Quyana to Glenna Maulding at West High School! Ms. Maulding, the Native Student Services teacher, has done an excellent job on tracking Alaska Native students' school progress. Her dedication to helping and inspiring Alaska Natives to graduate is commendable. She is always on top of things, looking for ways to improve the overall graduation statistics of Alaska Natives. Her consistent support of Alaska Natives should not go unrecognized. She is a great role model and inspiration to Alaska Natives. Her dedication and enthusiasm is a great asset to the kids, West High School, and the Anchorage community as a whole. I would like commend her for her dedication and commitment in helping Alaska Natives. -Michele Christiansen, parent
Quyana to Kelly Auer, Carrie Bibeau, Natalie Moten, Mary St John, Mary Wegner, Todd Saur, Lance Smith and Lynda Van Winkle in the Educational Technology Department! I write this with many thanks to all of you for your awesome enthusiasm during last year's ASDSA. I entered my TTL5 team knowing I had the least background knowledge in using technology as a tool to increase, and deepen, student learning. My personal comfort level was, shall we say, not proficient! I am leaving a much stronger and confident technology user. The work we've done this week has been incredibly meaningful. I can't wait to use my unit this fall. I thank you all for sharing your diverse gifts, for remaining patient and for modeling lifelong learning. Your team is hot, hot, hot! -Cheryl Hilmes, teacher
Quyana to Meg Eggleston and Jennifer Huvar at Trailside Elementary!
Dear Mr. Freeman,
I am sure you already know that you have an incredible staff there at Trailside, but I want to let you know I am so grateful for the experience my two darlings had this year in Meg Eggleston’s class. You really have a gem of a teacher there and with her teacher aide, Jennifer Huvar, they make a remarkable team that really knows how to “go with the flow.” Beyond doubt, all the staff that worked in Mrs. Eggleston’s room were caring and effective educators. I especially appreciate the efforts of Mrs. Brownfield and Mrs. Waltz. Throughout the year, I was so impressed with the things that went on in that classroom in spite of (or maybe because of) the academic diversity of the kids. What a fantastic introduction to the wonders of learning and exploring!
Last fall, I guess I was a pretty typical fretful kindergarten parent. I don’t know if you have kids, but kindergarten felt like a sort of final “cord-cutting” for me. There my sweet babies went into the “public” world toting lunch boxes! There they went to make friends of their own choosing and there they went to survive whatever challenges and bullies might come their way. I suppose most of your kindergarten parents are a mess, but I'll tell you, Mrs. Eggleston’s classroom is a safe and welcoming place for kids and parents alike. From orientation day on, I knew my kids would be both cared for and challenged there. On the first day of school, as I took the chocolate and Kleenex out of my “Parent’s Survival Kit” and went to the restroom to compose myself, I thought, “Man, she’s good.” I knew it wouldn't be the last time Mrs. Eggleston would have to give me a Kleenex.
Some of the activities they pulled off might seem too chaotic, messy, or complicated to attempt with 5 year olds, but they did, the kids loved it, and the growth on the part of the students was outstanding. From flounder-painted-name-shirts (using real flounders!) to numerous piñata workshops with countless bowls of warm glue cooked up on the classroom stove, Meg and her staff are truly gifted at getting little people to try big new things. The week they made a life-sized castle in the classroom, complete with a dungeon of sorts, I came home to be greeted sternly at the door with the grave question shouted out to me, “Fwiend or Foe?!” (One day, Danica will have her R’s, I am sure). Who would have thought that all kinds of kindergartners would rise to the occasion and complete a book report including a costume honoring their favorite character? Introduce their parents at a Royal Banquet? Study Geology? Give individual informative presentations about various passions in their lives? Travel to a place called “Wild Island?” Engage in various outdoor camping activities in an orderly fashion at “Skeeter Camp?” I could go on and on here. Let me just say they are doing great things.
It takes a lot of patience, organization, creativity, flexibility, and flair to run a classroom as efficiently and effectively as that! I am so delighted that my girls had the opportunity to experience such exceptional instruction.
