FCPS CARES - July/August 2025

To recognize an employee with an FCPS Cares, please visit our  submission page .

To view past submissions, please visit our previous submissions page . 

FCPS CARES of the Month Recipients

Central Office

Jim Bailey, Sideburn Support Center

"Mr. Jim Bailey is a problem solver. When Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems have been identified as not providing the conditions that are expected, and the standard operating procedures haven't led to a successful resolution, Jim is often brought in as "a second set of eyes." Jim works very closely with HVAC technicians, Building Automation Controls Technicians, Operating Engineers, Energy Education Specialists, as well as anyone else who may be required. Jim compassionately explains what he saw that was missed the first (or the second, or third) time that someone looked into the issue. He brings the right resources to bear, and he works in a spirit of teamwork that raises the level of professionalism for all involved. He will appear on site, work remotely, and do whatever may be required at all hours of the day or night to assist when he is called into action. Jim has addressed so many problems, and successfully avoided catastrophe so many times, I feel compelled to thank him through the FCPS Cares program. Jim Bailey is one man, who you are very likely to never meet, who can (and often does) drastically change the environment in which teaching and learning takes place for the better. Hoorah to Jim (SECOND SET OF EYES) Bailey - one of the best Energy Systems Specialists I have ever had the pleasure of working with!"

- John Lord, Sideburn Support Center

Region 1

Elizabeth Baxter, Herndon ES

"Elizabeth Baxter is a positive light in our school. She makes it her mission to know every child's name, what they like, and who their parents are. She has a fantastic talent for seeing each child and recognizing their unique gifts and talents. As a parent, it is impressive to see how well she truly sees each child and can make a genuine connection with them. As an administrator, she has a vast and open heart. Elizabeth works tirelessly every day to ensure that everyone in the building has what they need. From escorting students to their classrooms and sitting with them to ensure they are comfortable, to finding creative solutions to help staff members make tight turnarounds. Beyond her roles in the HES administration, Elizabeth plays a significant role in our school's PTA. She is always ready to assist parents, attends almost every meeting, and goes above and beyond to participate with the group. HES is so lucky that Elizabeth is part of our hive."

-a Herndon ES parent

Region 2

Jackie Garcia & Melissa Lopez, Woodburn ES (Pictured Above)

“I would like to recognize two exceptional professionals who have played a crucial role in my successful transition as principal. Jackie Garcia is an invaluable asset to Woodburn ES, serving as our Student Information Assistant for over two decades. Her expertise and dedication have made her a key player in the seamless registration and transition process for all our families. Jackie's meticulous attention to detail in maintaining critical and confidential student records—including immunization data and free and reduced-price meal applications—is a testament to her commitment. She also goes above and beyond to support the entire school community by helping with coverage and securing substitutes, which is essential to the building’s daily operations. Her long-standing presence and unwavering support have made her a cornerstone of our school's success. Melissa Lopez, the Woodburn Administrative Assistant, not only handles the complex financial aspects and leads the office team with remarkable efficiency, but her proactive work ethic ensures tasks are completed on time. Melissa's commitment to finding solutions and her collaborative approach with staff are invaluable. Beyond her administrative duties, she builds meaningful relationships by mentoring students and is a key point of contact for families seeking support. Her dedication to the entire school community makes her an outstanding asset to Woodburn ES.”

-Kanchana Iyer, Woodburn ES

Region 3

Marie Sauer, Fort Hunt ES

"I am nominating Marie to FCPS Cares for two reasons: her flexibility and her energy. This year, Marie will be serving as our Foreign Language in Elementary School (FLES) teacher. Last year she stepped in to support our Grade 5 immersion classes and brought her love of learning and of life to all she did. This year is no different. When faced with the challenge of having to teach from a cart, she made lemonade from lemons. She's a true professional. When you get to the top of the second floor, you'll quickly find her workspace. Just follow the colorful decorations that celebrate all things Hispanic. She's already buzzing with ideas to engage all of our students in celebrating Hispanic culture through music, performance, poetry, dance and more. I'm truly energized by her work here at Fort Hunt, and I suspect others are as well. Muchas gracias, Marie!"

- Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

Region 4

Ken Wheeler, Keene Mill ES

"Mr. Wheeler has completely changed my son's school experience in the first two weeks of the year. My son has typically struggled to connect with his teachers, never looked forward to being in the classroom, and has hated to read. Mr. Wheeler has worked his magic in such a way that my son sets an alarm to wake up early, reads the whole 45 minute bus ride home, and says that he can't wait to get back to school after the weekend. Mr. Wheeler is an amazing teacher, and has already changed my son's life. We cannot wait to see what this year brings! Mr. Wheeler is a superhero and deserves to be recognized."

-a Keene Mill ES

Region 5

Gisele Gray, Fairfax HS

"After another school had a facilities emergency the day before our countywide in-service day, we had an extremely limited time to come up with an alternate solution so that we could communicate the change to the 600 teachers who were scheduled to attend. When we called Fairfax High School, Gisele immediately agreed to help and quickly resolved all of our issues. Her positive attitude and ability to calmly de-escalate a stressful and complex situation, and allowed our staff to adjust to the new plan. Gisele is routinely cited by Instructional Services staff as being incredibly helpful in her role. We are lucky to have her at Fairfax High School and in FCPS."

- Michael Gillespie, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Region 6

Massogbe Sangare, Hayfield Secondary

"Ms. Massogbe embodies the absolute best that special education has to offer in FCPS. The genuine love and care she shows for our most vulnerable students is obvious in everything she does and says, and she goes above and beyond to support each and every student, teacher, and administrator with whom she comes in contact. Working as an IA in special education is an incredibly difficult and often thankless job, but she does it every day with a smile on her face and a constant desire to do even more to help her students and community. It was my absolute honor to work with her at ESY this summer and I can only pray to have the opportunity again!"

- Mary Fouse, Key MS

Other FCPS CARES Submission

Olubukunmi Peters, Haycock ES

"Olubukunmi Peters is versatile, experienced, flexible, and amazing! I am lucky enough to be in her classroom which was supposed to be in kindergarten but she bravely went up to third grade and she did it with flare and positivity. Her third grade team will absolutely benefit from her friendliness and collaborative skills. Buki has already created a learning environment that welcomes all and celebrates everyone. She meets the students where they are and is already helping them grow, stretch, and make positive progress together. I look forward to seeing even more of her talents and gifts as I support a stellar learning environment."

- Marah Rockhold, Haycock ES

Jannell Haskins, Stonecroft Transportation

"Jannell went out of her way to bring a student to Fairfax Academy when they accidently rode a shuttle to a different Academy location. She did not just leave the student at the door, but walked them in and personally made sure they were taken care of with a smile the entire time. She showed care beyond just bringing the student to the right place. We are lucky to have bus drivers like Jannell! Having worked with her years ago, I know that she always takes care of our students with warmth and compassion. Thank you, Jannell for being you!"

- Andrea M Cook, Fairfax HS

Erica Myers, Haycock ES

"I am familiar with all grade levels at my school. I see so many exceptional educators! I am grateful for the chance to work with Erica Myers who is new to our school and has a bright future ahead of her teaching first grade. She has been calm, patient, positive, friendly, and flexible beyond her time in the classroom. She has made the first two weeks fun and exciting for the first graders and her team. I can already tell the children will return to her room to visit her and update her on their successes and achievements in the years to come. We are lucky Erica chose Haycock!"

- Marah Rockhold, Haycock ES

Erin Wilson, Lees Corner ES

"As she entered a new school district this year, Miss Erin Wilson has stepped up and made her class welcoming and enjoyable for staff, parents and most importantly the students. As an instructional assistant who supports in her classroom, she has shown that individualized instruction is important aspect of her philosophy as a teacher. I have seen her acknowledge the higher level thinking of students and provided additional opportunities such as a calming corner and allowing a child to use a scribe book for all stories within the class. Miss Wilson has been instrumental in collaborating as a team with colleagues who spend time within her classroom throughout the day to provide a consistent and nurturing environment for all her students. Miss Wilson has been an asset to Lees Corner Elementary and I look forward to learning from her and watching her students blossom with Miss Wilson as their teacher."

- Ashley Kappatos, Lees Corner ES

Dawn Ruffner, Stonecroft Transportation

"My son's bus driver, who we call Ms. Sunshine, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of our children, and her kindness is truly remarkable. She recently showed incredible compassion when she went out of her way to help my son, who was having a difficult time over a forgotten water bottle. This seemingly small act of kindness was a huge gesture to a child in need, and it highlights her dedication to treating all students with care and respect. Ms. Sunshine is a truly exceptional individual who makes our children feel safe and valued every day. I am grateful she is my son's bus driver!"

-a Daniels Run ES parent

Damion Dawson & Tim Roberson, Woodson IT

"Mr. Dawson & Mr. Roberson provided outstanding service to Longfellow MS recently. Damion, Tim & Laura Armentrout-Tibbs have been providing Longfellow MS with support as we get our IPTV - tv announcements set up. Recently Damion and Tim helped us troubleshoot issues and helped resolve an issue with our TV's that has allowed us to communicate with our students and community more effectively. Damion & Tim are always quick to answer and provide real support!"

-Aidan Vigil, Longfellow MS

Rubenia Alvarez, Longfellow MS

" ESY was at Longfellow Middle School this year. One of our students required a desk that was connected by a metal bar. Longfellow MS does not have this style of desk. When the issue was reported to Ms. Alvarez, she immediately began contacting other building supervisors. Ms. Alvarez drove a personal vehicle to McLean High School, received several of the needed desks, brought them back to Longfellow and put them in the needed classes. All of this happened within an hour, and this made the day go significantly better for our student. Ms. Alvarez consistently goes above and beyond in her work ethic and dedication to ensuring FCPS can deliver on our promise of a world class public education."

