Family & Community Newsletter
October 2026 | Go Aklaqs! 💙🐻🤍
Dear Families and Community Members,
As we move further into the school year, I want to thank everyone for your continued support of James C. Isabell School. We have a lot happening in our school community, from athletics and student celebrations to family engagement opportunities and career exploration.
Below are a few important reminders, school updates, and upcoming dates to help everyone stay informed and connected.
🎃 Halloween at James C. Isabell School
As a principal, I receive quite a few questions about Halloween! I happen to enjoy this time of year, but professionally, I also know that Halloween can present a few unique challenges in a school setting.
Students may wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 30th. We want students to enjoy the holiday while maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment.
Please review the following expectations with your student:
No masks or weapons: Masks and real or imitation weapons are not permitted.
Costume accessories stay at home: This includes, but is not limited to, toy weapons, tools, pitchforks, torches, canes, props, signs, wands, lightsabers, and anything containing glitter.
Candy stays at home: Please leave candy at home during the academic day. Any candy brought to school will be collected and distributed to staff. I jokes! (Mostly!) Please help us keep the focus on learning.
Thank you for helping us make Halloween enjoyable for everyone while keeping our classrooms safe and focused.
🍬 Gum: We Have to Call It!
At the beginning of the school year, we allowed students to chew gum. Unfortunately, we have reached the point where we need to discontinue that privilege.
Effective immediately, gum is no longer permitted at school.
We are finding gum on our fresh gym floor, throughout our carpets, and in places where it certainly does not belong. Students are also dishing gum during class, which creates unnecessary distractions.
Our maintenance staff already have plenty of important responsibilities throughout the day, and removing gum from carpets and flooring does not need to be added to their workload. Teachers and other staff members are not particularly excited about cleaning it up either!
🏐 Volleyball Update
Our volleyball team continues to work hard as we approach the postseason. We are still waiting to determine whether Teller will finish in the top 50% of Bering Strait School District teams and qualify to host Regionals.
Our next scheduled games are November 6–7 in Unalakleet, where we will compete against White Mountain and Unalakleet.
🏀 Middle School Basketball
Our middle school basketball team traveled to Nome last weekend and represented James C. Isabell School exceptionally well!
The team finished with an impressive 2–0 record and demonstrated competitiveness, teamwork, and excellent sportsmanship throughout the trip. They arrived back in Teller late Saturday, and we are proud of the effort and character they displayed.
📝 Registration Reminder
Please ensure that your student is registered with the school and that all required athletic registration paperwork is completed before participating in school sports.
Sprays, Perfumes, and Colognes
We have not experienced any major issues with strong fragrances this year, and we appreciate everyone's consideration. Please continue to leave perfumes, colognes, body sprays, and other strongly scented products at home. This helps maintain a comfortable environment for students and staff.
📅 Upcoming Dates & Events
October 27
3:00 p.m. — First Quarter Awards Ceremony
October 30
Halloween Carnival
November 2
District In-Service — No School
November 4
Family Literacy Night
November 6
1:30–3:30 p.m. — Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 6–7
Volleyball vs. White Mountain and Unalakleet — Unalakleet
November 9–13
Middle School NACTEC Session 9
November 10
7:00–8:00 p.m. — AEC Meeting in the Library
November 11
Veterans Day
November 13–14
Volleyball vs. Koyuk and Wales — Wales
November 19–20
Volleyball Regionals — Planned for Teller, pending confirmation
November 26–27
Thanksgiving Break — No School
December 2
Family Literacy Night
December 3
Staff vs. Students Basketball Game
December 17
Christmas Program
The success of James C. Isabell School depends on the partnership between our students, families, staff, and community. I appreciate the encouragement, patience, and support you continue to provide as we work together to help our students grow academically, socially, and personally.
Our goal is to create a school where students feel safe, supported, challenged, and proud to be Aklaqs. Thank you for being part of that work.
