MAŊŊUQPUT

Inuk una qauriniŋanin inugullaġmi iḷisimmatiniguuruq iḷisausiaminin naipiqtuġniŋaniḷḷu aasii taima isumalaalgusivḷuni suli iḷisimmaġiksivḷuni tainnamik aasii kisuutilaani pautaġivlugu inuguqhuni inulluatauvluni.

North Slope Borough School District

Welcome to North Slope Borough School District

OUR FOUNDATION

The North Slope Borough School District is committed to embedding through our curriculum and teaching practices, traditional Inupiaq ways of raising and educating children, Inuguqsiniq, which is the principle that guides our work with the children and communities of the North Slope. We share the responsibility to support our students’ development as inulluatat - good human beings – who are able to navigate successfully in today’s world.

We honor and recognize the unique process of learning that is deeply tied to the land, culture, language, and knowledge of the Inupiat. This approach, which is directed by the Inupiaq worldview, respects how children learn as they become aware of their surroundings and expand their knowledge into adulthood.

OUR MISSION

Students who are empowered, culturally rooted, bilingual, healthy, critical, creative, life-long learners.

The North Slope Borough School District is located at the "top of the world" in Northern Alaska.

Our communities are populated predominantly by the Iñupiat, and today, as in many thousands of years past, we live the Iñupiaq way. Having embraced modern amenities that make life easier, we continue to practice our hunting and sharing traditions and very much value the structure that those activities bring into our lives.

We are a welcoming and friendly people who believe strongly in the value of education. Our highly trained certified and classified staff are dedicated to serving the children of our communities. They work together to meet the unique needs of every student in the district.

Our students are fully immersed in preparing for tomorrow while honoring and perpetuating the priceless traditions and culture they have as a legacy from the past. Our children exude all the warmth and sunshine one could ever hope to find.

We are led by a visionary board. Their mission for our district calls for every child to become proficient in reading, writing, and mathematics while gaining an understanding of and appreciation for the values, culture, history, and language of the Iñupiat.

Quyanaqpak,

The North Slope Borough School District

District News

  • Juneteenth Flyer
    Jun 19, 2025 · North Slope Borough School District

    Celebrate Juneteenth, Freedom Day!


  • Iñupiatun Immersion Program flyer
    May 22, 2025 · North Slope Borough School District

    Uqautiluŋa Iñupiatun Immersion Program


  • Harold Kaveolook School Phase 1
    May 16, 2025 · North Slope Borough School District

    Harold Kaveolook School Phase 1 Success! - The final beam is in place!

    Students and community members in Kaktovik sign the final beam which is then placed into the Phase 1 vertical construction of the new Harold Kaveolook School gymnasium.


  • Meade River School Principal | Brian Schaffer
    May 16, 2025 · North Slope Borough School District

    AASSP Region I Principal of The Year for 2025

    Meade River School Principal named Region I Principal of The Year

    ___________________________________________________

    Meade River School Principal Brian Schaffer has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Region I Principal of the Year. Meade River School is in the North Slope Borough School District, where he has served for 3 years. 

    AASSP sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success. They may be nominated by anyone – students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers - with awards finalized by AASSP members in their region. Regional Principals of The Year are eligible to be in the running for the statewide Alaska Principal of The Year.

    David Vadiveloo, Superintendent of the North Slope Borough School District, said, "Principal Schaffer is a vocal advocate for the culturally responsive pedagogy and mission of our District and leads the Meade River School in Atqasuk with authentic community engagement." Superintendent Vadiveloo added, "Mr. Schaffer's inclusive leadership style is also demonstrated by the involvement of certified and classified staff in the development of systems of support to address the needs of the whole child.

    Zina Robinson, colleague and Principal of Trapper School, shared that Principal Schaffer is a collaborative leader. "Mr. Schaffer has created a supportive, innovative and inviting environment for the entire Meade River community."

    Superintendent Vadiveloo shared that the whole community is celebrating Mr. Schaffer's honor saying, "The North Slope Borough School District is proud to congratulate Principal Brian Schaffer as Region I Principal of the Year.

    Rick Dormer, AASSP President, said, "Our Alaska Regional Principals of the Year are hard-working leaders who have made purposeful, positive impacts on the lives of students, staff and the communities in which they work." 

    Dormer congratulates the 2025 AASSP Regional Principals of the Year saying, "I'm proud to be colleagues with these exceptional leaders. Thank you for serving our schools in such an excellent manner."


  • Teach in the Arctic
    May 16, 2025 · North Slope Borough School District

    Teach in the Arctic!


