We had a great turnout at today’s fishing derby, and so much fun out on the ice! Fishers were busy pulling in smelt and tomcods, and the competition was exciting from start to finish. We even had a tie for the smallest fish, making four total winners overall. We’re already looking forward to hosting another fishing derby very soon!
🐟 Biggest Fish
Roan — 10.75
Reuben — 11.25
Levi — 11.25
Dominic — 11.75
Kiera — 11.25
Krista — 10.75
Wes — 11
Reggie — 11.5
Zen — 12.5
Reid — 10.25
🐠 Smallest Fish
Dominic — 7
Krista — 8
Jerry — 7
Wes — 7.5
🎣 Most Fish
Dominic — 16
Wes — 21
Rose — 14
Reuben — 18
Thank you to everyone who came out and participated—what a fun community event!
We have a lot of pictures coming in for our school spirit week, Christmas program, staff vs student basketball game, and toys for tots. Please stick around over break to see how busy we were this last week of school before our winter break.
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #AklaqPride #TellerFishingDerby #JamesCIsabellSchool #2025FishingDerby
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #TellerAlaska
Goal:
A friendly fishing competition where participants try to catch fish to win prizes in three categories:
Biggest Fish
Most Fish
Smallest Fish
📅 Event Details
Date: December 19th
Time: 2:00-3:00
Location: In front of old school
Who Can Participate: [Kids, families, open to all, etc.]
🐟 Competition Rules
Fishing Area:
All fishing must take place within the designated area.
Time Limit:
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (1 hours of fishing).
Measuring Catches:
Use a ruler or meter stick for length
We will gather around in front of the school to measure fish
🏆 Award Categories
🐠 Biggest Fish Winner – Turkey Dinner
🎣 Most Fish Winner – Ham Dinner
🐟 Smallest Fish Winner – Box of Chocolates
✅ Safety & Fair Play
Supervise children at all times.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bi6jxzzSXgPWIm7PdsZ1R0WGWudrjTuGjnrFvPDxsc4/edit?usp=sharing
Good Afternoon Aklaq Families,
As we begin to close out the 2025 year, I want to share how grateful I am to be part of such a strong and supportive community. Our students are amazing, and the dedication from families at home truly helps our Aklaqs succeed in school and prepare for life beyond it. I have never seen a community as supportive as Teller.
Tonight, we celebrate the holidays with our Annual Holiday Program.
🎄 Doors open at 6:00 PM
🎶 Program begins at 7:00 PM
Please note that open gym is closed tonight due to decorating and the holiday program. Open gym will remain closed until January 5th because of tournaments and the Eskimo Games.
We also have many exciting things coming up after winter break:
December 19th – Fishing Derby from 2:00–3:00 PM in front of the old school
January 5th – Open gym resumes & proximity (virtual) learning begins for high school math
January 6th – Norton Sound Behavioral Health will be at the school to help the community make ice fishing rods (community welcome)
January 9th – End of quarter; attendance and academic celebrations begin at 1:00 PM, sponsored by Teller Traditional
January 9th – AEC Meeting from 7:00–8:00 PM in the school library (community welcome)
January 12th – 7-8pm, Family Literacy Night
We would also like to remind parents and guardians to stay aware of current social media trends. Some trends can be unsafe or carry negative meanings, such as eating raw ramen noodles followed by water, or phrases like “Aiden, your bus is here.” Please monitor your student’s online activity to help keep them safe.
Thank you for your continued support, involvement, and partnership. We are proud to serve this community and your amazing Aklaqs.
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
#TellerPride 💙 | #GoAklaqs!
Our Holiday Program will begin tonight at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. The theme is Christmas Around the World, and we are excited to share a wonderful evening of student performances and community celebration.
✨ Tonight’s Schedule:
Doors Open — 6:00 PM
Opening Remarks — 7:00 PM
K–2nd Grade Singing
3rd–4th Grade Performances
6th Grade Performance
Special Play by 7th–8th Graders
Community Singing
🎅 Santa Visit & Picture Taking
The beautiful artwork for the program was designed by Ms. Rowena. Thank you for helping make tonight extra special!
We hope to see everyone there for an evening filled with music, creativity, and holiday cheer.
#TellerPride #AklaqPride 🎄
Good luck in the 2025 ASAA/First National Bank Alaska Wrestling Championships!
To watch the live stream click the link below:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/associations/asaa/wrestling
Join us Thursday, December 18th at 6:00 PM for the start of our Holiday Program at James C. Isabell School.
