Mrs. Woods has been inspiring young minds for 18 wonderful years! 

Her love for teaching shines through every day, especially when she sees her students flourish and grow — it's what keeps her passionate about teaching.

Her favorite children's book is "Hair Love" by Matthew Cherry, a story that beautifully celebrates family and self-love. 

Recently, a student made her laugh by saying, “My sister is not human… she’s a dog!” — just one of the many hilarious gems that come with teaching young learners.

If Mrs. Woods could have a superpower; she’d choose the ability to heal those who are sick — a reflection of her caring and compassionate heart. When she dreams of travel, Europe is calling her name — anywhere on the continent would be a dream vacation!

Thank you, Mrs. Woods, for your dedication, kindness, and endless inspiration!

With 11 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Thompson continues to be inspired by the joy of watching her students grow and make meaningful connections.

One of her favorite children's books is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch—a story she still quotes to her 15-year-old son, Carson.

Known for her warm heart and sense of humor, one of her funniest classroom moments was when a student remarked, “Mrs. Thompson, I notice more grey hairs every day. Is that from us?”

Her dream vacation? Anywhere with sunshine and a clean pool!

If she could have any superpower, she’d choose a healing presence—calming stress and bringing peace to those around her.

Her love for her students and passion for their growth continue to light up her classroom every day.

Thank you Mrs.Thompson! 

For 14 wonderful years, Mrs. White has dedicated herself to helping students learn and grow.  She's inspired every day by her student's determination, especially when she sees them overcome their reading challenges.

Her favorite children's book is Amelia Bedelia, and she loves the funny moments that make teacher so special, like the time a student proudly announced, "Our brain is the size of a grapefruit!"

If Mrs. White could have any superpower, she'd choose teleportation, perfect for whisking herself away to a warm, sandy beach!

Thank you, Mrs. White, for your passion, dedication, and joy in the classroom! 

Mrs. Sidoti has been teaching for 15 years. 

Ma Lein and the Magic Brush by Hisako Kimishima is her favorite book.

One of her funniest memories is when her students asked her every day if they could do another group project, and she would respond with a playful, “Another?”

She dreams of swimming deep underwater with colorful fish and a group of friends.

If she could have a superpower, it would be the ability to make every goal she kicks in soccer.

What she loves most about teaching is seeing her students’ eyes light up each year as they read with new skills and growing fluency.

Thank you Mrs. Sidoti! 

This is Mrs. Baker's 25th year teaching in the Anchorage School District. 

She spent 23 wonderful years at Fairview Elementary, and the last two years here at Sand Lake.

Her favorite children’s book is The Mountain That Loved a Bird by Eric Carle.

The funniest thing a student said to her this week was, “Can I go get breakfast?”—right after announcements and the Pledge! I looked at him (still sporting some breakfast evidence on his face) and asked if he had already eaten. When he said yes, I told him he’d have to wait until lunch!

Her dream vacation would be a trip to Italy—starting in Rome, traveling along the Amalfi Coast, and ending in Venice.

If she could have a superpower, she’d love to be able to transport herself anywhere in an instant. Visiting family, friends, and new destinations would be so quick and easy!

She's inspired to keep teaching because of the wonderful students she has in her class. 

Every day brings challenges, surprises, and celebrations. Watching children work hard, strive to improve, and grow into confident readers brings her so much joy. 

Seeing them begin the year as nonreaders and end it with a love for books—unable to put them down—is truly inspiring.

Thank you, Mrs. Baker!

Cousens San has been a Japanese Immersion teacher assistant for three wonderful years.

Her favorite children’s book is Momotaro by George Suyeoka. 

One of the funniest moments she has experienced at school was when a student came up to her during recess to say “I forgot my gloves… and underwear.”

Her dream vacation spot is Bora Bora, and she finds her greatest inspiration in the happy, smiling faces of the children she teaches.

Thank you Cousens San!

Mrs. Ige has been teaching for 28 years, and her dedication to her students shines through every day. 

Her favorite children’s book is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, a story that reflects her love of meaningful, heartfelt literature. 

This week, the funniest moment in her classroom was when a student accidentally called her “mom,” giving everyone a good laugh. 

Her dream vacations include relaxing in Hawaii or exploring Jeju Island in South Korea. 

If she could choose any superpower, she would pick healing or magic. 

What inspires her most as a teacher is seeing her students “get it” and apply what they’ve learned — those moments make all her hard work worthwhile.

Thank you Mrs. Ige!

Mrs. McClure has been teaching for 18 years.

Her favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree, and the funniest thing a student recently said to her was, “What do you call a chocolate cat that can be eaten? A Kit-Kat bar!”

Her dream vacation is visiting Okinawa, and if she could have any superpower, she would choose the ability to fly.

What continues to inspire her as an educator is the opportunity to teach her students “to be better people overall.”

Thank you Mrs. McClure!

Mrs. Wasko has been teaching for  23 years.

