We are proud to recognize Matt Jr. as our Aklaq of the Week! Matt Jr. has shown outstanding dedication to his education and his school community. His attendance is excellent—he arrives on time every day, prepared and ready to learn. He consistently demonstrates respectful behavior toward students, staff, and visitors, setting a strong example for others.
Academically, Matt Jr. maintains impressive grades and approaches every class with focus and determination. Outside the classroom, he is equally committed, regularly practicing and improving his skills in both volleyball and basketball.
Matt Jr. is truly a one-of-a-kind Aklaq, and we are incredibly proud to have him as a student at James C. Isabell School. Keep up the amazing work!
#Tellerpride #aklaqpride #telleraklaqs #Aklaqspotlight
December 3rd, 2025
Parent/Guardian and Community Newsletter
Dear Families and Community Members,
We are starting off a great December at James C. Isabell School! As we move into the winter season, we are noticing a slight decline in attendance, which is common this time of year. Please help us encourage students to come to school every day so they can participate in all the fun and important activities we have coming up.
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.
Student Safety Reminder
Parents and guardians, please continue to monitor your child’s online and social media use. There are some concerning trends circulating online, including:
Making paper darts with thumbtacks
Rage-baiting or intentionally provoking peers
General unkind or disrespectful behavior
Your support in guiding online safety and respectful behavior is greatly appreciated.
School & Community Involvement
AEC Meeting: December 15th, 12:00–1:00pm. The community is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Family Night: December 15th from 7:00–8:00pm. Join us for a fun evening of decorating Christmas cards!
Eskimo Games start on the 25th.
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. We are excited to share these with students soon!
Appreciations
We truly have an incredible team at James C. Isabell School:
Our teachers continue to provide high-quality instruction and care.
Our paraprofessionals work tirelessly behind the scenes to support all students.
Our chefs prepare the best meals in the district.
Our bilingual and art teacher brings culture and creativity into the building every day.
And of course, Ms. Lucy—our amazing secretary—keeps everything running smoothly and supports both staff and students in countless ways.
Thank you to all families for your continued support. We look forward to a joyful and productive month together!
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School — Teller, Alaska
Upcoming Dates and Events
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
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
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KfSeHjezcdtLWYRHnwMAoLk4aiaAF6RMzfwUI_N1Nc8/edit?usp=sharing
James C. Isabell School will be sending students home at 1:30 PM today. Strong winds are blowing snow across the road to New Site, and visibility is very low. For everyone’s safety, we are releasing students early to avoid the risks that come with worsening winds and growing snowdrifts.
We plan to resume school tomorrow at 9:00 AM for a normal school day.
Please stay safe and warm, Teller!
🏐BSSD Region 1 Western Conference Mixed-6 Volleyball Tournament Winners🏐
🎉Good luck to Golovin Lynx & Shaktoolik Wolverines at State Championships🎉
Happy Thanksgiving to all ! 🥳🎉🎊
We’ve had an exciting week so far at James C. Isabell School!
• Kenneth’s team took first place in the Men’s and Kalinaaq's team took first in the Women's Turkey Shootout Basketball Tournament 🏀
• Kindergarten–2nd grade made creative and festive Thanksgiving hats
• 6th graders reflected on gratitude through their poem sheets
• Our hallway is filled with student handprints sharing what they’re thankful for
• The Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Program brought colorful carrots to classrooms, and students loved them!
James C. Isabell School is buzzing with learning, creativity, and community spirit.
Only 2 more days until Thanksgiving!
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #TellerAlaska #JamesCIsabellSchool
Time Change for AEC, Now November 25th
James C. Isabell School – AEC Meeting Discussion Items
Monday, November 25th, 12-1pm
Location: Small Special Education Room, Elementary Wing
Discussion Topics:
Community Concerns
Child Find Activities
Student Presentation
Staffing and Operations
Athletics Update
School Goals (Handout)
Mission and Vision Statement Presentation (Handout)
Title I Funding Overview
November 27th Community Feast/Potluck (Form)
Schedule Leading Up to Christmas Break (Fishing Derby Handout)
Other Items for Discussion
Open Forum
Next Steps
Today is the last day of the Turkey Shootout Tournament! We wish all the finalists good luck and fair play as they battle it out for the top spot.
Games begin at 2 PM.
A huge thank you to Coach Fred for organizing this amazing event.
Let’s finish strong! Good luck! #telleralaska
Join us for another jam-packed evening of competitive play in the gym. Come check out the talent and see who rises to the top!
Doors open at 6:30pm
First game is at 7:00pm
Entry:
• $3 for adults
• Kids enter free but must register their name
• Players enter free
The school store will be open, and all proceeds support our activities department and boys and girls basketball.
