Aklaq Spotlight
Jeremiah Kakaruk has been nominated by the James C. Isabell School staff for this week’s Aklaq Spotlight. Jeremiah consistently goes above and beyond in his schoolwork. He is studious in class, always tidy, and takes pride in his learning. Jeremiah is also kind and helpful, often supporting classmates with their work. He is a proud Aklaq—and he should be!
Way to go, Jeremiah! We are all proud of you!
#TellerPride #AklaqPride
Jeremiah Kakaruk has been nominated by the James C. Isabell School staff for this week’s Aklaq Spotlight. Jeremiah consistently goes above and beyond in his schoolwork. He is studious in class, always tidy, and takes pride in his learning. Jeremiah is also kind and helpful, often supporting classmates with their work. He is a proud Aklaq—and he should be!
Way to go, Jeremiah! We are all proud of you!
#TellerPride #AklaqPride
Attendance, Honor Roll, and High Honors awards ceremony will be next week Tuesday, January 20th, from 3:00pm to 3:30pm. Thank you for being flexible.
January 14th, 2026
Parent/Guardian and Community Newsletter
Dear Families and Community Members,
We are excited to share that our first boys varsity basketball game will take place this Friday at 7:30 PM, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. Earlier that day, we will host a pep rally from 12:35 PM to 1:00 PM, and the community is warmly invited to attend.
We will also face the mighty Koyuk Malemutes again on Saturday morning at 10:30 AM, with doors opening at 10:00 AM.
The Teller Varsity Girls Basketball Team will be combined with Brevig’s Varsity Girls Basketball Team. All home girls home games will be played over there. We will be sending out a schedule soon.
Friday will be an Aklaq Spirit Day, and if you plan to attend the pep rally, we would love to see you wearing your royal blue Aklaq gear!
Tutoring is available every day after school. Students may meet with a teacher to schedule a tutoring session that works best for them.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15th, we will hold our Quarter 2 Awards Ceremony from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, recognizing students for attendance and academic achievement. The community is welcome to attend.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will follow immediately after the ceremony, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Please note that Kindergarten through 2nd grade families will need to schedule a virtual conference, as the teacher will be out tomorrow.
As the “6–7” trend continues to fade, we are noticing more “dabbing.” While dabbing is not a dangerous trend, it should be kept to a minimum and not disrupt the learning environment.
We are hopeful for warmer weather soon so that cross-country ski practice can begin outdoors next week.
A reminder regarding after-school programs and athletic events:
Students in 8th grade and below must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during after-school events and games in the gym. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to supervise their students and help ensure safety during these events. Students in 8th grade and below who arrive without a parent or guardian will not be allowed to enter.
Thank you for your continued support of our students’ academic, athletic, and social success.
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School — Teller, Alaska
Link to the entire newsletter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hKcI5WBY3zwkqK62KFi0aElPgSKly3svo09U-9Fn1Zo/edit?usp=sharing
Parent/Guardian and Community Newsletter
Dear Families and Community Members,
We are excited to share that our first boys varsity basketball game will take place this Friday at 7:30 PM, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. Earlier that day, we will host a pep rally from 12:35 PM to 1:00 PM, and the community is warmly invited to attend.
We will also face the mighty Koyuk Malemutes again on Saturday morning at 10:30 AM, with doors opening at 10:00 AM.
The Teller Varsity Girls Basketball Team will be combined with Brevig’s Varsity Girls Basketball Team. All home girls home games will be played over there. We will be sending out a schedule soon.
Friday will be an Aklaq Spirit Day, and if you plan to attend the pep rally, we would love to see you wearing your royal blue Aklaq gear!
Tutoring is available every day after school. Students may meet with a teacher to schedule a tutoring session that works best for them.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15th, we will hold our Quarter 2 Awards Ceremony from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, recognizing students for attendance and academic achievement. The community is welcome to attend.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will follow immediately after the ceremony, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Please note that Kindergarten through 2nd grade families will need to schedule a virtual conference, as the teacher will be out tomorrow.
As the “6–7” trend continues to fade, we are noticing more “dabbing.” While dabbing is not a dangerous trend, it should be kept to a minimum and not disrupt the learning environment.
We are hopeful for warmer weather soon so that cross-country ski practice can begin outdoors next week.
A reminder regarding after-school programs and athletic events:
Students in 8th grade and below must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during after-school events and games in the gym. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to supervise their students and help ensure safety during these events. Students in 8th grade and below who arrive without a parent or guardian will not be allowed to enter.
Thank you for your continued support of our students’ academic, athletic, and social success.
