Today was Twin Day at James C. Isabell School as we continue celebrating our Aklaq runners competing in the Cross Country Regional Competition in White Mountain this Friday! 🏃♂️🏃♀️🐻
We had some fun twins and even a few triplets walking around the school today! 😂👯 What a wonderful way to build school spirit and show our runners how much we support them!
🌟 Tomorrow is CULTURAL DAY! 🌟
We hope to see our students and staff proudly wearing their cultural outfits as we continue celebrating our community, our culture, and our Aklaq athletes! 💙
Imagine. Believe. Achieve. GO AKLAQS! 📣💙
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #CrossCountry #AklaqAthletics #SpiritWeek
The Aklaq Spotlight is on Huean Velarde! 🌟
Huean is being recognized for his hard work and positive attitude in class. He consistently turns in quality work on time and participates with a smile. He is willing to try new things and often goes out of his way to help others. Huean is always polite and kind to his peers, helping create a positive classroom environment.
Huean demonstrates the Iñupiaq value of Avoidance of Conflict, Paaqłakkutaiġñiq, by choosing to remain positive and treat others with kindness and respect. He also shows a strong growth mindset by understanding that mistakes are part of learning and using them as opportunities to improve.
We are proud of you, Huean, and you should be proud of yourself! Great job! Keep shining! 🌟🐻
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska
Today was Spirit Day at James C. Isabell School! Our students and staff showed their Aklaq Pride by wearing their favorite Aklaq Spirit Wear as we cheer on our two fast runners heading to Cross Country Regionals in White Mountain this Friday! 🐻📣🏃♂️🏃♀️
The school was looking good in blue and full of Aklaq spirit! 💙🐻
👯 Tomorrow is TWIN DAY! 👯
We can’t wait to see what our Aklaq twins look like! 😂
Let’s keep the spirit going all week as we get closer to Regionals!
Imagine. Believe. Achieve. GO AKLAQS! 📣💙
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #CrossCountry #AklaqAthletics #SpiritWeek
Here are some more pictures from our NACTEC visit! Our Aklaqs had a great time getting hands-on, exploring different careers, learning new skills, and discovering what opportunities are available to them.
We love seeing our students learning by doing and getting excited about their futures! 🐻💙
#NACTEC #BSSD #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #CareerEducation #HandsOnLearning #GoAklaqs
JOB DESCRIPTION Opens: 9/21/2026 Closes: 10/05/2025
EDUCATIONAL AIDE (Special Education)
QUALIFICATIONS:
High School graduate or GED.
Related experience desirable.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with students, parents, and staff.
Willingness to participate in a training program to develop skills.
University credits desirable.
Able to safely, regularly lift and/or move up to twenty (20) pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.
JOB GOAL: To help students accomplish goals outlined in the Individual Education Program (IEP).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To work with individuals and/ or small groups under the direction of certified personnel.
To work with children according to the guidelines of the Individual Education Program.
To follow the daily program plan written by the certified staff in conjunction with the special education aide.
To keep a daily attendance log.
To participate in special education workshops and other travel as directed by the site administrator.
To keep a daily log of activities and comments on completed tasks.
Other duties as assigned by the site administrator and special education teacher.
To work cooperatively with supervising teacher and other staff members.
SUPERVISES: Individual students or small groups
REPORTS TO: Principal and Special Ed Teacher
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
It’s Spirit Week at James C. Isabell School! This week, we’re celebrating and supporting our two Aklaq Cross Country runners as they prepare to compete at the Regional Championships in White Mountain! 🐻🏃♂️🏃♀️
🎉 SPIRIT WEEK SCHEDULE:
😴 Tuesday — Pajama Day
💙 Wednesday — Spirit Day
👯 Thursday — Twin Day
📣 Friday — Cultural Day!
Let’s show our runners just how much Teller supports them! Come dressed up, have some fun, and help us build the excitement leading up to their big race.