-Aidan Vigil, Longfellow MS

Damion Dawson & Tim Roberson, Woodson IT

"Damion Dawson and Tim Roberson have been awesome in helping Hybla Valley ES get started with a news studio. They walked us through step by step of the process, even drawing a diagram of how things would work together. They also helped us get scrolling announcements on display around the school. The were informative in telling us what supplies to buy and how they would benefit the school. When we had questions, they were quick to respond and/or assist."

- To'Wes Forster, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Rodrigo Arrate Latham, Stonecroft Transportation

"A huge thank you to our Department of Transportation superstar Rod, who has gone above and beyond during these first many busy days of school. From answering countless emails, solving problems quickly, and following up with phone calls and a visit, you've shown incredible dedication and professionalism. Your hard work is making a real difference, keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring families, staff and students feel supported. You're doing an amazing job-and we appreciate you more than words can say."

- Renata Claudio, Willow Springs ES

Shannon Li, Haycock ES

"Ms. Li joined Haycock this year and is already going above and beyond to build connections and support both students and staff! She came to our classroom each day to hear students share their "About Me" bags and build connections. She is always checking in with teachers and offering support. I appreciate her!"

- Christina Wisniewski, Haycock ES

Sonya Williams, Stone MS

"As Principal of Stone Middle School, Sonya Williams makes it her priority to truly know her students—she even strives to memorize every student’s name. At the start of this school year, including during orientation, she works hard to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every student feels seen and supported. Her dedication helps set a positive tone for the entire school community."

-a Stone MS parent

Richard Chinn, Silverbrook ES

"I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible efforts of my amazing co-worker, who has gone above and beyond to ensure our entire school—students, staff, and families—was fully prepared for an awesome start to the school year. Through tireless dedication, he has prepared hundreds of laptops and assembled dozens of charging stations, making sure every piece of technology was ready to go. And he did it all with an unwavering positive attitude and a smile on his face every step of the way. His commitment to supporting both staff and students has not gone unnoticed. Thanks to his hard work, we kicked off the year strong, organized, and energized. You are deeply appreciated. Your efforts make a difference every day, and we’re lucky to have you on the team!"

- Tamala Thompson, Silverbrook ES

Sabrina Boyd, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Finding a fellow employee who “goes the extra mile” is not difficult within your own department or work area. However, when you find an employee in another department who “goes the extra mile” to assist you, someone she has never met and has no reason to help, except for making FCPS a better place for children and staff alike, that is special! With the Senior Fleet Manager responsible for electric vehicle grant writing and reporting out on leave, other OTS employees, previously out of the loop in grant applications, struggled to figure out reporting requirements for two large grants for electric vehicles. Sabrina Boyd, Grant Compliance Officer, came to the rescue--checking, re-checking, comparing applications and data entered in reporting, and offering technical assistance along the way, even on a short timeline for reporting. Never becoming impatient with mistakes along the way or lack of information, Sabrina made sure we “got it right” and “in” on time. Sabrina proved that FCPS Cares—about doing what is right so that children and the community will have cleaner air to breathe through this grant. She also proved to OTS that she is a valuable member of the FCPS team by showing what FCPS Cares really means!"

- Rebecca Peters, Lorton Center

DJ Hemsley, Wilton Woods Center

"DJ is always a delight to work with. He is extremely busy, but always willing to stop, listen, and collaboratively think through solutions. Most recently we had an access issue to one of our management systems, after messaging DJ, he personally stopped by to learn more about the issue, and had it solved within 20 minutes. DJ, thanks for being AWESOME!"

- Shawn Heilemann, Wilton Woods Center

Jessica Peterson, Riverside ES

"I'd like to highlight the incredible support we've received from Assistant Principal Peterson since became the administrator for K-6 Special Education. Her leadership has been invaluable in helping our team navigate challenges and grow professionally. I have enjoyed her mentorship, as she has been a key factor in my own growth as a leader. She is a true partner, and her presence in our team meetings has made a huge difference. We are so lucky to have her."

- Lorri Hallenbeck, Riverside ES

Bill Trieu, Edison Support Center

"We do not have centralized air at Wilton Woods Center, meaning that all the offices have window air conditioning unit. Mine AC unit has been on the fritz recently, making a rattling noise, and sounding like a car with an extremely bad set of brakes. Bill arrived quickly after the issue was reported, was able to assess the situation, and immediately worked on a plan to remedy the situation. His dedication to immediate support is truly noteworthy!"

- Shawn Heilemann, Wilton Woods Center

Sanaz Hosseini, Catherine Han & Hope Hong, Colin Powell ES

"I appreciate the Powell administrative team for their proactivity and responsiveness to students’ needs. When I expressed a concern to Ms. Song, she invited me to share more and took the time to carefully consider my suggestions. She then collaborated with Ms. Han and Ms. Hosseini to take concrete steps to ensure that Powell is a safe and welcoming environment for all students. I am grateful for their leadership and engagement with students, staff, and families to make Powell the caring community that it is."

-a Colin Powell ES parent

Ashley Christopher, Mount Eagle ES

"While Ashley's studio is tucked away and you might not always see her, her fingerprints are all over the Mount Eagle community. She has served as lead mentor for several years, helping to connect new staff to systems of support. She has supported mentors in making sure they have what they need to do their best work and have helped ensure we maintain strong retention rates in our community. Ashley is a Master of Building Student independence. In her studio, students learn to persevere through hard tasks, working on a piece through a process of planning and revision until that have created their best work. She is always ready to support fellow specialists, acting as a thought-partner and problem-solver. She has also led efforts to design a master schedule that supports students accessing the best specials experience possible while maintaining instructional time for all. She has a knack for seeing solutions in complicated systems and for making visuals that are easily understood by all. It is with great gratitude that I recognize Ashley as this week’s Best of the Nest and our nominee for FCPS Cares."

-Kathryn Kirkland, Mount Eagle ES

Hayfield Secondary Instructional Assistants

"I have observed our Instructional Assistants joining games that their students are playing at lunch or initiating activities that have helped them focus during a less structured time. From rock, paper, scissors to singing or dancing, they are making a difference to the students. Thank you!"

- Anna Brussel, Hayfield Secondary

Shannon Jones, Lorton Center

" Shannon Jones, Special Services Transportation Specialist Department of Facilities & Transportation Services Shannon Jones plays a vital role in supporting both students and staff across FCPS. As the saying goes, “Transportation drives the county,” and with dedicated professionals like Shannon at the helm, smooth and efficient service is a given. She consistently prioritizes student safety and well-being in every decision she makes, always adhering to FCPS and state transportation guidelines. Shannon works diligently to ensure schools remain compliant with IEP transportation requirements, collaborating closely with staff to develop accurate and effective transportation plans. She is always accessible—ready to answer a phone call or address a question with warmth and professionalism. Kind, empathetic, and honest, Shannon goes above and beyond her duties. From early mornings to late evenings, she remains committed to her work, including serving on the Medical Review Service Team (MSRT) to advocate for students with medical needs. Her dedication, teamwork, and unwavering support make her a true asset to FCPS."

- Emily Kaltenmark, Key Center

Margaret von Kolnitz, Fort Hunt ES

"As our School-Based Technology Specialist, vKay goes above and beyond to support everyone in the school community, from staff and students to parents and volunteers. vKay is the go-to person for a wide range of needs, whether it's a tech problem, academic support, or an SEL concern. Her commitment is clear through her daily involvement; she builds connections and relationships wherever she goes in the building, making it a point to join morning meetings and closing circles across all grade levels. This allows her to understand the unique needs of our "Fox Den strong" community. She is a dedicated collaborator, working with grade-level teams, teachers, and specialists to integrate FCPS-approved technology into our instructional strategies. Additionally, her contagious positive spirit shines through in her role as a lead mentor for new staff. Her dedication and cheerful attitude make her an invaluable asset to our school."

- Marie Sauer, Fort Hunt ES

Karen Conaway, Washington Mill ES

"When the family arrived without the necessary IEP paperwork, Ms. Conaway promptly provided the required documentation, enabling the new school to place the student appropriately without delay. Her swift action ensured the student began classes on time, minimizing disruption to their education. This timely intervention also alleviated stress for the family during an already challenging transition period. By facilitating a seamless transfer of critical educational records, Ms. Conaway demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting students with special needs. Her professionalism and responsiveness made a significant positive impact on both the student and their family! Thank you, Ms. Conaway!"

- Anonymous

Paul Ngo & Brian Schoester, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Paul Ngo and Brian Schoester are wonderful! Whenever I have a question about facilities capacity that I need to provide data for leadership team members, they are a phone call away. Even though they have quite a lot going on in their other responsibilities, they are promptly responsive on time sensitive matters, approachable with complex data to ensure I can incorporate accurate data, and are collaborative and a pleasure to work with! Thank you so much for being so amazing, Brian and Paul!!"

- Kirsten Maloney, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Ray Goodman, Lorton Center

"Wanted to give a huge shout out to Ray Goodman for coming to Crestwood on the second day of school. We had an emergency and he was right there offering buses in case we needed to transport students and staff."

- Charlotte Bondurant, Crestwood ES

Angela Couse, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Angela went above and beyond to support a teacher at our school with an issue at her child's school that is not in FCPS. Angela volunteered to reach out to her counterpart at the neighboring school district, had open and clear lines of communication, and gave us excellent advice to help the teacher here navigate through her issue. The librarians in FCPS adore Angela and this is just another reason illustrating how she is indispensable. Lifetime Golden Cardigan Award!"

