Quyana to Darrell Vincek at Bowman Elementary School! He ran the school like a school should be run. He had morals and lived up to them and expected students and teachers to behave the same as he ‑- with honesty and integrity. I saw him standing up for teachers with parents who didn't have a clue about what their child was like during the day and standing up for students if the teacher was out of line. There was no favoritism and he stamped out gossip wherever he found it. He was always honest with parents, students, and teachers, and the other staff members.
I have volunteered in the schools up here for over 10 years and did presentations for lower grades for the previous 10 years. I saw a lot of what I couldn't believe. With Mr. Vincek I couldn't believe what I saw. He was always calm, always wanted all sides of any story, and was always fair.
Years ago I never thought I would send in one of these for an administrator but I have to admit this man is a gem and the only thing he could be better used for would be to teach other administrators how to behave.
The only thing that would make me happier would be if I could give him a raise. You are indeed lucky to have a man of his caliber.
- Sharon D. Webb, parent and parent volunteer
Quyana to Joanna Hubbard, Trish Herminghaus, and Judy Onslow at Curriculum Department, Science! The three science department support teachers, Joanna Hubbard, Trish Herminghaus, and Judy Onslow do a phenomenal job reaching teachers through a variety of means. Although they work on many projects and provide several face-to-face trainings, my observations of their expertise is from a massive ASDTube project they took on last year.
These three women not only designed trainings and were filmed presenting them, but they shared what they learned from the experience by training 13 other teachers, providing support and instruction throughout the process. In the end, 140 videos were created by this cadre to provide elementary teachers with information on the best use of ASD science kits.
Despite tight scheduling, juggling other projects, and having to wear many hats to complete the project, Trish, Judy, and Joanna completed it on time and had it ready for teachers when school opened this fall.
I am awestruck by their abilities.
- Cheryl JP Johnson, peer
Quyana to Desiree Diemer at Romig Middle School! I like her because she is a really nice teacher. She helps me when I need it and I like the way she is. If I could, I would take her to high school with me. She ROCKS!!!!!!!
- Elizabeth Covington, student
Quyana to Desiree Diemer at special education! Desiree has helped me and my parents to deal with my academic difficulties and I would like to thank her for that. As a result I am currently a gifted and talented student at Romig Middle School! - a former student
Quyana to Conny Vandegriff at Eagle River! Quyana to Mrs.Vandegriff for coming into preschool and making everyone feel happy and enjoy their time at work. Her happy dance can bring a smile to all around.
- Jennifer Hill, peer
Quyana to Debbie Graves at Benny Benson Technology! I am new to this school and this district. I used the Holt program since I started teaching four years ago. I'm transitioning into the new McDougal Littell program and have to absorb the materials fast. As we all know school started and I as a teacher need my lessons ready. Debbie responded to my many requests without complaint. She fixed classroom computers, got my school computer settings adjusted, and spent hours downloading the software for the McDougal Littell program. She is an excellent trouble-shooter and solved all of my technology problems. I'm up and running in the classroom because Debbie provided me with such excellent customer service. She's the best!
- Kelly Sullivan, peer
Quyana to Mary Thomas at Secondary Special Education! Mary has been a steadfast promoter of parent feelings and guidance counselor for the autism program for secondary special education. She relieves parents’ worries by talking with them well past her working day. She is trying to solve unresolved issues with a caring and thoughtful demeanor which relieves parents concerns. She really cares for her parents and the children who are assigned to her care. I appreciate her dedication to making sure everyone is being taken care of and is appropriate placed.
- Vicky Eastman, peer
Quyana to Shawna Jack at Spring Hill Elementary! I would like to thank Shawna Jack for all of her energy, patience, and commitment. She has been a shining light for my son and family. Thank you so much Shawna.
- Cindy Crow, parent
Quyana to Mike Lanzarone, Sean Murphy, Joe Quinn, Adam Wartman and Ryan Blewett at Begich! Quyana to Mike, Sean, Joe, Nacho and Ryan for being positive role models to our students! As students drift in one by one to watch your morning basketball games, they watch attentively as you guys model teamwork, good sportsmanship and the joy of being fit and active at any age. By just doing what you enjoy doing you demonstrate many positive character traits for our young men. Gracias, and Quyana!
