Quyana to Donna Romerdahl at Registration and transcripts! Donna Romerdahl is amazing. My daughter needed to withdraw from East for a semester, due to medical reasons, and stay here in Sweden with me. We had been struggling for over two weeks to find the right person to help us do this, and to get transcripts to the correspondence school. With one email, and in less than ten hours after I first wrote her, Ms. Romerdahl solved everything. She is magic! Tack så mycket, thank you, Quyana, Ms. Romerdahl. You are appreciated. - Diana Stark Ekman, parent from Skövde, Sweden
Quyana to Carol Bartholomew, Margaret Konnelly, Galina Tomisser and Traci Caves at Various Schools! Your National Board Certification in teaching is so very awesome! - Lynda Hadley, substitute teacher
Quyana to Kathleen Godsoe and the Williwaw Autism Preschool at Williwaw Autism Preschool! Kathleen Godsoe and the Williwaw Autism Preschool staff Lydia and Karen have done amazing things for my son! I also would like to thank Marchia Schilling, Elaine and Michele for all the hard work they do not only for my son but for other kids in their class.
A gazillion Quyanas to all of you!!! - Maria Del Rosario, parent
Quyana to Elizabeth "Jean" Brown, Special Education Teacher at East High School! I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Jean Brown on behalf of Special Olympics Alaska. Jean has been a huge contributor towards the Special Olympics Alaska School Program through running one of the state's best Partners Clubs, directing our summer camp, Camp Shriver, and partaking in the 2009 Global Youth Activation Summit (GYAS) in conjunction with the 2009 World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho February 6-11. Jean will be chaperoning four ASD high school students with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in the GYAS, which is an international leadership conference where youth from around the world will come together and talk about issues of inclusion and acceptance of students with intellectual disabilities. Jean is an extraordinary leader and huge asset to our organization. Thank you Jean! - Sarah Arts, Special Olympics Alaska School Program Manager
Quyana to Angela Lawson at Alpenglow Elementary! Mrs. Lawson is one of the most important person's in my daughter's life. Mrs. Lawson has respected and responded to any of my concerns or questions. She has my daughter talking about all of the wonderful things that happen at school, which doesn't seem like a lot, but in 16 years of being a parent, this is the most enthusiastic one of my children have been about one teacher. I am so appreciative of Mrs. Lawson's caring and well thought out environment and curriculum for her students. There isn't a day that goes by that my daughter doesn't come home and expresse so much enthusiasm for her class and teacher, which is so important in her journey towards graduation, THANK YOU, MRS. LAWSON. - Audrey Kelsch, parent
Quyana to Susan Forbes at Aquarian Charter School! A big thank you to Susan Forbes for always being a wonderful and caring person. She is always ready to listen and help in any way possible, not just for the staff members, but for the whole community. She is easy to talk to and always friendly. Even when she is busy, she takes time to listen to my concerns and tries to find a way to help solve them. Thank you Susan for being the person you are. - Teresa Brummer, teacher assistant
Quyana to Kim Jockusch at Scenic Park! My daughter started kindergarten in Kim Jockusch's class this year at Scenic Park. We have been so impressed with Kim's teaching style, patience, and ability to make each child feel successful and special. Her efforts consistently go beyond the school day and her teaching style has a way of charming her students into a love of school. Thanks to Kim for providing a supportive and effective first year of school for so many students! - Stacy Miller, parent and teacher
Quyana to Kip Bailey at Gruening Middle School! This employee goes above and beyond expectations to help his students understand his lessons. He also gets students excited to learn about language arts and reading. He broadens his students’ horizon in genres of books. He is a terrific teacher! - Amanda Rodriguez, student
Quyana to Mary Lou Boughton at Payroll! Mary Lou Boughton was very kind and helpful in helping me understand some of the forms and steps that were necessary to change the 403B to Great West. She went above and beyond the call of duty to make everything work. She had a wonderful attitude and spent a lot of time working with me. She made a difficult situation bearable. Thank you and Happy New Year. - Teresa Monrean, elementary teacher
Quyana to Nancy Farrer at Inlet View! Quyana to Nancy Farrer who teaches at Inlet View and has led our award winning Green Star program for many years. Aside from her annual Green Star Parade through the halls promoting in song, “reduce, reuse, and recycle,” she has taught a generation of students and their families to make this a lifelong habit. Our school program is seamless under Nancy’s leadership. She has the older students mentor the younger ones.