- Megan McKnight, Madison HS

Gillian Alexander, Burke MS

" I just want to take a moment to recognize the incredible impact Gillian Alexander, Special Education Teacher, has on both students and colleagues. Her dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to her students is nothing short of inspiring. She leads with both heart and purpose, and it shows in the relationships she builds and the joy she brings into the Burke School each day."

- Ashley Enright, Burke MS

Frank Sarfo & Ingrid De Leon Gomez, Lorton Center

"I would like to recognize Ingrid for her outstanding service at the Lorton Transportation Center. She is always quick to respond, provides support with a smile, and goes above and beyond in everything she does. Ingrid is truly one of our amazing custodians, and her dedication makes a real difference each day. I would also like to recognize Frank, a field custodian who covered at our location that day. He stepped in seamlessly, provided excellent support, and helped ensure everything ran smoothly. Both Ingrid and Frank exemplify teamwork, professionalism, and positivity. Their hard work and commitment are deeply appreciated."

- George Saad, Lorton Center

Stalin Cordoba Herrera, Merrifield Support Center

"As you may know, Bailey’s Upper is a refurbished office building that does not have the same internal systems as most FCPS schools. While the school itself is only 10 years old, the building is much older. Over the past year, we’ve had multiple issues with our heating and cooling system. These are not simple fixes — they often involve a complex computer system, coordination with a company in California, and other logistical challenges that make repairs much more difficult than in the average school. Through it all, Lyn has been incredible. Any time we call, he makes our school a priority and comes out right away to help. On the first day of school this year, for example, our gym air system wasn’t working. We had planned grade-level Town Hall meetings and had no alternative space. Lyn came out immediately and had the system up and running within just a few hours. We are so thankful that he understands the unique needs of our building and is always willing to support us quickly and effectively. That fifth floor can get very hot without airflow, and we deeply appreciate that we don’t have to beg or plead for help. Lyn’s responsiveness and dedication truly make a difference for our staff and students."

- Holly Dowling, Bailey's Upper ES

Amanda Salamanca, Merrifield Support Center

"As you may know, Bailey’s Upper is a five-story building with three elevators — and we truly need all three working at all times to support the flow of students and staff. This past year, we faced significant challenges with our elevators, including failed inspections and multiple instances of staff getting stuck. Throughout it all, Amanda was AMAZING. She listened to our concerns, communicated consistently, kept us updated, and went out of her way multiple times to support us — all while also managing the needs of many other schools. Her dedication ensured that our building remained safe and functional for our students and staff. We are so thankful for Amanda’s commitment to safety and her support of our school community. She is the definition of a dedicated FCPS staff member."

- Holly Dowling, Bailey's Upper ES

Derek Garcia, Sideburn Support Center

"Our school was recently renovated and since renovation, parts of our building never had hot water running in many of the sinks. Derek Garcia took the time to methodically troubleshoot to find and fix faulty hot water heaters that were the cause of the problem. We can now wash our hands, wash dishes, etc. with hot water, amazing! He is also an excellent communicator who really listens and follows-up. We appreciate you, Derek!"

- Danielle Powers, Frost MS

Gary Pumphrey, Stonecroft Transportation

"We would like to commend Mr. Pumphrey for his exceptional attentiveness and commitment to student safety during the first week of school. His decision to return a student to school when no adult was present at the bus stop clearly demonstrates his conscientious approach and dedication to ensuring every child is safe and accounted for. The parent was also extremely appreciative of Mr. Pumphrey's actions. We are very grateful for Mr. Pumphrey's commitment to our students' safety."

- Sara Van Aalst, Providence ES

Mary Valad, Burke MS

"Mary Valad, an amazing social worker at Burke school, wasted no time making meaningful connections with families. Her warmth and dedication was felt from day one, helping to create a strong sense of trust and support within the Burke school community."

- Ashley Enright, Burke MS

Emily Burnham, Karleigh Asante & Jessica Moberly, Burke MS

"he first day of school is always a mix of excitement and nerves—but the CRTs at Burke school, Emily Burnham, Karleigh Asante, Jessica Moberly, rose to the occasion with incredible energy and heart! From the moment students walked through the doors, they were greeted with a warm, welcoming environment. The CRTs wasted no time in building strong, positive relationships that set the tone for an amazing year ahead!"

- Ashley Enright, Burke MS

Binh Phan, South Lakes HS

"The lasting impact of our former Building Supervisor, Binh Phan, is truly remarkable. Though he’s now at South Lakes High School, his dedication to Timber Lane Elementary hasn’t wavered, and his ongoing support has been invaluable to our school community. Binh has been a great mentor to our new building supervisor, offering guidance on everything from facility management and maintenance schedules to navigating district procedures. This continuous support has made for a smooth transition, helping our new supervisor confidently handle the demands of the job. Binh’s willingness to share his extensive knowledge and experience has been a cornerstone of our operational stability. Binh consistently steps up to help our staff with various needs. He has often facilitated the borrowing of resources, from cleaning materials to specialized tools for maintenance tasks. His proactive approach and generosity in sharing resources show his commitment to the entire FCPS community. Binh Phan is more than just a former colleague; he is a model of professionalism and a testament to the collaborative spirit of our district. His selflessness and willingness to support us on his own time demonstrate a rare level of dedication. He embodies the best qualities of a public servant, consistently putting the needs of others first. His continued support has not only made our jobs easier but has also fostered a stronger sense of community and teamwork."

- Benjamin Chiet, Timber Lane ES

AJ Rodriguez & Jon Halterman-Mitchell, South County MS

"As we start a new school year, our rising 9th grader and I went to South County High School Open House, “Stallion Stampede.” Our son was, and somewhat still is, an insecure teenager in his entire time in the middle school. However, today at the huge high school, I saw a different person and I would like FCPS to know who have helped him to become the person he is today — South County Middle School Assistant Principal Jonathan Mitchell and Music Teacher AJ Rodriguez. When our son told me in the middle of the night that he was being bullied and I emailed to a few people at his middle school, the first person who contacted me was Mr. Mitchell. He called me before the school even started. He thoroughly communicated with me about the procedure and kept me informed on findings and consequences of the students that were involved. He did not forget about asking how we were feeling and our son was able to feel safe again. Middle school for him was full of emotional ups and downs. He suffered from low self esteem, so when we were told that he would be receiving an award at the end of 8th grade, we were beyond excited. Then scheduling conflicts.  Again, we thought about our problem solver, go-to person, Mr. Mitchell. Of course, he took quick action and made it happen. Our son was able to receive the award during Learning Seminar and the principal was kindly present. And the award was nominated by his music teacher, Ms. Rodriguez. South County’s music program was nothing like we expected. It involves lots of work outside of school, parental participation, many concerts and events. Not sure our son was ready for that much hard work, but with her perfect mixture of fun and discipline, she has guided him to become a more confident and mature person. Seeing how much her positive reinforcement has transformed him, I now use her style for my daily interactions with my children. As he starts his first day of high school tomorrow, we are comforted to know that he’ll be in Ms. Rodriguez’s Advanced Chorus class, and of course, Mr. Problem Solver, Assistant Principal is five minute walk away at the middle school!"

-a South County MS parent

Uwe Dotzauer, Wilton Woods Center

"We are lucky to have Uwe Dotzauer as our network engineer! Uwe is incredibly knowledgeable and does great job communicating things that have been done as well as things that are coming down the pike. In addition to being thorough and meticulous in his work, he makes himself highly accessible to us and quick to act to requests and tickets."

- Richard Chinn, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Peyton Bunch & Ryan Northcutt, Woodson IT

"Our news show studio was abruptly relocated over the summer, and we were expected to start creating content for the first day of school. I was very concerned about how this was going to happen, and did not even know if we'd be able to continue recording the show. Ryan and Peyton came to our school on the opening day of school and made an absolutely Herculean effort to get our studio up and running on DAY 1: 8/18/2025 with very little notice! I simply cannot express my gratitude strongly enough for what they both did. They are amazing members of Team FCPS and really rose to the occasion in a huge way! The entire Cedar Lane Community is so thankful for their kindness, expertise and dedication!"

- Gregory Darrall, Cedar Lane Center

Peyton Bunch & Ryan Northcutt, Woodson IT

"Ryan and Peyton were instrumental in getting our News Studio up and running in the midst of renovation. Their calm demeanor, their flexibility, and their extensive knowledge of the studio equipment made installing our temporary News Studio a breeze. I am unbelievably grateful for their support, and especially appreciative of the care they took in setting up the space in the best way possible to be both a TV studio and an office. We would not have been able to film for the first day of school if it weren't for their expertise!"

- Jaclyn (Jacki) Young, Dranesville ES

Brian Eastman, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"The first day of school is always a busy one, but Brian went out of his way to take time out of his busy day to help me understand something I needed to do in order to provide timely support to my own school staff. And Brian did it with a winning attitude and attention to detail. This is a great example of teamwork and I'm grateful for his help!"

- Holly Mossburg, Nancy Sprague Tecnology Center

Christina Martin, Chantilly HS

"I have anaphylactic allergies, asthma, and eczema, all of which may cause severe reactions that force me to miss school for consecutive days multiple times in a year. However, last year I was incredibly blessed to have Mrs. Martin as my double block Dental Careers 1 teacher. When I miss class, she always makes an effort to teach me the material I miss, which I really appreciate because dental hands-on competencies are not feasible to learn independently. On top of the support she gives, Mrs. Martin has been one of the most optimistic, charismatic and empathetic teachers I have had; her positive energy is contagious and helps get students through a content-heavy day. During the end of year potluck party last year, Mrs. Martin brought snacks for the class to enjoy, and even took time to bring a box of cookies that I could have due to my allergies. I really appreciated this gesture, and after class was over I even took a picture of the exact brand; to this day I go back and purchase that same box of cookies because it was one of the best dairy-free, nut-free, packaged cookies I had ever had. I really appreciate Mrs. Martin’s generosity and empathy towards others."