Again, my highest compliments to all of your staff, they are doing a remarkable job.
Sincerely,
Margaret Griffin-Schmidt, parent
Quyana to Perry Lewis at Eagle River High School! Mr. Lewis is a phenomenal teacher. And he has been there when I had problems. -Amechia Ferguson, peer
Quyana to Courtney Palmer at Mt. Iliamna! My son has behavioral issues and is a special education student at Mt. Iliamna. That he passed any of his SBA tests is a testimony to the dedication of his teacher, Courtney Palmer, and the entire support staff at Mt. I. While they provide an environment that is positive and encouraging to support his behavioral needs they continue to give an academic education that challenges and motivates my child. Thank you for all that you do to make my child successful! -Shelly, parent
Quyana to Brandon Locke at South High School! Brandon is a dynamic educator. As a middle school French teacher, he instilled enthusiasm for the language which carried over to the high school students I received at South High School. He is is totally dedicated to young people and I am thrilled to learn he will be a vice-principal at the new Begich Middle School. Anchorage is fortunate to have a native born son become a leader in the community. -Carol Kross, former department chair
Quyana to William Douthit at Fire Lake Elementary! Mr. Bill is an outstanding kindergarten teacher. I have never seen a teacher with so much enthusiasm. He really loves what he does and it comes across in his teaching. There are many instances where he has gone above and beyond. My daughter has learned so much from Mr. Bill. She started out the school year as a shy little girl who was afraid of new surroundings and ended the school year as a confident young lady who is willing to try new things. He always makes the parents of his students feel welcome in his classroom. My only wish is that Mr. Bill teach first grade so my daughter can have him again this year. -Heather Gonzales, parent
Quyana to Mark Heysell at Fire Lake Elementary! I wanted to say thank you to Mr. Heysell. He is a great teacher. He has always made me feel welcome in his classroom. I always see him outside with his students playing right along with them. I think it is so important for a teacher to be involved with his students. You can tell that he loves being a teacher. My son has grown as a student being in his classroom. -Heather Gonzales, parent
Quyana to Kim Lindgren and Kendra Priddy in the Benefits Department! I would like to thank Kim Lindgren and Kendra Priddy in the ASD Benefits department. They really have it together there. Efficient, courteous, and professional are words that come to mind when describing the manner in which they handled my recent inquiries. -Ronny Miyaoka, teacher
Quyana to Katie McBride at Alpenglow Elementary! My family relocated to Alaska in 2004 and my daughter attended the third grade at Alpenglow Elementary. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher to help us get off to a great start in Alaska. Mrs. McBride always made my child and I feel very welcome at the school and she always took the time to listen to any concerns that I had. She had wonderful patience helping my child get through the year with her "math panic" and was wonderful about keeping me informed of her progress. Thank you Mrs. McBride! You will be deeply missed at Alpenglow. -Patti, parent
Quyana to Troy Dodson and Eugene Beaulieau at Fire Lake Elementary! Troy and Gene are the glue that holds our school together. Never a day passes that I am not in awe of the way they care for our school. The pride that is expressed is contagious and travels down into our student body. Year after year we come back to a beautiful, clean, safe school. I often get comments from visitors about how beautiful our school is kept. So, thank you to both of these fine gentlemen for all they do--EVERYDAY! -Joyce Ives, peer
Quyana to Bryce McGough in the Maintenance Department! It was such a treat to walk across Klatt's field this morning! Bryce mowed a nice walkway along the fence (with shorter grass) so that staff and students walking to school wouldn't get their feet quite so wet on the grass. Thank you for your kindness! -Joanne Osborne, teacher
Quyana to Cheryl Schwing in the Music Department! Cheryl Schwing is the glue that holds the Music Department together. She has a big smile, a warm heart and is a good listener to all of the many people who come to her with problems, big or little. Best of all, she is extremely well organized, which is a wonderful help to the rest of us. Her patience, and helpfulness are always remarkable. Thank you Cheryl! -Shonti Elder, teacher
Quyana to Dale Chavie in the Maintenance Department! This note is to recognize the hard work of Dale Chavie from Maintenance who repaired the ailing sound system at Abbott Loop Elementary. Dale ironed out the bugs in our system, replaced and repaired other old equipment and made our sound system "sing!" Thanks, Dale for a job well done! I appreciate your hard work, efficiency and your dedication to excellence, and for making our sound system work to its peak capacity. -Lynette Harple, teacher
Quyana to Courtney Palmer at Mt. Iliamna! My son has behaviors that require him to be at Mt. Iliamna. I want to share how grateful I am that while helping him, using the intense positive behavior support model, his teacher, Mrs. Palmer, has not forgotten to balance these needs with his academics needs. My son's behaviors and academics have shown steady improvement and he continues to be excited and excels in this learning environment.