Twice a month the Green Star Team collects and sorts our building’s recyclables. All classrooms have sorting bins. Because of our Green Star program, no child in the school will allow an item to go into the wrong bin.
Nancy has taught first grade for many years. She knows and greets all students in the halls, often offering support and guidance. She offers her classroom as a space for any child who needs a time out and more importantly, she offers it for students who need a place to shine helping younger students. Students who have graduated from Inlet View are often found visiting Mrs. Farrer. They remember the strong academic base, as well as the wise and accepting heart she gave them. Thank you Mrs. Farrer. - Ellyn Derman, parent and peer
Quyana to The staff at Russian Jack Elementary School! Mrs. Story is a very dedicated principal and every staff member was very welcoming and helpful when I worked there this fall. The school is well organized and runs very smoothly given the programs and needs of the students. And they do it all with a smile. Thank you for your warm generous welcome and commitment to the students of the school. You are the best! Keep up the great work. - Patty Hoffman, speech language pathologist
Quyana to Ken Taylor, maintenance locksmith! Ken has helped me several times throughout the past year with re-keying labs, storage areas, offices, etc. Once when a lock broke and the entire school was shut out of our premier computer lab, he quickly came and solved the problem which allowed several classes to continue with their academic pursuits.
No matter how many times we have needed his help, and there have been many, he has always been professional and kind. He really goes out of his way to take care of us.
Quyana, Ken. You rock! - Belinda Sessions, technology coordinator
Quyana to Sherrie McDaid at Central Middle School of Science! I am so glad that Sherrie is the financial data control clerk at Central Middle School! I teach two classes that require a lot of Sherrie's help and knowledge. She has the ability to multi-task and remember the things she tells you she'll do. I can't believe how many balls she can keep in the air! I never have to worry that I won't be reimbursed in a timely manner, and she makes sure I have what I need to teach my classes. She is truly someone who is gifted at her job, and I hope she is at Central as long as I am! - Janna Walker, colleague
Quyana to Nicole Sommerville, principal at Eagle River Elementary School! I would like to thank Nicole Sommerville for being such a caring principal. She knows her students by name, not only face recognition. She cares for the students academically and for their safety at school and on the way to and from school. She has a warm, friendly school with a great staff.
Thank you Ms.Sommerville - Shirley Fredrickson, grandmother
Quyana to Marrion Trent at Chinook Elementary! Mrs. Trent is a wonderful person and a fabulous teacher! She makes learning fun for her students. My youngest daughter Lexi has Mrs.Trent this year and she is excelling fabulously!
My daughter's first experience with public school was last year and she wasn't very happy with her experience. Mrs. Trent is such a great teacher, that my daughter's attitude towards going to school is now changed, she actually looks forward to school! I know it is all because of Mrs. Trent! She is such a nice and caring person who brings out the best in her students! She is fabulous! Thank you! - Ginger Nevala, parent
Quyana to Jacie Bieber at North Star Elementary! Ms. Bieber is an exceptional teacher! She brings fun and excitement to learning for her students. My son Kyriac “Kiki” had the pleasure of having Ms. Bieber last year (which was his first year in public school) & he excelled! He was always looking forward to going to school.
She is a great teacher and wonderful person!
It's unfortunate that we moved and my youngest daughter won't have the opportunity to have Ms. Beiber as a teacher.
I wish her all the best and just want to say “thank you” for being so caring, fun and awesome! - Ginger Nevala, parent
Quyana to Diana Daniels at Goldenview Middle School! Diana Daniels, English chairman and Gifted Coordinator at Goldenview Middle School has organized many charitable projects and worked with hands-on civic programs involving the Cosmos/Phoenix students and our school over the years. Collecting needed supplies for our troops in the Middle East, previous involvement in the civics education program "We the People...Project Citizen,” yearly "Adopt-a-Family" (family of 11 this year), and more recently a "Building a Sister School" project in Pakistan/Afghanistan.
After reading "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson, she launched a campaign to raise $12,000 to build and supply a school. With student, parent, faculty and community support through fundraisers, she continues to make a difference in teaching students that by supporting something bigger than themselves, they will feel a kinship with students worldwide. - Pam Collins, team teacher
Quyana to Anna Andrews at South High School Math! Recently, Anna Andrews gave a great deal of time after school to assist my daughter with her math. Ms. Andrews was my daughter's math teacher last year. Not only did she clarify the concepts being studied in her current math class she never made my daughter feel rushed. Her help gave my daughter the boost she needed to feel confident about passing the test at the end of the unit. As a parent, I am deeply grateful and as a colleague, edified. - Anne Larche, parent
Quyana to Aquarian Charter School at Aquarian! I have two of the luckiest kids in this school district. Last week at Aquarian Charter School my 9-year-old son got to go Curling as part of the school's exploration program. My 11-year-old got to learn all about the ins and outs of chess for the entire day. What a unique opportunity for my kids.
