KIBSD Impact Makers
2023-2024
Estela Neri
The May Certificated BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER Estela Neri, 4th Grade Teacher, North Star Elementary. Estela was nominated for the following: Ms. Neri has been an incredible addition to our school. She has the students rocking in her class to learn their multiplication. She laughs with them, she hears them, she listens to them. All her students love her. Thank you Ms. Neri for joining our North Star family.
Roy Thomas
The May Certificated BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Roy Thomas, 2nd Grade Teacher, East Elementary. Roy was nominated for the following: Undoubtedly and readily, Mr. Thomas is prepared to give up some of his valuable time in order to assist his new coworkers. Not only is he a guy who works well with others, but he is also highly courteous. I am grateful to you, Mr. Thomas, for your kindness.
Jem and Christine Vidal
The May Certificated BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER are Jem & Christine Vidal, Special Education Teachers, East Elementary: The Vidals were nominated for the following: They both are beacons of light that display a constructive and well-balanced work place. And the kiddos vibe very well with this. Side note: I can easily say ALL of East Elementary for that matter harbors a level of significant dedication & sincere heart-felt concern to how they teach and nurture the kiddos we support.
Alesha Fish
The May Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Alesha Fish, Aide IV, East Elementary. Alesha was nominated for the following: She always keeps a cool, calm and collective-ness about herself. Very much just streamline cool…with how she works with our kiddos. Very notable!
Daisy Briones
The May Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Daisy Briones, Library Media Specialist, Kodiak Middle School. Daisy was nominated for the following: She is one of the best librarian of the school and the city. She is a good support for the students and staff of KIBSD.
Amber Schmidt
The May Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Amber Schmidt, Secretary, Rural Schools. Amber was nominated for the following: Amber is committed to the students in Rural Schools. She has knowledge of the intricacies within the program. Her calm demeanor and sense of confidence overflows to those who work with her. Though she is working in the background for our students the fruits of her labor are ever present in the Rural Schools’ classrooms.
Shawn Holden
The May Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Shawn Holden, Accountant, Kodiak High School. Shawn was nominated for the following: She always have time to response with my questions or needs pertaining to school related materials for the benefits of the students even though with her busy schedule.
Katy Ostrovskaia
The April Certificated BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Katy Ostrovskaia, 2nd grade teacher, North Star Elementary. Katy was nominated for the following: Katy has excellent classroom management through being consistent. Her students know the expectations for learning and also know the their classroom is a safe space.
Natalie Trenery
The April Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Natalie Trenery, Secretary III, North Star. Natalie was nominated for the following: Natalie goes above and beyond to help all staff, students, and families of North Star. She does all of this with a smile.
Emily Milligan
The March Certificated BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Emily Milligan, 4th grade teacher, Peterson Elementary. Emily was nominated for the following: Mrs. Milligan is an excellent teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. My son has greatly enjoyed having her as his teacher this year and he looks forward to the fun she brings to the classroom. She keeps student’s engaged and makes learning fun!
Renee Morales
The March Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Renee Morales, ELAP Aide, Kodiak High School. Renee was nominated twice for the following: I would like to nominate Renee for the Impact Maker Award because gives 150% when working with her students. She helps advocate for their health needs by introducing her students to the KHS nurses, aiding in building a trusting relationship between the nurse and the student. She won’t bat an eye when I ask her to translate for a student in my office. I have seen the trusting, safe relationships she has developed with some of her students. She is not shy about asking for help in tough situations; she collaborates with other team members to make sure her student in need gets all of the available resources available (in school and out of school). Her students are lucky to have her in their lives, advocating for them. She always goes above and beyond to get done what needs to get done. She is always looking out for the students best interest.
