Celebrating the teachers and staff that make North Beach so special
Marla Jackson, 1st grade
1. How long have you taught/worked at North Beach? This is my 9th year at North Beach! I’ve taught Kindergarten and 1st grade.
2. What do you love about our school community? I love how supportive the community is! The staff, families, and students are all amazing.
3. Favorite part of your job. I love that teaching is a little bit different every day and working with students! I love that I get to teach all the subjects. I especially love teaching reading and anytime we do crafts or painting!
4. Memory or story about your time at North Beach. I think one of the best things about being a primary teacher is I get to see the students as they continue through elementary school! It’s really special to see a student I taught in Kindergarten or 1st grade when they are in 5th grade (or beyond!).
"Ms Jackson has a quiet way of really knowing and individually tailoring learning for the students in her class. The way she supported my son‘s growth in first grade was just awesome to watch. Thank you Ms Jackson!" ~ Janine Hottovy (3rd grade parent and North Beach alumni parent)
Nguyen Le, Head Custodian
1. How long have you taught/worked at North Beach? 16 months
2. What do you love about our school community? Because the Principal, and all staff and students all loved and helped me, I love them very much.
3. Favorite part of your job. I really like my job and I want to clean the building to make it look nice.
4. Memory or story about your time at North Beach. I can’t express my memories enough, in short, I love the North Beach school and love this job. Thank you!
“Ms. Nguyen is a North Beach treasure! She had some big shoes to step into following Mr. Ray’s departure in 2024 and she has filled them with dedication and a joy that comes from within. Ms. Nguyen truly cares about North Beach and shows her school pride by working incredibly hard for our students, teachers, and staff. Walk down our shiny hallways and see the detailed care she puts into keeping our school the inviting, cozy, and incredibly tidy place North Beach is. Thank you Ms. Nguyen for all you do!” ~ Beth Carmen, PTA
“Nguyen Le is such an essential part of the North Beach family. From the moment she arrived she has wanted nothing but to take care of our school. She works long days and takes great pride in keeping our building clean. Since she began, she has had no night custodian for more than a night or two. So she arrived at 530am and worked over her regular shift every day. Two weeks ago, the district finally hired a night custodian and Nguyen can go home at a normal time. We love you, Nguyen!” ~ Sarah Bradley, Front Office Manager
Stacey Perti, Preschool Special Education Teacher
1. How long have you taught/worked at North Beach? I am so excited to embark on my first year officially on staff at North Beach. I started as a substitute teacher here about 9 years ago when my younger son began Kindergarten and my older was a 5th grader. We are all proud Alumni Seals! (Including myself :)
2. What do you love about our school community? This is a fantastic school community that supports each other and our students and families. I feel so lucky to have had the experience here as a parent and now as a staff member.
3. Favorite part of your job? Collaborating with our team. And of course our adorable and fun students! I love running into students around the school and in the community that recognize me from subbing in their classroom (even from years ago!).
4. Memory or story about your time at North Beach. Soon after the Ballard Syttende de Mai Parade I was happy to share the video of our amazing NB Sealicorn Float. It was so fun to see the students' excitement as they saw their friends and teachers in the parade, especially meaningful for those that may have not been able to attend.
“Stacey is an invaluable part of our preschool community. It has been such a joy to work with her this year in our preschool classroom. Stacey has long been connected to the North Beach community—as a substitute teacher, a parent of children who attended North Beach, and even as a North Beach student herself! Through her tireless dedication, kindness, and deep commitment to every child’s success, she provides exceptional support to our special education students and their families. We are truly grateful for all that she does.” ~ Emily Moder, SPP+ Preschool Teacher
Punniya Poole, Front Office
1. How long have you taught/worked at North Beach? August 26, 2025, was my first day of all staff training at North Beach Elementary. Seattle is a small world, and I had heard so many good things about the school, staff and community which made it an easy decision to choose to work at North Beach. I could feel the care, mutual respect and support they have for each other, the students and families.
2. What do you love about our school community? I love the way you celebrate everyone at the school. For instance, yesterday was National Custodian Day! The PTA was so thoughtful to recognize Ms. Nguyen and Mr. Hein for making our school a beautiful, clean and well cared for environment. I appreciate the way we make sure all people feel seen, heard and valued.
3. Favorite part of your job. One of my favorite parts is being with the kids whether it’s at breakfast in the cafeteria, in the office, nurses' office or at recess. I enjoy connecting and getting to know each of their personalities. I also love helping out the teachers/staff/parents with any requests. Making their job easier makes me happy. I still have a lot to learn at a new school! I’m thankful for everyone’s patience and grace as I learn new names and the way things are done at North Beach.
4. Memory or story about your time at North Beach. Just yesterday two 3rd grade students were talking at lunch and called me over to ask a question. They asked how long I was going to be here at North Beach. The other student sitting next to him said, “I hope for infinity!” That truly warmed my heart. I hope that each child and person I come into contact with knows that I lead with curiosity, warmth and good intentions.
"As a new family to North Beach, we are grateful to Ms. Poole for her welcoming presence in the office. We had no idea she was new here too, she's been so kind, and a friendly adult who is helping our new student through their transition this year." ~ North Beach parent
Alysa Reid, School Counselor
1. How long have you taught/worked at North Beach? This is my 12th year at North Beach! When I started my son was a 1st grader, and now he’s a senior in high School!! That’s a long time. I love that there is so much empathy and kindness in our community and that people want to support and help one another. And I love that we can laugh, that there is joy at our school. Walking into the office at North Beach, visitors are greeted with warmth and a desire to be helpful. That’s not the case at all schools, and I think it says a lot about our school culture.
2. What do you love about our school community? I love that I get to interact with students all day long. I love teaching a lesson in a classroom when the students are excited and engaged in the topic. I love that I get to host lunch groups in my office. I love that I work with such a committed staff – committed to supporting each other, all students and families, even when the going gets tough.
3. Favorite part of your job. Maybe my favorite part of my job is seeing students grow – physically, social-emotionally and academically over their time at North Beach. What an incredible journey!
4. Memory or story about your time at North Beach. The most exciting thing to happen at recess in my time here was when a swarm of bees visited the “Big Cheese” on the Arches playscape. We quickly got all students inside to be safe and called a neighborhood bee whisper who came and convinced the bees to move on! It was fascinating!
"My son started meeting with Alysa last year and it really helped with social situations we weren’t sure how to handle. After she got involved things became much easier for him at school." ~ North Beach parent