Her favorite book is The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen. 

One of the most humorous moments in her career occurred when a student asked, "How long have you been reading?" to which Mrs. Wasko responded, "Over sixty years." The student, in turn, quipped, "So, like 90 years?" 

Mrs. Wasko's dream vacation destination is New Zealand

The driving force behind her continued passion for teaching is the satisfaction of witnessing the moment when a student who has been struggling finally experiences success—what she describes as "seeing the light turn on."

Thank you Mrs. Wasko for your dedication! 

Ms. Eunice Halili has been with the Anchorage School District for 2 years.

Her favorite book is The Three Little Pigs by Joseph Jacobs and James
Halliwell-Phillipps—a story that reminds us not to rush, to build a strong foundation,and that smart and hard work truly pays off.

One of the funniest moments in her classroom was when a child said, “Ms. Eunice, my nose is running—can you make it stop?” After a brief pause and a good laugh together,she happily gave him a napkin—he just wanted his nose to stop “running”!

Her dream vacation destination is Paris, France, and if she could have any
superpower, she would choose teleportation so she could travel anywhere instantly.

What keeps Ms. Eunice inspired to teach is seeing her students’ progress—watching them grow more confident and truly enjoy learning

Mrs. Norori has been a paraprofessional for one year and is passionate about supporting students as they grow and learn. 

Her favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle because it teaches important lessons about growth, change, and hope.

One of her funniest classroom moments was when a student asked, “Ms. Maria, do you know what the favorite letter of dinosaurs is? R…”—a joke that still makes her smile.

Maria’s dream vacation is to visit Italy and Greece, where she hopes to explore the culture and history. 

If she could have any superpower, it would be teleportation so she could travel anywhere in the world instantly.

What inspires Maria to keep teaching is seeing students develop new skills and helping guide them to become better learners every day.

Mr. BK has been a paraprofessional for the past three years and brings a calm, supportive presence to our school. 

His favorite children’s book is always the one he’s currently reading, because he loves discovering new stories alongside students. 

A peaceful person at heart, Mr. BK dreams of vacationing anywhere off-grid, especially if it involves fishing. 

If he could have any superpower, it would be the ability to speak every language on the planet. 

What inspires Mr. BK to continue teaching is the opportunity to support educators and help build a strong foundation for our future leaders.

Thank you for all you do Mr.BK, Sand Lake Elementary is lucky to have you! 

Ferdie – Our Amazing BPO - has been a dedicated member of the ASD family for an incredible 10.5 years!

Originally from Pampanga, Philippines, Ferdie has called the United States home for the past 38 years.

He truly loves being part of the Sand Lake Elementary community and often shares that what makes it so special is how kind and welcoming everyone is.

Ferdie’s dream vacation destination is beautiful Hawaii — a well-deserved getaway for someone who gives so much each day.

What inspires him to continue his work at ASD? Ferdie says it’s his love for Sand Lake Elementary and his commitment to keeping everyone safe. His dedication, warmth, and steady presence make a difference in our school every single day.

We are so grateful for Ferdie and the care he brings to our school community!

Thank you, Ferdie, for everything you do for Sand Lake Elementary! 

Mr. Grenier has dedicated 25 years to teaching

His favorite children’s book is Cross Country Cat by Mary Calhoun, a story that reflects adventure and determination—qualities he encourages in his students.

Over the years, he’s collected plenty of memorable moments, including the time a student told him, “Call me Templeton!”

If he could choose a dream adventure, he’d ride a motorcycle all the way to Tuktoyaktuk.

If given a superpower, Mr. Grenier would choose peacemaking, reflecting his calm, thoughtful presence and care for building positive relationships.

What truly inspires him to keep teaching after all these years is the incredible potential and growth he witnesses in his students. Watching them learn, develop confidence, and discover their strengths makes every year meaningful.

Thank you Mr.Grenier!

Mrs. LB has been teaching for four years and brings warmth, humor, and heart to her classroom every day. Her favorite children’s book, Love You Forever, reflects the care and connection she values with her students.

Some of the sweetest things her students have said to her include, “There’s beauty in snow, Mrs. LB,” and “Give her a break, she’s pregnant”—moments that always make her smile.

Her dream vacation is anywhere in the mountains or spending time with family and friends. If she could have a superpower, she would choose shape-shifting.

What inspires her most to keep teaching are those “light-bulb” moments when students truly understand something new, along with the meaningful, everyday conversations she shares with them.

Katy has been the secretary at Sand Lake for 1 year.

Her favorite children’s book is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

The funniest thing a student has ever said to her was:
“If there’s 60 minutes in an hour, why can’t there be 60 cents to equal a dollar instead of 100 cents? It’s just so confusing.”

Her dream destinations are Switzerland and Japan so she can enjoy snowboarding in both places.

If she could have a superpower, it would be reading people’s minds.

What inspires her to work at Sand Lake is the joy of being around kids every day.