Anchorage School District

• Quyana to Chris Kelliher at Eagle River Elementary School! I cannot think of a parent volunteer who has done more to promote reading and literacy in our school than Chris Kelliher. Twice a year for the last seven years, Chris has organized and run book fairs. Funds raised at the book fair are used in the library to pay for student and teacher special requests and to bring authors to school. In addition, Chris has spear-headed our annual I-did-a-read program which promotes out-of-school recreational reading. Mrs. Kelliher wears many other hats in our school, but there isn't enough room in this forum to list them all. This is Chris' last year in our school and she will be sorely missed. Thank you, Chris, for your tireless and selfless work in our school. 

  - Elaine Daw, Librarian

• Quyana to Laura Storrs at Mirror Lake Middle School! As a parent it can be frustrating when young adults are not able to name all of the States that make up our country. I remember all 50 states in alphabetical order to this day thanks to my 6th grade choir teacher having us sing "50 Nifty United States". I mentioned this to Mrs. Storrs with no expectations and was thrilled to find that my Son was able to recite the states and do this in front of 2 other kids in MLMS that are in higher grades that were unable to do the same. She is a teacher that cares for her students, communicates instantly with parents via email if there is an issue, and genuinely leads by example. Thank you Mrs. Storrs, You've taken the children from 13 original colonies to all 50 States!

  - Michael T Waszak, Parent

• Quyana to Michaela Kelly at Wonder Park Elementary-SPED Preschool! Ms. Kelly is an exceptional teacher and supervisor. I have worked in her class for several months, and she has gone out of her way to ensure I feel part of the team. She is great with students and parents, and is a valuable asset to the District. Thank you, Michaela!

  - Connie Saffle, Substitute TA

• Quyana to Rolly Prince and Mace McFarland at Maintenance! I want to commend Rolly Prince and Mace McFarland for the fine job they did this week putting my classroom back together.  My entire teaching wall was put in disarray during the process of installing a new projector, so I placed a work order on Monday with a request to have multiple problems fixed.  I was absolutely tickled when Rolly and Mace came in on Wednesday ready to work.  They took the time to listen as I listed the changes that needed to be done to put my room back in good working order.  To my delight, when I came in this morning (Wednesday), these gentlemen were wrapping up the project in just the way I'd requested, but did some improvising that made it even better.  My teaching wall is now in perfect working order!   Rolly Prince and Mace McFarland were quite capable and efficient with this job, but more importantly, they were congenial and genuinely concerned that I be happy with what was being done to my classroom, the space where my students and I spend so much of our lives.  Thank you!!

  - Nanette Harvill, teacher

• Quyana to Bus driver Emily Dallmier at Gruening Middle School! A huge thank you goes out to Emily Dallmier. On Wednesday night my kids and I were involved a head on collision on JBER.  Soon after the crash Emily was the first person to see if we were okay. With her first aid training she was able to check us for serious injuries. After she checked us she began directing traffic until security forces arrived. She remained at the site until everything was cleared. She is a hero to us. May God bless you for what you did for us Emily.

  - Araceli G. Pittman, Parent

• Quyana to Staff at College Gate Elementary! I would like to thank the incredible staff at College Gate for their compassion, love, and support shown to me and my family during the devastating loss of my son at the beginning of this school year.  CG always comes  together to support each other when the need arises and I am so fortunate to work in this kind of school invironment.  My family and I are eternally grateful. 

  - Brenda Kenny, Kindergarten TA and kindergarten grandparent

• Quyana to Lynda Van Winkle at Ed/Tech/Professional Learning Department! Lynda has led the Orion Staff through an amazing class of iPad integration for our classrooms. She has spent many hours with us, teaching us, supporting us, and forging new paths for using technology as a teaching tool. We are very lucky to have had this opportunity. Thank you, Lynda!

  - Dana Niebert, teacher

• Quyana to Susan Whited at Dimond High School! Susie was supportive and patient with my son and me as we worked on a plan how to minimize time out of the classroom. I love how she supported my decision on how to provide care and help implement it.

  - Marie Smith, Parent

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