2020 MSBSD

RETIREMENT RECOGNITION Donna Adams

Donna Adams has been an important part of Academy Charter School since 1997. She is energetic, hard working and extremely honest. She is loving and makes every person she encounters feel special. This is part of the reason everyone calls her Grandma Donna. As our Secretary 1, she greeted every student by name, and their parents too. Her warm welcome and big voice were loved by all. We sure miss her and wish her the very best...and we hope she changes her mind and comes back in the Fall! Secretary Academy Charter School 12 Years of Service Susan Albina

You could not spend much time around Sue without experiencing her love of beauty. She aspired to make everything around her beautiful, from her wonderful flower arrangements, to her classroom chalkboard drawings and birthday art for her students. Sue is always able to see the inner beauty of the unfolding child in her care. Birchtree became a more beautiful place both inside and out due to Sue. Flowers would magically appear in the planters outside the school. Art would be found strategically hung on walls in the building. Tables were covered and Classroom Teacher decorated to help celebrate students, volunteers and parents. In countless ways, Sue brought Birchtree Charter beauty into the lives of those around her. Sue always told her truth and put her students above School all else. We wish Sue the very best as she begins her 14 Years of Service retirement. Susan Allen

Ms. Allen is an adventurous soul who has shared her love of the active Alaskan life with a generation of students. Ms. Allen has been a leader on the staff, and served for years on school improvement teams. She has a soft heart for students with challenges, and has developed a program for peer mentors and students with disabilities to learn and work together and feel a part of a team. Ms. Allen is a learner, and has taken on supporting students on APEX in the last few years, where her motivational skills as a coach have helped students graduate. We wish her well on her next adventures, and know we will see her Classroom Teacher around, because “Once a Warrior, Always a Wasilla High School Warrior”. 21 Years of Service Janis Bishop

Janis began teaching in Oklahoma in 1973. Years later, Janis and her husband Gary, traveled up the Alcan for an Alaskan adventure with their 9- month-old son. The Bishop family quickly became an integral part of the Mat-Su Valley, where Janis had her second child. 2020 marks Janis's forty seventh year of teaching, the last twenty of which have been at Mat-Su Central. Janis leaves a lasting impression regardless of when or where you met her. Her colleagues, three student teachers, students, and families Classroom Teacher remain a part of her ongoing legacy. She is authentic and straight-forward. Janis is deeply cherished and appreciated for all she has Mat-Su Central School contributed at Mat-Su Central, throughout our district, and beyond. She is simply one of those 37 Years of Service individuals whom people will never forget! Angela Blake

Angela Blake committed herself to public education. She dabbled in grade levels and found her love of primary at Shaw. Her passion for reading really came through during the time she taught K/1. Angela has a knack for figuring out the best method for moving her class within the literacy curriculum. Toward the end of her career in education Angela volunteered to take on 3rd graders, which proved to be another instant fit, ultimately proving that her passion for education had no limits. She continued to find ways to move those struggling readers to grade level and learn to love reading. Angela Blake’s dedication and commitment to the students of Mat-Su will Classroom Teacher be missed. We wish her the best with retirement. John D. Shaw Elementary 20 Years of Service Kim Blake-Wilcox

Kim Blake started with the District October 2002. She has been at Houston High School since August 2004. Ms. Blake provided instructional support for students in Special Education. In addition, Ms. Blake helped create a robust Consumer Science program that helped students learn daily living and independent skills. Thanks for your service Ms. Blake, Go Hawks!

Special Education Assistant Houston Jr/Sr High

18 Years of Service Barbara Bodnar

Barbara Bodnar has served in the Mat-Su School District for 11 years. She taught Science at Burchell High for several years and has spent 6 years at Federal Programs as a Teacher on Special Assignment. As a Teacher on Special Assignment Barbara worked with Dzuuggi Preschool, Migrant Education, and Indian Education. She has served as an advocate for underserved populations and a liaison between schools and families. Her hard work and dedication to the profession has affected the lives of many students. Teacher on Special Assignment Federal Programs 11 Years of Service Michelle Booth

Michelle Booth has been an integral part of Academy Charter School for over 24 years. Michelle was a founding member of Academy. She taught 2nd grade and Geography/History. Mrs. Booth is a natural teacher and the students thrived in her classroom. It is difficult to imagine Academy without Mrs. Booth. The “family” of Academy, the parents, students, staff and the larger community love her, and we will miss her beyond words.