-a Chantilly HS student

Marci Garrison & Trevor Echols, South County HS

"Mr. Echols has been our angel in this earth. We are new to the area, we just moved from Virginia Beach. Our family has been through some major changes that made this move painful and hard. Mr. Echols came to meet us during his summer break. He made my son feel that he belonged before even starting the school year. Mr. Echols and Ms. Garrison worked together to help my son choose his classes, built his schedule, and ensure his wellbeing by knowing that their doors are always open. They are the perfect example of a caring educator. They didn’t just do their job; they went beyond that scope to make this transition painless. They are my kind of superheroes, and we need more people like them in this world."

-a South County HS parent

Jose Pastor, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"Jose does an amazing job taking care of all the technology at our school and doing it in the kindest way. He handles all of the stress with a smile on his face and is doing an incredible job."

- Jeremy Ferrara, Glasgow MS

Janeen Waddell, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Janeen Waddell was our trainer for Mandt recertification. She created a safe space for learning and asking questions to deepen understanding. We contacted Janeen after our class with follow-up questions, and she has become a collaborative partner in supporting our Admin Team, Teachers, and Support Staff. Through her support we are refining our practices to ensure safety of students and fidelity of academic programs for all of our students. Janeen went out of her way this week to drop off reinforcement tools that might benefit our students. She is a knowledgeable, kind, and dedicated educator. Thank you, Janeen!"

- Holly Sims & Tim Scesney, Freedom Hill ES

Lisa Forrest, Gatehouse Admin Center

"We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lisa Forrest for hosting our professional development retreat week. The learning activities we engaged with will help us to grow both individually and as a team. We also want to express our deep appreciation for the outstanding culinary delights she's arranged throughout the week. Her attention to these thoughtful details contributes significantly to a positive and motivating work environment. We want to thank Lisa for her leadership and generosity!"

-The Hearings Office Team, Gatehouse Admin Center

Betsy Rogers, Lake Braddock Secondary

"I would like to recognize Mrs. Betsy Rogers, MS Counselor for Lake Braddock Secondary School. This week is very stressful for everyone, trying to get prepared for the new school year. My son is a rising 8th grader at LB and he has an IEP. His schedule was not correct for several classes. Today is Friday and school starts on Monday!! I was unable to reach his counselor due to her being out today. As I was having a mini panic attack, I was transferred over to Mrs. Rogers. Mrs. Rogers did not hesitate to jump in and help me fix his schedule. She was kind, knowledgeable. and worked very quickly. I truly appreciate her willingness to help us. As a parent of a Special Education student, things are often very stressful, and we always want the best for our child. Thank you so much, Mrs. Rogers, my son will have a smooth start next week thanks to you!!

-a Lake Braddock Secondary parent

Dinesh Chandrasekaran, Wilton Woods Center

"Dinesh has consistently proven his reliability in all aspects of Infor Lawson application assistance. From downloading the applications to creating and updating Process Flows, assisting with custom Lawson programs, and providing best practice recommendations for Process Flow automations, Dinesh has always been there. His unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service, regardless of his role as a contractor or an FCPS employee, has been a source of security and confidence for me. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dependable professional. Dinesh is an invaluable asset to FCPS."

- Deedre Day, Gatehouse Admin Center

Kate Adams, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I want to take a moment to recognize Kate Adams, Supervisor, Hearing & Vision Services. While I have known Kate for several years, we recently connected again to support a student at Woodburn. She jumped to help us navigate assessments, data collection, and gave guidance on how we might work with this student who had severe hearing loss and had little language. In this last week, she has supported our teachers: classroom/SPED/ and IAs to create a proactive plan to ensure the student and the staff have resources, materials, and tools for a successful first day and week back. Her caring and advocacy is evident, and we are very grateful for help knowledge and guidance. Thank you, Kate!!"

- Kanchana Iyer, Woodburn ES

Rebecca Foley, Wilton Woods Center

"Rebecca realized the breach in schedule data in Performance Matters allowing students to access their data before the official release day. She spent time during her weekend wing with vendors to try to remedy the situation."

-Anonymous

Ryan Northcutt, Woodson IT

"Ryan Northcutt and Peyton Bunch made my entire back to school week when they took time out of their schedules, during the busiest time of the year (!) to set up my filming studio and make it look perfect, right in time for our open house. I am so grateful to have support staff to help assist with the things that overwhelm me, so I have time to focus on teaching my students. Ryan also went above and beyond by putting together my studio furniture, which is not part of his job, but I definitely did not have time to do! Thank you!!!"

-Lindsay Bovenzi, Cooper MS

Sarah Ummen, Poe MS

" Sarah Ummen is the kindest and most caring individual. This summer she presented at the VATFACS conference. Her presentation was about the activities she does in her classroom. From her presentation, I can see that she is very welcoming to her students, and she goes above and beyond to make sure all their needs are being met. During the four day conference, Sarah made sure all the FCPS FACS teachers that were there, we welcomed and included in all the activities. Sarah noticed that I was not eating lunch due to a food allergy, and she provided a snack for me so that I was not without lunch. Poe Middle School is lucky to have her as their FACS teacher, as she is a blessing to the staff and her students! Keep being awesome, Sarah!!!"

- Jenny Murphy, Frost MS

Ryan Northcutt, Woodson IT

"Ryan did a fantastic job setting up our NEW Studio equipment here at Fairview ES! He was super flexible with scheduling and incredibly informative whenever I had a question, or a wondering. Our Falcons News Room looks FANTASTIC now! Thank you, Ryan!!"

-Shelby Lopez, Fairview ES

Lyn Malvin, Willow Oaks Admin Center

" Lyn Malvin truly saved the day at the Great Beginnings Summer Institute last week. While preparing to welcome nearly 1,000 new educators with over 60 breakout sessions, the GB team was notified of a last minute cancelation from one of their presenters, moments before the team stepped on stage. Before they had a chance to figure out how to cancel and remove the session, while notifying participants, Lyn Malvin jumped in and offered to lead the session herself. She was kind, caring, joyous, and professional as she welcomed the new teachers to her session. We are beyond grateful for not only her kindness but her desire to support our new educators on such an important day. We are grateful for Lyn!"

- Meg Mascelli, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Chris Allain, Merrifield Support Center

"Chris brings a unique blend of dedication and warmth to his work at Shrevewood. His thoughtful and caring nature shines through in everything he does, and his infectious humor never fails to bring a laugh to the staff. He genuinely cares about his job and is always quick to lend a hand, as he recently demonstrated by efficiently and quickly fixing the door on our outdoor library. Chris is a hard-working and valued member of our team, and we always appreciate his presence at Shrevewood."

- Katie Vandawalker, Shrevewood ES

Nicole Shaw, Westfield HS

"I received an email from a former student regarding some concerns as they transition to a new school for the 2025-26 school year. As school was starting in a few days, a quick turn around for support was required. After reaching out to Ms. Shaw at the student's new school, Ms. Shaw literally dropped everything with 15 minutes notice and traveled to my school to meet with the student, her parent, and I to create a support plan. Ms. Shaw's willingness to make this student's well-being and positive start to the school year a top priority was unmatched. Ms. Shaw spent an hour of her time listening to the student's concerns and intentionally addressing each concern with honesty and transparency as she discussed possible supports. I am so glad that our student will be in the excellent care of Ms. Shaw next year!"

- Beth Levy, Stone MS

Kat Barnes & Betsy Churchill, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Kat Barnes and Betsy Churchill of the Department of Special Services provided excellent communication and planning strategies for upcoming procurement of student assistive technologies. The purchase of these items are individualized and can be complex. The two of them took time to have a better understanding of the assistive technology program and how our departments may collaboratively strategize appropriate purchasing to maximize resources available to students."

- Jeff Sisk, Willow Oaks Admin Center

T.J. L Wortman, Danh T Phan & David Morse, Woodson IT

“Over December break, while most of us were enjoying cocoa and cozy vibes, this amazing crew was hard at work transforming our elementary school tech setup! They tackled the big TV screen takedown like pros, removing all the large TVs with precision and care.

Then this summer, they dove into the projector swap mission, replacing our old units and configuring the shiny new Epson 1288 models like it was second nature. Thanks to their hard work, our classrooms are now brighter, clearer, and ready for action. We truly couldn’t have done it without them. Their dedication and teamwork made all the difference! On behalf of everyone at Lane ES, we wanted to extend a massive thank you for the recent projector swap and the TV removal. No more negotiating with unruly technology! We are all incredibly grateful for your expertise.”

-Melissa Keller, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Lourrie Duddridge, Willow Oaks Admin Center

“Lourrie Duddridge, Senior Specialist for Due Process and Eligibility, is a dedicated and multifaceted professional who brings exceptional value to her role. Among her many contributions, she voluntarily serves on the Medical Services Review Team (MSRT), where she plays a critical role. As the procedural and legal expert in these meetings, Lourrie consistently provides informed, thoughtful insights that help guide complex discussions. Even when conversations become challenging or contentious, she remains composed, respectful, and empathetic—always steering the focus back to what matters most: the needs of the student. Lourrie’s depth of knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering student-centered approach make her an indispensable member of the MSRT and a powerful advocate for equitable and legally sound decision-making.”