🏃♂️ Cross Country Regionals
📅 Friday, September 25th
📍 White Mountain
We are proud of our Aklaqs and can’t wait to cheer them on! Run hard and represent Teller with pride! 💙🐻
Imagine. Believe. Achieve. GO AKLAQS! 📣
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #CrossCountry #AklaqAthletics #SpiritWeek
Last week, the Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical Education Center (NACTEC) visited Teller, and our middle and high school students stayed busy exploring all kinds of hands-on learning opportunities! 🔨👩🍳🌊🪨🚙⚡
Our students got the chance to:
🔨 Build and construct
🧁 Bake and explore culinary careers
🌊 Explore underwater science and technology
🪨 Investigate geology and earth science
🚜 Operate and explore different vehicles
🔥 Practice welding
🍴 Earn Food Worker Cards
💼 Explore real career opportunities
One of the best parts was learning about careers that are real opportunities right here in Northwest Alaska and our surrounding communities. Hands-on experiences like these help our students see what is possible beyond the classroom and connect what they are learning to their futures.
A huge THANK YOU to NACTEC for coming all the way to Teller and giving our students the opportunity to learn, explore, build, and discover! We appreciate you spending time with our Aklaqs! 💙🐻
Imagine. Believe. Achieve. GO AKLAQS!
#NACTEC #BSSD #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #CareerEducation #HandsOnLearning #GoAklaqs
We are excited to welcome Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) to Teller for a Career Fair on September 22nd!
👩🎓 During the afternoon: NSHC will be working directly with our students, helping them learn about the many different careers and opportunities available in healthcare and beyond.
👨👩👧👦 For adults: After school, NSHC will host a community career fair at James C. Isabell School from 3:00–5:00 PM.
This is a great opportunity for our students and community members to learn about career pathways, ask questions, and explore potential employment opportunities right here in Northwest Alaska.
Come check it out and see what opportunities are available!
Teller Pride. Aklaq Pride. Building Futures! 🐻💙
#NSHC #TellerAlaska #CareerEducation #JamesCIsabellSchool #TellerPride #AklaqPride #BSSDTeller #GoAklaqs
Our Aklaq Cross Country runners took on a very challenging course in White Mountain, competing against a strong field of talented runners. They ran hard, pushed themselves, and represented Teller with pride!
🏃 HIGH SCHOOL BOYS
🏃 Alex — 8th Place | 22:01
🏃 Wilhelm — 21st Place | 24:31
🏃 MIDDLE SCHOOL
🏃 McCade — 5th Place | 27:07
We are incredibly proud of Alex, Wilhelm, and McCade for their effort and determination! 💙🐻
But the results on the course aren't the only thing that makes us proud. Everywhere our Aklaqs go, they represent Teller and our community with kindness, friendliness, and politeness. We continue to receive wonderful comments about the way our students conduct themselves, and that is something worth celebrating!
Our athletes ran hard. Our Aklaqs represented Teller even harder. 💙
We’re excited to share more pictures from the meet soon! 📸🏃♂️
Imagine. Believe. Achieve. GO AKLAQS! 🐻💙📣
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #CrossCountry #AklaqAthletics
The action continues all weekend right here at James C. Isabell School! We are excited to have student-athletes competing in this high-level tournament alongside athletes from across the region and Alaska.
Come out, support our athletes, and enjoy some great basketball! 🏀🔥
🗓️ SATURDAY
Men’s Games
🏀 11:30 AM — Quarterfinal
🏀 1:00 PM — Bracket Game
🏀 4:00 PM — Bracket Game
🏀 7:00 PM — Bracket Game
🏀 8:30 PM — Semifinal
🏀 10:00 PM — Quarterfinal
Women’s Game
🏀 2:30 PM — Quarterfinal
🗓️ SUNDAY
Women’s Games
🏀 3:30 PM — Semifinal
🏀 6:30 PM — Final
Men’s Games
🏀 5:00 PM — Semifinal
🏀 8:00 PM — Final
📍 All games are located at James C. Isabell School.