Classroom Teacher Academy Charter School 23 Years of Service William “Bill” Booth

Bill Booth has been teaching in MSBSD schools since 1995. During this time, he has taught a wide range of subjects including middle school Social Studies and PE. No matter the audience, Mr. Booth has always taken advantage of the teachable moments in his classrooms and his stories help define his legacy. In addition to his time in the classroom, Mr. Booth could often be found on the fields and in the gyms after school coaching. More recently, he transitioned from coaching to refereeing the matches for our students. His desire to have a positive impact on kids will be missed. But as he enjoys Classroom Teacher his new adventures in retirement, I am sure this influence will just move towards more time Teeland Middle School with his grandchildren. You will be missed Bill! 25 Years of Service Lisa Brayton Congratulations to Lisa Brayton for a wonderful teaching career. Lisa is a home grown educator graduating from Wasilla High School and the University of . Lisa has also been nominated for the BP Teacher of Excellence award numerous times. She found a love for Cottonwood and has taught long enough that the students in her class are the children and grandchildren of her friends and previous students. She is looking forward to her next BIG adventure to travel to new places around the world. As a life- long learner she Classroom Teacher is eager to learn from the experiences, interests, knowledge, and expertise of others Cottonwood Creek of all ages. In her own words Lisa would like Elementary to express, “Thank you to all the wonderful students, families, and teaching friends; I am 27 Years of Service very lucky to have had a Most Wonderful Teaching Career at MSBSD!” John “JD” Cole

Mr. Cole has been involved in education for 28 years, in both Texas and Alaska. He has spent more than 15 years as part of PJMS, educating students in Art, Computer Science, Industrial Tech, Yearbook and Photography. His contribution to the community includes 22 years of coaching , and . His retirement plans include finishing his cabin and spending more time working on his art.

Classroom Teacher Palmer Jr. Middle School 21 Years of Service Mary Cuzzocreo

Mary is known by her close friends and colleagues as someone who is patient and kind. Mary has touched the lives of numerous students and staff members with her kindness and compassion. Mary has been a total blessing to everyone at CMS. She will be dearly missed by all of us. We wish her the very best as she moves on and spends more time with her beautiful family. Special Education Assistant Colony Middle School

28 Years of Service Roxann Dayton

Roxann Dayton started with the District August 1990. She has been at Houston High School since it opened in 2003. Ms. Dayton is an advocate for all students and brought out the inner artists in the students she taught. In addition, Ms. Dayton provided support to seniors in accessing post graduate opportunities. Thanks for your service Ms. Dayton, Go Hawks!

Classroom Teacher Houston Jr./Sr. High 30 Years of Service Robert Debach

Rob Debach has spent his entire teaching career at Sutton Elementary School. Over the last twenty years he has taught specials and grades one through five with most of his time in a combined second and third grade classroom. Mr. Debach has been an active member of our school community, coaching basketball organizing family engagement nights and playing live music in concerts. His fun personality and strong connections with families will be missed. Classroom Teacher

Sutton Elementary

20 Years of Service Janey Estes

Janey started with the Mat-su School District in 1985. She has spent her entire career serving the students out at Houston Middle and Houston High school. Janey is a legend. She is dedicated to our department and making sure students are taken care of. She has a work ethic that is top notch and she serves the students with pride and confidence. Janey Estes, you will be missed but you have earned this retirement 10 times over. So enjoy the things you have mentioned like your grandchildren, camping, and fishing. Spend more time with your family and take in all that Server Cashier retirement has to offer. Houston Jr./Sr. High 35 Years of Service Bonnie Fischer

Bonnie was hired by the Matsu School District in August 2007 to teach Math at the brand-new Career & Technical High School. She brought with her 12 years of teaching experience. In 2010/2011 she became a State Advisor for HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) where she had the privilege of taking a group of students from CTHS to the National Convention for HOSA in Anaheim, Ca in June 2011. In 2013 she took on her first Apex class as the virtual teacher for Geometry Teacher on Special and by 2015 was working as a virtual math teacher. Assignment She has been working ever since as a virtual instructor with the ITECH Dept, teaching students ITECH virtually from Palmer to Willow. Bonnie says, “It 13 Years of Service has been my pleasure and privilege to have been a small part of educating students in this Valley.” Nathan Ford

Mr. Ford represents what is right in education. His Outdoor Recreation classes have given a generation of students adventure stories to tell for a lifetime, and confidence to continue being active in Alaska no matter what the weather. Mr. Ford is able to help students do more and be more than they thought they could. Through the years Mr. Ford was not only a highly successful teacher, but also a winning football and track and field coach. He has lived a life of integrity and served as a role model for students and staff. We wish him miles of smiles on his new retirement Classroom Teacher motorcycle, and know we will see him around, because “Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior”. Wasilla High School 29 Years of Service Diana Garner Diana was an integral part of the Purchasing Department for more than 12 years before her retirement last October. Her knowledge, helpful attitude, and kindness have been truly missed in the office since then. Shortly before her retirement, she and her husband Mike purchased a house in Arizona. They plan to split their time between Alaska and Arizona, enjoying the best of both worlds. We wish Diana well in her retirement.

