James C. Isabell School

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026
Parent/Guardian and Community Newsletter

Dear Families and Community Members,

The beginning of a new school year can sometimes be challenging as students, parents/guardians, and staff review expectations, establish routines, and begin learning new material. As we reach the middle of our fourth week of school, we are excited to see students becoming more comfortable with their routines and engaging in new and meaningful learning opportunities.

We are especially excited to have NACTEC here with us. Our middle and high school students have been busy learning about and exploring different career pathways. We look forward to sharing pictures and highlights of their experiences with our families and community.

Our elementary students are also working hard to build strong mathematical foundations. They are learning essential math skills while practicing how to apply different strategies and techniques to solve real-world problems.

Nome Field Trips

We will continue our tradition of taking students on Nome field trips with the amazing help of Teller Traditional Council, during the first full week of October. Last year, our students had a very successful experience with very few issues while visiting locations such as the recreation center and fire station.

This year, we are looking forward to exploring additional educational and interesting locations in Nome, like the fishery. Students are expected to follow all school expectations outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook while participating in school-sponsored trips. Additional copies of the handbook are available in the school office for families who need one.

Aklaq Athletics

There is a great deal of excitement surrounding athletics at James C. Isabell School this year!

This Friday, our cross-country runners will travel to White Mountain to compete. We are proud of the hard work our student-athletes have been putting into their training.

We are also excited about the possibility of hosting Volleyball Regionals in Teller this year, should our team qualify by finishing among the top eight teams in our region. Our volleyball team has been working hard and continues to show significant growth.
Our Aklaq basketball program has also had voluntary practices. We are excited about the commitment and additional opportunities these practices provide for students to develop their skills and work together as a team.

Our NYO team is also looking stronger and more experienced this year. There is a great deal of positive energy surrounding Aklaq athletics, and we look forward to supporting our students throughout the season.

Supporting Healthy Routines

I have heard several students share that their parents and guardians are establishing screen-time limits and consistent bedtime routines at home. Thank you! These routines play an important role in helping our students arrive at school rested, focused, and prepared to learn.
Adequate rest is especially important as our students balance academics, athletics, activities, and the many opportunities available to them throughout the school year.

A Safe and Respectful School

We want to continue working closely with our families to maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming school environment. Please report bullying or concerns about student safety immediately so that we can respond appropriately and work together to address concerns.
Every student, staff member, and visitor should feel safe and respected in our shared school community.

Cell Phones

As a reminder, cell phones are not permitted in the school. We sincerely appreciate the families who are helping us support this expectation by keeping these expensive devices at home. Your partnership makes it easier for students to remain focused on learning and engaged with their classmates and teachers.

It is truly a blessing to work in such a strong and supportive community. We are grateful for our amazing students, families, and staff and for the continued support you provide to James C. Isabell School.

We are looking forward to a successful year filled with learning, growth, teamwork, and opportunities for our students to discover their strengths and potential.

With love and gratitude,

Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School
Teller, Alaska

Schedule (with possibility to change):

9/16: Early Release at 2:30
9/17-9/20: Basketball, Welcome back tournament
9/22: NSHC Career Fair
9/25-9/27: Teller Cultural Festival
10/5-10/9: Nome Field Trips
10/12: Indigenous People’s Day
10/13: Staff vs. Student Basketball Game
10/14: Family Literacy Night
10/23: End of Quarter 1
10/27: First Quarter Awards Ceremony
10/30: Halloween Carnival
11/4: Family Literacy Night
11/11: Veterans Day
11/26-11/27: Thanksgiving Break, no school
12/2: Family Literacy Night
12/3: Staff vs Students Basketball Game
12/17: Christmas Program
12/21-1/1: Winter Break, no school
1 /8: End of quarter 2, end of Semester 1
1/12: Staff vs Students Basketball Game

🐻💙 AKLAQ ELEMENTARY CROSS COUNTRY IS READY! 💙🐻

Tomorrow is the Elementary Cross Country Invitational in Nome, and today we had an awesome Pep Rally to get our three Aklaq XC runners ready to compete! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️📣

We had a great time building team spirit, excitement, and confidence as we sent our runners off to represent James C. Isabell School and Teller!

📅 Saturday, September 12th
📍 Nome
🏃 Elementary Cross Country Invitational

We are proud of our young athletes and can’t wait to see them hit the course! Let’s send them some BIG Aklaq energy from Teller! 💙🐻📣

Good luck, Aklaqs! Run hard, have fun, and represent Teller with pride!

Thank you so much Aklaq Journalism Course Students for the pictures!

Imagine. Believe. Achieve. GO AKLAQS! 💙🐻

#TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #AklaqAthletics #CrossCountry #GoAklaqs