognized the success of our SkillsUSA students.

MAKING ART, CHANGING LIVES

This spring, art students at our Alternative High School helped make a difference in the world, one cedar planter box at at time.

PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT

On June 4, Central Kitsap School District officially broke ground on the new Jackson Park Elementary School. We thank the citizens of our district for their support of the 2011 Capital Projects Levy that made this replacement possible.

ASPIRING TO INSPIRE

Ellen Kraft has spent her career inspiring students to learn mathematics. In the process, she's made a difference in their lives and also earned statewide recognition.

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!

Brownsville Elementary School, Esquire Hills Elementary School, Klahowya Secondary School and Olympic High School are among this year's recipients of Washington Achievement Awards.

WE SET HIGH STANDARDS--AND IT SHOWS

Central Kitsap High School, Klahowya Secondary School and Olympic High School each earned a spot on the list of "America's Most Challenging High Schools."

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Eric Samson is a teacher at Central Kitsap Junior High. He inspires students and colleagues to be passionate, lifelong learners--just like he is. Even after 25 years, Eric teaches with the enthusiasm of a first-year teacher.

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Leslie Waymire is a paraeducator at Woodlands Elementary School. Her teaching techniques are individualized and attentive to student needs. Kids love making personal connections with her.

SEEKING A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING

A unique tribal-state partnership is helping teachers integrate tribal perspectives into their already existing lesson plans.

ANOTHER "BIG" HONOR

Rick Haskins is consistently recognized for excellent interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and organizational skills. And we do mean consistently.

DESTINED FOR STATE

This month’s Destination Imagination competition provided students with the opportunity develop their creativity through teamwork, cooperation and mutual respect. For six of our teams, it was also their path to the state tournament.

TURNING INSPIRATION INTO ACTION

Students at Westside Alternative High are learning firsthand about the power of youth to create positive change.

EVERY LITTER BIT COUNTS

A student at Fairview Junior High is helping to raise awareness about the global problem of marine debris in a colorful way.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 MINUTES

A trip across the globe would be very expensive. Fortunately for our families and community, CKSD provides one for free every year.

HAIL TO THE CHIEF NUMEROLOGIST

Gunnar Onarheim is known for his mathematical prowess, and that skill is taking him places. Maybe even to Washington, D.C.

THE PASSION OF AN ARTIST, THE INFLUENCE OF A LEADER

Sonia Barry blends her background in art with her natural leadership skills, and our district is the benefactor of the impressive result.

AN INNOVATOR AT HEART

Sue Snelling is a true innovator. She is also a living example of the power of a librarian to get the right tools in the right hands for the benefit of all students.

THESE STUDENTS GO "ALL-" OUT FOR MUSIC

Find out what some CKSD students have in common with well-known trumpeter Doc Severinson and jazz saxophonist Kenny G.

COLORFUL REMINDERS TO RECYCLE

If you’re not “closing the loop,” these students think you should. They were recently honored for their efforts to encourage recycling.

SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT

OHS cheerleaders took first place in their division during the recent state championships.

ATTORNEYS PASS THE BAR. THESE TEACHERS ARE RAISING IT.

National Board Certified Teachers set the standard for accomplished teaching.

EVERYBODY NEEDS A HERO

Jeff Richards was at the right place at the right time, and his swift action may have saved a life.

READY TO FLY! ALMOST.

Interested in future human exploration of Mars? These students might actually do it someday.

WOULD YOU DO THIS FOR FREE?

As citizens who serve children and represent their communities, school board members face complex and demanding challenges. And there’s never been a better time to thank them.

IT'S TIME FOR THIS TREND TO END

Research shows that girls often lose interest in math and science at the grade-school level. Krista Holden didn’t, and now she’s reaping the rewards.

TAKING THEIR STICKS TO THE ADRENALINE CHALLENGE

KSS lacrosse players performed well under pressure in a national tournament.

THREE DECADES OF CARING

The holidays will be a little brighter for several local families, thanks to a team effort at Olympic High School.

COCOA FOR A CAUSE

Students at Ridgetop Junior High are showing spirit through service on local, national and even international levels.

OUR EMPLOYEES ARE UNITED FOR UNITED WAY

Why is CKSD considered a "superstar" in Kitsap County? The answer will warm your heart.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT GLOBE?

Students at Fairview Junior High get a lesson in earth science accompanied by an unusual visual.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'

A lot has changed in the field of family and consumer sciences, and Teacher of the Year Cynthia Blinkinsop is helping to lead the way.

THREE FOR THREE!

Bill Baxter, athletic director at Central Kitsap High School, has been named Athletic Director of the Year for the Narrows League.

NEWEST HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE IS REDEFINING RETIREMENT

Coach Bushaw's retirement is active in just about every sense of the word.

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY IS THEIR BUSINESS

How does the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce love education? We can count the ways.

WHEN GOOD DONATIONS GO B.A.D.

A local fundraiser proves once and for all: B.A.D. is good.

STAND BACK FROM THE YELLOW AND BLACK

One of our second grade students won a state competition for promoting school bus safety in a visible way.

NFL COACH OF THE WEEK

CKHS Coach Mark Keel just received national recognition, but his newest accolade hasn't taken the focus of Saturday's big game.

(Photo courtesy of Larry Steagall/Kitsap Sun)

A SILVER LINING TO SNOWSTORMS

This winter, watch for some colorful artwork among the snow plow blades, courtesy of local elementary schools.

(Photo courtesy of Kitsap County Public Works)

HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Our graduation rates are some of the state's best, and our test scores are also looking good.

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

It's still early in her senior year, but some colleges are already impressed by OHS student Geena Hernandez.

PINT-SIZED AMBASSADORS OF FIRE SAFETY

Social studies and fire safety combine to make a big impact on second graders.

SUPPORT FROM THE SIDELINES

Students in Scott Peck’s classes help keep athletes safe from helmets to heels, and they’ve earned national recognition for their knowledge of sports medicine.

NOT THE FIRST, PROBABLY NOT THE LAST

Jeff Kreifels knows a lot about teaching. He knows a lot about history. And he knows a lot about awards for teaching history.

THE FIELD NARROWS

About 1.5 million students enter the National Merit competition each year, but few are chosen. Can you guess why these students look so happy?

COURAGE UNDER FIRE

A quick-thinking custodian limited damage to her school in June. Find out how she earned school board recognition.

TOP OF THE PYRAMID

Does the word "Herkie" mean anything to you? It sure means something to the OHS cheer squad.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A TEACHER WHEN...

August's trainings supported staff members in finding new ways to help students.

SAY "HOLA!" TO THE REGIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Rich Newell's enthusiasm for teaching has earned him deep respect and admiration from students and colleagues. Lately, it's also been earning him some awards.