Alexis Jackson
The February Certificated BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Alexis Jackson, Secondary Instructional Coach. Alex was nominated twice for the following: Alexis is a rock and a rockstar and every other positive iteration of “rock” you can imagine. She consistently goes out of her way to check in with the teachers she helps coach and mentor. She is dependable, meticulous, and unstoppable. There are not enough positive words in the English language to describe the impact she has on the middle school every day. Alexis is invaluable to our school and staff members. As a first year teacher, she has helped me immensely. From check in’s, to coaching, to helping acquire materials. She is the go to person to vent, to offer suggestions, or help someone build confidence. I am extremely grateful Alexis is part of our KMS team!
Bonnie Stobinski
The February Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Bonnie Stobinski, Aide IV at Kodiak Middle School. Bonnie was nominated for the following: Bonnie is a seasoned professional, I’ve never seen her rattled. She is a tremendous resource in the life skills classroom from rom teaching lessons to thinking quickly on her feet. We don’t know what we would do without her.
Kim Wynn
The January Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Kim Wynn, Project Specialist at Kodiak Middle School. Kim was nominated twice for the following: Kim is a huge part of what makes KMS a great place to be. She is excellent at procuring any task put in front of her. The quality of care and kindness she shows our students shows in their smiles everyday. She is always there with a snack and a good joke. We appreciate all you are Kim! I can’t say enough good things about Kim. She is the Jill of all trades. She is extremely efficient and can always be counted on to get the job done well. She is a kind and caring support for kids when they need it the most. Plus, she’s fun and sassy in the best way. She brings her A game to KMS and I appreciate her so much.
Ash Davis
The January Certificated BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Ash Davis, Special Education Teacher at Main Elementary. Ash was nominated twice for the following: Ash has a way of making learning fun. Her positive approach in all her lessons makes a big difference to students. She has all the cool stuffs that she’s willing to share to everyone. They work very hard at their job, despite having a very intense case load. They care for all of their students and are an amazing person to be around!
Griffin Chastain
The December Classified BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Griffin Chastain, Computer Technician, Technology Department. Griffin was nominated for the following: Griffin, thank you for your positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Brianna Cooper
The December Certificated BETTER TOGETHER IMPACT MAKER is Brianna Cooper, Occupational Therapist. Brianna was nominated for the following: Her perpetual smile brightens our days and fosters a culture of positivity and support.
Crystal Thomas
Certificated IMPACT MAKER for the month of November is Crystal Thomas, teacher at Kodiak High School. Crystal was nominated for the following: Crystal has not only years of experience but an authenticity and empathy that goes a long way with students and families. She is able to connect with them in a way that is unique. She makes an impact every day and we are so grateful to have her level of expertise here in KIBSD.
Marck Abellera
Classified IMPACT MAKER for the month of November is Marck Abellera, Accountant in the Business Department. Marck was nominated for the following: Marck is a team player! He always has a smile on his face and is willing to help. I appreciated his positivity and attention to detail!
Joey Mendoza
Classified IMAPCT MAKER for the month of October is Joey Mendoza, dayman at Peterson Elementary. Joey was nominated for the following: Joey is always willing to jump into the middle to help keep our school going. There is nothing Joey can’t do. I’m consistently impressed with his ability and willingness to just do what needs to be done. It’s a pleasure to serve on a team with Joey. Mr. Joey works so hard for Peterson! We are so lucky to have him and can always count on him to help. You will find him running custodial supplies all over Peterson and taking over the cafeteria when our cook is out. Thank you Joey for always being ready for whatever we need!
Val Lukin
Certificated IMPACT MAKER for the month of October is Val Lukin, teacher at Main Elementary. Val was nominated for the following: Val has a contagious personality. Being around her brings joy and enthusiasm.
Lindsey Glenn
IMPACT MAKER for the month of September is Lindsey Glenn, Teacher at KHS. Lindsey was nominated for the following: Lindsey does so much for students, teachers, KHS, and the community. Her volunteer spirit and positive energy are impressive. She is a teacher leader on her staff, and even with 20 years of teaching experience, she is constantly striving to grow as a professional, trying new strategies to meet her students’ needs, willing to get creative and modeling how to be a lifelong learner. She makes an impact in so many ways!
