Kikori Case Study: Lower Yukon School District Achieves Improved Attendance, Engagement & JOY
Updated: Aug 26
Spotlight Story: Discover how Kikori's approach transformed Lower Yukon School District's Summer School program to cultivate connections and deepen learning
In just four weeks, Lower Yukon School District's Summer School program showcased the transformative power of Kikori's experiential social-emotional learning (SEL) approach. Students flourished, attendance surged, and educators embraced innovative teaching methods with fervor. This case study illuminates the profound impact that joy-filled, SEL-focused education can have on student engagement and academic success. As we delve into these results, envision the potential for even greater achievements throughout an entire school year.
About Lower Yukon School District (LYSD)
Lower Yukon School District (LYSD) in Alaska comprises ten K-12 schools, each housed in a single building, and serves a unique and diverse student population. With dedicated educators from the Philippines, Ghana, and various parts of the United States, LYSD is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The district is deeply rooted in the Yup’ik culture, which enriches the community with kindness, humor, storytelling, and vibrant cultural expressions such as dancing and beading.
Bringing Kikori to LYSD: Enhancing Joy, Attendance, and Community
The decision to integrate Kikori into LYSD's programs stems from a desire to create a welcoming and joyful school environment. Specifically, the district aims to boost student attendance and engagement by ensuring that students feel safe and valued in their school community. Many LYSD students are quiet and reserved, and the district recognizes the need for students to feel connected to educators and classmates and to build self-confidence. Kikori’s platform provides the tools and activities necessary to foster a supportive classroom environment, promoting open communication and a sense of belonging.
Implementing Kikori in LYSD's Summer School Program
This summer, LYSD utilized Kikori within its summer school sessions, accommodating 15-20 students per session. The program structure was laid out in the following format:
Morning Meeting: Start the day with engaging Kikori activities to build a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
STEM Block: Utilize STEM kits and task cards for hands-on engineering challenges.
Energizer Brain Break: Incorporate Kikori brain breaks to keep students energized and focused.
Math Block: Conduct math lessons with a mix of interactive and traditional methods.
Lunch Break
Calmer Brain Break: Use Kikori activities to build essential coping skills after intense learning sessions.
Literacy Block: Focus on literacy skills with extended reading and writing activities.
Closing Circle: End the day with reflective and community-building Kikori activities
Strengths of Lower Yukon School District
A key component to Kikori’s approach is learning about educators’, students’ and community strengths. LYSD schools are characterized by their strong cultural heritage and dedicated staff. The district proudly supports a 99% Yup’ik student population, with many Yup’ik paraprofessionals enriching the educational experience. Teachers are committed to student success and embody the Yup’ik values of kindness and humor. This cultural richness is evident in the creativity of students and the beautiful traditional crafts they produce.
Challenges Faced by Lower Yukon School District
Like so many other schools around the United States, LYSD faces several challenges:
Staffing: Staff retention is a need in schools around the United States. These challenges are even more significant in rural Alaska schools.
Economic Barriers: 100% Title 1 School District with limited access to everyday resources such as access to internet.
Academic Performance: Low reading proficiency rates with the majority of students below the 10th percentile.
Attendance and Counseling: Chronic absenteeism throughout district and limited access to counselors, with only two schools having on-site counseling services.
Visualizing Success with Kikori
In planning for a successful program, the following are the goals that LYSD set with the Kikori Team.
Goals for Training Phase:
Teachers feel inspired and confident in using Kikori.
Activities are hands-on and easy to prepare, alleviating any fears around lesson planning.
Weekly information is readily available on the LYSD website, ensuring smooth daily execution.
Comprehensive training sessions, both in-person and virtual, with easy access to the Kikori app and user-friendly guides.
Goals by Mid-Session Check-In:
Regular feedback sessions to address challenges and celebrate successes.
Continuous support to meet any needs during the program.
Goals by End of Summer Program:
Increased student attendance throughout the summer school program.
Positive feedback from staff and students, collected through end-of-summer surveys.
Improved academic scores and enhanced student engagement and well-being.
By integrating Kikori into their summer school program, LYSD aims to create a more engaging, supportive, and joyful learning environment, ultimately fostering better academic and social-emotional outcomes for their students.
