Quyana to Kellie Puff and Jack Nurmi at King Career Center! I would like to give a “Special Thanks” to Chef Puff and Chef Nurmi for all that they do at King Career Center. From making muffins and brownies for teacher appreciation week to working through lunch every day, their sacrifices are too many to mention. Not only do they work within their advisory groups on community projects that raise money for non-profits and social service agencies, they take the time to volunteer their services for KCC luncheons, school banquets and conferences. Both Puff and Nurmi work after school on “How-to make” food activities with the KCC staff. Their professionalism and consummate duty to help reach each student succeed is acknowledged by the smiles of students leaving their kitchen each day. Jack and Kellie are great chefs and outstanding teachers providing inspiration for both students and teachers. We take our aprons off to both of you. - Dan Sparkman, peer
Quyana to Karen Cafmeyer, world history teacher at Service High! This exceptional teacher has had a profound impact on my child's life and education. She imbued him with pride of his homework and how it looks and being complete. Plus she has given him a love of learning about the past. I have even caught him watching the History Channel on TV, which had never happened before.
She was able to lead him to excel in her class without making him feel like he was being pushed. His handwriting has always been horrible and she somehow got it into his brain that he should and would type his homework up on the computer and once he started he started to spend a little more time on it and "trick" it up so he was proud of it. Now he spends as much time as it takes to make it look good and get his opinion across along with proof of his knowledge of the subject. He used to just try to get it done quick.
I don't know how she turned my "little slob" whose papers were always crumpled and a mess even before getting home much less to school and back into a young man who got upset with me when I took a paper too quickly and almost bent a corner. His books and binders used to look like they were puking papers and now he is proud of his work and I couldn't be happier unless I could actually give this great teacher a raise.
I am so thankful he got to have her as a teacher as now he will go on to the next grade better prepared to be a great student. - Sharon D. Webb, parent
Quyana to Scott Hauser, science teacher at Service High! This exceptional teacher really made some profound changes in my son's life. He obviously presented material in such a way that was engaging enough to make my son love sciene and all its aspects. When he first was signed up for the class he didn't think it would be anything he would like but one of those things he just "had to do for school"...he found out how wrong he was.
I don't think Murray ever looked up to the sky before but now he has a telescope and loves astronomy; along with all the other areas of science. There was never a subject brought up in class that didn't fascinate my son. If you want proof I could send in my receipts for books on subjects he has never asked for before; except I am going to try and figure out how to use them for a tax deduction.
I can honestly say he never really asked for help with his homework in this class because he would tell me: "Mom, you don't know this stuff and I do." (o_0) He was nice enough to let me watch him and I have to admit he would really be thinking, reading, rereading, and then he would smile and write or type his answers. I could see the pride in his face once he got the answers. He wanted to make Mr. Hauser proud of him.
This great teacher really knows how to motivate his students as Murray wanted to learn more and more. He even got Murray to stand up in front of the class and explain a poster he made on the Big Bang. All other teachers would tell me "Murray is just too shy to get up in front" I am sure this is a skill that will hold him in good stead in ALL his future classes.
The only thing that would make me happier would be if I could give this outstanding teacher a raise. - Sharon D. Webb, parent
Quyana to Erica Colliander at Service High Music teacher! My son started on the saxophone because his sister played it. Due to Ms. Colliander he now plays it because he loves music. He would tell me about the music she would play in class and what she would make them play and I have to say he loved it all.
Murray is/was the kind of kid who thought a T-shirt and black jeans was all he needed to wear. Imagine my suprise and thrill when he came home with his black slacks and white shirt band uniform and told me he thought he "looked better and more grown up like this." Wow (o_0) He has already let me know he will be playing over the summer so he can keep up next year. She is what he considers the best music teacher he has ever had and has opened his mind to many kinds of music.
I would only be happier if I could give this exceptional teacher a raise. - Sharon D. Webb, parent
Quyana to Marie Russell, Bill Pugh & Ms. Robin at Aquarian Charter! Quyana to Aquarian Charter school for a wonderful educational and healthy weekend of activites.
Friday night Marie Russell, K-1 teacher, spearheaded an amazing recycling evening for Aquarian families. My two boys and I learned all about a "Waste Free Lunch Box," we made plastic-free sandwich wraps and enjoyed the message the movie Wall-E gives us about the importance of recycling and caring for our planet.
Saturday morning Bill Pugh, PE teacher, had a team of about 100 kids at the Salmon Run. Bill and Ms. Robin coach an after school running club that supports the idea that we need to develop life long healthy habits.