-Emily Kaltenmark, Key Center

Lauren Jones & Anthony Felt, Westfield HS

“Lauren Jones and Tony Felt, the TSSpecs at Westfield HS shifted gears very quickly setting up a "genius bar" to support bus and van drivers reporting to Stonecroft Transportation Center. They guided hundreds of staff set up SSO on their phones to gain access Atlas on their ChromeFlex devices where their transportation route information is located. Lauren and Tony agreed to take on this task alongside all the other end of summer tasks that still needed to be completed before teachers returned. Lauren and Tony greeted every transportation employee with a smile and helped them navigate the new process and confirmed they felt comfortable navigating Atlas. They exemplify the FCPS pillar of caring culture with their extraordinary customer service.”

-Lisa Basta, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Linda Frantz, South Lakes HS

“Linda Frantz went above and beyond to help me out on a busy Friday afternoon when she absolutely did not have to! While trying to prepare materials for teachers to return to the building, I asked her if she knew where the laminator was. Instead of simply telling me where it was, she helped me track it down (it had been moved over the summer and we couldn't find it), helped me figure out how load it, laminate over 150 individual pieces of paper and cut them out! This took over an hour and she was absolutely not expecting to spend this much time helping me out -- especially the Friday before Teacher Week!! I was so overwhelmed on this day, and she helped make a task that could have taken me hours *so* much lighter! I appreciate Linda so much for helping me out and I feel so lucky to have her on our staff!”

-Julia Braxton, South Lakes HS

Loletta Mack, Gatehouse Admin Center

“Loletta Mack was the first person to give my call to OSS real attention. We had an error message on our fire panel on a Monday morning. I called OSS twice during the week and was told that a work order had been placed but that the system was still functioning. When I called a third time on Friday, Loletta took time to look into the error, ask me for more information, and take further steps to fix the problem. She called me multiple times to give me updates and reassured me that the system was functional. She was friendly and helpful, and I appreciated her time.”

-Julie Moore, Lake Braddock Secondary

Natalie Baumstark, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

“Natalie Baumstark, a Senior Digital Learning Designer with the DLRS team, is an incredible asset to our team and a true pleasure to work with. She consistently provides fantastic support to our department, ensuring that all of our online and asynchronous required trainings are not only up to date, but also thoughtfully and expertly designed within the MyPDE. Her professional abilities are only matched by her personal character; she is one of the kindest and nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of working with, always approaching her work with a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit.”

-Nitin Bhatia, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Michael Underwood, Liam Ryde, Brian Eastman & Brent Litherland, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

“Thank you so much for participating in a pilot to help inform the work of our Active Directory Rescope project! We truly appreciate the time you dedicated to testing, providing thoughtful feedback, and engaging with the project team to discuss necessary improvements before the broader rollout to all TSSpecs. Your input was instrumental in ensuring a smoother, more effective implementation. We greatly value your expertise and the time you shared with us—thank you for contributing to the success of this important effort!”

- Sarah Niel, Wilton Woods Center

Lora Adams, Oak View ES

“We would like to recognize our phenomenal Assistant Principal, Lora Adams. Last school year, Lora stepped up and into the role of interim principal and not only kept our school running flawlessly, but she truly elevated the entire Oak View community—our staff, students, and families. She has a remarkable ability to navigate difficulties with effortless technique, making every challenge seem manageable. She is logical and acts as a great sounding board for a variety of needs while putting our worries at ease. Lora's deep care for Oak View shines through in her daily actions; her passion for serving is so strong that she drives a long distance to be here every day. Lora's commitment to diverse learners is evident in her relentless pursuit of accessible learning for all. She's always considering best practices and asking the tough questions to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed. Her unmatched leadership and support for staff are key reasons we retain such incredible talent at Oak View. Lora consistently brightens our mornings with her cheerful smile and leaves us with the same positive energy at the end of the day. She is the true definition of excellence in education.”

-Amanda Alsbaugh, Oak View ES

Cristina E Mendoza, Dunn Loring Center

“I am writing to commend Ms. Cristina Mendoza who works in the Dunn Loring Center in the FCPS non-parent registration department. Over the past 6 months, she has provided invaluable assistance and guidance to me as a new guardian enrolling my student into the Fairfax County Public School System at Hayfield Secondary as well as correcting an error in my student's transcript at another school district. She embodies compassionate care and advocacy for our youth and has a clear heart for service as she seeks to position students for success in the FCPS system. I am truly grateful for her responsiveness, follow through and guidance as I navigate my new role as a guardian. She is exceptional and FCPS is most fortunate to have her on the team.”

-a Hayfield Secondary parent

Natalie Apelquist, Anna Copeland, Tori Hagy, Erica Jahnke, Hailey Worsley, Meredith Leech & Veronica Rivera, Crossfield ES

“These teachers spent the summer revising the launch units for Benchmark to support schools as they begin year 2 of implementation. this group of dedicated professionals volunteered to extend their time beyond just writing revisions to provide professional learning for new FCPS teachers, as well as provided recordings of how to use the new launch units for all FCPS teachers. Not only did these teachers complete professional learning in these two avenues, they also have scheduled time to host before and after school trainings to support FCPS teachers in using the launch units. We are so honored to have these dedicated teachers in FCPS!”

-Jean Wyche, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Gisele Gray & Wendy Jimenez, Fairfax HS

“Each year the Summer Learning Program hosts a graduation for those students attending the Credit Recovery Academy. This year we were lucky enough to utilize Fairfax High School for our event on July 30, 2025. There is always a lot of planning around each event as the Summer Learning team walks through the school and coordinates with staff to ensure a seamless transition from location to location. I had the privilege and honor of working with both Gisele Gray and Wendy Jimenez at Fairfax High School to coordinate this event. They were open to coming into the building to do some scouting on sites, attentive to audio and visual needs, decorated the school with their own graduation blow-ups and signs, and were there the day of to ensure anything we needed was taken care of. I cannot say enough about the welcoming and efficient atmosphere both of these individuals gave to our team. Thank you for helping give our seniors a beautiful and well-deserved send-off.”

-Brigid Williams, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Ramona Hamilton, Adam Bowen, Bryan Buser, Summer Johnson, Mel Mollick, Jeff Sisk, Jenn Carr, Grace Ingram & Llexell Evangelista, Central Office - Various Locations

“The Educational Technology Learning Partnerships team is very grateful to the time and energy shared by our support partners at our SBTS kickoff on July 17th. The group of amazing individuals included: Ramona Hamilton, Adam Bowen, Bryan Buser, Summer Johnson, Mel Mollick, Jeff Sisk, Jenn Carr, the Wellness team with Grace Ingram, and Llexell Evangelista. You really demonstrated that what we do is a team effort and schools and educators have a lot of resources to work with and succeed! Thank you for sharing your expertise and helping us level up our game!”

-Anonymous

Torey Diggs, Mollie Kropp & Alicia Ogrodny, Willow Oaks Admin Center

“The Educational Technology Learning Partnerships team is very grateful to Mollie Kropp, Torey Diggs, and Alicia Ogrodny, for designing and presenting engaging learning opportunities for our SBTS kickoff on July 17th. Your expertise, enthusiasm, and collaboration are key to helping set SBTS and schools up for success. We greatly appreciate your role in helping us level up our game!”

-Anonymous

Tim Roberson, Woodson IT

“Tim Roberson has added incredible value to our school by assisting us in upgrading our news studio. He was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and flexible. He has continued to be a valuable resource to our news team with visits, observations, and feedback. He is always accessible and prompt on communications, and even willing to meet with our school for continuous help and consultation.”

-Richard Chinn, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Shminder Singh, Wilton Woods Center

“Shminder Singh is the network engineer assigned to Hutchison Elementary. I wanted to commend him for working diligently to solve a network problem that was had been troubling a Hutchison staff member for a very long time. He spent a good two hours with me troubleshooting the problem, and you could tell how much it mattered to him to find a solution, which he did. I really appreciated how personally he took the task of resolving this issue. His willingness to stick with it made a complete stranger's work life a lot better.”

-Brian Crosson, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Joshua Moss & Heather Murray, Gatehouse Admin Center

“Heather and Josh from IT work so hard for everyone in this building and I am so grateful for their help and positive attitude. They are responsive, helpful, kind and understanding. They really lead by example and they are both absolute pleasures to work with. I speak on behalf of my entire team when I say that we are so thankful for all the help they provide.”

-Colby Bruno, Gatehouse Admin Center

Amanda Purvis, Gatehouse Admin Center

“Hello, I wanted to thank Amanda for her positive attitude and her genuine willingness to help others. Amanda never hesitates to help and will always find a solution to the problem.

I am grateful for the effort, dedication and commitment she provides while helping me and others. Thank you for everything you do and just know it is very much appreciated to have someone ready and eager to help when we are in need of assistance! Thank you again for being someone us FCPS employees can always count on!”

-  Aly A Al-Shammari, Gatehouse Admin Center

Derek House, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

“I just wanted to take a moment to recognize Derek for the tremendous support he provides to the Online Campus - especially during the summer, but truly all year long. He’s always willing to help, particularly with copying exams, and he never gives us any kind of a hard time or wavers about whether he can assist. No matter how last-minute the request is, Derek responds quickly, takes care of it without hesitation, and does so with a great attitude. It might seem like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference on our end. His support saves us a tremendous amount of time and stress, and we’re incredibly grateful for his reliability, generosity with his time, and consistently positive approach. Just wanted to make sure his efforts don’t go unnoticed. He’s a tremendous help to our team.”