Lower Yukon School District Summer School SEL Achievements
The Summer School Social Emotional Learning achievements can be summed up by LYSD Director of Distance Learning & Logistics, Lisa Vrvilo, “Those that dove into Kikori changed classrooms, students and teachers. I had teachers saying that it changed the way I ‘m teaching. It’s more hands-on, it’s engaging. Students were excited to come to school in the morning. That doesn’t always happen. The positive culture in classrooms and schools made a big difference as well. The teachers I talked to said they definitely want to use it during the school year. Kids ENJOYED summer school. Teachers used some of the activities in the reading and math classes based on what they were learning from the platform and Kikori. They used more cooperative learning and engagement strategies that they picked up on during SEL time.”
Attendance and Engagement Sky-Rocketed
The Summer School program saw a notable increase in attendance compared to the previous year. Attendance figures increased by 50%, with 260 students completing the program out of 640 in the 2023 Summer School, whereas 400 students completed the program out of 660 in the 2024 Summer School. The high attendance rates indicated strong participation from both students and teachers.
Throughout the four-week program, we conducted comprehensive assessments, including pre- and post-surveys for both educators and students. The educator surveys focused on their experiences in planning and leading SEL activities, as well as observing changes in student outcomes such as engagement, cooperation, empathy, sense of community, and connection. Fifty two educators completed the pre-survey with 41 educators completing the post-survey.
Educator Assessment Results
Educators reported improvements across the board in both their experience with planning and leading SEL activities using the Kikori platform; and in their ratings of students' SEL outcomes. They found that planning SEL activities became 26% easier, saving educators an average of 45 minutes per week.
Educators observed improvement in all areas of student outcomes surveyed - engagement, cooperation, empathy and student connectedness - with student engagement rising by 30%. The assessments highlighted a significant increase in students' sense of confidence and hopefulness.
Kikori significantly helped students come out of their comfort zones and grow in their social and emotional skills. Andrea Glover at Hooper Bay School observed, “Kikori helped my students to come out of their comfort zone. The students need this.” Joan Abenojar at Pilot Station School shared, “My students were deeply impacted by the KIKORI activities; they not only enjoyed the sessions but also showed significant growth in their social and emotional skills. Activities like Think Pair Share and the various Greetings fostered empathy, inclusivity, and stronger connections, transforming our classroom into a positive and supportive community.”
Student Assessment Results
The assessment of the Summer School program included pre- and post-surveys completed by a substantial number of students. Specifically, 74 K-2 students took the pre-survey with 59 completing the post-survey. In the 3-5 grade group, 173 students participated in the pre-survey while 121 completed the post-survey. Among the middle school students, 97 completed the pre-survey, with 50 finishing the post-survey.
The K-2nd grade students demonstrated improvement in 18 out of 20 SEL skills over the 4-week period. Most impressive were their improvements in recognizing their strengths, practicing positive self-talk and utilizing calming tools, learning how to share with others and their ability to resolve conflict.
Over the four-week period, both 3rd-5th grade students and middle school students reported notable improvements in their self-confidence and hopefulness. Middle school students, in particular, showed a remarkable 25% increase in their confidence levels.
For 3rd-5th grade students, the program resulted in improvements in 17 out of 20 SEL skills. They demonstrated significant gains in empathy, engagement, and recognizing their own strengths, with a 20% improvement in these areas.
The middle school students showed even more pronounced progress, enhancing 18 out of 20 SEL skills. They saw over a 20% improvement in their ability to identify their own and others' strengths, recognize stressors, respect classmates, practice honest and fair collaboration, take accountability, and listen to resolve conflicts.
The Role of Play in Student Outcomes
Play is an essential component of Kikori’s philosophy and curriculum, and its impact on student outcomes was highlighted by many educators during the Summer School program. The value of play-based learning was evident in numerous ways:
Enhanced Belief in Play-Based Learning
The integration of Kikori's play-based activities into the classroom has significantly reinforced educators' belief in the value of play as a fundamental component of learning. Elinessa Abamonga, a middle and high school teacher at Nunam Iqua School, shared her perspective, stating, "I am always a believer that play is the natural environment for a child to learn. Using Kikori reinforced this belief so much."