A huge THANK YOU to our James C. Isabell School Journalism Class for capturing some awesome pictures and providing great reporting throughout the tournament! 📸📝
And a BIG thank you to Coach Fred Weyanna for putting together such a fun event for our student-athletes, the Teller community, and the larger Alaska basketball community. 💙
Come watch some basketball, support our athletes, and enjoy the weekend!
Teller Pride. Aklaq Pride. Let’s GO! 🐻💙🏀
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #WelcomeBackTournament #AklaqAthletics #GoAklaqs
💙🐻 THANK YOU, LUCY — A TRUE AKLAQ LEGEND 🐻💙
Today is a deeply bittersweet day as we honor a true legend of our community on her very last day at James C. Isabell School.
For more than 33 years, Lucy has been a steady heartbeat of our school. Throughout the many roles and positions she has held, she has been a remarkable leader who never settled for anything less than excellence.
Lucy held our students, parents and guardians, and staff to high standards because she always believed in what our school and our students could become. At the heart of everything she did was one simple truth: she always, unequivocally, wanted the absolute best for our kids.
💙 Our staff shared how warm and welcoming Lucy was when they first arrived in Teller and at James C. Isabell School. She has always been friendly, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile. Some of our staff are already saying they hope Lucy will come back to visit because of how much she meant to our school.
And there is one thing our staff can all agree on:
🏆 Lucy gets the “Best Secretary in the World” award! 🏆
Our students are going to miss seeing Lucy in the office, too. They know her as someone who was always willing to help them, listen to them, and go out of her way to make sure they were taken care of.
While we are selfishly sad to see her go, we are overwhelmingly grateful for the decades of dedication, care, leadership, and love she has given to James C. Isabell School and the Teller community.
Lucy, thank you for your leadership, your unwavering standards, your kindness, and the incredible legacy you leave behind. Your impact on generations of Aklaqs will not be forgotten and is difficult to explain in words.
We wish you the absolute best in this well-deserved next chapter! 💙
Pictures and photography done by Rowena's Journalism class: Matt Jr., Freya, and Vinnie O.
Once an Aklaq, always an Aklaq. 🐻💙
Thank you, Lucy!
We will miss you!
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #BSSDTeller #JamesCIsabellSchool #TellerAlaska #ThankYouLucy #AklaqFamily #OnceAnAklaqAlwaysAnAklaq
🏃♂️💙 CROSS COUNTRY MEET TODAY! 💙🏃♂️
Today, our Aklaq Cross Country runners headed to White Mountain for a Cross Country Invitational! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
This is an especially important meet because Cross Country Regionals will also be held in White Mountain, giving our runners a great opportunity to experience the course and prepare for what’s ahead.
Today, we’re cheering on:
🏃 Alex
🏃 Wilhelm
🏃 McCade
We are proud of these athletes for putting in the work, representing James C. Isabell School and Teller, and continuing to push themselves against strong competition.
Pictures and photography done by Mrs. Rowena's Journalism class: Matt Jr., Freya, and Vinnie O.
Good luck, Aklaqs! Run hard, have fun, and represent Teller with pride! 💙🐻
Imagine. Believe. Achieve. GO AKLAQS! 📣
#ImagineBelieveAchieveGoAklaqs #GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #CrossCountry #AklaqAthletics
Our sincerest condolences to the Thomas / Miller family.
With permission from the family, The Welcome Back Tournament will still be held tonight, Thursday, September 17th, 2026.
All absences related to the passing will be excused with no loss of activity privileges.
The Aklaq Spotlight is on Nellie Kakoona! 🌟
Nellie is being recognized for her hard work and helpful attitude in the classroom. She consistently completes her work quickly while maintaining a high level of quality, and she is always ready to take on more challenging work. Nellie is also eager to help her classmates, demonstrating the Iñupiaq value of Cooperation, Paammaaġiigñiq.