Purchasing Technician

Purchasing Dept

11 Years of Service Lorie Hall

Lorie was an indispensable component to our leadership team. She is honest, dependable, and always carries a professional demeanor. Along with her undeniable talent, Lorie has always been an absolute pleasure to work with. She is a true team player and always fosters positive discussions. As a supervisor, she has a unique ability to discover and utilize the strengths of her employees to bring out their best efforts, and minimize their weaknesses. Lorie relocated to the Big Island of Hawaii, where she immediately became part of the personnel management team at Home Depot. Without a doubt, she will be missed. Supervisor Custodial Services 29 Years of Service Kirk Hartley & Toni Hartley The Facilities Department would like to congratulate Kirk & Toni Hartley on their retirement. This dynamic duo has served the District for a combined 58 years! Kirk and Toni both excelled in their professions and have left a positive impression on everyone they have touched over the years. They will be sorely missed but their retirement is well-deserved. We wish them many happy days with their children and grandchildren.

Finish Carpenter Admin Secretary Facilities Department 34 & 18 Years of Service Esther Heck

Esther Heck has been an English teacher in the MSBSD for the past 23 years. She has been nominated 5 times for the BP Teacher of Excellence, has been a member of the district Curriculum Counsel, and has sponsored numerous activities and clubs. Her students have excelled in literary and writing competitions including 10 consecutive years of First Place Student Winner in VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Competition. In addition to this distinguished performance as an English teacher, Ms. Heck’s driven to connect with her students and help them find joy in life. She values all of her students unconditionally and her students felt her warmth Classroom Teacher and caring at all times. Thank you, Ms. Heck, for serving our students for the past 23 years. Valley Pathways School We will miss you. 23 Years of Service Mary Heideman

Mary has been a part of the Colony High staff since July 2009. She has in all her time there faithfully and diligently been taking care of the school, staff and most importantly her kids. Mary is a beloved and trusted member of the Colony High family so much so that the Class of 2017 asked her to give their commencement speech. Mary’s presence will be missed, we wish her a happy, healthy long retirement.

Custodian Colony High School 12 Years of Service Michelle Holler

Michelle Holler has dedicated her life to teaching math to the students in MSBSD. When asked about some of her favorite teaching memories she responded that she always enjoyed seeing and hearing from former students who progressed into adulthood, and who were doing great things! One good memory among many: The realization that I was starting to have students that were the children of my former students-how time flies! Michelle, thank you for your hard work making sure valley residents know how to work with numbers.

Classroom Teacher Teeland Middle School 27 Years of Service Sally Johnson

Sally started as a lunch lady at Goose Bay Elementary and has held several positions over the last 26 years. She was the smiling face that greeted students and parents each morning. Her sense of humor and kind heart was a ray of sunshine to those she worked with. She was devoted to the Snowshoe community and in return they were devoted to her. Sally loves her Snowshoe family. “Especially my last principal Jason and the crazy man Moore.”

Secretary Snowshoe Elementary 26 Years of Service Alan Johnson

Alan Johnson started with District in August 2001. He was at Houston High School from 2003- 2007 and then went to Career and Technical High School. Mr. Johnson returned to Houston High School in August 2017 and finished out his career. During his time at Houston High, Mr. Johnson provided many students with basic to advanced woodworking skills that became part of lifelong learning from many of them. Thanks for your service Mr. Johnson, Go Hawks!

Vocational Ed. Teacher Houston Jr./Sr. High 19 Years of Service Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson dedicated the last 12 years of his career to the students and staff in the Mat- Su Borough School District as Nutrition Services Supervisor. Under his leadership, “Alaskan Grown” items were added to school menus, dramatic increases in meal participation occurred District-wide, and substantial financial steps were taken towards Nutrition Services operating from a self- supporting fund. Chris’s big heart, positive attitude, work ethic, and fun ties will be sorely missed. We wish him all the best in retirement! Supervisor Nutrition Services 12 Years of Service Paul Johnston