Aquarian is truly an amazing school. Not only do they have these creative explorations on a regular basis, they have an environment filled with joy, music, theatre, Spanish and art to help develop true life long learners and thinkers!
Many thanks to all the teachers at Aquarian for making my boys' learning experiences so rich! - Sara Peebles, parent
Quyana to Krista Perrault at Klatt Elementary School, Ignite class! Krista has been such a blessing in our son Andrew's life. When he began Ignite class last year for the first time. He was so nervous and afraid. He was the youngest in his class and only in 2nd grade. The other children were 3rd and 4th graders. When he started late in the school year he was hard on himself for not being at the same level as all the other children. Mrs. Perrault helped him get through his nervousness and I really have seen a dramatic change in our son Andrew’s life. She just has a way about her that makes the children want to participate in class. Thank you Krista for being a part of our son Andrew's life. God Bless You and your Family – Trina Mattingly, parent
Quyana to Principal Ben Hardwick at Bayshore Elem. School! On December 4th, my daughter wanted to stay in the car while I went pick up her little brother. But when she saw her friend, she got out of the car and locked it. Unfortunately, the key was in. Well, she cried, and one of the school teacher approached her and helped. The school principal was notified of the situation, he offered to give us a ride to get home and get my duplicate key. So, that's what happened and I am so thankful for him and the school teacher that helped. I did not have to call for a friend or a relative to come. Quyana for going above and beyond your duties and responsibilities. You are GREATLY APPRECIATED! – Jackie, parent
Quyana to Heather Potsander at Chinook Elementary! Chinook is extremely lucky to have a special education teacher like Heather. She always jumps in to help out with after school tutoring, family nights, or anything else needed by students or staff members. Heather is always so positive and encouraging of her students and colleagues, even in the midst of difficult situations. I consider it a privilege working with her and thank her for all she does. – Sarah Robinson, co-worker
Quyana to John Thompson at Goldenview Volley Ball Coach! Thank you Mr. Thompson for your hard work and dedication to the girls on the JV team. I have been so impressed watching you work with the girls. Your encouragement has brought out the best in my child’s efforts. She never missed getting up at 5 a.m. to attend. You need to be honored and recognized for who you are and what you do !!! Again my heartfelt thanks. Kelsey's mother. - Kathryn Brewer, parent
Quyana to Francisca Luna at College Gate Elementary! College Gate Elementary is incredibly lucky to have Francisca Luna take such pride in her work in keeping its building spotless and safe. It is no surprise that she refers to our school as "our house." She cleans our school as if it were her very own home. Her hard work and unbelievable efforts truly make it feel like the clean and cozy house that serves as a daytime home to our students, as well as a 7-days-a-week location for many of our teachers and support staff.
To top it off, Francisca cooks (fabulously) on a frequent basis for our staff. Her reliability and ready smile make her one of our favorite people to work with. Thanks for taking such great care of our school, and staff, Francisca! - Eileen Foyle-Saft, teacher
Quyana to Debbie Clayton at Abbott Loop Elementary! I have known Mrs. Clayton for years as a parent and a peer teacher at Abbott Loop Elementary. This year she moved from the classroom into a new PE position. I want to commend her on all her hard work in planning and supporting after school athletic programs. My son has participated in several programs, and is currently learning volleyball after school. Mrs. Clayton is an awesome PE teacher. She teaches more than the rules and skills of the activity. I am most impressed with her focus on good sportsmanship. While the students practice, they are constantly encouraging everyone regardless of the student's skill level. All the students are having fun in a safe learning environment. She truly models and supports a healthy lifestyle for our students. Way to go! - Renee Helie, Parent and Peer
Quyana to Marci Milwicz at Abbott Loop Elementary! Marci Milwicz is my daughter’s 6th grade teacher, and I would like to say Quyana to her for her willingness to go the extra mile. When my daughter was having difficulties and Mrs. Milwicz worked with her -- and me -- to make sure she doesn't fail. She got together with the other teachers who took time in their day to call me to keep me in the loop. I really appreciate her effort and care that she has for her students. Thank you again Marci for being a awesome teacher who cares! - Shirley A. Gray, parent
Quyana to Scott Hickox at Curriculum/Instructional! I just want to say THANK YOU!!! for heading up the Smithsonian Student Travel trip to the inauguration. You did a fantastic job and the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Words can not express the amount of gratitude that our family has for you. You made the trip that I had written off a long time ago happen and I was able to share this experience with my son. You where there for everyone and everything. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! - Karrie Rehe, parent and resource teacher assistant
Quyana to Lee Vue at Williwaw Elementary! I would like to say “Thank you” to Mrs. Vue for her commitment and continuing support for the families that she values, respects and works with. She has given much of her time to promote family and school advocacy, providing information from school through the many family nights that she has completed. I have never missed any of her family nights from the beginning of the first day I met her. In many events with the language barrier I have always looked up to her for advice and support. She is like a daughter to me and I will always remember to respect her for the work that she does.