With love and gratitude,
Mr. Reid Jackowick
Principal
James C. Isabell School
Teller, Alaska
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #GoAklaqs
James C. Isabell School, Library Room
Verify Quorum
Approve last meeting minutes
Review of meeting norms
Land Acknowledgement
Looking over agenda
Action Items
Re-Orientation to the AEC
AEC Learning Spotlight and Board Policies
Membership and Student Voice
Student Report
School Opening Snapshot
Calender
School Growth Plan/ Last years growth plan
September Data Bite: attendance
Federal/ Categorical Programs and Principal Report
Family and Community Connection
September-October Items
Open Forum
Adjournment
Get ready, Teller! 🧡🖤 James C. Isabell School is excited to bring you our 4-Day Spooktacular Carnival 2026, running October 27–30, 2026!
We have four days of Halloween fun planned, filled with creativity, friendly competition, community connection, and school spirit. Our goal is to make this celebration safe, inclusive, and family-friendly for everyone! 🎃
🗓️ HERE'S THE DAILY LINEUP!
🔎 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 — SCAVENGER HUNT
⏰ 2:30–3:00 PM
Explore designated areas around the school to find hidden tokens!
🎟️ 5 tokens = 1 raffle ticket
All tokens must be turned in at 3:00 PM in the gym.
🎬 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 — MOVIE NIGHT
Join us in the afternoon and after school for a relaxed community gathering, a movie, and festive snacks! 🍿👻
🚪🎨 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 — DOOR & HALLWAY DECORATION CONTEST
Let's see that creativity and teamwork! Judging will take place after school.
Decorations will be evaluated on:
✨ Originality
🌎 Cultural Relevance
🙌 Student Involvement
🛡️ Safety
📌 Decoration setup is scheduled for October 21–29.
🎪 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 — THE SPOOKTACULAR CARNIVAL!
⏰ 1:30–3:00 PM
It's the MAIN EVENT! Join us for games, food, prizes, and a costume parade! 🎃🎉
🎉 CARNIVAL SCHEDULE
🕜 1:30 PM — Opening Remarks & Welcome
🕜 1:40 PM — Carnival Booths & Open Stations
🎣 Fishing Game
🎯 Bean Bag Toss
🎨 Arts & Crafts Corner
📸 Photo Booth
🔒 Jail Booth
…and more!
🕝 2:20 PM — Costume Contest Showcase & Parade
Categories include:
👗 Best DIY Costume
🎨 Most Creative
😂 Funniest
👯 Best Group Costume
🕒 2:45 PM — Award Announcements & Closing Remarks
🏅 Winners will receive certificates and prize ribbons!
🏫 HOSTED BY JAMES C. ISABELL SCHOOL | TELLER, ALASKA
-Thank for Ms. Edlene and Ms. Coleen for organizing this!
Let's come together to build community spirit, encourage creativity, and make this Halloween celebration one to remember! We look forward to seeing our students, families, staff, and community members participate throughout the week.
🎃 Start planning those costumes, bring your creativity, and get ready for a SPOOKTACULAR week!
🐻💙 GO AKLAQS! 🧡🖤
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #GoAklaqs #TellerAlaska #SpooktacularCarnival2026 #HalloweenFun #SchoolCommunity
Our final Nome field trip for this semester took place on October 21, and what an adventure it has been for our Aklaqs! 🎓✨
Throughout these trips, our students had opportunities to explore Nome, learn about our region's history, discover future career opportunities, and experience activities beyond the classroom.
🐟 Norton Sound Seafood Products (NSSP)
A huge thank-you to NSSP, operated by NSEDC, for welcoming our students and allowing us to tour the facility! Special Quyana to Emily Hudman and Christian Rosales for providing such amazing tours. Our Aklaqs learned so much about seafood processing, the equipment involved, and potential career opportunities in this important regional industry.
🍕 Milano’s Pizzeria
Our students enjoyed some delicious pizza and time together!
Woolly on the Nome-Teller Highway
Another memorable stop to round out our Nome adventures!
This semester brought some challenges, including illness, mechanical issues, and AFN, but we are grateful for the experiences our students were able to enjoy. We hope to continue offering more Nome field trips throughout the school year!
These trips give our Aklaqs opportunities to explore our region, experience new places, build connections, and learn beyond the classroom. We are thankful for the memories made and the knowledge our students will carry forward.
💙 A HUGE QUYANA TO THE TELLER TRADITIONAL COUNCIL! 💙
Thank you for continuing to sponsor these field trips and invest in our Aklaqs. Your generosity makes meaningful educational experiences like these possible for our students and community.
