Quyana to Tammy Million in the Accounting Department. Tammy Million is a fantastic person who has endless patience and tolerance for all of us who travel. She has worked with all the charter schools from time to time on their various travel arrangements. In every incident, she has helped them to fix the paperwork, find the best travel deals and make sure that they have the required funds in their budgets to cover the travel. This may seem like a simple job but it is not. The charter schools are unique, wonderful entities who often find themselves traveling with groups of students and going to conferences that are off the beaten track. Tammy, time and time again, helps them to sort out these unusual situations and arrangements so that the travel happens without a hitch. We would not be able to do all we do in the world of travel and charter schools if it weren't for Tammy's professional knowledge and kind guidance. A big Quyana to her from the charter schools. -Connie Bensler, supervisor, Charter Schools
Quyana to Seante Banks at Orion Elementary School. Seante has been my kindergarten teacher assistant for three years. She is a great partner to work with! She has an excellent rapport with parents, and works very well with our students. She is enthusiastic, dedicated, and committed to the students in our classroom. We work with some challenging students, and she has great strategies for managing their behavior and learning styles. I can't imagine having a better partner to work with. Thanks, Seante, for three great years! -Mary Janis, kindergarten teacher
Quyana to Dan Mitchell at Huffman Elementary School. Dan has taken extra time to help engage my son Trevor in school and has come up with creative and effective suggestions to help kids stay on track. He is a good role model and represents the district well. -T., parent
Quyana to Dustin & Jerry in the Maintenance Department. Thanks to Dustin and Jerry, the ASD painters for sprucing up our counseling and health offices at Romig. Dustin and Jerry were pleasant, accommodating, and helpful. They removed and moved all our belongings and replaced items that could be returned to their original locations. We really appreciate the contrasting blue wall color instead of the stark white walls. The place looks clean and bright. It was a pleasure to work with both of you. Please accept our gratitude and recognition. You made our work areas a much nicer place to do our jobs. -Kathy Estes, Romig nurse, and the counseling staff
Quyana to the West High School Science Club and science teachers Jim Trumbull and Carmen Olito at West High School. When Northwood ABC recently held its first ever Family Science Night in conjunction with its annual Science Fair, students from West High School's Science Club ran one of the science stations. Not only was their activity, making gloop, a huge hit, the West students impressed everyone with their enthusiasm, knowledge, and patience with the elementary students. I have to admit that what impressed me as the science activity coordinator was that the students thoroughly and cheerfully cleaned up after themselves! Many thanks to West science teachers Jim Trumbull and Carmen Olito for their help and support. West's science department rocks! -Nanette Harvill, Northwood ABC teacher and science coordinator
Quyana to Donna Keyes, a counselor at Mears Middle School. Donna went above and beyond when helping my 7th grader find her way while struggling in her transition into middle school. With Donna's advice and encouragement my daughter went from a failing student to student of the month. I can't thank Donna enough for all of her help. She is such a wonderful person. -Nanette Jackson, parent
Quyana to Celeste and Andrew Long at Muldoon Elementary School. I would like to give a whole hearted thank you to Celeste and Andrew Long, the teachers who monitor the students during the Muldoon 21st CCLC After-School Program dismissal. Andrew and Celeste are outside, ensuring the students are safely on their way home, in all sorts of weather. A special thank you to Andrew, for picking up the traffic cones on a daily basis and bringing them into the building. -Lisa Orr-Hickey, supervisor
Quyana to Todd Sanderson at Dimond High School. Mr. Sanderson is the greatest teacher on earth. -Paraoan, student
Quyana to Kathy Radford at Lake Hood Elementary School. Kathy Radford, a Lake Hood Elementary parent, noon duty and crossing guard, is an exceptional woman. She volunteers in her daughters’ classrooms, helps out with Popcorn Fridays, volunteers for picture day, and the PTA fundraisers.
Mrs. Radford knows all the children and cares deeply for each of them. We are all lucky she takes care of our children during lunch recess and at the Wisconsin/40th Crossing. While doing crossing guard duty she loans her scarf or mittens to kids so they make it to school warm. She donates her time unselfishly to make our school a better place. Mrs. Radford is always cheerful and a joy to have around. Quyana, Mrs. Radford, for all you do for our school. -Berti McVettie, peer
Quyana to Carey Bunker at East High School. I would like to recognize Carey Bunker for her role in the production of Beauty and the Beast at East High School. I came in to buy tickets for my family, and she was running the box office. She was helpful and personable. I later found out that she was not only the producer of this fine play, she is also a full time history teacher. Her role as the producer was something extra that she took on in addition to her regular duties as a hard-working high school teacher. I am convinced that the play could not have been a success without all of her hard work and diligence. East High is lucky to have her on their staff. -Jason Makato, community member
Quyana to Linda Rasmussen at Wonder Park Elementary School.
