Quyana to Kenneth Hemenway at Fire Lake Elementary! He is an excellent teacher. My son was not motivated to do his work. He did not want to put forth the effort to write clearly or spend time with homework after summer vacation. He enjoys his teacher so much he has become studious and excited!
- Ester Middleton, parent
Quyana to Justin Cano at Fire Lake Elementary! Mr. Cano helped institute the drama program and is an outstanding teacher. He motivates children with kindness!
- Ester Middleton, parent
Quyana to Shannon Lampert at Fire Lake Elementary! Mrs. Lampert is the most gentle and kind teacher. She teaches first grade and instills a joy of learning in her students.
- Ester Middleton, parent
Quyana to Desiree Page at Fire Lake Elementary! Mrs. Page is a wonderful teacher because she treats children with respect and kindness. She expects great work and assists them to achieve their goals.
- Ester Middleton, parent
Quyana to Erin Jones at Fire Lake Elementary! Mrs. Jones is a great teacher. She instills a sense of responsibility with kindness.
- Ester Middleton, parent
Quyana to Carol Tucker at Fire Lake Elementary! Mrs. Tucker is outstanding with helping children realize their potential. She uses kindness to motivate her students.
- Ester Middleton, parent
Quyana to Elizabeth Millikan at Fire Lake Elementary! Mrs. Millikan is an excellent music teacher. She inspires love of music which will last lifetimes!
- Ester Middleton, parent
Quyana to Lindsay Henry at Fire Lake Elementary! Mrs. Henry takes the time to know each child at Fire Lake Elementary in her role as principal. She greets them by name and assists them in this time of great challenge and growth.
- Ester Middleton, parent
Quyana to Leroy Jones at Willow Crest! Mr. Jones is an amazing role model to students and an admirable colleague. In addition to encouraging physical activity and sportsmanship, he is always thinking of ways to use gym to improve students' behavior and academics. Mr. Jones goes above and beyond every day both within his P.E. classes and across campus.
- Lindsey Fees, teacher
Quyana to Roger Baker at South Anchorage High School! Roger is a very compassionate member of South's security team. I am constantly amazed by his interactions with students, staff, and parents. He is often the first of the security team to respond to situations that arise. Thank you very much for being such an outstanding asset to South.
- Jennifer Ehrheart, assistant principal
Quyana to Paula Edwards, Debbie Pugh, Sue Young, Margie Webb, Deanna Clark, Denise Keelan, and MaryKay Swartz at The ASD Early Intervention Services Center Screening/Assessment Team! Quyana for the excellent work that they do everyday in identifying the needs our children ages three to five in the Anchorage, Eagle River, and Girdwood communities. A specific thank you for your kindness, team work, patience, expertise, communication and efficiency with screening and assessing my three year old son. You all are truly a blessing to us!
- Rebecca Wilson, parent
Quyana to Chester Mainot at Clark Middle School IT! I am so impressed with Chester. He works tirelessly to keep our building’s many computers up to date and running smoothly yet whenever you see him he is smiling and positive. We couldn't be the incredible school we are without him!
- Valerie Brown, teacher
Quyana to Danny Reynolds, Brian Smith, Heather Conlin, Brad Baumgartner, and Joyce Morton at Whaley and East High School! A big “thank you” goes out to each and every one of you for playing such an important role in helping C.X. have a successful transition to East. Each of you have taken the time to guide, accept and make sure each day is a good one for this kiddo. I appreciate all the hard work, team effort and open communication that has been taken to help everything go smoothly. Keep up the great work.
- Elizabeth McGee, transition counselor - Whaley
Quyana to Wendy Zorea at Gladys Wood Elementary! Mrs. Zorea you are one of the hardest working teachers that I know. The work you did this week for Veterans Day, putting together a video to play after morning announcements of one-minute segments of classes showing their appreciation to the people who have served in the military is truly beautiful. You are truly an angel from above. We are so lucky to have you at our school and the kids are so lucky. You make Gladys Wood shine. Thank you for all your hard work. People like you, make people like me, shine, just standing next to you. I am honored to work with you.
- Michelle Nelson, peer
Quyana to Bear Valley Elementary staff! Math and Literacy Family Night at Bear Valley was such fun! Thanks to all who organized it, fed the families, and provided learning games and activities for all ages.