Learning beyond the classroom. Exploring our region. Building brighter futures.
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #TellerTraditionalCouncil #AklaqAdventures #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #NSEDC #NSSP #NortonSoundSeafoodProducts #MilanosPizza
Our Nome field trips, generously sponsored by the Teller Traditional Council, continued this week! Here are some highlights from our Aklaqs’ adventures on Tuesday, October 20! ✨
🐟 Norton Sound Seafood Products — Exploring a local seafood industry and learning more about the work that supports our region.
🍕 Milano’s Pizzeria — Enjoying a tasty stop and some time together!
Woolly on the Nome-Teller Highway — Making another memorable stop along the way!
These trips give our Aklaqs opportunities to explore our region, experience new places, and learn beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the chance to create these experiences and lasting memories for our students.
A huge Quyana to the Teller Traditional Council for continuing to sponsor our field trips and invest in our Aklaqs! Your support makes these adventures possible. 💙
Learning beyond the classroom. Exploring our region. Building brighter futures.
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #TellerTraditionalCouncil #AklaqAdventures #LearningBeyondTheClassroom
Aklaq families, please take a moment to make sure your students are registered for school and athletics! There are a few important steps to complete so our Aklaqs can participate in school activities and sports. 📝
🏫 1. SCHOOL REGISTRATION — ALL STUDENTS
Some Returning students still need to register!
Your teacher should have provided you with a Snapcode to complete your student's registration. This process also gives permission for your student to use school computers and Chromebooks.
🔗 Register here:
https://www.bssd.org/page/student-registration
🏐 2. SPORTS REGISTRATION — ALL ATHLETES
Volleyball players: Please register on Arbiter as soon as possible so you can participate in upcoming matches!
Basketball players: Please complete your registration soon as the season approaches. 🏀
🔗 Sports registration: https://arbiter.io/
📌 Important: Sports registration applies to all sports and must be completed at least two weeks before the start of each season. Please don't wait until the last minute!
💙 NEED HELP?
If you have questions or need assistance with either registration, please email or text Principal. Mr. Boring can help, too! 😊
Thank you, families, for helping our Aklaqs stay ready for learning, activities, and competition!
🐻 Teller Pride. Aklaq Pride. GO AKLAQS!
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #SchoolRegistration #AklaqAthletics
📅 Monday, October 19
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 James C. Isabell School — High School Library
✨ What to expect:
- 🎓 Learn about scholarship opportunities for college and vocational training.
- 📝 Get help with your FAFSA application.
- 📄 Bring your tax information!
- 🥪 Enjoy FREE Subway and snacks!
- 🎁 Enter for door prizes!
This workshop is especially helpful for our high school seniors preparing for life after graduation, but everyone is welcome to attend and receive help! Whether you’re planning for college, vocational training, or simply have questions about financial aid, this is a great opportunity to get support.
A big thank-you to Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) for helping provide this opportunity for our students and community!
📞 Contact Colleen Johnson, NSHC: 907-443-6418
📧 cmjohnson@nshcorp.org
Invest in your future, Aklaqs! Imagine. Believe. Achieve! 💙🐻
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #FAFSA #FinancialAid #CollegeAndCareerReady
It's game day, Aklaq Nation! 📣🔥 Our Teller Aklaqs are back on the court today in Brevig Mission, ready to take on the Brevig Huskies and Shaktoolik Wolverines!
Let's keep the school spirit strong and cheer on our athletes as they continue their push toward regionals! Every point, every serve, and every cheer counts! 🏐💪
📅 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 — GAME SCHEDULE
- 🏐 1:00 PM — Teller vs. Brevig Huskies
- 🏐 3:00 PM — Teller vs. Shaktoolik Wolverines
- 🏐 8:00 PM — Teller vs. Brevig Huskies
💙 Let's show our Aklaqs some love and support as they represent Teller with pride!
🐻 TELLER PRIDE. AKLAQ PRIDE. GO AKLAQS!
