Quyana to Mary Johnstone at Rabbit Creek Elementary! I would like to extend a huge thank you to Mary and all the staff over at Rabbit Creek Elementary. I recently completed my Administration Intership over there and wanted thank everybody for a wonderful experience! The school took me in and made me feel at home. Goldie and Mikki were so very helpful and welcoming. Ms. Harding and Falsey assisted me in many ways. The students were awesome! Mrs. Johnstone is an awesome principal and an excellent mentor. Again, Thank you Rabbit Creek! - Darrell Berntsen, admin intern
Quyana to Mrs. McFadden, Mrs. Sorensen, Mrs. Burleson, Mrs. Moran, Mrs. Hall at Inlet View Elementary! I would like to thank all the kindergarten-through-sixth-grade teachers my son, Landon, has had at Inlet View Elementary. He has loved every one of you and has enjoyed almost every day of school since he started. Thank you for instilling the love of learning in his heart. You have all made a lasting impression upon his life. It has been obvious each one of his teachers loves their jobs and sincerely cares about every student. - Heather Bruce, parent
Quyana to Mr. Thompson at Oceanview Elementary School! He got me through math class. - David, past student
Quyana to Colleen Hildebrandt at Eagle River Elementary! I would like to express my appreciation to Colleen Hildebrandt for her incredibly informative, unbelievably organized, extremely entertaining and exquisitely eloquent newsletters. Colleen devoted not only her precious time, but also her precious money to the production of each masterpiece! Her newsletters were inspirational, motivational and educational! I am sure that this overwhelming gratitude comes not only from me, but also from all the teachers, parents and students at Eagle River Elementary. One of the grateful teachers, Anna Bondarenko. - Anna Bondarenko, teacher
Quyana to The Neon Team at Central Middle School! I would just like to recognize the teachers on the Neon Team at Central Middle School. They go over and above for the kids, giving up their Saturdays to let the children come in to make up work that they did not get turned in. These teachers are great and are willing to give the kids an extra push in the right direction. Thank you so much for all that you do!!! - Heather, parent
Quyana to Bev Kirk at Whaley Art Department! I would guess that the entire school of Whaley would like to recognize Ms. Kirk, but no one has much time! Unable to get an Art Teacher, Ms. Kirk stepped up to the plate. With her years of scout leadership experience, her many years as a teacher, her incredible patience, respect for the kids’ ability to find and extract the best of each student, ability to engage even the most surly of the lot and unending creativity, Bev Kirk has made our Art Room one of the most sought after places to be for our students. Clearly an oasis of self expression. I think I speak for all of us when I say Quyana to you. - all of us at Whaley, peer
Quyana to Lori Robison at Payroll! There was an issue that needed to be resolved. Had I not gotten several phone calls and emails from Lori, I would not have known about it. She walked me through solving the problem. Lori went above and beyond her duty requirements and to her I am most grateful! Quyana! - Lisa Whiteley, P.E. teacher
Quyana to Dave Poulin at Adaptive Physical Education! This district is blessed to have a teacher with Dave's passion and leadership for developing programs that help students with physical disabilities. As a dedicated career Adaptive P.E. teacher, he has been recognized locally as well as nationally for his contribution to designing and implementing such worthwhile sports programs. For those readers who want more information, please feel free to contact Jeff Dick at 344-7270 and/or visit the www.challengealaska.org Web site. Dave, we thank you! - Catherine A. Bailey, teacher
Quyana to Lisa Talbott at Highland Tech High! Mrs. Talbott has been instrumental in assisting me with empowering my son this year. She has stepped up to follow through and get all of my son's information entered and updated each week so that we know where he is and what he needs to accomplish each week in order to graduate. She has gone above and beyond her duty as a teacher and has made herself a part of our lives forever. We will always be grateful to Mrs. Talbott for her never-ending desire to watch all students, mine in particular, grow and learn. We need more teachers like Mrs. Talbott. - Thank you Mrs. Talbott!!! - Crystal Coulter, parent