This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World.” The program will feature festive songs and a holiday drama that celebrates cultures from around the globe. 🌍🎶🎭
Following the program, families are invited to stay for pictures with Santa 📸🎅.
We hope to see you there for a wonderful evening of holiday cheer and community togetherness!
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope everyone enjoys a safe and restful break.
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs
It’s that time of year again! We’re checking in to see how our school leaders (our Principals) are doing and where we can improve. We really want BSSD to be a place where everyone feels supported, and we can’t do that without hearing from you.
Completing the survey should only take a few minutes. Here is a short guide on how to complete the survey.
📢 Staff: Please take the survey twice. Once from your perspective as a staff member and again as a parent/community member.
📢 Parents: Your insights are highly appreciated! Please take a few moments to share your thoughts through a separate survey focusing on your parental perspective.
📢 Students: Your voice matters! You'll have the opportunity to express your opinions by participating in the survey at school.
This is completely anonymous. We want your honest thoughts, so please feel free to be open with us. Click here to complete the survey. The survey will be open until January 9, 2026.
If you need assistance accessing the survey, don't hesitate to contact a school administrator at your site. Your perspectives play a significant role in our plans for improvement. Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable insights!
Kestyn has been nominated by the James C. Isabell School staff for this week’s Aklaq Spotlight. Kestyn consistently goes above and beyond in his schoolwork and uses strong academic language during class discussions. He is always willing to help classmates by guiding them through their thinking—without simply giving them the answers. Kestyn is a proud Aklaq, and he has every reason to be. Always smiling and giving his best effort, he makes our school proud.
We are all proud of you, Kestyn!
#TellerPride #AklaqPride
Please see our updated open gym times for this week as we begin varsity basketball season:
🏀 Pre-K–4th Grade (curtain down): 6:30–7:30 PM
🏀 6–7th Grade Boys & Girls + HS Girls & Adult Women: 7:30–8:30 PM
🏀 HS Boys & Adult Men: 8:30–9:30 PM
👉 8th Grade Boys may attend either the 7:30–8:30 PM or 8:30–9:30 PM session.
Thank you for your flexibility as we try this new schedule before break. We appreciate everyone helping keep open gym safe and organized.
Go Aklaqs! 🏀 #TellerPride #AklaqPride
Please note the following schedule changes:
AEC Meeting has been moved to tonight, Monday, December 15th, from 7:00–8:00 PM in the James C. Isabell School Library.
Family Literacy Night has been moved to tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 16th, from 7:00–8:00 PM in the school cafeteria.
Additionally, new open gym times will begin tonight as we kick off our varsity basketball season. We will be trying a new gym schedule this week before break.
Thank you for your flexibility and continued support. We hope to see you at the AEC meeting tonight!
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #AklaqPride
📣 AEC Meeting & Community Events – Monday, December 15th 📣
The James C. Isabell School AEC meeting will be held Monday, December 15th, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. Located in the small room at the end of the elementary wing, in the school.
Topics will include:
• Budget items
• Wrestling season updates
• Christmas program planning
• Fishing derby
• Staff vs. student basketball game
• End-of-quarter goals and awards
• Interventions
• Basketball fundraisers
• Pike fishing
• Planning for Easter
🧊 Norton Sound Behavioral Health Event
Norton Sound Behavioral Health will be at the school December 15th from 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM to help community members make ice fishing poles and discuss healthy habits.
🎣 Free ice fishing pole with hook available if a waiver is signed!
📚 Family Literacy Night
Join us Monday, December 15th, from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM for Family Literacy Night with a Christmas card–making theme.
This week is student council planned holiday spirit week with the schedule on the attached image.
We hope to see you there for a full day of learning, planning, and community connection!
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #AklaqPride
To catch the live streams, please check the QR codes below. You can also follow the brackets at www.usabracketing.com
.
We’re cheering you on all the way—keep pushing, Kymani! You will win!
Go Kymani! 🏆
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #Region1Wrestling
Join us Saturday night at 6:00 PM in the James C. Isabell School Gym for our Holiday Bake Walk!
We invite the community to bring baked goods to donate as we raise funds to support our high school varsity basketball teams. Funds will help with travel to distant tournaments, new warm-ups, and basketball camps.
✨ What to expect:
Holiday Bake Walk
Competitive games afterward
50/50 raffle
Fun with our high school athletes and community
Please come out, support our Aklaqs, and enjoy a fun evening together!
#AklakPride #GoAklaqs #TellerPride
Today, our students and staff gave him the classic Teller send-off—
Imagine, Believe, Achieve… Go Aklaqs!