Paul Johnston made positive contributions every day at Mat-Su Borough School District with his exceptional work ethic, sense of humor and patience. Paul’s ability to connect with people resulted in the development of hundreds of worksites with businesses across the Valley for students to build valuable work experience. Paul’s pioneering foresight made him a part of the groundbreaking teams that changed transition programs in the Valley as an inaugural member of both Next Step and Project SEARCH. Paul began his career as school monitor at Swanson, it’s only Special Education appropriate he will enjoy his retirement with Assistant the same person who hired him back in 1997, his wife, Mary Kate Johnston. Mat-Su Day School 23 Years of Service Roseann Kowalczk Roseann Kowalczk, retired from Finger Lake Elementary on January 31, 2020. Her institutional knowledge of our school, families, and processes is extraordinary. Her determination, work ethic, smile, positive attitude, flexibility, and versatility have supported our school and community for years. Ms. Roseann is a thoughtful co-worker who takes a genuine interest in others. She knows our students and families by sight and name and is always ready with the answers. She makes a concerted effort to get to know students and their needs. We have all been blessed to know Ms. Roseann and wish her family all the happiness in the world during this new Secretary chapter of life. Finger Lake Elementary

25 Years of Service Anthony Kristich

Tony Kristich is a math and technology teacher. He stated, “I began my teaching career at Houston Jr./Sr. High, worked for 10 years at Palmer High, and have been working at Career Tech since it opened. While I have been fortunate to work with many great colleagues, it’s the connections I have made with students that have my made my work so rewarding.”

Vocational Ed. Teacher Career & Technical High School 29 Years of Service Debora Levra Deb Levra has worked for the Mat-Su District as a Paraprofessional in a variety of Special Education Classrooms. Ms. Levra has been the designated “data queen” in our room. She organizes the weekly homework, direct instruction work, and data sheets into individual files. She is the first person to offer to help anyone in need. She loves each one of the students that come into our classroom. We will miss having Ms. Levra in our class next year and will especially miss hearing all of her entertaining stories, but we are excited for her to have some new adventures.

Special Ed. Assistant Tanaina Elementary 24 Years of Service Rebecca Martin Rebecca Martin has been in education for 35 years. Twenty of those years have been with the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District. She has served as teacher, assistant principal, English Learner Coordinator and a Program Administrator for Federal Programs. Becca is driven by her faith and service to her community. Service leadership and graceful humor are her hallmark characteristics. Our community is a better place for the service she has rendered.

Program Administrator

Federal Programs

20 Years of Service Dale Mattson Longtime Colony High math teacher and lifelong Alaskan Dale Mattson is set to retire from a long and successful career teaching math. Mr. Mattson has always been extremely popular with students in all of his math classes from Geometry to AP Calculus. Mr. Mattson was one of the first math teachers at CHS and has coached hockey and . His retirement marks one of the last teachers from the early days when Colony High first opened. We wish Mr. Mattson a wonderful retirement!

Classroom Teacher

Colony High School 27 Years of Service Kathryn McCollum Congratulations to Kathy McCollum for a very successful teaching career. Thirty of her thirty- two years of teaching were at Cottonwood Creek Elementary. Mrs. McCollum was a BP Teacher of the Year finalist and nominated regularly over the years. Kathy absolutely loves the profession and is regarded as a teacher leader at Cottonwood and around the district. She has mentored thirteen Student Teachers, had many practicum students and is a “go to” teacher to observe and learn from. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the students’ growth through the school year and making connections with kids and Classroom Teacher families. She will be missed tremendously by the Cottonwood Creek community. Although Kathy Cottonwood Creek will miss her students, she is looking forward to Elementary traveling during the cold winter months and more 31 Years of Service scuba diving in retirement. We wish her the best! Alan Morgan We would like to recognize Alan Morgan for his dedication and service to the Mat-Su Borough School District. Alan started with the school district in August of 1989 as a night custodian at Snowshoe Elementary. He eventually moved out of that position and became a warehouse driver for the school district. The opportunity opened in Operations and Maintenance and he moved into O&M holding various positions within that department. In 2013, Alan applied for and was promoted to a Maintenance Supervisor Foreman. We want to wish Alan, his wife, children, and grandchildren the very best and truly thank him for his years of service to the Mat-Su School District. HVAC Mechanic You will be greatly missed! Facilities 31 Years of Service Marilyn Mothershead

Iditarod Elementary wants to wish Marilyn all the best during her retirement. Marilyn has one of the biggest hearts at Iditarod. She always goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our kids as well as staff. During the on campus closure, Marilyn was one of our most reliable people helping us to keep things going. Her kid centered skills and compassion for kids will be missed. Have fun Marilyn!