- Brian Katkin, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Linda Andrade, West Springfield HS

“It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we recognize Ms. Andrade for her exceptional dedication, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the families and students of West Springfield High School. Throughout the summer, Ms. Andrade has gone above and beyond to ensure that every family—both new and returning—feels supported, heard, and genuinely welcomed into our school community. Her efforts have gone far beyond logistical support; she has made it her mission to ensure that each family feels they are joining a close-knit, caring family rather than just enrolling in a school. Her warmth, attentiveness, and responsiveness to every inquiry demonstrate her passion for service and her deep understanding of the importance of building strong, positive relationships. Ms. Andrade is often the very first face of West Springfield that families encounter, and what a beautiful representation she is of our values. Her welcoming smile, calming presence, and consistent follow-through set the tone for an inclusive and supportive environment from day one. She makes every effort to respond quickly and thoroughly to all questions and concerns, ensuring no family ever feels overlooked or unimportant. In doing so, she plays a vital role in shaping the positive experiences of countless students and parents alike. Beyond the start-of-year preparations, Ms. Andrade continues to be a cornerstone of our school’s spirit and success throughout the year. Her role in organizing and executing our annual Graduation Ceremony is nothing short of vital. Each year, she dedicates countless hours to ensuring that this milestone event is a meaningful and seamless experience for our graduating students and their families. From behind-the-scenes coordination to her presence on the day itself, Ms. Andrade exemplifies grace under pressure and pride in our school community. We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Andrade’s continued sacrifice of time, her heartfelt commitment, and her tireless energy. Whether she is welcoming new students or bidding farewell to graduating seniors, she represents the very best of West Springfield High School. Her contributions have not only enhanced the experiences of our families but have also helped cultivate a culture of kindness, dedication, and excellence that we are proud to uphold. Thank you, Ms. Andrade, for being such a difference maker. Your impact is immeasurable, and your work does not go unnoticed.”

-John Basta, West Springfield HS

Jerry Lin, Marshall HS

“I would like to enthusiastically nominate Jerry Lin for an FCPS Cares award. As the building use manager at Marshall High School, Jerry provided exceptional assistance that directly prevented the cancellation of a crucial meeting, saving significant logistical challenges. At the last minute, unforeseen changes to an auditorium reservation required immediate approval from the office of transportation's assistant director. When it became apparent that our meeting might have to be canceled due to these complications, Jerry proactively sprang into action. He swiftly identified and secured alternative individuals who could assist our transportation team with their meeting needs. Jerry's resourcefulness and dedication ensured that we did not have to cancel our meeting, which was a tremendous relief. I was particularly appreciative that we didn't have to scramble to find an alternative venue for our attendees at such short notice. Jerry's resourceful thinking and truly caring attitude exemplify the spirit of the FCPS Cares award. He went above and beyond to support our team and the district.”

- Tammy Fox, Forte Transportation Training Center

Fatima Lopez, West Springfield HS

“We are honored to recognize and celebrate Ms. Lopez for her extraordinary contributions to the West Springfield High School Student Services Department. Her dedication, professionalism, and passion for student success are unmatched and have been instrumental in making our department not only functional—but a true model of excellence within Fairfax County Public Schools. Ms. Lopez is the heart and backbone of Student Services. Her ability to manage, lead, and support both students and staff alike speaks to her deep commitment to the entire school community. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, making sure that the needs of every individual—whether a student, counselor, teacher, or administrator—are met with care, attention, and unwavering support. Her presence in our department is not just valuable; it is essential. She serves as a mentor to our entire counseling team, offering guidance, insight, and encouragement that uplifts and empowers her colleagues. Ms. Lopez embodies the very best of what FCPS represents—integrity, compassion, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Her leadership helps to create a positive, collaborative culture where both students and professionals can thrive. Perhaps one of her most notable contributions is her integral role in the creation and maintenance of the Master Schedule—a task that demands an exceptional level of precision, coordination, and institutional knowledge. Ms. Lopez approaches this enormous responsibility with unmatched professionalism and expertise, dedicating countless hours to ensure that the schedule meets the needs of all learners while supporting the instructional goals of the school. Her work in this area is not only essential to the day-to-day operations of the school—it is the foundation upon which successful academic programming is built. Thanks in large part to Ms. Lopez’s thoughtful and strategic support during academic advising and the scheduling process, West Springfield’s approach has been recognized countywide as a model of best practices. Her efforts have elevated our school’s reputation and have directly contributed to improved outcomes for students and streamlined operations for staff. In every sense of the word, Ms. Lopez is an exemplar. Her contributions are vast, her impact immeasurable, and her professionalism unmatched. She is a critical pillar of our Student Services department and a shining example of excellence in education. We extend our deepest gratitude to Ms. Lopez for all she does to support West Springfield High School. Her tireless work, positive spirit, and deep care for our community do not go unnoticed—and are appreciated more than words can express.”

-John Basta, West Springfield HS

Allison Barker, Willow Oaks Admin Center

In July, I reached out to Allison Barker (Educational Specialist, Accountability Programs) after a discussion with colleagues about the SDBQ Secondary Workbook. At that time, high schools still needed to contact middle school test coordinators to access scores and SDBQ reports for our rising 9th graders. This process took time, created extra work for many people, and had long been a source of frustration due to its inefficiency. I asked Allison if she would consider adding rising freshmen to the workbook so we could immediately identify which students need support from the very start of the school year. To my delight, Allison responded within three hours—three hours!—to say she would absolutely look into it. A mere twelve days later, she followed up with even more incredible news: she had received the green light to make the changes, and the workbook was already updated to reflect this critical information. I’ve thanked Allison several times for her exceptional responsiveness and “customer service,” but she deserves to be recognized more broadly. In a division as large as ours, it’s easy to feel that suggestions will get lost or stalled, but Allison made it feel like we were in a small, collaborative village—she not only listened but acted swiftly. This change to the workbook may seem like a small adjustment, but the impact was immediate and deeply appreciated. When I shared the update, colleagues responded with gratitude, and one even emailed me saying, “This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And I have a child.” Allison’s actions are a powerful example of what happens when great communication, a commitment to the mission, and true cross-departmental partnership come together. I cannot overstate the positive impression her responsiveness and initiative have left—not just on me, but on countless others who will benefit from her work.

-Gretta Orazen, South Lakes HS

Darnell White, Forte Center

Darnell White and his team consistently demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to service, especially during the demanding back-to-school season. Their unwavering helpfulness, even in the face of last-minute changes, is truly commendable. A prime example of their exceptional support occurred recently with the Great Beginnings Summer Institute. This event is a collaborative effort, with Human Resources managing the vendor aspects. I encountered a logistical challenge when asked to shift the setup time from Monday to Friday, a minor change in itself, but complicated by the fact that over 100 boxes for the event were scheduled for delivery to Hayfield Secondary on Monday. Upon reaching out to Darnell, I explained the situation and inquired if his team could accommodate such a late request. Without hesitation, he responded, “not a problem.” We quickly ironed out the details, and his team will now pick up the boxes from Gatehouse on Friday and deliver them to Hayfield Secondary. Darnell consistently embodies the spirit of kindness, cooperation, cheerfulness, collaboration, and understanding whenever plans need to pivot. It is a genuine pleasure and privilege to work with such a professional year after year!

-Shelli Wayland, Gatehouse Admin Center

Blanca Y Guardado, Alan Leis Center

"I just wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for Blanca. As a first-time mom, going through the enrollment process was completely new to me and, at times, a bit overwhelming. I wasn’t familiar with what was required, and there were several documents I didn’t even know I needed to submit. Blanca was incredibly attentive from the very beginning. Her communication was top-notch, clear, prompt, and thorough. She answered every question I had (and I had quite a few!) with patience and kindness. She took the time to walk me through each step, making sure I had all the required documentation and understood the entire process. Thanks to Blanca’s support, what could have been a stressful experience ended up being a smooth and manageable one. I truly appreciate her professionalism, knowledge, and above all, her patience."

-a FCPS Head Start parent

Harriet Summers, Cedar Lane Center

"Mrs. Summers, it has been an absolute privilege to work with you this summer at ESY. You are one of the most outstanding human beings I've had the opportunity to work with. Your compassion, understanding, and the love you show your students every day are truly unique. You are beloved by so many challenging students and are the highlight of their days. Getting to work beside you in the classroom and witness how you support their learning and emotional needs was the highlight of my ESY. I am so grateful that there are people like you at Cedar Lane who are able to support students and show them the love and compassion they need to show up to school every day. I genuinely believe many of the students showed up to school just to talk and work with you. I am so grateful for your support, and I hope you have an amazing school year!

- Taylor Bartram, Madison HS

Celeste Jones, Gatehouse Admin Center

"I would like to recognize Celeste Jones and all the work she has done to make the FCPS summer internship program possible. As head coordinator of our six-week pilot internship program, Celeste has gone above and beyond to provide the best experience. She continuously expresses not only her dedication and professionalism, but also her incredible kindness, compassion, and support to all of us interns. She is always looking for ways to improve the program, is very receptive with feedback from the interns, and frequently reaches out to provide valuable resources, assistance, and guidance throughout our entire experience. I remember feeling so nervous when I came in for my interview a couple months back, but Celeste instantly made me feel so welcomed. I think I can speak for every intern when I say she has created such a professional yet safe environment from the very beginning, and this program has been an amazing experience. I truly feel like I have grown as both an employee and as a person from this internship experience, and for that, I am extremely grateful to Ms. Celeste Jones."