Quyana to Staff at Steller Secondary! We just want to say "THANK YOU!" for your help and understanding through a very stressful school year. - Karrie Rehe, parent
Quyana to Steven “Jake” Fry, Perry Zemke & Lawrence Harmon at Huffman carpenter shop! Jake, Perry & Lawrence came with lots of fun equipment to hang many beautiful quilts in the multipurpose room at Abbott Loop Elementary in anticipation of our 50th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, April 30th. The quilt blocks were made by Abbott Loop students, and staff and parents took many weeks to sew the quilt pieces together until they look like works of art! The ASD carpenter guys did an amazing job of hanging the quilts all around the MPR, so it looks like we now have hanging art pieces in our lunchroom! How exciting! Thank you gentlemen for a job well done! We appreciate all of your efforts! - Lynette Harple, committee member Abbott Loop 50th anniversary
Quyana to Eileen Jordan at Crossroads High School! I would like to say Quyana to an exceptional teacher, Eileen Jordan. I have worked with Eileen at Crossroads High School for the past few years and have watched her take math and make it real for our students. Sometimes we forget that teaching is not just about knowing your subject but also knowing how to work with kids and Eileen excels at both. With math teachers in short supply nationwide we need to hang on to the good ones with all the resources we have. I feel blessed to have been able to work alongside her and hope to continue to do so in the future. - Nichelle Begich Mauk, counselor/teacher
Quyana to Nicole Jackelen at Bowman Elementary! Nicole was very helpful in trying to locate a book with me for my son. When our library didn't have the book that we were looking for, she offered to get it using an inter-school loan. Instead, she ended up going out that very night to purchase the book from the bookstore! My son and I were so shocked when she had the book for him the next day! I am very grateful to Nicole for the extra effort she showed my son. It made him feel so special knowing that her efforts were all for him. I feel fortunate to be a part of a school with such wonderful and caring teachers as Nicole Jackelen! - Susan Stokes, parent
Quyana to Kristen Balega at Mirror Lake Middle School! I would like to thank Ms. Balega for her care and interest toward her students. She takes the time needed to talk with them and considerately communicates her concerns to the parents. You can tell it is of the utmost importance to her to comfort and guide her students through the trials of middle school. - Ms. Hargraves, parent
Quyana to Camille Rogers at Goldenview Middle School! Camille is amazing. As the front desk/attendance secretary, she keeps everything running smoothly at Goldenview. In a school of over 700 kids, she knows many of them and their parents by name. She keeps track of attendance, visitors, volunteers, students arriving late or leaving for appointments, staff and students waiting in the office. She does all of this with a smile on her face and a great working knowledge of the school. The kids and parents have a great respect for her and all she does. - Terri Manthey, parent
Quyana to Begich Middle School counselors and Special Education Department Chair: Shelley Atkinson, Ghislaine Gillespie, Carolyn Harley, Kelley Hoffmeyer, Liz Repetto, and Adam Wartman at Begich Middle School! Our counselors did an amazing job of organizing and handling countless details for our standardized testing! In addition to handling their regular counseling responsibilities, they provided schedules, prepared class rosters, organized the testing tubs for more than 80 staff, and answered all the questions. Each day they greeted staff with a clever and positive theme and dressed in special costumes. Staff enjoyed the colorful outfits complete with wigs, capes, and hats. Everyone smiled as they entered the testing room and had a good laugh. Our counselors definitely set a positive tone during a very busy time! - Jeanne Fischer, principal