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School — Teller, Alaska
Link to the entire newsletter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hKcI5WBY3zwkqK62KFi0aElPgSKly3svo09U-9Fn1Zo/edit?usp=sharing
🏀 Game Day in Teller! 🏀
This Friday marks our first home varsity boys basketball game of the season, and it’s also a very special Senior Night as we honor Benjamin Ongtowasruk for his dedication and leadership as a Teller Aklaq.
🎉 Pep Rally
🕧 12:35–1:00 PM
📍 James C. Isabell School Gym
The pep rally is open to the community—come bring the energy and help us send off our team right!
🏀 Evening Home Game
🆚 Koyuk Malemutes
Join us later that evening as our Aklaqs take on the mighty Koyuk Malemutes and celebrate our senior in front of a home crowd.
Let’s pack the gym, show our pride, and honor both our senior and our boys varsity team.
Go Aklaqs! 🐻💙 #TellerPride #AklaqPride
This Friday marks our first home varsity boys basketball game of the season, and it’s also a very special Senior Night as we honor Benjamin Ongtowasruk for his dedication and leadership as a Teller Aklaq.
🎉 Pep Rally
🕧 12:35–1:00 PM
📍 James C. Isabell School Gym
The pep rally is open to the community—come bring the energy and help us send off our team right!
🏀 Evening Home Game
🆚 Koyuk Malemutes
Join us later that evening as our Aklaqs take on the mighty Koyuk Malemutes and celebrate our senior in front of a home crowd.
Let’s pack the gym, show our pride, and honor both our senior and our boys varsity team.
Go Aklaqs! 🐻💙 #TellerPride #AklaqPride
📣 Update for Aklaq Families & Community 📣
❄️ Family Game Night Postponed ❄️
Due to the chilly weather, Family Game Night has been postponed to Tuesday, January 20th at 7:00 PM at James C. Isabell School. Thank you for your understanding—we can’t wait to see everyone there for a fun evening!
📚 Parent-Teacher Conferences
🗓 Thursday, January 15th
🕞 3:30–5:30 PM
Parents and guardians are invited to come connect with our teachers and see the great learning happening at our school.
🏆 Attendance Awards & Honor Roll Celebration
🗓 Thursday, January 16th
🕒 3:00–3:30 PM
📍 School Gymnasium
Join us as we celebrate our students’ hard work, dedication, and attendance success!
Thank you for your continued support of our Aklaqs.
#tellerpride #aklaqpride
James C. Isabell
School
Job Announcement:
JOB DESCRIPTION Opens: 1/08/2026 Closes: 1/21/2026
TITLE: EDUCATIONAL AIDE - (Indian Ed)
QUALIFICATIONS:
High school graduate or GED.
College or University credits in education preferred.
Experience working with children.
Verified previous experience working in educational field.
Willingness to work with teachers in planning for student needs.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with students, parents, and staff.
Able to safely, regularly lift and/or move up to twenty (20) pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to
fifty (50) pounds.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The primary concentration of the Indian Aide’s time should be in the area of reading; other acceptable areas
are writing and math.
Works effectively and cooperatively with the classroom teacher to meet the reading, writing, and/or math
needs of PreK-12th grade students.
Utilizes classroom and special materials and activities in working with small groups and/ or individuals.
Is familiar with content assigned.
Keeps appropriate records and check sheets.
Corrects work assignments of target students and reports results to instructor.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with students.
Participates in training sessions to develop skills.
Works cooperatively with staff members and parents.
Prepares charts, flash cards, audio-visual materials and bulletin boards related to reading, writing, and/or
math.
Operates audio-visual equipment and computer.
Performs clerical duties as needed to implement instructional program.
Assists the teacher in assessment of student learning.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISES: Students in small groups or individual tutoring sessions
REPORTS TO: Principal
SALARY: Placement on the Classified Salary Schedule
LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT: Approximately 180 school days
LOCATION: Bering Strait School District
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on
evaluation of classified personnel.
Send initial application and resume to:
School Secretary, James C. Isabell School
Bering Strait School District is an equal opportunity employer. The District Title IX, 504 and ADA contact person is:
Director of HR, Bering Strait School District, P.O. Box 225, Unalakleet, Alaska 99684-0225
Revised 8/27/24
School
Job Announcement:
JOB DESCRIPTION Opens: 1/08/2026 Closes: 1/21/2026
TITLE: EDUCATIONAL AIDE - (Indian Ed)
QUALIFICATIONS:
High school graduate or GED.
College or University credits in education preferred.
Experience working with children.
Verified previous experience working in educational field.
Willingness to work with teachers in planning for student needs.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with students, parents, and staff.