-Olivia Zemba, Gatehouse Admin Center

Linh Dang & Tuan Ong, Lorton Center

"My five-year-old grandson has autism. He is a sweet boy but can be extremely difficult. Transitions are especially difficult. Bus riding is often a nightmare. We’ve had great bus drivers for his PAC program (school year). BUT the amazing level of service just jumped high. His summer PAC program driver and attendant were absolutely AMAZING. Big smile’s and welcomes to him and me every single time. The attendant helped him with safety issues getting on and off the bus, teaching him. One day, when I had a ton of family visiting, the bus arrived early. Usually, I would be out but because of the chaos, I wasn’t, and they waited an extra minute or two for me. That was such a blessing! They weren’t a single pick up or drop off that he struggled or pitched a fit. And that itself is a miracle. It really is. These two are so wonderful. Someone needs to recognize them! Please. I’ve said thank you many times but it’s not enough."

-a White Oaks ES family member

Kellie Kim, Gatehouse Admin Center

"While preparing to submit a clinical faculty grant to the VDOE, the team needed input on data collection strategies and reached out to Kellie Kim for support. Kellie was incredibly collaborative, supportive, and responsive, providing detailed suggestions and helpful feedback in a matter of hours. Dr. Kim's support not only made the grant submission possible but significantly strengthened the proposal. We are grateful for her expertise and partnership!"

-Meg Mascelli, Willow Oaks Admin Center

John Uccellini, Mt. Vernon HS

"John Uccellini, Assistant Director of Student Activities at Mount Vernon High School, has been an exceptional partner and steadfast supporter of the Credit Recovery program this summer. As the host site serving students from five area high schools, Mount Vernon required strong, school-based collaboration to ensure smooth operations and Mr. Uccellini delivered that and more. From the outset, he was warm, welcoming, and incredibly responsive, helping the program launch successfully and run seamlessly throughout the summer. He went above and beyond, arriving early on multiple days to ensure we had access to critical spaces and equipment. Every time a question or challenge arose, Mr. Uccellini responded with thoughtfulness, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to supporting both staff and students. Though I am not based at Mount Vernon during the school year, I have felt completely supported thanks to his collegial spirit and dedication. His efforts have made a meaningful difference this summer and we are so grateful!"

- Emily Cincinnati, Lewis HS

Stephanie Hicks, Gatehouse Admin Center

"We'd like to commend Stephanie Hicks, our Benefits Technician in the Office of Benefits Services, Disability, and Leaves, for her exceptional support to Great Falls Elementary. She consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating remarkable responsiveness and proactivity in her assistance to us. Her thoroughness and supportive approach made a significant positive impact, and we truly appreciate her dedication."

- Sara Harper, Great Falls ES

Sultan Ludd, Fairview Park

"I would like recognize Sultan Ludd, ERFC Retirement Technical Specialist, for his support and guidance during my recent retirement service credit rollover process. Sultan went above and beyond in helping me understand and navigate the steps involved in buying back six years of part-time service. His patience and understanding of the system made what felt overwhelming to be completely manageable. I truly could not have done it without his help. Sultan’s professionalism and dedication are a credit to FCPS, and I am grateful for his assistance."

-Christine St. Germain, Fairfax HS

Robert Edmunds and Custodial Staff, Annandale HS

"The custodial staff at AHS does a great job with their summer cleaning. The school is by far one of the cleanest in all of FCPS. The work the staff puts in shouldn't go unnoticed and we would just like to make sure they are aware their hard work says a lot about them as FCPS employee's."

-Anonymous

Arman Nikmorad, Eric Gonzalez, Lizmari Smith, Chris Lopez, Sulaiman Atwater, Aleksander Jachimiak, William Pourbabai, Nicholas Kehayias & Connor Humphreys, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"TSSPECs and Multimedia Event Support Technicians, I want to thank all of you for your willingness to spend a Thursday evening supporting the Summer Learning | Online Campus program. With 3,200 students and parents attending the Partnership for Safe Teen Driving presentations, followed by the proctoring of the Driver Ed Exams to allow students to receive their "pink card" and qualify for behind-the-wheel instruction, your behind-the-scenes expertise and steady support were essential. You are helping to promote safe, responsible driving habits from day one—while also expanding access to a broader, more diverse range of elective opportunities for these students during the school year. This work matters, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you again for all that you do."

- Joy O Gordon, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Mark David, Stonecroft Transportation

"I want to express my sincerest gratitude and commendation to Mark David for his outstanding professionalism and acute attention to school safety demonstrated during the morning of July 16 at the HHS CRA site. Mr. David made me aware of an off-campus road rage incident that spilled onto the Herndon campus, and with a swift and proactive response, he was instrumental in managing the situation. His immediate recognition of the potential danger, prompt alert to the school safety team, and his pivotal role in de-escalating the situation as an internal peer are truly commendable. Mr. David's efforts exemplify going above and beyond to ensure our school environment remains a safe space for everyone. Thank you, Mr. David, for your unwavering dedication; it is deeply appreciated not just today, but every day."

- Brandi Debrah, Herndon HS

Jalil Ahmed Litz, Zeury Santana Carrasco & Eugenio Fischer, Bryant HS

"I'd like to recognize three (3) outstanding individuals that are helping faculty, and students, at Bryant High School succeed at getting students passing in our 5th Quarter Credit Recovery Program. Ms. Zeury Santana Carrasco, Mr. Eugenio Fischer, and Mr. Jalil Ahmed Litz have been instrumental in getting in touch with students and parents. They regularly make contact in order to get the students to school, explain the program to parents, get students computers if they come in to school and have even dropped computers off to students at their homes. Bryant's student population is very diverse so we have student who speak Spanish, Pashto, Dari, and a host of other languages, yet they seem to make contact with the students and/or parents even when faculty haven't been able to via email, Talking Points, or phone. This wasn't a one-off thing they did, but usually a daily, or multiple times a day thing for them to do. On top of that they worked individually with students who came into school and had difficulties. Some of the students wouldn't understand what was happening in the Zoom classes, so they became the student's tutors while at school on topics as diverse as physics to English 11 to EPF to biology. So not only have these three individuals helped make my job, and all of the other instructor's jobs teaching in this program easier and successful, but I am positive that without them many more students would not have been able to recover credits, and in several cases, would not have been able to graduate this summer."

- John P Stimac, Bryant HS

Andrew Duggan, South Lakes HS

"We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Andrew Duggan for his outstanding collaboration and support as South Lakes High School prepares for updated parking assignments. Mr. Duggan took the time to meet with the Office of Transportation Services (OTS) to listen to and understand our concerns regarding school bus parking. His commitment to working closely with our team ensured that appropriate accommodations will be in place for the upcoming school year. Thanks to his responsiveness and teamwork, we are confident that transportation operations will continue smoothly with the updated parking assignments. This is a true example of teamwork in action, and we are grateful for Mr. Duggan’s dedication and partnership!"

- Jeremy Doxer, Stonecroft Transportation

Anthony Kirby, Key MS

"I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible support Anthony Kirby provided to our students this summer. His dedication, warmth, and hard work played an essential role in creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for our learners. For many of our students, Anthony’s positive presence was a comforting and familiar part of their daily routine — a steady source of encouragement that helped fuel their bodies as they tackled challenging material. Thank you for going above and beyond to support our mission and care for our students. Your impact is lasting, and we are truly grateful for all that you do."

-Skyy Boller, Key MS

Andy Grunig, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Recently our office needed assistance with a large web curating project: the uploading and updating of the SR&R public webpage. As our office is currently without a web curator, we reached out to the Office of Communications in the CXO for help. Despite the size of the job and short turn around needed on the project, Andy Grunig, Communications Specialist, stepped up and did an amazing job. With a full complement of projects already on his plate, he took the time to assist our office at a crucial time. He was responsive, professional, and brought great knowledge and expertise to the web-curating project. The Office of the CEO is incredibly grateful that Andy went above and beyond to help us."

- Michelle Claude, Gatehouse Admin Center

Bentley Shifflett, Stonecroft Transportation

"I would like to submit this commendation to FCPS Cares in recognition of Mr. Greg (Bentley) Shiftlet, the driver of bus DC1050  who currently operates the CTE camp route LB-ER-06 with a stop at Marshall High School. I am a parent of three children—ages 12, 10, and 5—and this summer was my youngest child’s first experience riding a school bus. From the very beginning, Mr. Shiftlet has created a safe, structured, and welcoming environment that has made this transition smooth and positive not only for my youngest but for all students on board. Mr. Shiftlet demonstrates outstanding professionalism and takes clear pride in his work. He enforces important safety rules with consistency and clarity, sets age-appropriate boundaries, and ensures younger children are seated and secure before the bus begins moving. These seemingly small actions go a long way in giving parents peace of mind. Even my older children have taken notice of the respectful and positive environment he fosters. It’s clear that Mr. Shiftlet is more than just a bus driver—he is a positive role model and influence in these children’s daily lives. His diligence, calm leadership, and genuine care for student well-being deserve to be recognized and appreciated. I am grateful for his service and proud to submit this FCPS Cares nomination on his behalf."

-a FCPS parent

Waverly Cerio, Yanelkis Ortega & Emily Gardiner, Johnson MS

"Our team recently hosted a teacher professional development at Katherine Johnson Middle School and Building Supervisor Waverly Cerio and her team went above and beyond to welcome us, have the space prepared, and troubleshoot all of our requests. If she didn't know the answer, she was quick to reach out to someone else on the team that could help. We are so thankful."

