Quyana to the Purchasing Department! On behalf of Rilke Schule German School of Arts and Sciences, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the incredible support and help that I received from the entire Purchasing Department Team. All of its members went out of their way to help Rilke Schule meet the merciless grant deadline, September 30, 2007. In particular I would like to commend Mrs. Carolyn Anderson, Wendy Nyberg, Jim Hutto, and Morris Roker. With their help we hurried the orders through the correct process. As a result of the countless days that I spent at the Purchasing Department, I have a new appreciation and perspective on the ordering process and what these good folks at Purchasing have to make happen so our kids hold the right things and books in their hands. Thank you for all you have done for me and Rilke Schule. Danke! -Antje Carlson, Rilke Schule APC Secretary, Grant Administrator
Quyana to Chris Wright in the Purchasing Department! On behalf of Rilke Schule German School of Arts and Sciences, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the support and help Mrs. Chris Wright provided to me and our new school. With very short notice from the DEED in Juneau, the expiration date for our school's start-up grant had been moved back by over a year and we feared with such short notice all money would be lost. Mrs. Wright went beyond call of duty to make the impossible possible for us! She came in on Saturday only to make sure we could order the supplies and books for our new school that we so desperately need. She never grew tired of answering IFAS questions or square away problems. I spent countless purchasing days at the computer at the Purchasing Department, where, in the end, I felt quite welcome. Danke, Frau Wright! You are the best!! -Antje Carlson, Rilke Schule APC Secretary, Grant Administrator
Quyana to Heather Snead at Dimond High School! Heather Snead, the administrative assistant at Dimond High School, is one of those people that makes everything WORK. I have worked as a full time substitute teacher for some time now and have been to all of the ASD high schools many times. Heather combines the best professionalism with her wonderful friendliness. I look forward not only to every opportunity to work at Dimond, but also to once again meet this remarkable woman who can seemingly make everything come together and work. My best to her and Dimond. -Robert Benton, substitute teacher, parent
Quyana to Mary Hammerstrom at Dimond High School!
A huge QUYANA goes out to Ms. Hammerstrom at Dimond High School. Everyday she is there at Dimond along with the other staff at Dimond High School but she stands out from all the others. She is always there with a huge smile on her face and she is ready to teach. She is available to help students during her lunch time and after school on their studies and that is part of being an awesome teacher. She is also there to give you support when you need it. Ms. Hammerstrom is the best U.S. History teacher that I have ever had. Thanks Ms. Hammerstrom. -Alexis, student
Quyana to Leroy Jones at Willow Crest Elementary! I have tried several times over the past few years trying to get Leroy Jones recognized as a dedicated teacher. He spends countless hours after school, to ensure that students get quality athletic programs. He coaches the sports that the students ask for, all he asks is that they participate in a positive way, and try their hardest. He coaches between 15-20 sports a year, out of his own time. He is a caring person, and many students come back to visit him years after they have left Willow Crest. He is an icon for anyone that has attended Willow Crest for the last 15 years, and he deserves a big quyana for all he does in the community. -Jon Samuelson, peer
Quyana to Dan Blanton at Lake Otis Elementary! Quyana to Dan Blanton, principal of Lake Otis Elementary for expediting the transition process of a student from Whaley School. It was the most positive experience I have ever had with a neighborhood school in transitioning a student from Whaley. He was sincere in welcoming our student, and stepping up saying, and I quote Mr. Blanton, "He's ours!" This student is already off to a wonderful start by having such a supportive approach to transition. What a wonderful way to say, "Our students do matter." Because of Mr. Blanton's positive leadership, Lake Otis staff are proactive decision makers making a difference. -Dorothy Cobb, Whaley Transition Coordinator
Quyana to Kathleen Godsoe at Williwaw Elementary School! I started teaching health at Williwaw in the middle of September. I am so thankful for Kathleen Godsoe who has helped me immensely in preparing to teach Health to a K/1 Autism class. She volunteered to prepare visuals for the students to help them and me be successful in the lessons. I have learned a lot from her in a short time that enabled me to feel ready for this new challenge. Not only did she print visuals, but they came to me laminated and cut out. They are great for all my kindergarten and first grade students. Not only did such generosity greatly assist my teaching, it also helped me feel welcome at Williwaw. Thank you, Kathleen! -Janna Kampen, Health Teacher
Quyana to Patricia Jimenez at Muldoon Elementary School! A big thank you to Patricia for helping to flip flap jacks during our first monthly family breakfast. Your help and support is greatly appreciated. The family breakfast was a huge success and the pancakes were a huge hit. Thanks for you support! I could not have done it without you! -Lela Stevenson, Family School Services Coordinator/ Peer
Quyana to Troy Dodson & Gene Beaulieu at Fire Lake Elementary! I have been teaching at Fire Lake since it was built in 1985. To the amazement of parents and new staff this facility still looks brand new. Troy and Gene have maintained this building in a manner that goes beyond their job descriptions. These gentlemen have also given freely of their time beyond the workday throughout the past couple of decades to volunteer at various school functions. It will be a sad day indeed when these extraordinary men retire from ASD for our school, our community, and our students. - Robert Hulse, teacher
Quyana to Ruth Dene, Alicia Woods, Lisa Orr-Hickey, Heidi Hermansen, Andrew Long, Celeste Long, DJ Kumar, AJ Kumar, Martha Gould-Lehe, Renee Arturo, Debbie Czerski, Holly Swanson, Galina Tomisser, and the Muldoon PTA at Muldoon Elementary! I want to send a special thank you for helping to make our first Math Night a huge success. I feel so lucky to be working with such wonderful people. Your hard work makes such a difference in the lives of our Muldoon families and students. Our students and families left the math night not only with math games, books, and new math skills, they also left with huge smiles on their faces! Our math night was a success because of your hard work and dedication. Thank you so much! -Lela Stevenson, Family School Services Coordinator/ Peer
Quyana to Jake Fry in the Maintenance Department. Jake Fry came into my classroom to replace some cork boards that have been failing for several years. Not only did he quickly and efficiently replace my boards but it was done without any interruption of the students learning environment. He was so efficient that if you hadn't known he was going to be there, one would have never noticed. Jake deserves to be acknowledged for his efficient, high quality work that went above and beyond what was expected. -Elizabeth Adkins, classroom teacher
Quyana to Christmas Cowell in the Curriculum Department.