Thank you Mrs. Palmer and everyone at Mt. Iliamna who contributes to my son's success! -Shelly, parent
Quyana to Linsley Heiser at the King Career Center! My son is in his last year of the ACT program. Over the summer Lin Heiser took the initiative to contact us to discuss community transition options for my son once the school year ends. She provided valuable information about supported employment, recreation, day care, transportation, waivers, etc. She then arranged for us to meet with the various service providers to discuss their supported employment programs. She also attended the meetings. Lin is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. She really has her act together. I am confident that, with Lin's help, my son's transition into the community will go smoothly. -Dave, parent
Quyana to Regina Sather at Mirror Lake Middle School! Regina Sather has blessed the Mirror Lake sixth graders, their teachers and their parents with a wonderful gift. Last night, she brought the gift to fruition. With an enormous background of energy, she organized a special evening seminar for the students and their parents: "Achieving Success in Middle School." It was an "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Middle School..." informational session that covered all the people to contact, with phone numbers, how to organize your binders, how the homework hotline works, and how the homework club works, the assignment calendars, the weekly newsletters, online grades, what to do if you are ever harassed, the on/offs of cell phones, when the academic progress reports will be sent out, study buddies, the special luncheons for binder organization-part 2, homework tips, the Honor Roll, make-up procedures, late work, the tardy policy, welcome policy to parents, bus behavior, biking helmets, basic rules of the school, clothing expectations, PE apparel, and yet more. All of that was also included in 16-page team packets for each student to take. The last two pages of the packet were agreements for the student and parents to sign, agreeing to the school code of conduct and signing their having read through the packet. Her commitment and orchestration were incredible. It's going to pay tremendous dividends for everyone concerned. Our school is extremely fortunate to have her dedicated creativity available. -MLMS 6th Grade Teams
Quyana to Regina Sather at Mirror Lake Middle School! Ms. Sather put together the most marvelous Sixth Grade Orientation Night for parents, students, and staff at Mirror Lake Middle School. Ms. Sather, counselor at Mirror Lake Middle School, demonstrates on a daily basis the qualities of a true professional. She organized the event, prepped for the event, acted as the master of ceremonies at the event, and kept the program on track and on time. Parents gave her an enthusiastic "two thumbs up" for the evening program and many told her supervisor that this was the most convenient, understandable, and useful event they have ever attended in the school district. High praise, indeed! Ms. Sather is one of the most valuable members of the Mirror Lake family. -Scott Batchelder, principal
Quyana to all school district employees! As an educator, kudos go out to all these awesome pioneers of education who without restriction educate our nation's student population with accessible, achievement-oriented skills. Again, thanks to you all. -Alisa Walton, community member
Quyana to Joy Hatcher at Mirror Lake Middle School! Many thanks to Mrs. Hatcher for her wonderfully meticulous efforts to map all thirteen Mirror Lake bus routes! Her willingness to help, attention to detail, and creatively color code each route has already helped and will continue to help security and the front office staff immeasurably with bus issues and parental concerns. Mrs. Hatcher went above and beyond to develop this very valuable resource. Kudos! -Suzanne Brown, assistant principal