  • Why Tobacco Harms Your Brain
    Sep 21, 2024 · North Slope Borough School District

    Why Tobacco Harms Your Brain


  • Secondhand Smoke Health Problems
    Sep 21, 2024 · North Slope Borough School District

    Secondhand Smoke Health Problems


  • What are Vapes
    Sep 21, 2024 · North Slope Borough School District

    What Are Vapes


Around NSBSD

Students showing work at her teacher
Iñupiaq Mentor-Apprentice Program

Through a partnership with the NSB Iñupiat History, Language, and Culture (IHLC) division, the North Slope Borough School District is proud to celebrate the successful completion of the first pilot of the Iñupiaq Mentor-Apprentice Program Intensive, Iñupialgusisa!, which was held June 2-13, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative brought together 14 dedicated participants, including Iñupiaq Language Teachers and Iñupiaq Education Department staff. Group Mentor-Apprentice Programming is a team-based approach where one or a few advanced speakers teach a group of language learners through structured immersion lessons and accelerated second language acquisition techniques to build fluency through consistent, real-world use.

During this two-week intensive, the group was led by Annauk Olin, Mentor-Apprentice Program Manager for the Iñupiaq Education Department. Annauk is the daughter of Maggie Pollock, a previous immersion teacher of the NSBSD. She has spent nearly a decade working on Iñupiaq language and MAP initiatives under the mentorship of Dr. Edna Ahgeak MacLean.

The intensive focused on MAP strategies through immersion storytelling using two stories: Uisauruaq Taġiumi – Adrift on the Ice (author: Patrick Okpeaha) and Amaqtuġniaġniq – Pink Salmon Fishing (authors: Hannah Loon, Annauk Olin, and Paałuk Reid Magdanz). Each story was broken down into three sets (each set including 4-5 phrases), and with a picture to accompany each phrase of the story. Each set was taught in a 2-hour immersive period where each phrase was repeated dozens of times, before learners were expected to reproduce the phrases. Apprentices were able to use the story to learn to describe the illustrations while further breaking down the sentences through grammatical analysis of the phrases. Utilizing these strategies and tools, they were then able to create their own narrative through individual final projects and tell the story to the class while applying instructional methods to teach their peers their story. One elder who participated said, “Naalaġninnaraaqtatka iḷisaurrimmata Iñupiatun. (I enjoyed hearing other teachers when they taught their lessons in Iñupiaq).”

Director of Iñupiaq Education, Qaġġuna Tenna Pili states, “We recognize from an NSBSD standpoint the importance of, and priority needed to support adult second-language learners, especially those who are teaching the language in our classrooms. Although we are five minutes past midnight regarding our Iñupiaq language status within our region and communities, we place emphasis on the need to support our adult learners to continue to advance in their teachings with our children. We have the benefit in the North Slope to have an abundance of language materials and resources, and the fluent speakers needed to implement this program.

It is not the sole responsibility of our language teachers or our schools to ensure Iñupiaq Language fluency progresses with our children, but in all actuality, it is a collective responsibility of us as parents, community members, elders, and linguists/fluent speakers. We must work together to ensure we as a community perpetuate the shared responsibility in supporting Iñupiaq language learning through direct instruction like MAP, immersion, and prioritizing language learning at home.”

Looking ahead, we plan to continue the MAP initiatives into the fall with all Iñupiaq Language Teachers and begin work with parents of students in the immersion program. The primary focus remains to support language fluency progression for highly motivated learners, each committing a minimum of 7.5 hours per week to immersive language learning.

Quyanaqpak to all who contributed to this vital step in Iñupiaq language perpetuation. We look forward to continuing to enhance our partnerships amongst all organizations to support Iñupiaq Language work and working with all our motivated second-language learners. Iñupiuraaq sumipayaaq! Iñupialgusisa!

Staff teaching other staff
Iñupiaq Mentor-Apprentice Program

Through a partnership with the NSB Iñupiat History, Language, and Culture (IHLC) division, the North Slope Borough School District is proud to celebrate the successful completion of the first pilot of the Iñupiaq Mentor-Apprentice Program Intensive, Iñupialgusisa!, which was held June 2-13, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative brought together 14 dedicated participants, including Iñupiaq Language Teachers and Iñupiaq Education Department staff. Group Mentor-Apprentice Programming is a team-based approach where one or a few advanced speakers teach a group of language learners through structured immersion lessons and accelerated second language acquisition techniques to build fluency through consistent, real-world use.

During this two-week intensive, the group was led by Annauk Olin, Mentor-Apprentice Program Manager for the Iñupiaq Education Department. Annauk is the daughter of Maggie Pollock, a previous immersion teacher of the NSBSD. She has spent nearly a decade working on Iñupiaq language and MAP initiatives under the mentorship of Dr. Edna Ahgeak MacLean.