- Kathie Yoder, grandparent
Quyana to Tracy Castoe at Central Middle School! The Velocity Team would like to recognize Tracy Castoe. Central Middle School is very fortunate to have such a talented and proactive teacher and building technology coordinator. Tracy is always willing to assist with technology "problems" and offers "Tech Tuesday" classes that promotes use of technology in classrooms. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in moving us into the 21st century.
- Velocity Team
Quyana to Kimberly O'Shea at North Star Elementary! I would just like to thank Kim O'Shea for all she does as a teacher and caring person. She has brightened all of her students with her care and concern for their educations. She needs to be recognized for all of her hard work and contribution towards their future. Thanks Mrs. O'Shea for every thing.
- April Robinson, peer
Quyana to Danny Sihabouth at Accounting Department! I would like to send a Quyana to Danny Sihabouth, who has been here for me since I started my career with ASD. He has blessed me with his help on budgets and more. I just would like to say thanks for all you do.
- April Robinson, peer
Quyana to Ursa Major Elementary PTA! Thank you to the Ursa Major PTA for putting on a great "Turkey Bingo" event for our families of Ursa Major. This was a great event resulting in 100 families winning a turkey and additional side items for their Thanksgiving dinner. We appreciate all of your hard work and effort to make the families and teachers at Ursa Major feel appreciated and part of a great community.
- Helen Harmon, teacher
Quyana to Ella Brown, at Nunaka Valley Elementary! I would just like to give a shout out to a wonderful person, my godchildren attend this school and I really felt welcome on the school grounds. The principal was such an delightful and caring person. It's was an honor to see such a wonderful person caring for our little ones. Thank you Mrs. Brown for your good work and for caring for our children.
- Pearlie Graham, parent/community member
Quyana to Stephanie Asplund at Clark Middle School! I am new to Alaska. Clark Middle School and Stephanie have made the transition so much easier. Stephanie has been a confidant, friend, mentor and welcoming committee. I always know I can turn to her with questions and she won't be frustrated or too busy, she is an incredible woman and Clark is lucky to have her!
- Valerie Brown, teacher
Quyana to Kimberly O'Shea at North Star Elementary! Kimberly is a great teacher, supporter and friend. I would just like to send a Quyana to her for all that she does to make things happen in her class every day. The students show how well she has taught them, by being respectful, hard working, and staying focused. Thank you Mrs. O'Shea. We love you!
- April, parent
Quyana to Mary Koehler at Whaley School!
M - Model of efficiency!
A - Anything that needs to be done, she's on it!
R - Reliable - you can count on her for anything and everything!
Y - Young at heart, young in activity!
Mary, we love, respect, and appreciate you! Thank you for all you have done for all of us for so many awesome years! We can't imagine life here without you!
- Bev Kirk, peer
Quyana to Kristin Knapp and Theresa Dougherty at the English as a Second Language program, Goldenview Middle School! Kudos to Goldenview Middle School's bi-lingual tutors, Kristin Knapp and Theresa Dougherty. These two dedicated teachers put in countless hours beyond their regular school day to assure that the bi-lingual students and their parents would receive a warm welcome at student led conferences.
Most of these students live in west Anchorage and have a long bus ride to Goldenview. For some of their parents, having transportation and time off from work was challenging, but through the efforts and encouragement of Ms. Knapp and Ms. Dougherty many of the parents came to conferences. Throughout the building were seen the smiles of the students and parents as they experienced the essence of student led conferences.
- Jane Johnson, assistant principal
Quyana to George Kivlan at Ursa Major! Mr. George Kivlan is an outstanding Special Education TA. Right from the moment I met him he has displayed the amazing talent to do what is right for all students. He takes great pride in helping students reach their educational goals. Mr. George has the ability to remain flexible in the middle of changing schedules and the changing needs of the students we work with. The students and staff at Ursa Major are fortunate to have Mr. George at our school.
- Kelly Nichois, special education teacher
Quyana to Principal Michael Day at Kasuun Elementary! Quyana to Principal Day, staff and parents who were there at Kasuun on Oct. 28 for the Halloween Carnival. They were quick in response to a little “Mario” who went missing for a couple of minutes. Although, we found out Mario was safe with his older sister the entire time, it was very encouraging to know that if a child was reported missing, the quick response that was seen by us as parents made us feel so good about the ASD and the parents involved. Thank you again, to all involved at Kasuun, who responded so quick that night.