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #AklaqVolleyball #RoadToRegionals #AklaqNation
Today, our school came together for an exciting pep rally to send off our Teller Aklaqs as they head to Brevig Mission to take on the Brevig Huskies and Shaktoolik Wolverines! 📣🔥
The energy was high, the school spirit was strong, and our Aklaqs are ready to compete! Let's show our team some love as they continue their push toward regionals. Every point matters as we work toward bringing the BSSD Volleyball Regionals to Teller on November 19–20! 🏐💪
📅 GAME SCHEDULE
Friday, October 16
- 🏐 7:00 PM — Teller vs. Shaktoolik Wolverines
Saturday, October 17
- 🏐 1:00 PM — Teller vs. Brevig Huskies
- 🏐 3:00 PM — Teller vs. Shaktoolik Wolverines
- 🏐 8:00 PM — Teller vs. Brevig Huskies
📺 WATCH THE GAMES ON NFHS NETWORK!
You can watch the games online through NFHS Network. Please note that NFHS Network access is no longer paid for by the district, so a subscription or payment may be required to watch.
🔗 Watch the games on NFHS Network
💙 A huge thank-you to our students, staff, and community for bringing the Aklaq spirit and supporting our athletes!
Let's keep the momentum going and show everyone what Teller Pride looks like!
🐻 TELLER PRIDE. AKLAQ PRIDE. GO AKLAQS!
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #AklaqVolleyball #RoadToRegionals #AklaqNation
📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
More of our Aklaqs had the opportunity to explore Nome and learn beyond the classroom! 🎓✨
🐟 Norton Sound Seafood Products: Our students enjoyed another visit to the fishery facility, learning more about a local industry that plays an important role in our region. A huge thank-you to Norton Sound Seafood Products in Nome for welcoming our Aklaqs and sharing your facility with us!
🍕🛍️ Our adventures also included stops at Milano’s Pizzeria and AC Store, giving our students more opportunities to explore the community and enjoy time together.
A heartfelt Quyana to the Teller Traditional Council for sponsoring these field trips and investing in our students! Your support makes meaningful learning experiences like these possible. 💙
Learning beyond the classroom. Exploring our region. Building brighter futures.
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #TellerTraditionalCouncil #AklaqAdventures #LearningBeyondTheClassroom
Aklaq families, it's time to connect! We invite all parents and guardians to join us for Parent-Teacher Conferences and discuss your student's progress, celebrate successes, and work together to support their continued growth. 🤝✨
📅 Date: Friday, November 6
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Location: James C. Isabell School
Can't make it during this time? No problem! Please contact your student's teacher to schedule a different time that works for you.
Your partnership makes a difference! Together, we can help our Aklaqs learn, grow, and succeed. 💙🐻
Teller Pride. Aklaq Pride. Student Success!
#ParentTeacherConference #GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska
The Aklaq Spotlight is on Charlotte Keelick! 🐻
Charlotte is being recognized this week for her hard work, kindness, and the respect she shows to others. She is caring toward her classmates and always willing to work with and help others, both inside and outside the classroom.
Charlotte demonstrates the Iñupiaq value of Love and Respect for Our Elders and One Another (Piqpakkutiqaġniq suli Qiksiksrautiqaġniq Utuqqanaanun Allanullu) through her thoughtful actions, teamwork, and willingness to support those around her. She is a wonderful example of how kindness and respect can make our school community stronger.
We are proud to have Charlotte as an Aklaq, and she should be proud of herself, too!
Great job, Charlotte! Keep shining! 🌟🐻
#TellerPride #AklaqPride #AklaqSpotlight
🏐💙 TELLER AKLAQS VOLLEYBALL HEADING TO BREVIG MISSION! 💙🐻
Aklaq Nation, it's time to show our support! 📣 Our Teller Aklaqs volleyball team travels to Brevig Mission on Friday, October 16, through Saturday, October 17, for competitive volleyball matches against Brevig Mission and Shaktoolik!
🔥 THE ROAD TO REGIONALS! 🔥
Our Aklaqs are working hard to earn a top-eight spot in BSSD and bring the BSSD Volleyball Regionals to Teller on November 19–20! Let's rally behind our athletes, show our school spirit, and cheer them on as they compete this weekend!
📣 PEP RALLY — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
⏰ 10:30 AM
💙 SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY! 💙
James C. Isabell School will wear school spirit gear on Friday to show our support for our competitive Aklaqs! Wear your royal blue and white and help us send our team off with Aklaq Pride!