- Debra Abshier, peer
Quyana to Suzette Johnstone at Library Resources! Thank you for making yourself available to help librarians out in the Zangle transition. Especially for those schools who had unique situations.
- Susan Koike, teacher librarian/colleague
Quyana to Mary Lum, Cyndi Jensen and Desiree Morgan at ASD Elementary Libraries! Thank you for all your wonderful ideas and collegial support you've given me over the years. We have some of the best librarians teaching out in the Eagle River area. You are all much appreciated!
- Susan Koike, Colleague
Quyana to nurse Kathy Bell and the Health and PE teachers at Goldenview Middle School. Kathy and Alaska Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Foster, obtained a $100,000 grant from Providence Health System in Alaska to promote CPR in the community. Kathy had watched a friend experience a near death episode. That friend was saved by someone trained in CPR.
Goldenview was the first school to benefit from this grant, during the 08-09 school year, the Goldenview Health and PE teachers educated all of the 8th graders by teaching them CPR, giving them their own personal CPR “Annie” to take home and teach their family and friends CPR. Kathy’s efforts resulted in 400 Goldenview 8th graders learning CPR. These youngsters can in turn reach out and teach their family members this life saving technique.
On May 5, 2009, Carol Comeau, ASD Superintendent, Chief Foster of the Fire Department, Sharon Vaisssiere (ASD Health Curriculum), Al Parrish, Vice President and Chief Executive of Providence Health System in Alaska, Tom Kramer, CEO Alaska Heart Institute, along with the media witnessed this pilot program in action.
Because of the success of the pilot program, Mr. Parish, Mr. Kramer and other Anchorage businesses will support this program for implementation in all ASD middle schools.
Kudos to Kathy for her efforts in promoting and implementing this important program our community.
- Julie Maker, principal; Jane Johnson, assistant principal, Goldenview Middle School
Quyana to Sarah Afoa at Gladys Wood Elementary! This summer and last I volunteered in Mrs. Afoa's summer school kindergarten class at Bowman Elementary. Mrs. Afoa is probably the best teacher I have ever known. The students’ progress was clearly visible day to day. Her activities were always thought through, organized, fun, and educational. I wish Mrs. Afoa had been my kindergarten teacher when I was 5. - Arina Filippenko, volunteer
Quyana to teachers and all staff at Birchwood ABC Elementary School! While substituting as a school nurse for several days at Birchwood ABC, the staff was so gracious and kind! Considering that the school year was just beginning, new state vaccination requirements are now in effect (which greatly increased the number of immunization records the school nurses were/are responsible for reviewing, and therefore could slow down the administrative assistant and secretary in their jobs), and the whole District was/is wading through learning an entirely new computer system, the entire staff showed incredibly positive attitudes! I am forever grateful to the wonderful teachers and all the staff who were immensely kind! Their patience and understanding with the situations I was facing was so IMMENSE that it made the tasks at hand so much easier. They were facing similar situations and were completely empathetic, helpful, and generous in all of our interactions. Several teachers thanked me for being there and made extremely kind comments for which I am so grateful!! Their great attitudes and team approach is very contagious and I want to thank them publicly for being so AWESOME and making me feel so welcome!!!
- Brenda Johnson, substitute school nurse
Quyana to Mrs. Jessica Uptegrove at WL Bowman elementary School! Ms. Uptegrove is a very special teacher who creates a positive learning environment for every one of her students. Each student in her class has special needs and she is able to coordinate an incredible amount of learning for these special kids every day. The children in her class require a different type of learning environment and Ms. Jessica not only provides that, but shows each child that that they are special, important and loved everyday that they are at school.
Her communication with parents and acceptance of their ideas in their child's education is exceptional. As a classroom volunteer and parent of one of her students, it is an emotional experience to witness the transformation that takes place in all of her students as a result of the structured education, support and love she provides them on a daily basis.
- Mary Stassel, parent, PTA executive board member, volunteer
