At Kuspuk School District, we are committed to ensuring that every student—across all nine schools in our seven river communities—has access to the supports, opportunities, and relationships they need to thrive. As a remote Alaska district accessible only by air or river, our students face unique challenges, from geographic isolation and limited access to mental health services to food insecurity and attendance barriers. In response, we have reimagined what student support looks like in rural Alaska through our districtwide initiative, Kuspuk Empowers.
This approach integrates learning supports, mental health access, cultural experiences, and wellness practices directly into instruction, school culture, and community life. Through trauma-engaged practices, expanded tele-mental health services, hands-on outdoor learning, strengthened cultural connections, and clear instructional structures grounded in Visible Learning, we work to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and successful. Our partnerships with families, Tribal leaders, and local organizations deepen this work, helping us build safe, connected, and opportunity-rich schools where students can grow with confidence, identity, and hope.
Transforming Schools: Trauma-Engaged Practices in Alaska” district-wide, with annual recurring professional development for all staff districtwide. We have shifted from reactive discipline to proactive, relationship-based student regulation and de-escalation. Schools now have:
Students report feeling safer at school, and our discipline data shows a significant decline in major incidents and out-of-school suspensions.
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District-wide, with annual recurring professional development for all staff districtwide. We have shifted from reactive discipline to proactive, relationship-based student regulation and de-escalation.
Through the use of tele-health, we contracted and now work with a licensed school social worker, for the first time ever in the history of the district.
Students can now participate in weekly counseling, small group, classroom lessons, and restorative meetings, with staff trained to help identify students experiencing emotional crisis, depression, or disengagement.
Here are the services that Ms. Ellen provides to support our students, families, and staff:
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Our student supports are integrated with hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, identity, and belonging:
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We believe mental health is inseparable from instruction. We provide on-going all staff training in Teacher Clarity, feedback cycles, and goal tracking, giving students structure, success experiences, and ownership of learning. When students know what they are learning, why it matters, and see themselves making progress, anxiety decreases and persistence increases.
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We created a new Tribal & Community Liaison position to strengthen the bridge between home and school. This work has increased parent engagement, cultural activities in school, Tribal involvement, and access to services. Students see their identity, culture, and language honored, which supports belonging, confidence, and wellness.
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