This belief in the power of play was echoed by Joan Abenojar, a 2nd grade teacher at Pilot Station School, whose experience during Summer School deepened her appreciation for play-based learning. She reflected, "My belief in the value of PLAY and play-based SEL activities has significantly deepened after using Kikori activities during Summer School. The importance of play was evident as students engaged in activities that allowed them to reflect on their experiences, connect with their peers, and grow both socially and emotionally. Play-based learning through Kikori fostered empathy, inclusivity, and stronger interpersonal connections, proving that structured play is not just fun but also a powerful tool for holistic development."
Enhanced Student Engagement
The implementation of play-based activities significantly boosted student engagement across various schools. Educators witnessed firsthand how these activities captivate and motivate students, creating a more dynamic and enjoyable learning environment. Many teachers, including paraprofessional, Margaret Aguchak, and 6-12th grade math and science teacher, Genevieve Garcia, saw a clear increase in student engagement stemming from the use of Kikori activities.
Andrea Glover, a 6th-8th grade teacher at Hooper Bay School, emphasized the revitalizing effect of play-based tools in her classroom, stating, "This PLAY-based tool has always been a valuable/resourceful tool in my classroom. It revives the students." Faye Poncardas, a 6-12th grade ELA teacher at the same school, added, "PLAY has made the class more engaging and fun. Yes, because it motivates them and it arouses their interest." The motivational aspect of play has significantly impacted student engagement and interest in learning.
Even middle school students benefited greatly from play-based activities. William Bajczyk, a middle school math teacher at Scammon Bay School, explained, "The short answer is [that play-based activities are] highly valuable. Play, in my opinion, is an important part of middle school students' lives." This perspective was shared by Molly Hale, a 6-8th grade teacher at Hooper Bay School, who noted that play-based activities "opened a lot of students’ eyes to how they treat each other."
Darlene Cholok, a paraprofessional at Scammon Bay School, observed the immediate impact of these activities, stating, "I have seen it in action and it really gets the kids engaged." Cristina Tackett, a 3rd-5th grade teacher at Nunam Iqua School, shared that "The students were engaged with the activities and topics presented." Tabitha Cook, a teaching paraprofessional at Emmonak School, highlighted the popularity of certain activities, noting, "The students loved the activities that got them up and moving, like the different variations of freeze tag and rock paper scissors."
Improved Student Learning
Educators also observed a notable improvement in student learning through play-based
activities, emphasizing both academic and social-emotional growth. Minard Abenojar, a 3rd grade teacher at Pilot Station School, witnessed firsthand the benefits of using Kikori activities during Summer School. He shared, "Using Kikori activities in Summer School showed me how valuable play and play-based SEL activities are. My students were really into the activities, which made me realize how much play can help them learn and develop socially and emotionally. It's clear to me now that play should be a big part of education because it helps with both learning and important life skills." This insight highlights the dual benefit of play in fostering both academic learning and essential life skills.
Mary Ann Alberto, a middle school teacher at Pilot Station School, emphasized the positive classroom atmosphere created by play-based SEL activities. She observed, "Yes, my belief has improved that play-based activities can impact students' SEL. Play-based SEL activities helped create a positive classroom atmosphere. Students built stronger relationships with their peers through shared experiences." These activities not only engage students but also help them build stronger interpersonal connections.
At Scammon Bay School, Faith Ysulan, a 6-12th grade science teacher, noted the eagerness of her students to learn and have fun simultaneously. She remarked, "They learn things every day and that is amazing. I am teaching first and second grade. They are so eager to learn and to have fun as well." This enthusiasm for learning is a testament to the effectiveness of integrating play into the curriculum.
Krystal Reyes, a 9-12 grade math teacher at Alakanuk School, emphasized the educational value of play. She said, "Kikori showed me that students CAN learn through play! Playing and having fun is great to include with SEL activities and learning. I have always believed that young children learn through play, and it's nice to see it being used in the school. Yes, they learn more." The integration of play has not only made learning more enjoyable but has also reinforced the belief that play is a crucial element in the educational process.
Students Enjoyed Summer School and Set Future Goals
LYSD students LOVED their Summer School program! The focus on fun significantly boosted their excitement about learning, attendance, and setting future goals. As part of our mission to celebrate and encourage student voice, we asked students to rate their summer school experience. These were the results:
K-2 students rated their summer school experience as 9.4.