I feel very lucky to have my sons in this charter school! - Sara Peebles, parent
Quyana to Miriam Delap at Lake Otis Elementary! Mrs. Delap taught my three children in the 90s and as I read Heather Ireland's thanks to Mrs. Delap I wanted to let Mrs. Delap know that I agree with Ms. Ireland. Not only are "The volume of songs learned by even the youngest student is phenomenal", but the children will always remember them too. Morgan, my daughter, who is 21, came home last Christmas and was singing the Alaskan Flag song. I asked where she learned the words. Morgan said Mrs. Delap taught her in elementary school. So you see, Mrs. Delap, is not only a very talented music teacher but is one whose teachings go beyond the next school year. She is a very special person and my children were very fortunate to have Mrs. Delap as their teacher. - Sheila Willis, community member
Quyana to Sand Lake Staff at Sand Lake Elementary! The building is rattling and shaking but you aren't rattled in the least. Throughout the beginning of our construction project you have shown exemplary professionalism by both using this project as a teachable moment and keeping your students safe and focused. Our students are very fortunate to have you and I must say that my hat is off to each and every one of you. Gambatte Kudasai! - Patrick Garrity, principal
Quyana to Stuart Johnson and the East Maintenance Satellite at ASD Maintenance! Stuart Johnson and the entire East Maintenance Satellite crew are exceptional. They respond immediately to emergencies and they follow up on work orders. No longer is there a "black void" where work orders go never to be seen again. I appreciate the professional demeanor of the craftsmen and their dedication to doing the best they can to keep KCC running smoothly in a timely manner. Our building is in better shape than it's been for many years thanks to the East crew. Thank you for your "can do" attitude and tackling some of the more challenging requests we've had at KCC. We appreciate you more than you can imagine! - Guy Okada, principal, King Career Center
Quyana to Mr. Richard Bivins at Central Middle School of Science! Thanks Mr. Bivins for making 7th grade so awesome!! You are a teacher I will never forget and I will always think of you and how you put up with me the whole year! Thank you again! - Madison Johnson
Quyana to Vernita Young at Russian Jack Elementary! Vernita Young is a fourth grade teacher at Russian Jack who is innovative and creative, charitable, dedicated professionally and personally to the field of education, socially conscious, and forever giving. She not only gives materially, but she also gives of herself. She continues to challenge her students to be the best they can be. She is a Big Sister in the Big Brother/Big Sister Program and has mentored a student for four or five years. She has taught students how to crochet and make products for homeless people, often supplying the materials herself.
Recently Vernita and I were having a conversation in regard to parent involvement. I suggested if we offered things such as ESL classes or computer training classes, we would probably get lots of participation. Vernita volunteered to give up an hour of her planning time to help with the computer classes. She is the kind of person who will volunteer to help when there is a need.
Vernita has spearheaded several fund raisers to help students, most notably a carnival to help one of our students who has cancer. Vernita is a role model in so many ways. She is truly an asset to Russian Jack. - Jennifer Alexander, peer
Quyana to Crystal Smaw, Dimond High School Graduation Coach! Ms. Smaw has accomplished what we all hope to do she has inspired at-risk students to work hard on their on behalf. She has also opened so many new vistas for them. For example, one student had remarked that he had no plans beyond high school, and he stated that he did not know what he was going to do since he would be on his own. Ms. Smaw had him investigate the Job Corps program, and she made sure that he traveled to Palmer to look it over. You should have seen his smile when he stated that he now had a plan. Watching the students interact with Ms. Smaw is the final proof of how deeply she has affected so many young people. She has their respect; she has their love. As education continues to change, it is very encouraging to see that those who hold young people accountable, that show them how their actions directly relate to their futures, can practice a successful variety of tough love. Thanks, Crystal. - Greg Brown, teacher/peer
Quyana to all of the Track and Field coaches at Central Middle School! Not only do the students of the Central Middle School love running (and throwing and jumping), they love the coaches! Thank you for helping to foster in the team members a love of activity and an appreciation for sportsmanship, hard work, organization, camaraderie, and teamwork. These are lessons that these kids will take with them for the rest of their lives. - Erin Schlemme, parent