Special Education Assistant Iditarod Elementary 19 Years of Service Susan Nelson

In 1995 Susan started working at Mat-Su Central. She worked on the front line for families from the get-go. Susan has tirelessly and selflessly served the faculty and families of Mat- Su Central as the administrative assistant. Susan helped create an atmosphere that we have cherished and will whole-heartedly miss as she rounds out her twenty five year career of making a difference in the lives of all of us who know and love working with Her. In many ways, she has been the consistent voice and face of Mat-Su Central; in no way will we be the same without her; she will be missed beyond belief. Secretary Susan plans to enjoy her well-earned retirement by further developing her artistic talents and Mat-Su Central School skills. She looks forward to continued time spent with her grandkids. 16 Years of Service Mark Okeson For thirty years Mark Okeson has been leading and shaping schools in the Mat-Su Valley. A year at Houston High, 10 years at Colony High, 10 years at Wasilla High, and 9 years at Career Tech. In addition, Mr. Okeson has been a leader among the principals, and served his colleagues as president of MSPA. He is known to write the best newsletters, and to recommend the best books. Mark believes in teachers and high expectations. Under his leadership, CTHS was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, the highest accolade for any school. Mark Okeson said, “I Sr. High Principal have had an exciting, rewarding career that I will always remember fondly.” Career & Technical High School 30 Years of Service Heather Pelletier Heather Pelletier started her teaching career in 2000, with the MSBSD’s first online learning program. Heather later spent some amazing years at Palmer Junior Middle School, teaching computer science, math, science and social studies. She ran the Robotics and Science Olympiad programs while teaching there. Heather was asked to assist with the creation of Mat-Su iTech. Spending the last 8 years as the district coordinator of this project was a fascinating learning experience. Seeing the changes in the program has been personally and professionally satisfying. Now she will be working on her mini-farm, chasing turkeys, riding horses, Teacher on Special and playing fetch with the dogs. Travel to warm climates may be in her future plans, dare I say a Assignment future snowbird? Palmer, however, will always be Palmer High home in her heart. 20 Years of Service Mary Putnam Mary Putnam, after 31 years in education, is retiring. This is hard to believe! Mary is the district’s foremost expert in deaf education and has guided staff members in every school to provide a quality education for deaf and hard of hearing students. For many years, Mary has personally connected with each deaf student in our district, and their families. In addition, Mary’s deep knowledge about special education, transition planning for young adults, and unwavering commitment to students’ success contribute to her being the best team member anyone could hope to work with. Student Support Services will miss Mary, and we wish her much enjoyment in Resource Specialist her next pursuits. Student Support Services 29 Years of Service Mary Quickstad

Mary Quickstad began her career with the district working as a night custodian. Staff and teachers soon realized that she had amazing insight and passion for working with students who had special needs. Once Mary took on being a paraprofessional, she worked tirelessly for the kids she supported. She built solid relationships with the students and their families. Mary’s infectious sense of humor, down to earth attitude and her willingness to do whatever it takes for her teachers and students will be greatly missedMary is the reason that Larson Special Education Elementary has a Friday Song tradition and when we sing it, we do it loud and proud the Assistant way Ms. Mary did every single Friday she was Larson Elementary at school. 15 Years of Service Robert Reid

Mr. Reid has been a fixture at Houston High School for many years. Though he spent those years in various positions, he always supported students and conveyed the message of life-long learning and the value of a quality education. He will be missed in the hallways of Houston Jr./Sr. High. Thanks for your service Mr. Reid, Go Hawks!

Special Education Assistant Houston Jr./Sr. High 17 Years of Service Kristin Reisland

Kris is known by her close friends and colleagues as a mentor and friend, one who always sees the good in others. She is gracious, level-headed, focused, and generous. She is always smiling and sharing kind words with students and teachers. She has been an excellent teacher and role model for many years at CMS. Kris inspires everyone around her to reach their potential! She is everything you want in a teacher. It has been a tremendous honor to work with her for so many years at CMS. She will be Special Education greatly missed. We wish her the very best as Teacher she moves on to this next adventurous phase in life. Colony Middle School . 7 Years of Service Sherry Schulz

Sherry started as a monitor at Goose Bay Elementary and has held several positions throughout the district in her career. Sherry’s kind, gentle, yet firm approach to students let them know that she cared about their success. She was dedicated to her work as a special education assistant. She continued to learn throughout her career in ways that benefited the students she worked with. Sherry feels very blessed to have had a job doing what she loves, and Snowshoe feels blessed to have her as a part of their team. Special Education Assistant Snowshoe Elementary 17 Years of Service Jamie Smith Retiring from our school’s Fitness Department, long time Valley resident and coach Jamie Smith said that "Being a part of the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District for 30 years and having worked at Wasilla High School, Big Lake Elementary, Houston High School, and Career Tech, I have been blessed to work with great educators. I will miss the connections that were developed with students and players throughout my career."