Linda has always given her time, knowledge and heart into
educating our kids. She is always available to give advice,
help in any way should can. What I love about Linda is her quick wit and good sense of humor. Never a bad word, just good hearty advice you can take to the bank. She gives her advice with a kiss and smile and a BIG I love you. -Constance Smith, peer
Quyana to Donna Keese at Mears Middle School. I would like to give a warm heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Keese as she provided my daughter with the much needed guiding intervention that helped her through her difficult transition into middle school. Her kind words and advice not only helped my daughter as a student but myself as a parent. My daughter bloomed and her grades show it; she also made student of the month and as for myself I can't thank Donna enough for her kind words of encouragement. She is an excellent counselor and I am very grateful for her help. Mr. Perkins is very lucky to have someone so gifted on his team. She really is a wonderful person and has made a friend for life in my daughter. I couldn't think of a better role model for her. Thanks again. -Nanette Jackson, parent
Quyana to all employees at Anchorage School District. I would like to recognize all ASD employees across our school district. It has been a great honor to work with you and advocate on your behalf as well as providing the BEST education to our students. I wish you all great success for years to come. Thank you! -Mary Marks, Anchorage School Board member
Quyana to Sharon Thurber at Russian Jack Elementary School. There are many unsung heroes and heroines in this world, one of which is Sharon Thurber. Sharon is a special education teacher at Russian Jack Elementary who works day after day with students who, at times can be challenging. She does so willingly and without complaining. She seeks neither pats on the back nor recognition for her efforts. Sharon demonstrates her love for children on a daily basis and they love her in return. Where would Teal Hall be without her? Quyana Sharon. You deserve it. -Jennifer Alexander, co-worker
Quyana to Kerry Burkhardt at Willow Crest Elementary School. Kudos to Kerry Burkhardt for all the endless hours she puts in to make sure our children get everything they need to achieve. Her easy-going manner and soft spoken way of communicating makes her a great role model. An especially BIG thank you to her for her quick action the other day when a child had a grand mal seizure as he was walking home. He was across the overpass on the other side of the street and she immediately ran to him and then sought help and stayed with the child. Had she not been so observant it could have been even more traumatic for the student, as well as the students who were with him. Thanks Kerry! -Janice Crutchfield,
peer
Quyana to Margot Pomar at Mears Middle School. My sons have attended ASD since 2004, but this year I have had the pleasure of guardianship for a girl from Colombia. I had no idea what to expect with the language issue or learning curve, but from the time I walked through the doors at Mears, Miss Margot has been extremely helpful and friendly! She is willing to answer questions and her door is always open to parents and students alike. She does such an amazing job with managing all the ESL students at Mears and making sure that they succeed in everything that they do! Thank you, Miss Margot! -Lynn Murphy, parent
Quyana to Michael Warren at Central Middle School. Congratulations on being selected for the 2007 Milken Educator Award! Kudos to Michael for recognition of his commitment to quality education! Michael goes above and beyond to make the connection for and with his students. His service and dedication to the children of our community are commendable and honorable. He has set a high standard for all educators to strive towards. Thank you Michael! -Janie Henderson, community peer
Quyana to Dave Dobler at East High School. Mr. Dobler, my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the help you provided my son to help him succeed in school. When I asked you to help my son because he was struggling with his Algebra II, you did not hesitate a bit and were so willing! You’re not even his teacher now and had my son during his freshman year only. WOW!!!! I knew you were the teacher my son would listen to and be willing to work with because you made such a lasting impact on him. My son has the utmost respect and admiration for you because you listen, you inspire, you care, you understand, and most of all you know how to teach students at this age and male gender who are full of hormones. I think oftentimes, teachers forget there are gender specific ways of teaching but you knew. East High School is fortunate to have teacher of your caliber and dedication. You do make a difference in student’s success. Thank you for all you do! -Emelyn Hudson, parent
Quyana to Beth Pope in the Extended Resource Classrooms. Quyana to Beth Pope, specifically, and her position as Social Skills Counselor in supporting students, staff and families in the Extended Resource Programs. Weekly I am awed by her ability to glean from a myriad of social skills curriculum/strategies to develop individualized lessons for specific skill set needs of the small group or a particular student. Her experience, professionalism, insight and gentle manner are exemplary. Our students have learned to trust Beth and look forward to her visits and lessons each week. They are taking increasing risks in their active participation and reflective processes. We are developing a common language that is essential to their successful participation in the larger school community. Beth has willingly given of her time to meet with families and attend IEP conferences outside her scheduled visits. She has been generous in sharing her expertise and ideas. Beth’s wisdom and support have been invaluable to our effectiveness in addressing some very challenging social/ emotional/ behavioral needs over the last two years. I applaud the school district for their vision in creating and providing for this position. I would encourage them to clone Beth and expand the program! Thank you Beth for your care, wisdom and dedication! I have been honored to work with you. -Diane Siewert, extended resource teacher, Spring Hill Elementary
Quyana to Sara Peebles at Sand Lake Elementary School. I would like to thank Sara Peebles, health teacher at Sand Lake, for her amazing ability to connect with staff and students. Sara goes above and beyond her health teacher role to create community and build bridges between staff, students and parents. Sara truly practices what she teaches by role-modeling "acts of kindness," and genuinely caring. Thank you so much Sara for all of your hard work. -Jody Stahl, counselor