Quyana to Tiffany Wilson at Chester Valley Elementary! My grandson, is in the special needs class taught by Tiffany Wilson at Chester Valley Elementary. My grandson’s progress this year has been nothing short of remarkable and he has shown significant growth and progress in every area -- all stimulated and enhanced by his very dedicated teacher, Tiffany Wilson. Ms. Wilson recently wrote a very nice and moving letter to my grandson’s parents relating his progress and how glad she is to be a part of his life. My point in this letter is to highlight the fact that's a two-way street, so to speak. My grandson dearly loves Ms. Wilson and even includes her in his prayers. As much as he dreads the bus ride to get him to and from school, he absolutely loves school. That couldn't happen without the care and dedication of Ms. Wilson. The fact she took the time to write to his parents about his remarkable progress is a strong testament to her own character and capabilities. She IS a major part of my grandson’s life and she definitely shares in the results. She is making a huge difference and it's all positive. We are very grateful for her and the caliber of teachers she represents in the Anchorage School District. - George W. Crawford, grandparent
Quyana to Steve Piper at Goldenview Middle School! Steve was one of the original staff members hired at Goldenview 13 years ago. Being a superior teacher, Steve has given the students an enormous amount of knowledge. With retirement plans for this 2009 year, Steve's dedication and hard work in the math department will be sorely missed. The entire staff and I wish you all the best in the future, and thank you for all of the golf memories. - Douglas Oliverson, colleague
Quyana to Dan Sparkman and his students at King Career Center! Dan Sparkman and his video production students stepped in to help Leah Stephens, a Providence Hospital patient, participate virtually in a National Honor Society induction ceremony in Kenai. Leah, who is a senior at Kenai High School, spent two months at Providence, first in intensive care, then progressive care, and then the spinal cord injury rehabilitation unit. As a member of NHS, she wanted to participate in her younger sister's induction ceremony. On very short notice, Dan and his students created a DVD making that possible. The students were professional and polite and the beautifully-done DVD was the talk of the ceremony and word is there weren't many dry eyes in the audience when it played. The thoughtful efforts of Dan and his students touched not only Leah and her family, but the entire community of Kenai. - Brenda Fenton, fellow ASD employee & Leah's aunt
Quyana to West High School Kitchen staff! I want to say "THANK YOU" to the West High School Kitchen Staff. As a parent, I appreciate the kinds of foods you prepare and give to the students each day to keep them going. You really try to make them nutritious and at the same time, good to the taste buds. As a co-worker, I enjoy working with you all. I've enjoyed laughing with, being with, learning from, and working with you all. I want to thank you for being patient with me as I learn this kind of job. Believe me, it's a very hard job to do and I as a parent and co-worker don't take you for granted. I commend you for performing this type of job. A JOB WELL DONE!!! The students at West High are VERY lucky to have you. Thank you for all your help and patience. - Mary, parent & co-worker
Quyana to Willie Garcia and the entire night crew at Dimond High School! Thank you very much to Willie Garcia and his night crew for reacting quickly to a vandalism incident at Dimond High. After the night crew had been sent home for the evening an adult male broke into Dimond and made a mess of the upstairs. Willie Garcia called his whole crew back to work. The team was able to clean the entire school and make it presentable for testing the following day. It took dedication to Dimond, pride in self, and great work ethics to accomplish the job they did. Without the entire night crew working all night, we would not have had school on a testing day. Willie Garcia and his crew set a great example of excellence for others to follow. - Dale Evern, assistant principal
Quyana to Chris Borst and the entire crew at Maintenance! Thank you very much to Chris and his crew who responded in the middle of the night to come and make Dimond High a secure place to test during the HSGQE Testing. His crew was quick and professional. Up against a very strict deadline, they were able to repair what was necessary to start school so we wouldn't be affected by the vandalism that occured. Without Chris and his dedicated staff, many students would have suffered and missed an opportunity to pass the HSGQE. - Dale Evern, assistant principal