Able to safely, regularly lift and/or move up to twenty (20) pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to
fifty (50) pounds.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The primary concentration of the Indian Aide’s time should be in the area of reading; other acceptable areas
are writing and math.
Works effectively and cooperatively with the classroom teacher to meet the reading, writing, and/or math
needs of PreK-12th grade students.
Utilizes classroom and special materials and activities in working with small groups and/ or individuals.
Is familiar with content assigned.
Keeps appropriate records and check sheets.
Corrects work assignments of target students and reports results to instructor.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with students.
Participates in training sessions to develop skills.
Works cooperatively with staff members and parents.
Prepares charts, flash cards, audio-visual materials and bulletin boards related to reading, writing, and/or
math.
Operates audio-visual equipment and computer.
Performs clerical duties as needed to implement instructional program.
Assists the teacher in assessment of student learning.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISES: Students in small groups or individual tutoring sessions
REPORTS TO: Principal
SALARY: Placement on the Classified Salary Schedule
LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT: Approximately 180 school days
LOCATION: Bering Strait School District
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on
evaluation of classified personnel.
Send initial application and resume to:
School Secretary, James C. Isabell School
Bering Strait School District is an equal opportunity employer. The District Title IX, 504 and ADA contact person is:
Director of HR, Bering Strait School District, P.O. Box 225, Unalakleet, Alaska 99684-0225
Revised 8/27/24
🎲 Family Game Night 🎲
Tuesday, January 13th, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 James C. Isabell School
Join us for a fun-filled Family Game Night with staff and community members! Enjoy games, laughter, and a chance to win some cool prizes. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time together and connect as a community.
We can’t wait to see you there!
#aklaqpride #tellerpride
Tuesday, January 13th, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 James C. Isabell School
Join us for a fun-filled Family Game Night with staff and community members! Enjoy games, laughter, and a chance to win some cool prizes. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time together and connect as a community.
We can’t wait to see you there!
#aklaqpride #tellerpride
🏀 Boys Varsity Basketball Schedule – Aklaqs 🏀
Here’s what’s coming up for our Boys Varsity Basketball team this season. Come support our Aklaqs at home or follow them on the road!
📅 Game Schedule
January 16 – 🏠 Home Game vs. Koyuk
January 23–24 – ✈️ Away Games at White Mountain
January 30–31 – 🏠 Home Games vs. St. Michael
February 13–14 – ✈️ Away Games at Savoonga
February 20–21 – ✈️ Away Games at Brevig Mission
February 24–28 – 🏆 Bering Sea 1A BSSD Conference Regionals
📍 Unalakleet
👧 Girls Varsity Basketball Schedule
Coming soon — still in the works!
Let’s fill the gym, cheer loud, and show our pride wherever we play.
*post and poster created by Lucy :)
Go Aklaqs!
#AklaqPride #TellerPride #GoAklaqs
Here’s what’s coming up for our Boys Varsity Basketball team this season. Come support our Aklaqs at home or follow them on the road!
📅 Game Schedule
January 16 – 🏠 Home Game vs. Koyuk
January 23–24 – ✈️ Away Games at White Mountain
January 30–31 – 🏠 Home Games vs. St. Michael
February 13–14 – ✈️ Away Games at Savoonga
February 20–21 – ✈️ Away Games at Brevig Mission
February 24–28 – 🏆 Bering Sea 1A BSSD Conference Regionals
📍 Unalakleet
👧 Girls Varsity Basketball Schedule
Coming soon — still in the works!
Let’s fill the gym, cheer loud, and show our pride wherever we play.
*post and poster created by Lucy :)
Go Aklaqs!
#AklaqPride #TellerPride #GoAklaqs
🎿 Cross Country Skiing & Biathlon Season is Here! 🎯
Cross country skiing and biathlon practice will begin Tuesday, January 13th, after school.
📣 Important Meeting Today
There will be a quick informational meeting today, Friday, January 9th, starting at 1:30 PM in the school office. Any students interested in competing in cross country skiing or biathlon should attend.
We are also looking for a community volunteer to help support and set up students for the biathlon portion—your help would be greatly appreciated!
📅 Upcoming Meets
Our first meet is tentatively scheduled for February 20–21 or April 10.
⚠️ Important Note for Athletes
Students will need to choose one winter activity for the season:
Cross Country Skiing
Biathlon
Basketball
For questions or more information, please contact the coach or the school secretary.
Let’s get ready for an exciting season—Go Aklaqs!
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride
Cross country skiing and biathlon practice will begin Tuesday, January 13th, after school.
📣 Important Meeting Today
There will be a quick informational meeting today, Friday, January 9th, starting at 1:30 PM in the school office. Any students interested in competing in cross country skiing or biathlon should attend.