Game Times:
📍 Location: Brevig Mission Gym
🚪 Doors Open: 30 minutes before each game
🗓️ GAME SCHEDULE
Friday, Oct 16, 2026
7:00 PM: Shaktoolik vs. Teller Aklaqs
8:30 PM: Shaktoolik vs. KTS (Brevig Mission)
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026
1:00 PM: KTS (Brevig Mission) vs. Teller Aklaqs
3:00 PM: Teller Aklaqs vs. Shaktoolik
6:00 PM (SENIOR NIGHT): Shaktoolik vs. KTS (Brevig Mission)
8:00 PM: KTS (Brevig Mission) vs. Teller Aklaqs
📺 CAN'T MAKE IT IN PERSON?
🏐 Match times and NFHS streaming information will be announced as soon as they become available. Stay tuned for updates!
Let's bring the energy, Teller! Every cheer and every bit of support matters. Let's help our Aklaqs make a strong push toward regionals! 🐻💙
Teller Pride. Aklaq Pride. GO AKLAQS!
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #AklaqVolleyball #RoadToRegionals #AklaqNation
🚨 Aklaqs, are you ready to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON? 🚨
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 AM, James C. Isabell School will participate in the Great Alaskan Shakeout! 🌎
Millions of people around the world will participate in earthquake safety drills to practice what to do when the ground starts shaking. Our Aklaqs will join schools, workplaces, and communities across Alaska in practicing this important safety skill.
✅ Remember:
- DROP to your hands and knees.
- COVER your head and neck and take shelter under a sturdy desk or table if available.
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops!
📢 Learn more and practice earthquake safety:
🌐 Earthquake Safety — Drop, Cover, and Hold On
🎧 Great Alaskan Shakeout Drill Broadcast:
https://www.shakeout.org/alaska/drill/broadcast/
Preparedness starts with practice! Let's make sure our Aklaqs know what to do to stay safe. 💙
Teller Strong. Aklaq Strong. Safety First! 🐻💙
#AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #GreatAlaskanShakeoutDrill #EarthquakeSafety #Preparedness #GoAklaqs
Are you a high school junior or senior interested in a future in health care?
The Della Keats Program is an exciting opportunity to explore careers in the medical field and take the next step toward your future! 🎓✨
🏥 Program Dates: July 5–30, 2027
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- 🏫 Experience university residential life.
- 📚 Complete health science-related pre-college coursework.
- 🩺 Job shadow medical and health care professionals.
📅 Application Deadline: March 7, 2027
🔗 Apply today: https://uaa.alaska.edu/dellakeats
Aklaqs, this is a great opportunity to explore health care careers, gain valuable experience, and start planning for your future. Imagine where your education can take you!
r
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #DellaKeats #HealthcareCareers #CollegeAndCareerReady #FutureHealthcareProfessionals
Our Aklaqs had another fantastic day of exploring Nome and learning beyond the classroom! 🎓✨
A huge Quyana to the Teller Traditional Council for sponsoring this trip and giving our students the opportunity to experience new places, explore local industries, and discover exciting career possibilities.
🐟 Norton Sound Seafood Products — What an amazing tour!
Today, our Aklaqs visited the Norton Sound Seafood Products fishery facility and were blown away by what they saw! Students explored the fish and crab processing systems, learned about the machinery behind the operation, and got a glimpse of the technology that helps keep everything running.
One of the biggest surprises was the building-sized freezer maintained below -30°F year-round! 🥶❄️ It was an incredible opportunity to see firsthand how seafood processing works and learn more about an important industry in our region.
🍕🛍️ Along the way, we also stopped at Milano’s Pizzeria, AC Store, and Wooly before heading back home to Teller!
A heartfelt Quyana to the Teller Traditional Council for continually investing in our students and making these memorable learning experiences possible. And thank you to Norton Sound Seafood Products in Nome for welcoming our Aklaqs and sharing your facility with us!
Learning beyond the classroom. Exploring our region. Building brighter futures.
#GoAklaqs #TellerPride #AklaqPride #JamesCIsabellSchool #BSSDTeller #TellerAlaska #TellerTraditionalCouncil #AklaqAdventures #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #NortonSoundSeafoodProducts