Quyana to Audrey Chapman at Ravenwood Elementary! Principal Chapman is an outstanding leader! Her daily example of being a positive role model is unmatched! As parents, we are so impressed with the care and attention she pays each student, parent and staff that we didn’t know it was humanly possible. For example, she knew the names of the entire student body within the first week of school and always calls them by name. It’s amazing to watch how this one act so positively affects a person! Ms. Chapman also took the time to listen and ask the best questions of each student’s science fair project. When it was my daughter’s turn to share her kindergarten project, Ms. Chapman gave her undivided attention and was so interested and fascinated in the moment. What a special gift and memory to give a child. Ms. Chapman never ceases to amaze us! We see her in the parking lot, on the bus, in the hallway, lunchroom, recess, classroom, parent meetings, after school, etc. and always with words of encouragement. She is a true superwoman! Thank you for doing such great things at Ravenwood Elementary! - Tom & Colette Roth, parents
Quyana to Juanita Prado at Ravenwood Elementary! Ms. Prado, kindergarten teacher assistant, has given our daughter the extra support and guidance she has needed to feel safe, secure and eventually flourish in school. We appreciate the time and patience Ms. Prado has given to work individually with our daughter to see that she is focused, understands and is learning. Your care and sincerity cannot be praised enough! Quyana! - Tom & Colette Roth, parents
Quyana to Julie Jordan at Ravenwood Elementary! Mrs. Jordan has been very positive and persistent in teaching our daughter during her first year of school, kindergarten. We appreciate it very much! The support and effort she has given not only our daughter, but also us as parents throughout the school year has been incredible! The resources and support are priceless! Thank you so much for your high standards and diligence in teaching our daughter to succeed! - Tom & Colette Roth, parents
Quyana to Melissa Terrell at ASD Nutrition & Catering! Melissa Terrell was the point person I talked to at ASD Catering when ordering a dinner for our school end-of-year eighth grade dance. This was my first time working with ASD catering and she made everything go very smoothly and efficiently. I can't tell you what a relief it was have that part of the activity go without a hitch. The students really enjoyed the food. Thank you so much, Melissa! - Victoria Otte, teacher at Gruening Middle School
Quyana to Russell Toenyes at Romig Middle School! I would like to recognize Russell Toenyes of Romig Middle School. Mr. Toenyes has had two of my children and it is obvious that he cares about children and their education. Recently, Mr. Toenyes took time out of his personal schedule to come and watch both of my children participate in the state karate tournament. He also celebrated their success in his classroom. This meant more to our family, especially my daughter who currently is in his classroom, than we could express. Thank you Mr. Toenyes for taking that step above and beyond to show your students you care. You made my children feel very important and special. - Laurie Rodgers, parent
Quyana to J.C. Holly and Thomas Gardner, security staff at Goldenview Middle School! They work very well with the students, and maintain a professional attitude. While they are vigilant in the school setting, they are fair to all students. They are very knowledgeable about the teen culture of today. They also encourage students to be academically successful. They organized the "Above and Beyond Program." I would like to commend these two securities, and express this in writing so others will know what a great job they are doing here at Goldenview. - Mary Wells-Brown, retired, substitute counselor
Quyana to Martha Greba at Trailside Elementary! Thank you Mrs. Greba for being such an awesome teacher and I will miss you. Thanks for all of the hugs and nice words. You mean a lot to me. I will come see you in Sitka. - Gregory Johnson, student
Quyana to Martha Greba at Trailside Elementary! Martha Greba is in her final three weeks of a spectacular career with the Anchorage School District. I have known her for 15 years and she never has ceased to amaze me. I was fortunate enough to have my children in her class, to have her as a co-mentor, and for the last eight years a colleague. She has taught me a lot and I along with the community will miss her upon her retirement. Thank you for everything Martha. - Valerie Johnson, parent, mentee, & colleague
Quyana to Kim Bailey at O'Malley Elementary! Kim Bailey, music teacher at O'Malley Elementary school, conveys a love of music that spans time periods and genres. She works with all of the classes as well as directing a chorus program that happens before school in the fall and in the spring. She crafts concerts that always have a theme that provides additional educational opportunitites for our children. We attend our neighborhood school and the music program is an important part of our school community. My family is mainly involved with two activities outside of school, skiing and music.
I played music as a child, singing in a chorus at times and playing in bands and orchestras. I never learned to really embrace music. Our two boys both play instruments. One the guitar and piano, the other the fiddle. They are getting classical training along with the ability to play with others in a more informal manner. They have performed at their school, and at local events such as the folk festival. We are so excited to have their experience with Mrs. Bailey as part of their overall muscial education.