Christmas, I want to let you know you have been the kindest and nicest school district employee I have come across - you are an asset to our school system. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. I DO appreciate your time, and I hope you've been
happy with your new position at ASD. -Cindy Cheely, parent
Quyana to Yuliya Fateyeva in the Information Technology Department.
The Child in Transition/Homeless Project staff would like to thank Yuliya for all her work in creating a new transportation database for our program. She was consistent, patient and creative in providing us with a system that automated our work, providing accurate tracking of homeless students whose transportation plans sometimes change daily. When we experienced a staffing crisis as the system was to go live at the start of this school year, she "moved in" to guide us through the launching stage. Her professionalism and commitment to our program's needs will always be remembered! ASD is fortunate to have her as an employee. -Patricia O'Gorman, Program Coordinator, CIT/H
Quyana to Jerry Koetje in the Middle School Education Department. Quyana to Jerry Koetje for taking the time to listen to the students, parents and coaches who are involved with the middle school volleyball program. Jerry listened to our concerns regarding the 2007 schedule and worked with everyone to address the issues. Jerry's willingness to communicate and to put forth extra effort were key elements to a positive start for these young volleyball players. -Amy Young, parent
Quyana to Jeanne Jokela, Sharon Canadine and Sarah Robinson at Chinook Elementary.
This year Chinook staff, students and parents welcomed the support of Title One Services. It was a big change for our school, but one we believed would help our students along the path of life long learning. We have been incredibly lucky to have the teaching of three very fine women. Jeanne Jokela, Sharon Canadine and Sarah Robinson have brought energy, passion and a positive attitude to their new positions at our school. Their support in helping us complete assessments, sharing materials and ideas has made it a wonderful start to the school year. -Cheryl Childers, peer
Quyana to Pam Butcher at Publication Services.
Many thanks to Pam Butcher for working with our Polaris elementary and middle school levels to develop a student planner that will work for our multiage situation. Pam is absolutely wonderful! She's so very helpful, amazingly patient, always cheerful, and she does beautiful, high quality work. Our kids love their planners, use them daily, don't lose them (!!), and are learning important organizational skills in the process. Thank you, Pam, for working with our staff and for touching the lives of so many students in such a positive way. -Jamie Rodriguez, teacher
Quyana to Sandy Schoff and Texas Gail Raymond in the Curriculum Department! A heartfelt Quyana to Sandy Schoff, Math Curriculum Coordinator and Texas Gail Raymond, Science Curriculum Coordinator for co-chairing the Alaska Math and Science Conference, "A Pipeline to the Future". This dynamic duo contributed hundreds of hours of their own personal time to set up this state-wide conference so that over 250 teachers in ASD and around the state would have the opportunity to engage in top-notch professional development.
The conference was held in the Boniface Education Center and the BP Energy Center and included nationally known speakers, local and state presenters, field trips and an excellent vendors hall. Teachers had the chance to network with colleagues from around Alaska at evening social events, morning breakfast opportunities and while in sessions. Many thanks to Sandy and Gail for making this opportunity available. -Mary Murphy, math support teacher
Quyana to Melanie Horton at Orion Elementary School!
Quyana to Orion kindergarten teaching assistant and parent volunteer, Melanie Horton! Mrs. Horton has been a positive presence in our learning community for almost three years. She enthusiastically acts on behalf of students and in support of school programs, adding new duties each year.
Mrs. Horton has supported Orion’s goals by focusing on the academic growth of her kindergarten students, serving as a math tutor, bringing in outside literature selections and researching online resources in support of kindergarten units such as Wood and Paper.
She has served as a noon duty and volunteers countless hours with our running club, PTA and in her daughter’s class. This month she will kick off a K-2 Battle of the Books program to motivate our younger readers -- a first for Orion!
Melanie’s ongoing commitment to student learning and generous work on behalf of Orion’s students and families is exemplary.
Thank you, Mrs. Horton, for all you do! -Heather Mildon, peer
Quyana to Morna Harrison-Davis in the Accounting Department! On behalf of Rilke Schule German School of Arts and Sciences, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the support and help Mrs. Morna Harrison-Davis provided to me and our new school. With very short notice from the DEED in Juneau, the expiration date for our school's start-up grant had been moved back by over a year and we feared with such short notice all money would be lost. Many times Mrs. Harrison-Davis and I sat together and designed strategies of how to best spend the grant. She grew never tired of transferring monies or make revisions and request approval. She was always available and continuously motivated me to get the money spent. We collaborated and worked together like a team and the communication was excellent. Danke, Frau Harrison-Davis, for all your support and help. You were fabulous! -Antje Carlson, Rilke Schule APC Secretary, Grant Administrator
Quyana to the staff at the ASD Warehouse. On behalf of Rilke Schule German School of Arts and Sciences, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the support and help of the entire ASD Warehouse Crew! All of you were an incredible team that never grew tired to help us with tagging furniture, tracing deliveries, and delivering requested materials on short notice. You are super! Danke, Warehouse Crew, for all you have done! -Antje Carlson, Rilke Schule APC Secretary, Grant Administrator
