HomeBRIDGE 2024-2025 Vol. 1

Dear HomeBRIDGE Families:

Welcome to our 2024-25 academic year. We are so excited to have you as a part of our program and looking forward to showing you some our changes that have occurred. Obviously, our change of location is the most cosmetic change. As you are aware, we are located on the second floor of Thunder Mountain Middle School. When parking, please use the main lot and come in the primary doors at the front of the building. You will sign in at the TMMS office and then be allowed into the building.

Also, we are also excited to welcome new advisory teachers: Jessica Kovach and Gideon Monette. Both bring a great deal of experience to the positions and are a great fit for our HB team. I know they are looking forward to getting to know students and providing the best service they can for them.

Finally, I look forward to continuing to meet new families. I will have office hours at TMMS on Tuesday if you need to reach me. I can also be reached at Juneau Community Charter School during the remainder of the week. Thanks for all you do!

Corey S. Weiss, Ed. D

Principal, Juneau Community Charter School/HomeBRIDGE

1600 Renniger Rd., Juneau, AK 99801

JCCS: (907) 796-5804

HB: (907) 780-2024

I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. I spent my elementary school years at Mendenhall River Community School and Sítʼ Eetí Shaanáx̱ - Glacier Valley Elementary School. I love basketball and am a huge Portland Trail Blazers fan. I have an amazing wife, Mrs. Ferguson, whom I proposed to in the Sítʼ Eetí Shaanáx̱ Library 18 years ago last April. We have 2 wonderful kids that bring me joy every day.

This is my 12th year as a full-time teacher in the Juneau School District. I'm starting my 5th year being an Advisory Teacher for HomeBRIDGE. I taught 2nd grade for 2 years prior. Before that I taught 5th grade for 4 years and the TED program for 1 year. I love teaching because of the relationships I can build with each student and helping them grow into a lifelong learner who sees the importance of learning and overcoming obstacles.

I look forward to our meeting and walking with you down this exciting path. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Hello and Welcome to HomeBRIDGE,

My name is Jessica Kovach and I am one of the new HomeBRIDGE program advisory teachers. Originally from Michigan, I have called Juneau my home for 25 years. Michigan State is where I received my undergraduate degree in English (Go Spartans!!), continuing my education here in Juneau, and receiving my Masters in Teaching through the University of Alaska Southeast.

I have taught English, Social Studies, Math, and Science at varying levels, and have been a teacher in the district for the past 23 years (with a nine-year hiatus to raise my children). I was also the Life Skills teacher at Dzantik’i Heeni for eight years.

My husband has been a teacher in the district for the past 23 years as well. We have three children, two attend college here in the state at UAS and UAF, and we have a 13-year-old who is an 8th grader at TMMS. We are all excited for the upcoming school year!

I look forward to meeting with you and helping you navigate this year as a HomeBRIDGE family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! Have a great HomeBRIDGE year!!!

Hi, my name is Gid Monette. I moved to Juneau in the summer of 2020. This is my 2nd year as a teacher in the Juneau School District. I'm starting my 1st year being an Advisory Teacher for HomeBRIDGE.

I am very involved in the wrestling community, coaching at Juneau-Douglas High School, Thunder Mountain Middle School, and Juneau Youth Wrestling program. I am also an avid hunter, fisher, and outdoorsman. This is a photo of me, my wife and our dog, Solleks.

I love teaching because I love watching students grow and learn. I am very passionate about helping students learn how to learn and developing the skill of learning for a lifetime.

Hello Returning and New HomeBRIDGE Families! We are happy to have you join our HomeBRIDGE family and look forward to a year of deep learning and making connections!

My name is Teresa Bleakley and I am the Administrative Assistant for HomeBRIDGE. I moved to Juneau in August 1993, right out of college, to work as a nanny for a local family. My intent was to only stay a year! Obviously, Juneau became my home and I am still here. I come from a family of teachers and I originally worked for the JSD in the early 2000's as a classroom teacher/librarian. After taking a break, I was re-hired with the district in May 2020 as a part-time admin for the HomeBRIDGE program when there were fewer than 40 students. I have been here ever since watching the program grow into what it is today. I am your contact person for all things administrative. Mostly you'll deal with me when trying to navigate the reimbursement process.

My husband, Keith, and I have been married for 23 years and we have a 22 year-old daughter, Reece, who is in her final year at San Jose State University. We were a HomeBRIDGE family in 2017-2018 during Reece's sophomore year which allowed us to travel in Europe for 4 months.

Right now, when not working, I spend time reading, painting and downsizing from our large family home into a small condo! The amount of stuff I have accumulated over 30 years is astounding! I most enjoy connecting with family and friends for walks and catch ups.

I hope you have a great year! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.