Let’s fill the gym and show that #TellerPride! 💙🐻
We’re sending KyMani off to Kotzebue for Wrestling Regionals! At James C. Isabell School, we gave him the classic “Imagine, Believe, Achieve!” send-off — and it was louder than ever! Even our visiting guests from China joined in the fun and cheered him on.
Good luck, KyMani — we’re proud of you!
Teller Pride! 💙🐻🤼♂️
#tellerpride #goaklaqs
Parent/Guardian and Community Newsletter
Dear Families and Community Members,
We have three days next week before Thanksgiving Break. We are going strong here in James C. Isabell School with rigorous learning and fun classroom activities.
Supporting Students at Home and School
Please make sure that students are getting a good night's sleep that is free from technology interruptions. Sleeping in a room with a phone, computer or TV interrupts sleep. Students who get interrupted sleep are struggling with their emotions and their learning. A well rested student is much better equipped to solve social and academic problems.
Please remind your students that cell phones are not allowed in classrooms or hallways during the school day. It is now an Alaskan State Law that students are not allowed to have cell phones in the school. If your student has their phone out of their locker during the school day, the phone will be brought to the office and an adult will need to pick it up.
Please talk with your students about social media and online trends. Most social media apps are not appropriate for students who are elementary or middle school aged. Adults at home need to closely supervise their student’s internet use.
There are some online trends right now that include making paper darts (with thumb tacks), rage baiting friends, and being mean to others. Please help us foster student learning and growing positive relationships by getting and keeping your student off of social media while they are at home.
A month of Thanksgiving
Thank you for all you do and partnering with our school staff. Please reach out if you need anything. We want every student to have the support they need to succeed.
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School — Teller, Alaska
Upcoming Dates and Events
November 20th-22nd: Turkey Shootout Tournament
November 24th: 12:00-1:00, AEC Meeting, Small room in elementary wing, community welcome
November 24th: Family Literacy Night - Cancelled - Too many sicknesses going around
November 26th: Half day, Students get out at 1:30
November 27th: 5:30, Community Feast/Potluck, Teller Traditional, Mary’s Igloo, and City are organizing, gym and cafeteria
November 27-28th, No School, Thanksgiving break
December 10th: 7:00, Family Literacy Night, Elder Story Night-Cold Travels Theme
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
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
We will plan to reschedule for Monday, 11/24, 7pm
📢 AEC Meeting Update
Today's AEC meeting is cancelled.
We will meet instead on Monday, November 24th, from 12–1 PM.
The schedule of topics will remain the same.
Thank you for your understanding — we hope to see you Monday! 💙🐻
November 13th, 2025
Parent/Guardian and Community Newsletter
Dear Families and Community Members,
We had an extremely fun time at our Staff vs. Students Basketball Game! It was a joy to both play and watch. There was a little confusion about eligibility, so to clarify:
Students must have had fewer than 5 unexcused absences in October and perfect attendance for November in order to participate in playing.
Our next Staff vs. Students Basketball Game—featuring familiar faces like Sir Jonathan and Ms. Lucy—will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, at 2:30 PM. If your student wants to play, please help them stay on track with attendance and punctuality between now and then!
A big thank you to everyone who helped make the volleyball tournament such a success. The event was safe, positive, and full of great energy—and we even received compliments from our visiting teams and guests about how welcoming our community was.
Our next volleyball games will take place in Gambell on Friday, and these are important matches—we need some wins to qualify for regionals!
There’s so much happening here at James C. Isabell School, and we are so proud of our students, staff, and families for their constant support and encouragement. Please keep an eye on the schedule, as things often change.
Thank you again for another amazing week!
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School — Teller, Alaska
Upcoming Dates and Events
November 14th-15th: Volleyball goes to Gamble to play against Gamble. Come back Saturday.
November 18th: 12:00-1:00, AEC Meeting, Small room in elementary wing, community welcome and invited
November 19th: Family Literacy Night
November 20th-22nd: Turkey Shootout Tournament
November 27th: 5:30, Community Feast/Potluck, Teller Traditional, Mary’s Igloo, and City are organizing, gym and cafeteria
November 27-28th, No School, Thanksgiving break
December 10th: 7:00, Family Literacy Night, Elder Story Night-Cold Travels Theme
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
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
Teller at Gamble Volleyball Game NFHS Free Live Stream:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/john-apangalook-school-gambell-ak/volleyball
Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x1PkD1TzScGsdVWw7Jr48dhdn5uaHqAZ7LUpDeyYb8E/edit?usp=sharing
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #AttendanceMatters #CommunityStrong
We’re proud to introduce the James C. Isabell School Student Council for the 2025–2026 school year! 🙌
These amazing students are ready to bring fresh ideas, forward thinking, and creative solutions to our school — all while making sure we have plenty of fun along the way. 💡🎨🎈
Welcome Taylor, KyMani, and Nadine!