We are also looking for a community volunteer to help support and set up students for the biathlon portion—your help would be greatly appreciated!
📅 Upcoming Meets
Our first meet is tentatively scheduled for February 20–21 or April 10.
⚠️ Important Note for Athletes
Students will need to choose one winter activity for the season:
Cross Country Skiing
Biathlon
Basketball
For questions or more information, please contact the coach or the school secretary.
Let’s get ready for an exciting season—Go Aklaqs!
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride
Dear Families and Community Members,
I hope everyone had a restful break. Thank you for continuing to support our students and their success both in and out of school. While it is starting to get lighter outside, I know this can still be a tiring time of year.
I have heard students share that their parents and guardians set screen-time limits and bedtime routines. Thank you for helping ensure our Aklaqs are well-rested and ready for both academic learning and sports competitions.
I have noticed an uptick in bullying-related behaviors. While it can be difficult to document and address every incident with clear evidence, we can still be proactive together—both at school and at home—to support positive behavior and respectful relationships.
Proximity online learning is still in its early stages, and we are actively working through the process. Thank you to our high school families for your patience and partnership during this transition.
We have a new basketball schedule, which will be posted to the school calendar soon. The next two months will be busy with games and travel, so thank you in advance for your flexibility and continued support.
Our AEC meeting will be held tomorrow night, Friday, January 9th, from 7:00–8:00 PM in the school library. Community members are invited and encouraged to attend.
We are also aware that the dabbing trend has made its way to Teller. While it is not dangerous, it can be a learning distraction. On a positive note, the paper dart trend has mostly faded away—thank you for your support in helping address this.
It is truly a blessing to work in such a strong and supportive community with amazing students, families, and staff.
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School — Teller, Alaska
Upcoming Dates and Events
January 8th: 4pm, School Board Meeting
January 8th: 7pm Bake walk
January 9th: End of the quarter/semester, all assignments must be turned in
January 9th: 7:00-8:00pm AEC meeting in Library
January 13th, 7:00, Family Literacy Night
January 15th: 3:00-3:30 Awards Ceremony (Semester 1 grades and attendance)
January 15th: 3:30-5:30, Parent Teacher conferences
January 16th: Basketball Home Game Against Koyuk
January 19th: Student council spirit week
January 23rd-24th: Basketball goes to White Mountain
January 30th-31st: Basketball Home Game Against St. Michael
February 10: Norton Sound Mitten Making, Community Welcome
February 13th-14th: Basketball goes to Savoonga
February 13th: Valentines Dance
February 20th-21st: Basketball goes to Brevig Mission
February 24th-28th: Bering Sea 1A BSSD Conference Regionals at Unalakleet
March 13th: 3:00, end of the quarter celebration
March 15th-20th: No School, Spring break
April 6th-10th: Pike Fishing
Full Newsletter Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YM4Y-FqtXGSllz36gVl5OWCNmnVCcVVXUQEknn5bqUs/edit?usp=sharing
I hope everyone had a restful break. Thank you for continuing to support our students and their success both in and out of school. While it is starting to get lighter outside, I know this can still be a tiring time of year.
I have heard students share that their parents and guardians set screen-time limits and bedtime routines. Thank you for helping ensure our Aklaqs are well-rested and ready for both academic learning and sports competitions.
I have noticed an uptick in bullying-related behaviors. While it can be difficult to document and address every incident with clear evidence, we can still be proactive together—both at school and at home—to support positive behavior and respectful relationships.
Proximity online learning is still in its early stages, and we are actively working through the process. Thank you to our high school families for your patience and partnership during this transition.
We have a new basketball schedule, which will be posted to the school calendar soon. The next two months will be busy with games and travel, so thank you in advance for your flexibility and continued support.
Our AEC meeting will be held tomorrow night, Friday, January 9th, from 7:00–8:00 PM in the school library. Community members are invited and encouraged to attend.
We are also aware that the dabbing trend has made its way to Teller. While it is not dangerous, it can be a learning distraction. On a positive note, the paper dart trend has mostly faded away—thank you for your support in helping address this.
It is truly a blessing to work in such a strong and supportive community with amazing students, families, and staff.