Nellie always has a smile on her face and is willing to try new material. You can often find her hand raised, ready to participate and share her ideas. One of the qualities that stands out most is her ability to learn from mistakes. While she doesn't make many, Nellie isn't afraid to tackle challenging tasks, persevere, and use a growth mindset when things get difficult.
Great job, Nellie! Keep shining! 🌟🐻
#TellerPride #AklaqPride
The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is excited to announce that they are now recruiting for their Ilakucaraq Cohort Program! 🌿✨
This yearlong program will connect 45 Alaska Native high school students from across the state through three cohorts. Participants will travel throughout Alaska’s rural and urban communities, immersing themselves in Alaska Native cultures, traditions, and values while learning directly from Elders, Culture Bearers, and Artists.
✨ Program Highlights:
✈️ Travel: Visit one rural and one urban Alaska community
👵 Cultural Connection: Participate in Elder- and Culture Bearer-led activities
🤝 Community: Engage in group sessions, explore personal values, and build lasting friendships
🎓 Future Planning: Prepare for life after high school while earning dual-credit!
💰 Fully Covered: ANHC provides all necessary accommodations, including food, lodging, transportation, and essentials.
They are seeking students who are eager to learn, grow, and engage with Alaska Native traditions. Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with eligible students and families!
🔗 Apply here: https://loom.ly/KfdLuWk
⏰ Application Deadline: September 30
#AlaskaNativeHeritageCenter #Ilakucaraq #AlaskaNative #YouthOpportunity #AlaskaYouth #CulturalIdentity #CommunityFirst
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
Join us tonight for an action-packed hour of culture, learning, and community! We're fitting four great events into one awesome evening.
📅 Tonight, September 15th | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 James C. Isabell School Cafeteria
What’s Happening:
🪘 Eskimo Dancing: Bring your drums and dancing foot covers—we are going to have some fun!
📖 Family Literacy Night: Engaging reading activities for the whole family.
🎓 Portrait of a Graduate: Learn what students need to accomplish and know before graduation.
📋 Title I Meeting: Key updates and information regarding school programming.
Bring the whole family for an hour of fun and connection. See you all at 7:00 PM!
#GoAklaqs #Jamescisabellschool #Aklaqs #tellerAklaqs #TellerAlaska
Agnes has been selected by the Teller Traditional Council to represent our community at the 2026 Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention in Anchorage! 🏔️💙
This is a well-deserved honor. The school proudly highlighted Agnes for her unwavering dedication to high-quality academic work and her exceptional talents in Alaska Native Arts. 🎨📚 Her commitment to excellence and cultural heritage makes our entire community proud.
We are celebrating you, Agnes! Fantastic work, keep shining, and represent Teller with pride at AFN! 🐻✨
#TellerAlaska #Aklaqs #jamescisabellschool #GoAklaqs #AFN #NativePride #YouthExcellence #AlaskaNativeArts
James C. Isabell School will have an Early Release Day on Wednesday, September 16th.
🏫 School will dismiss at 2:30 PM.
Our staff will be participating in professional training and development after students are dismissed. This training helps us continue to strengthen our instruction, support our students, and provide the best educational experience possible.
Thank you to our students, families, and community for your continued support and understanding!
💙 Go Aklaqs!
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #GoAklaqs #TellerAlaska
We are excited to share that Kevin Busk and his NACTEC crew are willing to offer the permit test after school this week, along with Driver Education at the listed times.
This is a great opportunity for our students and community members to work toward earning their driver's permits while also participating in Driver Education. We appreciate Kevin and the NACTEC team for supporting our students and providing this valuable opportunity right here in our community!
📅 After School This Week
🚘 Permit Testing + Driver Education
⏰ Please see the listed times for the specific schedule.
If you are interested, please make sure to take advantage of this opportunity and come prepared!
Thank you, Kevin Busk and the NACTEC crew, for continuing to support the students of James C. Isabell School! 👏
🚙 Go Aklaqs! 💙
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #GoAklaqs #TellerAlaska #NACTEC
