Applauds teachers, bus crew

To the editor:

This is Teacher Appreciation week and I would like to use this opportunity to publicly thank the amazing teaching staff at Finger Lake Elementary School. My son, Calvin, has had a wonderful experience there for the last six years and has been treated with kindness and respect. His current teacher, Mr. Wheeler, is a true advocate for children and passionate about education. His aides, Mr. Furman and Mrs. Brass, are both wonderfully kind and have provided Calvin with the support and encouragement he needed to succeed. He also had two other excellent Finger Lake teachers kindergarten through third grade, Mrs. Downey and Mrs. Zagyva.

Other professionals who have had a very positive impact on his educational experience are: Principal Nufer, Dr. Weisner, Miss Winnie, speech therapist Mrs. Grazulis, librarian Mrs. Stegall, nurse Lange, and the front office staff.

This is also Bus Driver Appreciation week and I would like to thank his wonderful drivers and aides: Holly and Gary on the morning bus and Lori and Gwen in the afternoon. Over the years we have had other terrific drivers and aides including: Mac, Lucille, Myron, Connie, Bertha, Patty and Chris.

Having a child that receives special education services can be challenging. We have not always found the right fit for my son and I have had to be his strongest advocate. However, many of the folks we have worked with over the years have understood what my son needs to reach his fullest potential.

Thanks to them he is an A student, has not missed a day of school for two years, and he loves learning.

Betsy Woodin

Wasilla