Vocational Ed. Teacher Career & Technical High 30 Years of Service Amy Spargo Amy Spargo was born to lead. She served our district for 14 years as a principal and four years as the leader of Instruction. Education is not her career; it is her calling. Amy led from a place of knowledge, compassion, and curiosity. She knew how to grow people and they are forever loyal to her. One of her most profound accomplishments was to create a culture of graduation at Wasilla High School. When she took over as the leader of Wasilla High School in 2011, the graduation rate Assistant was 73%. By 2016 it was up to 93%. Wasilla Superintendent High School became one of the district’s most successful schools; she set the mark for other high schools and soon graduation rates all across Office of Instruction the district began to increase. Despite the fact that she will be moving on to the next chapter in 26 Years of Service her life, the practices she put in place will continue to benefit our students and staff. Connie Stahle

After 40 years as a Registered Nurse, Connie Stahle said, “The last 13 years that I have spent as a school nurse have been some of my most rewarding. Working alongside of students and families and assisting them with their physical, social/interpersonal and emotional needs to help keep them in school and at their highest potential for learning has benefited me probably more than them!”

Registered Nurse Career & Technical High 13 Years of Service Heather Sweetser

Heather Sweetser has been teaching for 30 years, all of which have been at Pioneer Peak Elementary in MSBSD. Mrs. Sweetser started out teaching special education and then moved into second grade, before looping and eventually landing in third grade. Mrs. Sweetser has been a cornerstone at Pioneer Peak; not only because she has worked in a coveted corner classroom with the most storage, but because her longevity in the building has helped to preserve and promote the legacy of success at Pioneer Peak. Classroom Teacher Pioneer Peak Elementary 30 Years of Service Marge Theis-Johnson

Marge Johnson (known to some as Sarge) has worked for the MSBSD for over 20 years in various roles, but for the past 14 years she has been the Administrative Secretary at Larson Elementary. Marge is most known for her down to earth, in your face, banter. What people may not know is how much time she dedicates behind the scenes to ensure that she is taking good care of her people. Her compassion, generosity and dedication are well known across the Valley from her work at school to her 30 years of coaching volleyball. Marge is retiring and moving back to her first home in Minnesota to be with her family and friends. She is looking forward to floating around in the pool with a Admin Secretary refreshing beverage, taking her Hot Rod on road trips and hanging out with her 91 year old mom. Larson Elementary To say that Marge will be missed is an understatement. 21 Years of Service Eric Troisi

Eric Troisi has been serving the students of the Matanuska Valley for his entire thirty-year teaching career. Throughout this time, he has taught at Snowshoe Elementary, Cottonwood Elementary, and Teeland middle school. In addition to his time in the classroom, Eric has also had a huge impact coaching our youth. When asked about his favorite memory throughout his career, Eric stated that it was having all three of my own kids in my classroom. Mr. “T” as he is often called has been a wonderful role model to his students and mentor to his peers. Eric, you are an excellent Classroom Teacher educator and you will be truly missed. Teeland Middle School 30 Years of Service Tereasa Troll

Tereasa Troll has been with MSBSD for 20 years. She has taught special education in a variety of settings. She has worked with students in grades K-12. She worked specifically with ABA students and training other teachers in ABA. Her last several years were spent at Snowshoe Elementary as a general education teacher. She enjoyed working with students that struggled and worked at creating success for them. Classroom Teacher

Snowshoe Elementary

20 Years of Service Julane Troseth Julane was a wonderful addition to the staff at Facilities. Severing as the Facility Use Coordinator, her schedule was very hectic and she did an excellent job in managing all of the activities. She was always on time and would jump at the opportunity to help out and contribute to the team in any way possible. As one of the longest serving supervisors at facilities, she was looked up to and was sought after for her expertise. In her 27 years of service, her dedication to the District was seen every day at work and she will be a sorely missed member of our team. We at Facilities Facility Use Coordinator wish her the best of luck and hope she can enjoy her well-deserved retirement with her Facilities Department family. As always, please stop in to see us whenever possible and if you bring any of your 27 Years of Service wonderful home cooking, we will gladly eat it! Kathy Trump

Kathy Trump taught English, history, and drama for twenty-seven years at Susitna Valley Jr./Sr. High School. She plans to travel, play the ukulele, and write bad poetry, because what the world needs is another bad poet. She was a vital part of Su-Valley culture for decades and was also an amazing class advisor, making some memorable proms and graduations happen. She is known for creative projects that helped make history come alive. We thank her for her tireless efforts for students and families, and she will be Classroom Teacher missed by all. Su-Valley Jr./Sr. High