3-5 students rated it as 8.8.
Middle School students rated it as 7.8—a grand success for this age group!
The common denominator for this success? Fun. When asked why they rated their Summer School experience so highly, students overwhelmingly cited, “It was fun!!!” One middle school student even said, “I want to stay at summer school forever and ever.”
The Kikori program has been a hit among students, bringing fun and engagement into their learning experiences. Jara Morados, a 6-12th grade ELA teacher at Kotlik School, observed, “Students were having fun in the program.” This sentiment was echoed by Rachel Kerr, a Pre-K-K Primary Teacher at Alakanuk School, who said, “I thought it was a fun resource and loved the games.”
Krysal Reyes, a MS/HS Teacher at Alakanuk School, highlighted the value and clarity of the activities, stating, “The Kikori activities were unique, engaging, clear instructions, and had a lot of learning value.” This combination of engagement and educational value was also noted by Faye Poncardas, a 6-12 ELA teacher at Hooper Bay School, who shared, “It has been a fun and meaningful experience which gave students the avenue to connect with their classmates. Kids and I were having fun in every activity!”
The program's ability to make learning more enjoyable was a key point for many educators. Hanna Rosales, a MS/HS Teacher at Mountain Village School, simply stated, “It's more fun and engaging.” Hubert Emile, a 6th grade teacher at Emmonak School, added, “It is an excellent program, so far. My 3rd graders loved it!”
In the Words of LYSD Students
Students shared what they learned during summer school, reflecting a blend of academic and social-emotional growth:
3rd-5th Grade Students:
"It is okay to say how we feel."
"I learned to share my feelings."
"I learned to encourage myself and others."
"I learned heaps about math, STEM, the ecosystem, and reading."
Middle School Students:
"We have to listen to others."
"I learned about bullying."
"How to trust."
"To help each other."
When asked about their goals for the upcoming school year, students identified aspirations such as perfect attendance, improved grades in reading, writing, and math, listening more, and making new friends. The fun and engaging environment of the Summer School program played a crucial role in fostering these positive attitudes and goals, demonstrating the profound impact that enjoyable, play-based learning can have on students' overall educational experience.
SEL Benefits for Educators
Educators at various schools reported having one of the best summer school experiences
ever, largely due to the support and resources provided. William Bajczyk, a Middle School Math Teacher at Scammon Bay School, reflected, “I've taught for 30+ years. I would say this year was ONE of the best summer schools ever. I appreciate the support from Lisa, Shannon, Missy, Kikori folks, the STEM person, and countless others. My Middle School students loved coming up every day.” Similarly, Wanda Kaganak, who teaches Middle School ELA at Scammon Bay School, shared, “I certainly had the BEST SUMMER SCHOOL EVER! First of all, learning with Kindergarten students is a remarkable experience - a golden opportunity worth my time : ) Second, district staff have put together spectacular lessons and plenty (I mean PLENTY) of resources for us to facilitate and implement. Third, the students were truly engaged and enjoyed the daily lessons.”
The integration of Kikori activities significantly enhanced the learning environment, as Minard Abenojar, a 3rd Grade teacher at Pilot Station School, noted, “Yes, this summer school has been the best one yet! The integration of Kikori activities added a new level of engagement and excitement to our learning environment. Students were actively participating, eager to share, and genuinely enjoying themselves. The combination of fun activities and meaningful learning experiences made it a memorable and enriching summer for everyone involved. Looking ahead, we could enhance future summer schools by further diversifying the activities to cater to different interests and learning styles.” Mary Bruce, a 3rd grade teacher at Alakanuk School, observed, “The students were involved and interested in the activities. They showed up almost every day. That's what made this fun. Their excitement got me excited.”
Even teachers who have been in the field for many years found the experience refreshing and impactful. Hanna Rosales, a MS/HS teacher at Mountain Village School, expressed, “Yes, I am forever grateful every day.” Rachel Kerr, teaching PreK-K at Alakanuk School, highlighted the joy of seeing students’ progress, “I had fun. I love being able to work with kids, see the light bulbs go off and connections, and be able to grow as a teacher.” Faye Poncardas, a Middle School teacher at Hooper Bay, also had a positive experience, saying, “Yes, I have a fun-filled summer school experience this year.”
