Quyana to Barb Evans at Dimond High School. I wanted to take a moment to recognize Barb Evans, and the entire team (Kate, Ti & Delores) for my son's Life Skills classroom at Dimond High School. All of the staff in this program do an amazing job, with every student in the classroom. As the special education teacher for this classroom, Barb should be recognized for her sincere commitment to each student in her class, and the partnership she establishes with both students, and their parents/caregivers.
Barb maintains a classroom environment and educational approach that honors each student's abilities and unique style of learning. She challenges herself and her colleagues in forming classroom strategies that put the student at the center of the educational experience.
Barb is a veteran of special education in Anchorage, and her experience really shows. My son requires a significant level of support while in school, and there have been few teams that have rallied to support him so effectively.
While the support and educational experience for my son has been outstanding in the classroom, I also want to recognize the administration of Dimond High School and Principal Cheryl Guyett for providing a school environment that allows programs like Barb's Life Skills classroom to be so successful.
Thanks to Barb, and her Dimond colleagues for making my son's school experience so rewarding! -Jayson, parent
Quyana to Anaely Hernandez at West High School.
Sra. Hernandez has been my Spanish immersion teacher for three years. She has been really kind and helpful and has been a really good teacher.
Gracias Sra por estar tan cariñosa y buena. -Jeran, student
Quyana to Karen Emerson at Benny Benson. I would like to thank Karen for all the work she does at Benny Benson. Karen is the type of person who is always willing to help. Karen goes above and beyond her duties as a job coordinator to always help our students. As a new employee Karen offered me support and guidance throughout this entire school year. I know that the student and staff greatly appreciate all she does! -Cassie Townsend, co-worker
Quyana to the TEACCH program at Ptarmigan Elementary. I am mom to two kids who experience autism. Both attend the autism program at Ptarmigan and it has been incredible. The staff is caring and dedicated to these special kids. They do an amazing job. It is so nice to know that your kids are going to school in an environment that is so positive. The staff at Ptarmigan is very passionate about their work with autistic children and it shows. Every person plays an important role and makes a huge impact on the lives of the children they are teaching in this program. My family and I are so grateful for all their hard work. This is an amazing team. Teachers, TA's, related services, PE teachers, the music teacher, art teacher, health teacher, librarian , office staff all have been so great with the kids. They also do an excellent job educating the other students about autism which makes this school an even better environment. Thank you all for all you do! -Maria, parent
Quyana to Julie Johnson at Bayshore Elementary. Mrs. Johnson instills a love of learning into her active 1st grade class. It is truly amazing to have my son come home and excitedly repeat things he learned in school. For example, he was so proud to share different information about the presidents today. His enthusiasm for learning is directly related to Mrs. Johnson's expertise as a teacher! I appreciate all the time and commitment she puts into her daily lesson. She is a gem at Bayshore! -Michelle keller, parent
Quyana to Lei Loni Bowlus the Mirror Lake Middle School Cafeteria Manager. Mirror Lake Middle School students and staff would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Ms. Bowlus, our Cafeteria Manager, for her caring and considerate manner and professionalism. Her lunch room is a great place to be and students appreciate the way she treats them, listens to them, and still holds them responsible for their behavior. Her staff says she is a great boss and an excellent teacher in the kitchen. As the school principal I cannot think of a more flexible person than Lei Loni. She takes our schedule changes and requests without batting an eye and turns out an excellent product every time. Thank you for all you do for us. -Scott Batchelder, principal
Quyana to William "Top" Dill at Chugiak High School. I would just like to thank Top for everything that he has done for me. I have known him my whole life and I have never seen someone (other than my parents) that would give so much just to help people out. Top has helped me tremendously throughout my four years at Chugiak. He has helped me become a better person, a better leader, and has helped me be who I am today. Top has taken so much on his plate without any complaints. He is also coming upon his 18th year at Chugiak High School on the 28th of February. I strongly believe he has done an outstanding job with what he has done. He has changed so many lives, mine included. He gives so much and asks for little in return. Top has made a BIG impact on my life, and I am thankful for what he has done. Top has always been there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to. THANK YOU SO MUCH TOP! SEMPER FI!! -Meggan Coffer, student
Quyana to Monica Larson at Northwood Elementary. Monica is a teacher's assistant at the pre-school program where my daughter attends school. Monica works with my daughter every day, and what has impressed me the most about Monica is her positive attitude. Monica is always smiling, always willing to take a few moments to talk about my child, and is always positive about my child's progress. I feel like Monica is always glad to be working with my daughter. She seems very patient and kind. For all those reasons, I want to give her a BIG thank you! -Carla, parent
Quyana to Mary Ellison at Willow Crest Elementary. My son unexpectedly relocated to Anchorage with me this year. Mrs. Ellison and all of the staff and administration of Willow Crest made us feel so welcome, it was a great relief to both of us. Everyone at the school has been very concerned and caring about my son's transition to a new life and new school, so far away from Los Angeles. My son comes home everyday telling me how much he loves school. It is because of the great people at Willow Crest that he is so happy. Thanks to Mary Ellison and all the warm and terrific professionals at Willow Crest Elementary. -David W. Bang, D.C., parent
Quyana to Sven Berglund at West High School. He is a great teacher and I learn a lot in his class. He is an extreme environmentalist and he cares about his students. -Derek Cupps, student