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School — Teller, Alaska
Upcoming Dates and Events
January 8th: 4pm, School Board Meeting
January 8th: 7pm Bake walk
January 9th: End of the quarter/semester, all assignments must be turned in
January 9th: 7:00-8:00pm AEC meeting in Library
January 13th, 7:00, Family Literacy Night
January 15th: 3:00-3:30 Awards Ceremony (Semester 1 grades and attendance)
January 15th: 3:30-5:30, Parent Teacher conferences
January 16th: Basketball Home Game Against Koyuk
January 19th: Student council spirit week
January 23rd-24th: Basketball goes to White Mountain
January 30th-31st: Basketball Home Game Against St. Michael
February 10: Norton Sound Mitten Making, Community Welcome
February 13th-14th: Basketball goes to Savoonga
February 13th: Valentines Dance
February 20th-21st: Basketball goes to Brevig Mission
February 24th-28th: Bering Sea 1A BSSD Conference Regionals at Unalakleet
March 13th: 3:00, end of the quarter celebration
March 15th-20th: No School, Spring break
April 6th-10th: Pike Fishing
Full Newsletter Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YM4Y-FqtXGSllz36gVl5OWCNmnVCcVVXUQEknn5bqUs/edit?usp=sharing
AFEC is running two free workshops in January for parents and caregivers for life after high school:
Planning for Life After High School
Tuesday, Jan 7, 12:00–1 pm
Tuesday, Jan 21, 6:00–7 pm (same content)
Virtual (Zoom)
Topics:
Helping teens figure out what's next (college? trade school? work?)
Financial planning basics (529 plans, scholarships, FAFSA timeline).
Save-The-Date!
How to help your child thrive this school year (Repeat)
FEBRUARY 4 @ 12:00pm - 1:30pm & FEBRUARY 18 @ 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Helping our kids (and us!) keep calm & carry on (Repeat)
MARCH 4 @ 12:00pm - 1:30pm & MARCH 18 @ 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Link to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Rw9RYhyEQ1q8sYghwTIZgg#/registration
The morning of January 6th is very windy in Teller. We understand if you feel that your student(s) would be safer staying home instead of commuting in this weather.
Open gym tonight, January 2nd, 2026, starts at 6pm, Weekend/holiday time slots. Please be safe, respectful, and kind to each other so we can keep our open gym a welcoming and peaceful place. There hasn't been any issues lately, just a friendly reminder.
More Eskimo Games and New Years Celebration Pictures #Aklaqpride #Tellerpride
Eskimo Games and the New Year’s Celebration were an absolute blast! 🎉 We had so much fun welcoming the new year together as a community. Teller truly showed its beauty through respect, joy, and togetherness. We’re grateful that everyone had a great time and that the celebration was safe for all.
We had a staff vs. student basketball game this past week, and it was a blast! Students who earned perfect attendance for November and December had the chance to play, and the energy in the gym was amazing. It was just as fun for the staff, with lots of friendly competition and great sportsmanship all around.
We loved seeing so many staff members join in, Mr. Randy, Ms. Rowena, Mr. Jackowick, Coach Boring, Coach Fred, Ms. Iris, Ms. Coleen, and even Ms. Anna hitting the court! Moments like these remind us how fun it is to come to school and build connections through activities like basketball.
Keep up the great attendance, Aklaqs, we can’t wait for the next one!
#AklaqPride #TellerPride #PerfectAttendance
We were thankful to have Toys for Tots support our students again this year. It was a wonderful moment seeing the smiles and excitement from our boys and girls at James C. Isabell School. We appreciate everyone who helped make this possible for our community.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from all of us at James C. Isabell School!
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #HappyHolidays #HappyKwanza
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from all of us at James C. Isabell School!
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #HappyHolidays #HappyKwanza
🎅 A Special Visit from Santa at James C. Isabell School 🎅
After our Christmas program, we had a very special visitor stop by James C. Isabell School — Santa Claus! 🎄 Students had the chance to visit with Santa, share smiles, and take pictures to wrap up a wonderful evening full of holiday cheer.
Thank you to everyone who stayed to enjoy this special moment and helped make the night magical for our Aklaqs. 🎁✨
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #SantaVisit #HolidayJoy #JamesCIsabellSchool
After our Christmas program, we had a very special visitor stop by James C. Isabell School — Santa Claus! 🎄 Students had the chance to visit with Santa, share smiles, and take pictures to wrap up a wonderful evening full of holiday cheer.
Thank you to everyone who stayed to enjoy this special moment and helped make the night magical for our Aklaqs. 🎁✨
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #SantaVisit #HolidayJoy #JamesCIsabellSchool
More Christmas Program Pictures from December 18th
James C. Isabell School held its Christmas Program on December 18th, wrapping up a jam-packed and exciting week before winter break. The program featured wonderful performances from our elementary and middle school students, along with special participation from community members. It was a great celebration of the season and a beautiful way to end the semester together. 🎄✨
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #ChristmasProgram
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #ChristmasProgram