- Chrissy Brownson, Willow Oaks Admin Center

Carlos Melendres, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"I wish to commend Carlos Melendres on the absolutely amazing service he gave us recently!! As many of us know – with Year-End comes MANY new computer orders; for us 12 new desktops and 3 new laptops arrived and when Carlos was informed of the need to image 15 computers he performed brilliantly! Carlos, knowing we have a training room containing 16 fully functioning computers… IF the training room was free ( and it was! ) – Carlos’ brilliant idea was to use all those network drops, monitors, keyboards and mice to image ALL these computers all at once, as quickly as possible AND all in ONE day!! With his quick thinking and action, we were able to distribute the 3 new laptops and are planning on deploying the 12 new desktops. SO huge KUDOS and even bigger THANK YOU to Carlos! YES, Carlos always gives wonderful service, but Carlos’ recent service was definitely went well above and beyond and needs this high recognition! AGAIN, THANK YOU Carlos!!"

- Adrian Gomez, Gatehouse Admin Center

Dave Waite, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"Dave Waite is the type of co-worker you're consistently so glad to have as a teammate. Today, we were dealing with an emerging topic: how to get students access to a new tool. While the solution will undeniably create extra work for Dave and his team, he was easy to get along with, professional, and ready to support from the moment we approached him until the end of the meeting. His unwavering positive attitude and commitment to finding solutions, even when it means more on his plate, truly stand out. I appreciate everything Dave does and I am incredibly lucky to have such a great teammate."

- Tracy Soular, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Anita Desrivieres, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"I would like to take a moment to recognize Anita Desrivieres for her outstanding dedication and hard work in preparing for the Leadership Conference training presentation. Despite the extensive requirements, Anita rose to the challenge with professionalism and determination. At the same time, she managed ongoing communications and support tickets with schools, all while continuing to deliver individualized training sessions. Her ability to balance these responsibilities and maintain a high level of quality across all tasks is truly commendable. Thank you for your commitment and exceptional performance!"

- Michael Edwards, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Llexell Evangelista & Derek House, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"On behalf of Jay Corwin and the entire Office of Transportation Services (OTS), we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Llexell Evangelista and Derek House for their unbelievable commitment to supporting our department’s needs. OTS is responsible for managing our own recruitment efforts in collaboration with various departments, and Llexell and Derek consistently go above and beyond to ensure our materials are produced with care and excellence. From perfectly crafted and up-to-date banners to the extra effort put into producing our large, time-consuming pieces, their dedication does not go unnoticed. Your hard work makes a tangible difference, and we want you both to know: OTS would be lost without you. Thank you for everything you do!"

-Jay Corwin, Stonecroft Transportation

Hy Au, Terra Centre ES

" I would like to recognize Terra Centre Elementary School employee Mr. Hy Au. On May 17, 2026, we at Burke United Methodist Church had an event at Terra Centre. He stepped up to help us set up, was there to answer any questions, and he continued to step in whenever he saw there was help needed, even before asked. He made the extra effort to make sure we had everything we needed. He has such a positive attitude, and a smile for everyone."

- Farah Greeley, Fairfax County Community Member

Maria Rodriguez, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"Maria was able to restore SIS access for the entire Online Campus staff of Resource Teachers in a very short window. I opened a ticket this morning while talking with a parent on the phone, and I was able to call the parent back with a resolution by lunch time. Maria's expediency made a difference for this FCPS family and was appreciated by all the FCPS Online Campus staff."

-Zak McNamara, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Michelle Taylor, Langley HS

"During my time as the Technology Support Specialist at Langley High School, I had tremendous support from student IT leaders. I've been fortunate to keep in touch with a few of them as they moved onto college. In catching up with a group of students recently, I learned that Ian, Michelle’s former student, had added a second major in Art History to his collegiate course load. He shared that Ms. Taylor truly inspired in him a love of art. While he plans to maintain a keen focus on his IT pursuits, he has woven this passion for art history, inspired by Ms. Taylor, into his academic journey. It's truly remarkable how teachers shape the paths of our students' lives, often without realizing the full extent of their influence. This is a small, yet powerful, example of an extraordinary teacher's impact. I believe these individual instances of inspiration should be recognized, documented, and celebrated alongside more widespread achievements. Michelle, you are truly amazing!"

-Pamela Galietta, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

Mar Acevedo, Janae Passer, Rachel Gottlieb De Llanos, Shaza Elsamani & Mensah Afrane, Lewis HS

"I would like to recognize the incredible team of teachers who dedicated their time and energy to making this summer learning opportunity a success. Their commitment to student learning during the summer months is a powerful example of what it means to go above and beyond for students. Thanks to their engaging instruction, flexibility, and care, 46 students attended the program and 47 course credits were successfully completed, with some students even completing more than one course. Most meaningfully, one senior was able to fulfill a graduation requirement and earn a diploma on time. These teachers created a supportive and rigorous learning environment that empowered students to succeed. Their efforts changed the trajectory for many students and reflected the best of what FCPS stands for: equity, opportunity, and a relentless belief in every student's potential. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and heart. Their impact will last well beyond the summer."

-Christina Cashman, Lewis HS

Meaghan Pawelczyk, Lewis HS

"I would like to recognize Meaghan Pawelczyk for her incredible support and advocacy in helping students access and complete a summer learning opportunity for course credit. She played a critical role in identifying eligible students, communicating with families, and ensuring that each student had a clear academic plan in place. Thanks to Meaghan’s dedication and attention to detail, 46 students enrolled in the program and 47 credits were successfully completed, a true testament to the power of personalized guidance. Most notably, Meaghan’s support helped one senior meet a final graduation requirement, making summer graduation possible. Meaghan embodies the heart of student-centered counseling: proactive, responsive, and always focused on what's best for each learner. This summer program would not have been the same without her involvement, and we are grateful for the positive impact she continues to make every day."

-Christina Cashman, Lewis HS

Roseann Contreras, Lewis HS

"I would like to recognize Roseann Contreras for her outstanding leadership and coordination of a summer learning program that had a direct impact on student success. Under her guidance, the program provided an opportunity for students to complete a course and earn credit toward graduation, an incredible achievement during the summer months. Thanks to Roseann’s commitment to equity and access, 46 students were able to participate, resulting in 47 successful credit completions. Most significantly, one senior was able to meet a graduation requirement and earn a diploma because of this opportunity. Roseann ensured that everything from staffing to student support was handled with care, professionalism, and a deep focus on outcomes. This kind of behind-the-scenes leadership is what makes programs like this possible—and successful. We are so grateful for Roseann’s dedication and tireless work to make sure every student has a path forward, even beyond the traditional school year."

-Christina Cashman, Lewis HS

Emily Cincinnati, Lewis HS

"I would like to recognize Emily Cincinnati for going above and beyond to support student success this summer. She took the initiative to create a summer learning opportunity that allowed students to complete a course they had failed during the school year and ultimately earn a high school credit. Thanks to Emily’s dedication and thoughtful planning, 46 students attended the program, and 47 course credits were successfully completed, with some students even completing more than one requirement. Most notably, one senior was able to fulfill a critical graduation requirement, allowing them to graduate along with other summer graduated this coming August. This effort is a clear example of how student-centered leadership and innovation can change lives. Emily exemplifies the FCPS core values of equity, opportunity, and commitment to learning. We are grateful for her vision and tireless work to support students during the summer months."

-Christina Cashman, Lewis HS

Craig Aurentz, Stonecroft Transportation

"Mr. Craig is the bus driver for Oak Hill Elementary School's bus #3 and has been for five years. He always impresses me by what a positive and friendly attitude he has with the students. He reminds me of a grandfather to them. He has the entire bus sing happy birthday to anyone who has a birthday on the bus and the kids love this! He always remembers to ask them about their vacations and holidays when they've been absent and holds friendly conversations to really get to know the parents as well. What he really goes above and beyond in is that he attends their school plays/musicals/games and genuinely enjoys cheering them on and supporting them in their endeavors. He told me that being a bus driver is his second career, after retiring from business, and he often wishes he had been a teacher in his former career, and it shows. Our kids feel safe and loved on the bus. We have had many bus drivers over the years, but none hold a candle to Mr. Craig and his caring personality."

-an Oak Hill ES parent

Lan Tran, Gatehouse Admin Center

" I want to extend my sincere appreciation for Ms. Tran's exceptional efforts and dedication during this demanding period of HR staffing transitions. She consistently went above and beyond, exceeding expectations with a high work rate, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to keeping me informed. Ms. Tran's proactive approach to gathering updates on HR staffing decisions — often navigating complex and evolving circumstances — ensured I had the information I needed in a timely and efficient manner. Her diligence in facilitating staff placements, hires, and communications did not go unnoticed and made a significant difference during a challenging time. Thank you Ms. Tran for offering extraordinary service and demonstrating such professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication to supporting our hiring needs. This is a great example of Caring Culture and Excellence in the Workforce in action!

-Anonymous

Sue Kalbaugh, Gatehouse Admin Center

"I am grateful for Sue Kalbaugh, she consistently goes above and beyond in her work for FCPS. Sue is the most professional, kind, and knowledgeable Analyst I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Sue's expertise in the FCPS financial systems, particularly FOCUS and Great Plains is invaluable. Whenever I encounter an issue or need guidance, Sue is always ready to help. Her calm demeanor and clear explanations not only resolve problems quickly but also help me understand the solutions. Weather it's correcting a mistake or identifying the source of a financial discrepancy, Sue always knows how to find the answer. Sue's dedication, patience, and willingness to support others make her an indispensable part of her team. I am truly thankful for Sue's Help throughout this school year.

-Debbie Richards, Bryant HS

Cindy Fitzgerald, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Cindy went above and beyond to work with me on multiple complicated HR questions, showing a profound amount of professionalism, patience, and detailed knowledge. She worked with me to resolve all of my questions and demonstrated significant professional knowledge, clarity, and grace throughout our lengthy conversation. She is truly appreciated!!"

-Erin Wallace, Willow Oaks Admin Center