Ptarmigan Hall

Welcome to residential living at GILA!

Students live in the building that used to be the officer's quarters on the former Galena Air Base. Residential living staff prepare activities, games, tutorials, and special events for the students. There are dances and events in the community that students attend. In addition to that, all GILA students are eligible to participate on the Galena Hawks sports teams.

Student’s game room:
The Ptarmigan Hall is the residence of the GILA students. The Ptarmigan Hall has a game room that includes a pool table, six computers, a 50 inch TV, Foosball table, and another small TV that is 17 inches, and a vending machine in between the two TVs, the bigger TV is sitting on a lower spot than the smaller one is taller.

Director of Residence Life:

We welcome Ken Essex as our new Director of Residence Life. He is coming to us with many years of experience as a Principal and Administrator throughout Alaska, most recently from Hooper Bay and Pilot Station. Mr. Essex will be overseeing all aspects of our Residential Hall for the 2011-2012 school year. We are looking forward to his experience, energy and expertise in creating an even more positive experience for students in our residential hall.

Dean of Students:
Ben Blasco, students also know him as "Blasco", the dean of students at the GILA dorms is known all over the state of Alaska. He has been working here at GILA for multiple of years. Blasco works at the GILA dorms August through December and January through May. He also works with the HEED during the summer so he gets to meet and know students pretty much all year round.

Two Residential Counselors:
Becky George is one of the counselors. She’s a nice lady to get to know. She has events that go on and it’s nice to join the groups. She has a boxing bag in her room, as well as stress balls. She has a lot of fun things in her room to doodle with.

Nancy Larson is the second residential counselor. She does a great job with students at GILA. She is very helpful and there for students and staff.

Programming Office:
Maria Wiezorek is the program manager. She schedules all that happens at the dorms. Her office is also open to hang out. She has all kinds of fun things to do in her office. Her office is used for games, study hall, and a few other things.

Sewing Room:
There is also a sewing room a little further from these offices. There are different kinds of materials, thread, fabrics. The sewing room is a big entertainment too. You can make a pillow for a friend, make an apron, or mittens, or make whatever for whoever it is in mind. Maggie runs the program Monday through Friday if nothing comes up other than sewing.