Quyana to Michelle Citti at Spring Hill Elementary! I have the pleasure of being in Mrs. Citti's room with the Citti Kitties twice a week, and I learn something new each time I visit. I am new to my position this year and am trying to develop my teaching skills and I could not wish for a better role model. She brings focus, creativity, and energy to every lesson. - Erin Jettenberg, speech TA
Quyana to Travis Harrington and Jean Lenoir at Mirror Lake Middle School Music Department! Students and staff of Mirror Lake Middle School would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of Mr. Travis Harrington and Ms. Jean Lenoir for their award-winning participation in the recent San Diego Heritage Music Festival Music competition. The Jazz and Concert Bands earned gold medals for their skills, the Adjudicator's Award, and placed two students in the Maestro Awards category for solo trumpet and solo clarinet. The Concert Orchestra under the direction of Ms. Jean Lenoir received a silver medal and the Mirror Lake Middle School Music Department received Best Overall Instrumental Program. The MLMS Concert Band was invited to a Gold Festival, a signal honor for outstanding musical groups. As the crowning piece, the Concert Band was recognized as the Best Overall Band. Quyana to Mr. Harrington and Ms. Lenoir. It is dedication of this sort that makes music a life long passion for students and families. You are outstanding educators. - Scott Batchelder, principal
Quyana to Pat Adolfae, art teacher at Aquarian Charter School! Mr. Pat does an incredible job at teaching art. He allows the students to use their creativity to the fullest extent. I have three children who attend this school and I know that Mr. Pat steers them in directions where they can explore different concepts and ideas in their own personal ways. I know this is effective as the art is brought home and each project/lesson is taught and expanded upon to my other children. I feel like I live in a museum. How lucky we are to have art to show their creativity as well as this awesome teacher in our community. Mr. Pat thank you - Lynn Byrne, parent
Quyana to Mrs. Maesner and Ms. Katayama at Sand Lake Elementary! I would like to thank Mrs. Maesner and Ms. Katayama for identifying and assessing the needs of my daughter. She has flourished under their excellent guidance. I appreciate them going the extra mile to make sure that my daughter is getting the services she needs and preparing her for next year. It's very reassuring to know that the skilled and effective teachers at Sand Lake Elementary value the needs of their students. Thank you! - Pam Puls, parent
Quyana to Miriam Delap at Lake Otis Elementary! Mrs. Delap goes above and beyond her duties to promote musical education by coordinating a complete music program for Lake Otis students. The volume of songs learned by even the youngest students is phenomenal. Above all, she makes learning fun and engaging. Thanks! - Heather Ireland, parent
Quyana to Dan Sparkman and his students at King Career Center! Dan Sparkman and his students at KCC stepped in on short notice to help Leah Stephens, a Kenai High School senior who has been hospitalized for seven weeks after a tragic accident. With only a day's notice, Dan's students produced a DVD to make possible Leah's virtual participation in a National Honor Society induction ceremony in Kenai next week. Leah's sister Ella will be one of the NHS inductees and as an older sibling, Leah traditionally would be the NHS member who welcomes Ella during the ceremony. The efforts of Dan and his students made it possible for Leah to do this, even though she can't be there in person! - Brenda Fenton, fellow ASD employee
Quyana to Jessica Peters at Williwaw Elementary! She is the basketball team's coach and did a wonderful job in taking care and coaching the students/players. - Williwaw basketball team, staff
Quyana to Kristen Poehler at Williwaw Elementary! She volunteered as a referee on one of the team's game. - Williwaw basketball team, staff
Quyana to Ernie Ting at ASD Ed Center Print/Copy Shop! Ernie is wonderful to work with, always efficient, pleasant, and positive. No matter what job we bring to Ernie or how tight the deadline, he is always so cheerful and accommodating that it makes our job easier. If there were more "Ernies" in the world it would be a much finer place. Thanks for all that you do Ernie, it's very appreciated. - The ASD Art and World Languages Curriculum Department: Myrna Clark, Janice Gullickson, and Christmas Cowell.