27 Years of Service Julie VantLand Julie VantLand is retiring after serving as an SLP for 35 years, the last 6 in the MSBSD. Prior to moving to Alaska in 2014, she worked as an SLP in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Julie says she will miss working with her students, and especially miss seeing the light bulb going on for a child indicating that he or she really “gets it”. She will also miss her beautiful room at Willow Elementary, and all the friends she has made throughout the district, including the families she has gotten to know. In retirement, Julie says she is looking forward to walking her dog, exploring Alaska, and being able to see her Speech Pathologist parents and sisters. Willow Elementary 6 Years of Service Lisa Vrvilo Lisa Vrvilo has been a lifelong educator. She has had many accomplishments during her principalship. Lisa was recognized in Washington D.C. as the Alaska National Distinguished Principal by NAESP in 2017. Even so, Lisa is most proud of the positive climate and learning culture that has been cultivated at Cottonwood. She loves the students, reputation of excellence and the family involvement. She considers it an honor to have worked with this amazing staff and knows Cottonwood will continue to grow and flourish due to the dedication and passion each person brings to the school every Elementary Principal day. She will greatly miss the students and staff of Cottonwood Creek Elementary. Lisa is Cottonwood Creek looking forward to traveling and exploring the Elementary world with her husband in retirement. 25 Years of Service Linda Wallace Linda Wallace began her educational career in 2006 as a paraprofessional with Mat-Su at Wasilla High School. During her tenure she also worked at Colony, Mat-Su Day School, and Mat-Su Secondary. She has a reputation as a caring, hardworking, and generous person who has high expectations for all students. Linda is especially skilled at building positive relationships with our most challenging students that have significant behavior, emotional and academic needs. We wish her well in the next chapter of her life. Tutor / Advisor

Mat-Su Secondary School

15 Years of Service Linda Ward Linda Ward will be greatly missed at American Charter Academy! Linda came from Dallas, Texas where she had taught for 2 years. Her accent and big blond hair gave you fair warning you were dealing with a dynamo oozing grace and sincerity. Every portion of our school has been made better because Linda had a part in its development and success. She never hesitated when we had to roll up our sleeves and solve a challenge - and there were many. Her goal was for students who left AMC to be totally prepared academically for the next step in their Classroom Teacher education and or life. She was successful American Charter for students and for staff. Academy . 18 Years of Service Kathie Wassmann Kathie Wassmann is a consummate professional. She worked as an SLP, but she brought with her a wide range of experience in the field of Special Education. The most wonderful thing about Mrs. Wassmann is her willingness to share that expertise and mentor other SLPs, Special Education Teachers and Staff. Her professional and kind rapport with families always made them feel like an important and valued part of the team. The students always loved working with Miss Kathie. She was a vital part of our preschool team, leading activities like making magic pizza and Speech Pathologist fresh fruit smoothies, and attending our gingerbread men hunt. She always worked with both students and Student Support parents to help student learning continue at home. We Services are truly going to miss her! 1 Year of Service Anita Wells Anita Wells has been teaching for 25 years, twenty of them in public education and five years spent in a private preschool. She has been with MSBSD for 14 years and has taught kindergarten, second, and third grade. Mrs. Wells has spent her past five years at Pioneer Peak Elementary and had several years before that at Shaw Elementary. Mrs. Wells will be remembered for her dedication to families and willingness to always go above and beyond to support the students of her classroom. Classroom Teacher Pioneer Peak Elementary 14 Years of Service Laura Wick

Laura Wick is a teacher who has changed our community. She is a lifelong learner who has inspired students and colleagues to be the best they can be for the past 31 years. She started her teaching career at Snowshoe Elementary, moved to Cottonwood Elementary, and finished her career at Machetanz. Her passion and leadership for science education were key in the establishment of Machetanz Elementary as a STEM school. Her selfless dedication to doing whatever it takes for every student is evident in the love the community has for her. There is little doubt her impact will felt long into the STEM Teacher future. Laura will be greatly missed and we wish her the best in retirement. Machetanz Elementary

30 Years of Service LuAnn Yanusz

In February 2001, LuAnn Yanusz was hired a school monitor at Finger Lake Elementary School. She soon became a special education teaching assistant and for the last 9 years has been an itinerant assistant for the OT/PT staff. Her superpower is knowing where every therapist and every piece of equipment is on any given day at any given time, so she can make good things happen for students. LuAnn’s colleagues speak highly of her for being a problem solver, dependable, hard-working, Special Education helpful, organized, supportive, resourceful, Assistant creative, amazing and invaluable! As she goes forward to new adventures, our best Student Support wishes, affection, and deep gratitude go Services with her. 20 Years of Service Steve Young