Selma McKee
IMPACT MAKER for the month of September is Selma McKee, cafeteria specialist at North Star. Selma was nominated twice for the following: She makes commons a fun enjoyable place, kids and staff are happy to visit and talk to her. The kitchen didn’t used to interact with kids this much and its amazing to watch!! Building student relationships is Awesome! Selma has built relationships with our students that is so fun to watch they, say thank you, good morning, good bye. It’s amazing to watch.
Katrina Stewart
IMPACT MAKER for the month of May is Katrina Stewart, Director of Instruction. Katrina was nominated twice for the following: Detail oriented! Creates super systems to ensure all our summer programs are prepared and ready for students!
Beng Roy
IMPACT MAKER for the month of May. Gertrude “Beng” Roy, Aide III at Main Elementary. Ms. Beng was nominated for the following: Ms. Beng has been with our school district for three decades. She knows most of the Filipino families that come to the school, so she can communicate with them all in the five dialects of Filipino that she may need to use. She is always working hard for students and staff to do what is best for the students. She has been a huge guide for the school community garden and helping the students to be a part of the gardening process. Ms. Beng is an amazing aide in the ELAP department as she understands the students and how they learn and think, so she respects their thinking and thought process and builds on their strengths. With the many years of teaching in ELAP, Ms. Beng would be irreplaceable with her wisdom and knowledge of everything ELAP. She is a joy to have around.
Amanda Knutzen
IMPACT MAKER for the month of April. Ms. Knutzen has been working very hard this year juggling students and assisting another position while that teacher is out. She always has a smile on her face and knows all students by name whether she works with them regularly or not. She is always willing to jump in where needed and makes true connections with her students. My child absolutely loves working with Ms. K.! Promotes a workplace culture of safety!
Mary Schwarzhans
IMPACT MAKER for the month of April. Mary is always ready and willing to help and always has a smile on her face. Mary comes to work every day with a can-do attitude. Her positivity and kindness radiate to those around her. There isn’t a project she cannot handle! We are lucky to have her on the KIBSD team!
Natalie Horn
IMPACT MAKER for the month of March. Natalie is simply the best! Since she joined the KHS team she has been nothing short of amazing! She is a fierce advocate for student needs, and will continue to follow up on any issue that impacts students well being at KHS. She is organized. She is kind. It is a pleasure to work with her every day. Students feel comfortable talking to her, she always makes a point to say hello to students and address them by name. That’s huge!
Nicole Fuerst
IMPACT MAKER for the month of March. Volunteers her time with the KHS Volunteer Parent Group. No one has volunteered to take the lead, so Nicole continues to schedule meetings, advertise the meetings, and events, runs the meetings, and carries through and does the work. Nicole is very positive and supportive of students and staff.
Malcolm Bennett
IMPACT MAKER for the month of February. Students have shared feeling comfortable and trusting Malcolm Bennett as someone they could go to for support if needed. Malcolm puts a great deal of time, energy and compassion into his teaching practice. He self-reflects and seeks out new ways to support and reach his students and he is available to support all students – not just the ones in his classes.
Amber Marsh
IMPACT MAKER for the month of February. Works with details and extra work and tough. She is amazing. Sees the DETAILS!
Krista Crowley
IMPACT MAKER for the month of January. Super helpful, kind, and willing to find the needed answer! She is making a positive difference for everyone in our district. We believe we located an IMPACT MAKER!
Tim Wolcott
IMPACT MAKER for the month of January. Providing excellent instruction!
Rebecca Barrett
IMPACT MAKER for the month of December. For being so willing to learn and try new methods with our students.
Coach Taylor
IMPACT MAKER for the month of December. Coach Taylor dedicates a lot of his time to students. Whether it’s coaching or teaching, he’s there – building relationships, sharing his sports expertise and building kids up to be the best they can be. I appreciate his efforts in being involved in so many things, offering kids opportunities and helping build school community – his jokes of the day are always making students laugh. Coach Taylor takes the time to see his students, their needs and concerns. He is supportive while respecting their boundaries. He is supportive to co-workers and fun to work with.