I would like to share one story that made me to realize how important she is to my family. We can never repay her in this life time for the things that she has done for our family. My middle school age daughter was not going to school, her grades kept falling and she was running away from home, for weeks. Mrs. Vue had stepped in and provided communication to and from school, she went over her boundaries to provide a flow of ongoing communication to local police authorities, school officials, to bring my daughter safely home. No other Hmong women can take on the task that she has done from within the culture, it would never be allowed. Now months have passed, and weeks have gone, my daughter is doing much better, she is much happier and listens to my many lectures, but out of all lectures she took Mrs. Vue’s words and learned a great deal from them. One day my daughter said to me “Mom….I will never forget the things that Mrs. Vue have done for me and you, she has fought with me and now I understand why she did it, I will do my best to make you and Mrs. Vue proud of me and I will one day return her a favor”. I have asked my oldest daughter to help me write this in honor of Mrs. Vue’s commitment to families. Thank you. - Amy Vue, parent
Quyana to Sheila Sweetsir at Spring Hill! Sheila, while parenting, teaching, along with numerous other great things you do, you contributed to our community. Recently, the Chamber of Commerce recognized your professional excellence as Policy President for the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School. You are one of the Alaska's Top Forty Under Forty! As a young leader who recognizes the dignity of the human being, when leading, you bring us great hope! - Lynda Hadley, peer
Quyana to Scenic Park Elementary Staff ! Thank you, or xie xie, to the incredible Scenic Park Elementary staff for the wonderful "A Night in China," especially Ms. Yang, Mrs. Wetzel, and Mrs. Downey, for all their planning and hard work. The student performances were great, the food was delicious, and the activities were interesting. We really enjoyed our "visit" to China. Hao ban! - Mary Mayer, parent
Quyana to Leroy Jones at Willow Crest Health Department! One of my best heroes is my elementary school gym teacher, Mr.Jones. He's probably the most humble and gentle person I have ever met. I wish I could go back to Willow Crest Elementary just so I could be in his classes again. I know for a fact I'm not the only one who thinks he's the coolest guy ever, I could name 100 people who would completely agree with me. He is a fantastic role model for me and for anyone and everyone who met him. I'm only in 7th grade but I know I want to be like him when I grow up. - Kaitlin McCLoud, former student
Quyana to Jennifer Cottle at Ravenwood Elementary School! Nurse Cottle has been amazingly patient and caring with our daughter. She has taken the challenge of a kindergartener's curiosity and known when to comfort, inspire, treat or, when needed, to call in the troops. We appreciate so much her kindness and the way she makes our daughter feel supported while at school. We feel secure in knowing that our daughter will be taken good care of in our absence. With sincere gratitude to nurse Cottle, Quyana! - Tom and Colette Roth, parents
Quyana to Jon Forbes at Chinook School! We appreciate Jon for his willingness to listen to our concerns and take action as is needed. We also thank him for his sense of humor and his wonderful ability to empathize with each of us! - Nancy Sopp, Pam Martin, Heather Potsander, SPED teachers
Quyana to Krystal Price at Mount Spurr Elementary! A huge thanks to Mrs. Price who has ignited a desire to read in our son. He is really enjoying first grade and loves reading anything he can. He reads signs, cereal boxes, letters and of course, books. He is so proud of himself when he is able to read the whole page. Mrs. Price has helped him see the joy in reading. - Kyle Roehrig, parent