The intensive focused on MAP strategies through immersion storytelling using two stories: Uisauruaq Taġiumi – Adrift on the Ice (author: Patrick Okpeaha) and Amaqtuġniaġniq – Pink Salmon Fishing (authors: Hannah Loon, Annauk Olin, and Paałuk Reid Magdanz). Each story was broken down into three sets (each set including 4-5 phrases), and with a picture to accompany each phrase of the story. Each set was taught in a 2-hour immersive period where each phrase was repeated dozens of times, before learners were expected to reproduce the phrases. Apprentices were able to use the story to learn to describe the illustrations while further breaking down the sentences through grammatical analysis of the phrases. Utilizing these strategies and tools, they were then able to create their own narrative through individual final projects and tell the story to the class while applying instructional methods to teach their peers their story. One elder who participated said, “Naalaġninnaraaqtatka iḷisaurrimmata Iñupiatun. (I enjoyed hearing other teachers when they taught their lessons in Iñupiaq).”

Director of Iñupiaq Education, Qaġġuna Tenna Pili states, “We recognize from an NSBSD standpoint the importance of, and priority needed to support adult second-language learners, especially those who are teaching the language in our classrooms. Although we are five minutes past midnight regarding our Iñupiaq language status within our region and communities, we place emphasis on the need to support our adult learners to continue to advance in their teachings with our children. We have the benefit in the North Slope to have an abundance of language materials and resources, and the fluent speakers needed to implement this program.

It is not the sole responsibility of our language teachers or our schools to ensure Iñupiaq Language fluency progresses with our children, but in all actuality, it is a collective responsibility of us as parents, community members, elders, and linguists/fluent speakers. We must work together to ensure we as a community perpetuate the shared responsibility in supporting Iñupiaq language learning through direct instruction like MAP, immersion, and prioritizing language learning at home.”

Looking ahead, we plan to continue the MAP initiatives into the fall with all Iñupiaq Language Teachers and begin work with parents of students in the immersion program. The primary focus remains to support language fluency progression for highly motivated learners, each committing a minimum of 7.5 hours per week to immersive language learning.

Quyanaqpak to all who contributed to this vital step in Iñupiaq language perpetuation. We look forward to continuing to enhance our partnerships amongst all organizations to support Iñupiaq Language work and working with all our motivated second-language learners. Iñupiuraaq sumipayaaq! Iñupialgusisa!

Staff training other staff
Iñupiaq Mentor-Apprentice Program

Through a partnership with the NSB Iñupiat History, Language, and Culture (IHLC) division, the North Slope Borough School District is proud to celebrate the successful completion of the first pilot of the Iñupiaq Mentor-Apprentice Program Intensive, Iñupialgusisa!, which was held June 2-13, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative brought together 14 dedicated participants, including Iñupiaq Language Teachers and Iñupiaq Education Department staff. Group Mentor-Apprentice Programming is a team-based approach where one or a few advanced speakers teach a group of language learners through structured immersion lessons and accelerated second language acquisition techniques to build fluency through consistent, real-world use.

During this two-week intensive, the group was led by Annauk Olin, Mentor-Apprentice Program Manager for the Iñupiaq Education Department. Annauk is the daughter of Maggie Pollock, a previous immersion teacher of the NSBSD. She has spent nearly a decade working on Iñupiaq language and MAP initiatives under the mentorship of Dr. Edna Ahgeak MacLean.

The intensive focused on MAP strategies through immersion storytelling using two stories: Uisauruaq Taġiumi – Adrift on the Ice (author: Patrick Okpeaha) and Amaqtuġniaġniq – Pink Salmon Fishing (authors: Hannah Loon, Annauk Olin, and Paałuk Reid Magdanz). Each story was broken down into three sets (each set including 4-5 phrases), and with a picture to accompany each phrase of the story. Each set was taught in a 2-hour immersive period where each phrase was repeated dozens of times, before learners were expected to reproduce the phrases. Apprentices were able to use the story to learn to describe the illustrations while further breaking down the sentences through grammatical analysis of the phrases. Utilizing these strategies and tools, they were then able to create their own narrative through individual final projects and tell the story to the class while applying instructional methods to teach their peers their story. One elder who participated said, “Naalaġninnaraaqtatka iḷisaurrimmata Iñupiatun. (I enjoyed hearing other teachers when they taught their lessons in Iñupiaq).”

Director of Iñupiaq Education, Qaġġuna Tenna Pili states, “We recognize from an NSBSD standpoint the importance of, and priority needed to support adult second-language learners, especially those who are teaching the language in our classrooms. Although we are five minutes past midnight regarding our Iñupiaq language status within our region and communities, we place emphasis on the need to support our adult learners to continue to advance in their teachings with our children. We have the benefit in the North Slope to have an abundance of language materials and resources, and the fluent speakers needed to implement this program.