Steve is known by his close friends and colleagues for being kind, transparent, flexible, and having a passion for teaching students. He has taught at Colony Middle School for 18 of his 26 years in the profession. He feels like he’s learned more than his students from his years in the classroom…about life and being a good human. One of his colleagues says, “You make a lasting impact on students and staff. Students leave your class with a passion for reading and writing that sustains them throughout life. You Classroom Teacher will be missed!” We have a feeling sailing will be a part of his next adventure. Colony Middle School 23 Years of Service James Zimmer

James began his career as an elementary school teacher in the Lower-Yukon School district. He has served as the counselor at Palmer High for the past 18 years. Throughout his career, James has been a champion for children. As a counselor at Palmer High, he built trust and report with students and has guided thousands of students through difficult times and brighter futures. Mr. Zimmer was a catalyst in developing school spirit at Palmer High, establishing the spirit Letter Club and the spirited Palmer Moose Mob. He did his job Counselor with love and compassion, and he will be missed—good luck and congratulations. Your Palmer High School Palmer High family loves you. 18 Years of Service Congratulations to all 2019-2020 Retirees!

Donna Adams Esther Heck Kristin Reisland Susan Albina Mary Heideman Sherry Schulz Susan Allen Michelle Holler Jamie Smith Janis Bishop Sally Johnson Amy Spargo Angela Blake Alan Johnson Connie Stahle Kim Blake-Wilcox Chris Johnson Heather Sweetser Barbara Bodnar Paul Johnston Marge Theis-Johnson Michelle Booth Roseann Kowalczk Eric Troisi William Booth Tony Kristich Tereasa Troll Lisa Brayton Debora Levra Julane Troseth John Cole Rebecca Martin Kathleen Trump Mary Cuzzocreo Dale Mattson Julie VantLand Roxann Dayton Kathy McCollum Lisa Vrvilo Robert Debach Alan Morgan Linda Wallace Janey Estes Marilyn Mothershead Linda Ward Bonnie Fischer Susan Nelson Katherine Wassmann Nathan Ford Mark Okeson Anita Wells Diana Garner Heather Pelletier Laura Wick Lorie Hall MaryPutnam Luann Yanusz Kirk Hartley Mary Quickstad Steve Young Toni Hartley Robert Reid James Zimmer Thomas Bergey Jim Hart Sarah Welton President Vice-President Clerk

Ole Larson Jeff Taylor Member Member Thank you and congratulations to all retirees from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Ryan Ponder Kelsey Trimmer Member Board Member Congratulations on your Retirement!

Bettye Gibson Elizabeth (Ms. Bettye) Gibson Born May 12, 1960, passed away November 8, 2019 Ms. Bettye started in the MSBSD in 2001, she serve in several different capacities at PJMS, WMS, Tanaina and Teeland prior to becoming a full time Secretary1 in 2006 at Tanaina. As the secretary, Ms. Bettye became the heart and soul of Tanaina. She was the first person staff, students/families and visitors saw every day and she left her mark on many hearts. Ms. Bettye was always quick with a smile, kind word, hug, or cup of “magic water” for anyone that needed it. She always said that Tanaina was her home away from home and we were her family. She will be greatly missed. Secretary Tanaina Elementary 18 Years of Service Sharon Russell After 53 years of teaching, Mrs. Russell truly touched generations. Over the years, former students have been quoted as saying “Mrs. Russell inspired me. She might have been strict, but I now see that she was teaching me life lessons and work ethic. I am very thankful for the lessons Mrs. Russell has taught me.” Sharon Russell coordinated all elementary field trips to the Alaska State Fair as well as coordinated districtwide Speech festivals, Young Writer’s Conference, and served on multiple curriculum committees. For over 20 years, Mrs. Russell coordinated the overnight field trips to Seward. Often, Sharon would not sleep on these trips to ensure that everyone was safe and Classroom Teacher following expectations. The matriarch of bus duty, Mrs. Russell would be seen at bus duty, no matter Sherrod Elementary the weather, making sure all students were safely 53 Years of Service on their busses. Mrs. Russell passed away at the age of 77. Carrie Toro Carrie Toro passed away on August 22, 2019 after battling cancer. She worked at Palmer Jr. Middle School as the administrative secretary for three years, the registrar for one year and before that worked at Swanson Elementary School. She was married to Matt Toro and has three amazing children: Andrew, Rosemary, and Caleb. She loved to spend time with her family camping, going to the beach and going out for coffee. She was a positive influence on all the lives that she touched and is missed by all that had the honor to know her.

Admin Secretary Palmer Jr. Middle School 10 Years of Service