They share their knowledge of composers, identify classic pieces -- playing Peter and The Wolf over and over again, sharing the story after learning about the piece in school -- and sing songs they have learned in school. I love that they can name composers such as Grieg as well as Pete Seger and the Beatles. One of my sons brought in his violin when they were studying strings. He was encouraged to share with his classmates. When asked how he got so good he said - practice. He was so proud of the experience he began practicing everyday with ease (this was not the case prior to this day). That happened at the beginning of the year and he is still proud of the opportunity to share his music in music class.
Ms. Bailey crafts each of our performances with dancing, playing of insturments, slides and solo opportunities. I look forward to the entire presentation just as she has created it with thoughtful choregraphy and presentation. The most important gift she shares with our kids is a love of music. - Anne Paley, parent
Quyana to Ashley Coles at Bowman Elementary School! Ashley contributes so much to our class with her patience, grace, and ability to connect with our students. Thank you for all that you do for my amazing students each and every day. Thank you for contributing to our fabulous team and helping me be the best teacher I can be! - Jessica Uptegrove, teacher
Quyana to Shelly Szipszky and Scott Easler at Instructional Technology! Looking back on the year I would personally like to thank two people from Instructional Technology who made my work easier and more productive this year. Shelly Szipszky did workshops, put together courses and helped with trainings for the Everyday Math Assessment Assistant. Scott Easler made it possible for our district teachers to access the Everyday Math Assessment Assistant and took care of compatibility issues. When my computer needed an operating system upgrade, he stayed until 6:30 PM on a Friday to ensure I could operate on the weekend. This type of collaboration is much appreciated by me and others in our department. - Sincerely, Patty Kennedy, math support person, ASD
Quyana to Marilyn Hanson at Mt. View Elementary! Marilyn is such a positive person. She always has a smile and a warm compliment for everyone she encounters. She is great to work with. I am glad she is here at Mt. View. She is very generous. She is a definite asset to this school and everyone she works with. - Denise Ray, teacher
Quyana to all who offer the science trainings at ASD Science Department! The Science Department has offered great hands-on, practical training for elementary science kits for years. These Saturday training sessions have been such an effective way to learn from our peers and be prepared to bring high quality learning experiences into our classrooms. Many thanks to all who have participated in this effort! You make a great contribution to the children of our district. - Cynde Hill, teacher
Quyana to Officer Wendi Shackelford, Kathy Vik, and Leah Uehling at Chugiak High School! Wendi, Leah, and Kathy put in long hours and planning in order to make Every 15 Minutes a success. Thanks must also go to the students and parents of Chugiak who participated in Every 15 Minutes. In addition, accolades to our entire student body! The impact on the second day of the event could be seen during the ceremony in the gymnasium; furthermore, this impact extended throughout the day. - Colette Marshall, assistant principal
Quyana to Amy Laufer at Kasuun! Ms. Laufer had a student the first half of the school year who ended up coming to my class at Lake Otis School. She sent e-mails to him and made him feel special. This kindergarten student had a birthday last week. Ms. Laufer had her class make a quick time movie wishing him a happy birthday. She also dropped by with some cookies for him to share with the class as well as a class photo. This little boy started welling up with tears of happiness. Ms. Laufer went way beyond the call of duty to make a special memory for him. - Maureen Tyskiewicz, colleague
Quyana to Darcie Atchley and Andrea Winn at Bayshore Elementary School! Thank you very much Darcie and Andrea for your incredible hard work and dedication. The carnival was amazing and will leave ever-lasting memories in the children and community of Bayshore. - Jennifer Kass, parent
Quyana to Donald Cosgrove at Begich Middle School! Mr. Cosgrove has been an awesome band director for my daughter, Karen. She started band last year (2007-2008) on the oboe and switched this year (2008-2009) to the bassoon and wormed her way into Jazz Band playing the piano. He has inspired her and lectured her and taught her a lot about music and musicianship. I can't wait until he teaches my son! Mr. Cosgrove is a talented and patient teacher. Thank you! - Sylvia F. Biondich, parent
Quyana to Cheryl Childers at Chinook Elementary! Quyana to Cheryl Childers for planning and running a spectacular mediator rally on May 1. 15 schools showed to celebrate the amazing students who have taken the initiative to be trained and work as peer mediators. Cheryl Childers challenged the mediators to "step-up" their influence and actively model and encourage inclusion of all students and a climate of "put-ups" for their schools. Cheryl, you influence so many people. Thank you. - Gretchen Hopkins, teacher/mediator coach at Campbell