We can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll do for our school and community. 💙🐻
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #StudentLeaders #FutureReady
The Staff vs. Student Basketball Game was a blast! 🎉
Students who had perfect attendance for November AND fewer than 5 unexcused absences for October earned their spot on the court — and they showed up ready to play!
We even had some community members join in the fun in the crowd, and the crowd chants convinced a few teachers and staff who never play to step onto the court! 🐻🔥
Thank you to everyone who came out to support and cheer.
Let’s keep the momentum going — work toward perfect attendance so you can join the next Staff vs. Student Game at the end of December! 💙
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #AttendanceMatters #CommunityStrong
🏀Staff vs. Student Basketball Game — Today at 3:00 PM!🏀
Our Aklaqs who have fewer than 5 unexcused absences for September and perfect attendance for November have earned the chance to play in today’s Staff vs. Student Basketball Game!
📍 Location: James C. Isabell School Gym
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM
⏱️ Game Format: 5 periods, 5 minutes each
Everyone else — including our amazing community — is invited to come cheer on the players and enjoy the fun!
Let’s celebrate great attendance, teamwork, and Teller Pride! 💙🐻
Go Aklaqs!
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #AttendanceMatters
🇺🇸 James C. Isabell School Honors Our Veterans 🇺🇸
Today, we pause to honor and celebrate the men and women from Teller who have bravely served our country. Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice remind us what it truly means to live with Teller Pride. We are so proud to call them our own.
💙 Veterans & Elders Lunch 💙
We invite our veterans and elders to join us today from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at James C. Isabell School for a special lunch in their honor.
This is a wonderful opportunity to share stories, wisdom, and experiences with our amazing Aklaqs as we celebrate their service and legacy together.
Teller Veterans — Currently in Town
Makitta Blanche Garnie — Navy
Charlie Lee — Navy
Richard Komok — National Guard
Nathan Topkok — Alaska National Guard
Reuben Kuzuguk — Alaska National Guard
Marvin Okleasik — Alaska National Guard
Reuben Topkok — Alaska National Guard
Norman Menadelook Sr. — Alaska National Guard
Past, Out of Town, or In Memory Of
Darrel Van Dusen — Army
Ronald Kotay — Army
Rosie Snow — Army
Mr. Edward Snow — Army
Sam Komok — Alaska National Guard
Frank Miller III — Army
Gilbert Esunituk — Army
John Weyanna Sr. — Army
Herbert Noyakuk — Alaska National Guard
James Kevin Isabell — Alaska National Guard
Daniel Komok — Alaska National Guard
Bobby Foster — Alaska National Guard
Delbert Okbaok — Alaska National Guard
Darryn Tank — Air Force
Carlson Tingook — National Guard
Marvin Okleasik — National Guard
Fred Topkok - Alaska National Guard
Paul Topkok - Alaska National Guard
Dick Kugzruk - Alaska National Guard
Andrew Topkok - Navy
Phillip Kugzruk Sr. - Alaska National Guard
From all of us at James C. Isabell School,
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
We honor you today and every day. 💙🤍❤️
#VeteransDay #TellerPride #GoAklaqs #ThankYouVeterans
📅 November 7th – November 8th
Teams: White Mountain Wolves, St. Michael Storm, and Teller Aklaqs
Match Results:
1️⃣ White Mountain Wolves 🐺 3 – 0 St. Michael Storm 🌩️
2️⃣ St. Michael Storm 🌩️ 0 – 3 Teller Aklaqs 🐻
3️⃣ White Mountain Wolves 🐺 3 – 0 Teller Aklaqs 🐻
4️⃣ White Mountain Wolves 🐺 3 – 0 St. Michael Storm 🌩️
5️⃣ St. Michael Storm 🌩️ 0 – 3 Teller Aklaqs 🐻
6️⃣ Teller Aklaqs 🐻 0 – 3 White Mountain Wolves 🐺
It was an exciting weekend of volleyball here in Teller!
Every team played with great sportsmanship and energy. Our Aklaqs had some very close sets in Match 6 against White Mountain — amazing effort and teamwork from all our players!
💙 Great job to every athlete, coach, and volunteer who made this tournament a success.
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #Volleyball #BSSD #Teamwork
We want to recognize and celebrate one of our most beloved professionals here at James C. Isabell School! 💙
She embodies the true meaning of “It takes a village to raise a child.” Not only is she a dedicated community member and the President of our local Native Tribe, but she has also been named the Paraprofessional of the Month for the Bering Strait School District (BSSD)! 🙌
The amount of effort, compassion, and dedication it takes to earn this recognition is truly inspiring. She plays a vital role in making our Special Education Program one of the best — if not the best — in the district.
Thank you for everything you do for our students, school, and community.
We’re so proud of you — and we’re lucky to have you at BSSD! 💙🐻
#TellerPride #GoAklaqs #BSSDExcellence #CommunityStrong