Quyana to Karen Allen at Ursa Minor Elementary! It's been a pleasure to work with Karen Allen. Mrs. Allen is a highly motivated, committed, and dedicated teacher. She strives to help students be successful in school. She is creative, and in tune with the needs of her students. She is a valuable asset to the school. - Dennis Vecera, teacher
Quyana to Alan Thomas at East High School English Department! Thank you to East High English teacher, Alan Thomas for helping make Russian Jack Elementary School's Family Literacy Night a huge success. Mr. Thomas, along with other East High English teachers, recruited almost 40 of their high school students to volunteer at Russian Jack. The students were courteous, enthusiastic, and extremely helpful! Russian Jack Elementary School is lucky to have the East High staff and students right next door; what great neighbors! - Shannon Donley, Title One teacher, Russian Jack Elementary School
Quyana to Jennifer Rizer and Valerie Johnson at Trailside Elementary School! Thanks for being two of the best teachers I've ever had! - Ryan, student
Quyana to Sean Prince at Bartlett High School! Never have I ever met a teacher who taught me such great things in my life. I have had the privilege to know Mr. Prince through student government, where he coached me into becoming the best leader I could possibly be for Bartlett High School. He taught me such wonderful things throughout leadership, independence and most of all with fun. Sadly, Mr.Prince will no longer teach the classes that I love, but in fact he is moving on to bigger and better things. I will always remember everything he taught me, and remember what a great teacher he is. The most important thing he ever taught me was, you can be the best in something, but can you take joy in it everyday. Which simply means, you can run every race and win, but can you do that everyday and still feel the excitement you first felt? Maybe it’s time to move on to something more challenging and more meaningful. Last but not least, I will miss him very much and all the great wonderful things he taught me in two years. - Susan Bick, student
Quyana to Tim Godfrey at Alaska Native Cultural Charter School! Tim is a great principal! He interacts with all the kids very well! My daughter loves going to school every day! I never have to make her go! He communicates with parents and the children constantly! He has done so much for our school especially since it is the first year we have had this Native charter school! I am just so happy that my daughter has such a great principal for her first year of school! All the parents that have children who attend this school have had nothing but nice things to say about him! - Leana, parent
Quyana to Lori Dudley at Begich Middle School front office! Lori Dudley of Begich Middle School is the most amazingly positive person at the school. She gives the front office that warm and welcomed feeling always. Lori goes above and beyond in helping you in any way she can. She not only is this way with parents, but students too. Lori knows how to interact with all students and it shows. Also, when she says she's going to do something, you know that it will be done. She is always very professional, polite, and efficient. It is obvious that she enjoys working with our children and cares about their well-being. Lori, I wish you all the best and just want to say “thank you” for being so caring, and such an awesome person! - Debbie Montgomery, parent
Quyana to Mr. Grant, Mrs. MacDonald and Mrs. Arnold at Campbell Elementary! Back on Oct. 20, 2008, my daughter MaeLynn fell off a swing at school and broke her right arm. The noon duty was very quick to act. After she got her cast on, since it was the hand that she wrote with, the principal, and her two teachers were very helpful and made accommodations any way possible. I just want to say thank you to them for such an outstanding way they handled the whole situation. - Aimee Goldstein, parent
Quyana to the ASD Math Department (Patty Kennedy, Sandy Schoff, Penny Wiilliams, Mary Murphy, Ruth Mount, Jessica Grazziano, Mary Hoppas, Florence Daniel, Ann Ibele, and Denise Buchanan)! I would like to give a huge “thank you” for the 16th Annual Girls Math Conference. It was a great experience and I look forward to it next year.
The three sessions I had were Nurse, Criminalist, and Architect/Interior Designer. Ellen Johnson, a nurse at Alaska Regional, was very informative and interesting. She let us use supplies that everyday nurses use and calculate proper measurements of medicines. Colleen O'Bryant, a criminalist working for the Anchorage Crime Lab, taught us a lot about how she does her job and how she uses breath detectors. Mary Knopf, an interior designer, and Sara Pfau, an architect, both working at ECI/Hyer, gave a very interesting presentation. We went to the cafeteria and estimated the floor plan of a cabin that will be built over the summer.
The lunch was great; the food and refreshments were really good. We also had enough time to eat as well as socialize with our friends. The keynote speakers were great as well. They gave us a lot of very important information that will help us in the process of choosing a career. Overall, I loved the conference, and am anxious to go to it next year. - Arina Filippenko, 7th grade student, Romig Middle School
Quyana to Cheryl Hahnfeld at Mears Math Department! Ms. Hahnfeld is an awesome teacher. When my daughter, Petunia, took Algebra I, she was intimidated by all the formulas. Ms. Hahnfeld was able to break it down into easy steps that gave Petunia the confidence to excel. My hat's off to Ms. Hahnfeld, who exhibits patience and understanding beyond that of most math teachers. - William Morris, parent