The school echoed with pride as we cheered him on for his big weekend ahead.
We wish you the best of luck, KyMani!
Wrestle hard, stay strong, and make Teller proud! 💙🐻
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #AlaskaWrestlingRegionals #Region1Wrestling #JamesCIsabellSchool
Saturday, December 20th at 7:00 PM
📍 James C. Isabell School Gym
Bring the whole family for a cozy holiday evening as we watch Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch on the big screen!
✨ Admission:
Students: FREE (Sponsored by Teller Traditional — Quyanaq!)
Adults: $4
🍿 Snacks:
Popcorn — $1
All proceeds will support our Varsity Basketball Program.
If you have any questions, please contact Jazzlyn.
Let’s kick off the holiday season together — see you there! 💚🎅🎁
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #HolidayFun
December 10th, 2025
Parent/Guardian and Community Newsletter
Dear Families and Community Members,
The holidays are fast approaching, and we are feeling the excitement throughout the school and community! We have several fundraisers coming up to support our basketball program. Many parents have already stepped up to help by baking goods and assisting with organization. It is wonderful to see such strong community involvement supporting our teams, players, and students.
Next week is our Holiday Program, and by popular request, we will include a short play. We look forward to seeing families there! 6:00pm in the Gym.
As a reminder, Quarter 2 ends on January 9th. We will celebrate academic achievement and attendance with prizes beginning at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon. Parent–Teacher Conferences will be held on January 14th from 3:30–5:30 p.m., and snacks will be provided.
The community is also gearing up for winter traditions. Eskimo Games are scheduled to begin on Christmas Day and will continue until New Year’s. In addition, Coach Fred will be hosting a Holiday Basketball Tournament from December 21st–24th, with all proceeds benefiting our varsity basketball program.
Our next AEC Meeting will be on December 15th from 12:00–1:00 p.m., where important school topics will be discussed. Families and community members are encouraged to attend.
Thank you for your continued support, involvement, and commitment to our students. We wish you all a warm and joyful holiday season!
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School — Teller, Alaska
Parent Teacher Conferences (Q2)
January 15th, 3:30-5:30pm
✅ Tutoring & Academic Support
All of our teachers are available after school to support students academically.
Please reach out to them directly to schedule and reserve a time. Our students deserve this opportunity for extra help and enrichment!
Student Council Spirit Week
Our student council members—Agnus, Kymani, Nadine, and Taylor—have created some wonderful ideas for Spirit Week during our last week before Christmas break.
🎄 Monday – Pajama Day:
Come to school cozy in your favorite PJs.
🎄 Tuesday – Ugly Sweater Day:
Wear your best (or worst!) ugly holiday sweater.
🎄 Wednesday – Cultural Day:
Celebrate and represent your culture with pride.
🎄 Thursday – Santa’s Workshop Day:
Dress as Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, the Grinch, a tree, a present—anything from Santa’s workshop!
🎄 Friday – School Spirit Wear Day:
Show your Aklaq pride and wear your school spirit gear.
Upcoming Student Events & Attendance Incentives
Staff vs. Student Basketball Game: Students must maintain good attendance to participate.
Fun Fridays: Students with perfect attendance for the week receive free treats from our school store.
End of Quarter – January 9th: There will be some exciting attendance prizes from both Teller Traditional Council and the school.
Upcoming Dates and Events
December 15th: 12:00-1:00pm AEC Meeting
December 15th: 7:00, Family Literacy Night, Decorating Christmas cards
December 15th: 10-3:30pm Ice Fishing Stick Making Day with Norton Sound - Community Welcome
December 17th: Staff vs Student Basketball Game Round two
December 18th: 6pm Holiday Program
December 19th: Fishing Derby: Link
December 15th-19th: Holiday Spirit Week, We need your ideas and input for this spirit week.
December 22nd-January 2nd: No School, Christmas and New Years Break
January 9th: 3:00, end of the quarter celebration, attendance celebration with Teller Traditional (prizes!)
January 12th, 7:00, Family Literacy Night
January 15th: 3:30-5:30, Parent Teacher conferences
February 10: Norton Sound Mitten Making, Community Welcome
February 13th: Valentines Dance
March 13th: 3:00, end of the quarter celebration
March 15th-20th: No School, Spring break
April 6th-10th: Pike Fishing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f4BNheV6spyOmYKa5yO7Bv_TRxoz4txSWqpNpX1O2Ww/edit?usp=sharing