- Darren and Faith Muller, parents
Quyana to Maria Whittaker-Adams, Youth Development Tutor at Goldenview Middle School! Maria Whittaker-Adams provides top quality educational services to Alaskan Natives. She brings in many cultural activities to enhance the students' sense of history and belonging. During the October Alaska Federation of Natives conference, Maria took 20 students to the Elders and Youth Conference, an event she does yearly with students. Additionally, Maria made countless parent phone calls and personal contacts to assure that her students and parents participated in the student led conferences. Because of her extraordinary efforts, student lives are enriched and their educational success improved.
- Jane Johnson, assistant principal
Quyana to Scott Ihrig, Clancy Derrick and Donny Binek at the Information Technology Department! Thank you for your efforts in getting the STepUp expansion completed. The extra time you spent to make our network work correctly is very much appreciated by our staff, and all our students for years to come. Thanks a million!
- Rosemary Fish, principal at McLaughlin
Quyana to Andrea Lang and Christopher Poole at Eagle River High School! Thank you to Andrea and Chris for all that you do to bring out each student's creativity and unique contributions to the Fine Arts Department at Eagle River High School. I especially want to recognize the extra time and effort you both put into rehearsals after school for the Fall Performance. I'm constantly amazed at how you're both able to empower each of your performers to take charge of their show and make it the best it can be. Your dedication to the Fine Arts, and most importantly the students of Eagle River High is truly inspiring!
- Jacob Bera, fellow teacher and Fine Arts Department Chair
Quyana to Kehle and Nick Middleton at Clark Middle School! Quyana to Kehle and Nick Middleton for being such professional teachers, colleagues, and team players. They are both so willing to help teachers by sharing best practices and lesson plans, resolving last-minute technology issues, and creating innovative opportunities for students. I really appreciate this dynamic duo and realize their contributions to the education profession.
- Nikki Banks, colleague
Quyana to Catherine Boutin at Lake Hood Elementary School! We would like to thank Catherine Boutin for her efforts to kick off "Treats For Troops" here at Lake Hood. The turnout of treats from the Lake Hood students and staff has been overwhelming. Her initiative to this awesome cause will touch the hearts of many men and women military troops serving our country away from home. Thank you Ms. Boutin!
- Lake Hood staff member
Quyana to Micki Pascar at Whaley School! Miss Micki has cooked and run the kitchen at our school for decades! She relates excellently with all of the staff and the students. Kids who need work experience do well working in the kitchen with Micki. She gives them clear expectations and requirements for food handling, and also works with great insight and compassion with students who sometimes need some extra encouragement or support. Whaley School is extremely fortunate to have Micki. Thank you for all of your time, work, and the countless quiet things you do for all of us so often!
- Bev Kirk, staff
Quyana to Mary Thompson, teaching assistant at Whaley School! Mary is always cheerful, reliable, and consistently fair in her work with all students. The kids always speak very respectfully of Mary, and often quote her ("Miss Mary says to behave," or "Miss Mary told me to get my work done."). She is kind, routinely puts others before herself, and she truly has a servant's heart. Thanks, Mary, for all you do for us!
- Bev Kirk, staff
Quyana to Whaley School Intervention Coaches! Quyana to the Whaley School Intervention Coaches! They are the best anywhere! This highly trained, dedicated group of men and women consistently works with professional compassion and expertise, often in difficult situations. They work incredibly well together, are always respectful and supportive with the students, and we know we can count on their work and support in all situations. Thank you, I.C. staff, for being the awesome people that you are!
- Bev Kirk, staff
Quyana to Emily Trey and Arleta Malloy at Special Education, Eagle River Elementary! Thank you for assisting all students in my third grade class with your talents and expertise. Your concern for our students demonstrates itself in their achievements and success. As a classroom teacher I couldn't do it without you. Thanks for being a team I can collaborate with at any time!
- Janice Summers, peer
Quyana to Mrs. Ferris at Gladys Wood! For being there for two of my grandchildren and always helpful. Ben and Star wouldn't have gotten as far as they have without her help and support, Thank You.
- Margaret Robinson, grandmother