It is not the sole responsibility of our language teachers or our schools to ensure Iñupiaq Language fluency progresses with our children, but in all actuality, it is a collective responsibility of us as parents, community members, elders, and linguists/fluent speakers. We must work together to ensure we as a community perpetuate the shared responsibility in supporting Iñupiaq language learning through direct instruction like MAP, immersion, and prioritizing language learning at home.”

Looking ahead, we plan to continue the MAP initiatives into the fall with all Iñupiaq Language Teachers and begin work with parents of students in the immersion program. The primary focus remains to support language fluency progression for highly motivated learners, each committing a minimum of 7.5 hours per week to immersive language learning.

Quyanaqpak to all who contributed to this vital step in Iñupiaq language perpetuation. We look forward to continuing to enhance our partnerships amongst all organizations to support Iñupiaq Language work and working with all our motivated second-language learners. Iñupiuraaq sumipayaaq! Iñupialgusisa!

Group Photo of the ILT Staff
Iñupiaq Mentor-Apprentice Program

Through a partnership with the NSB Iñupiat History, Language, and Culture (IHLC) division, the North Slope Borough School District is proud to celebrate the successful completion of the first pilot of the Iñupiaq Mentor-Apprentice Program Intensive, Iñupialgusisa! which was held June 2-13, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative brought together 14 dedicated participants, including Iñupiaq Language Teachers and Iñupiaq Education Department staff. Group Mentor-Apprentice Programming is a team-based approach where one or a few advanced speakers teach a group of language learners through structured immersion lessons and accelerated second language acquisition techniques to build fluency through consistent, real-world use.

During this two-week intensive, the group was lead by Annauk Olin, Mentor-Apprentice Program Manager for the Iñupiaq Education Department. Annauk is the daughter of Maggie Pollock, previous immersion teacher of the NSBSD. She has spent nearly a decade working on Iñupiaq language and MAP initiatives under the mentorship of Dr. Edna Ahgeak MacLean.

The intensive focused on MAP strategies through immersion storytelling using two stories: Uisauruaq Taġiumi – Adrift on the Ice (author: Patrick Okpeaha) and Amaqtuġniaġniq – Pink Salmon Fishing (authors: Hannah Loon, Annauk Olin, and Paałuk Reid Magdanz). Each story was broken down into three sets (each set including 4-5 phrases), and with a picture to accommodate each phrase of the story. Each set was taught in a 2-hour immersive period where each phrase was repeated dozens of times, before learners were expected to reproduce the phrases. Apprentices were able to use the story to learn to describe the illustrations while further breaking down the sentences through grammatical analysis of the phrases. Utilizing these strategies and tools, they were then able to create their own narrative through individual final projects and tell the story to the class while applying instructional methods to teach their peers their story. One elder who participated said, “Naalaġninnaraaqtatka iḷisaurrimmata Iñupiatun. (I enjoyed hearing other teachers when they taught their lessons in Iñupiaq).”

Director of Iñupiaq Education, Qaġġuna Tenna Pili states, “We recognize from an NSBSD standpoint the importance of, and priority needed to support adult second-language learners, especially those that are teaching the language in our classrooms. Although we are five minutes past midnight regarding our Iñupiaq language status within our region and communities, we place emphasis on the need to support our adult learners to continue to advance in their teachings with our children. We have the benefit in the North Slope to have an abundance of language materials and resources, and the fluent speakers needed to implement this program.

It is not the sole responsibility of our language teachers or our schools to ensure Iñupiaq Language fluency progresses with our children, but in all actuality, it is a collective responsibility of us as parents, community members, elders, and linguists/fluent speakers. We must work together to ensure we as a community perpetuate the shared responsibility in supporting Iñupiaq language learning through direct instruction like MAP, immersion, and prioritizing language learning at home.”

Looking ahead, we plan to continue the MAP initiatives into the fall with all Iñupiaq Language Teachers and begin work with parents of students in the immersion program. The primary focus remains to support language fluency progression for highly motivated learners, each committing a minimum of 7.5 hours per week in immersive language learning.

Quyanaqpak to all who contributed to this vital step in Iñupiaq language perpetuation. We look forward to continuing to enhance our partnerships amongst all organizations support Iñupiaq Language work and working with all our motivated second-language learners. Iñupiuraaq sumipayaaq! Iñupialgusisa!

NSBSD Choir Disney Trip Group Photo
NSBSD Choir Disney Trip
NSBSD Choir Disney Trip Group Photo
NSBSD Choir Disney Trip
NSBSD Choir Group Photo
NSBSD Choir Disney Trip
NSBSD Choir group photo
NSBSD Choir Disney Trip

Recently our choir expanded to allow students from any village to participate. 42 students from six schools practiced together via zoom all year and took their talents to Disneyland, California. NSBSD and many donors made the trip a reality for all of our students. Quyanaq siññaktuavut nalautiłługit! Thank you for making our dreams come true.

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