The Kikori Difference
Kikori played a crucial role in transforming the summer school experience for many educators. Joan Abenojar, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Pilot Station School, mentioned, “Kikori made teaching different for me. It gave me many fun activities that help students learn and stay interested.” Andrea Glover, a 6th-8th grade teacher at Hooper Bay, added, “This was my first summer and I can say that Kikori was a life-saver.” Joan further emphasized Kikori's impact, stating, “Absolutely, KIKORI played a pivotal role in making this summer school experience truly exceptional. The engaging, play-based SEL activities made planning effortless and created a dynamic, supportive learning environment. Students enjoyed the sessions immensely and showed remarkable growth in their social and emotional skills.”
Minard Abenojar, another advocate for Kikori, recommended it highly: “I highly recommend Kikori! It's an excellent platform for promoting engagement, collaboration, and learning among students. The activities are well-designed, diverse, and adaptable to various educational settings. Plus, Kikori's focus on social-emotional learning fosters important skills like communication, empathy, and self-awareness. Overall, Kikori is a valuable resource that can enhance the educational experience for both students and educators.”
Ease of Use and Time-Saving
Educators appreciated Kikori's user-friendly interface and the time it saved in preparation. Minard Abenojar shared, “From my perspective as an educator, the Kikori platform provided a seamless and user-friendly interface, making it easy to facilitate the activities and track student progress. The variety of activities offered catered to different learning styles and abilities, ensuring that all students could actively participate and benefit from the program.” Charlotte Floyd, a 3rd grade teacher at Mountain Village School, concurred, saying, “The platform was easy and it saves time.” Faith Ysulan, a 6th-12th Science teacher at Scammon Bay School, added, “It is easy to do and very helpful prepping lessons.”
Other teachers echoed these sentiments. Jean Domansi, a 7th-12th grade teacher at Mountain Village, noted, “User-friendly activities. It also helps that there are questions ready to Reflect, Connect, and Grow.” Mary Bruce from Alakanuk School said, “Kikori was easy to follow and implement. It had fun activities that were engaging for the students.” Kathy Rule, a High School Teacher at Alakanuk School, emphasized, “It saved a lot of time preparing for SEL.” Hanna Rosales at Mountain Village School simply stated, “I loved the activities.” Wanda Kaganak highlighted Kikori’s versatility, “The primary reason for scoring Kikori a ten is it is user friendly, applicable to every gender and racial background, and versatile.”
Variety and Range of Activities
Teachers appreciated the wide range of activities offered by Kikori, allowing them to choose the best fit for their classes. William Bajczyk at Scammon Bay School said, “What I love most about Kikori is that many activities were offered, so this allowed me to choose the best ones for my class.” He also praised the personal interaction facilitated by these activities, “I like the breadth of activities that are offered and the personal interaction between the lesson and the students.”
Wanda Kaganak, a MS ELA teacher at Scammon Bay School, appreciated the variety of activities available, noting, “Our students enjoyed all the activities they experienced. There were plenty of activities for us to choose from. Kikori helped students get out of their seats and mingle with each other in various kinds of social activities.” Mary Bruce, a 3rd grade teacher at Alakanuk School, confirmed, “The students loved the games and activities.”
Looking Ahead to the Fall School Year
Lower Yukon School District’s collaboration with Kikori has yielded remarkable results, demonstrating the transformative potential of experiential social-emotional learning. The Summer School program’s success, reflected in improved attendance, increased student engagement, and significant growth in SEL skills, serves as a promising indicator of what can be achieved when education is infused with joy, play, and community building.
Looking ahead, Lower Yukon School District eagerly anticipates expanding Kikori's approach into the 2024-25 academic calendar. By prioritizing joy and fostering a supportive learning environment, we aim to cultivate not only academic excellence but also emotional well-being for the whole child. As we embark on this journey, we invite fellow educators and districts to join us in embracing Kikori's transformative practices. Together, we can create educational experiences that empower students, enrich communities, and shape a brighter future for all.
To learn more about bringing Kikori to your school, email info@kikoriapp.com
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