FCPS CARES - March 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
Region 4
FCPS CARES of the Quarter | Spring 2025
Amanda Alsbaugh, Oak View ES (Pictured Above) - View the celebration !
“You often hear people talk about the brains of the operation or the heart and soul behind a school. Amanda Alsbaugh represents every system needed to keep the school running. She brings the brains, the heart, the prefrontal cortex, and the protective immune system. She is the central nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system of the building and the people inside. (I could go on and on with this.) Amanda is the special education chair and local screening chair at Oak View. She is a mentor to new teachers, a resource for specialists, and a leader and collaborator with teachers. She puts on the hat as principal designee often and supports the administration like I’ve never seen. She will step in to help any child, whether they are on her caseload or not. She will also step in to help any staff member. She is supremely organized and detail-focused, but doesn’t get lost in the weeds and red tape of paperwork. Amanda is also a fiercely dedicated advocate for children; that is evident in every meeting I’ve sat in with her over the last two years (and there’s a lot) and in every action she takes in the school. Her advocacy is notable for the children who may need the louder voices calling out for them, and her advocacy is very human-centered. Even after 14 years as a school psychologist, I am repeatedly learning things from her. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the special education assessment and eligibility process, supporting student academic and behavioral growth, and supporting fellow staff members. There’s not one else I’d rather sit next to for 7 hours of local screening meetings every Thursday. But personal appreciation aside, thank you, Amanda, for everything you have done and continue to do for Oak View’s students and staff.”
- Kathryn Stevens, Oak View ES
-
Central Office
Tatiana Sanchez, Maria Angulo, Max Mongkolrattanatorn, Yolanda Barboza, Nubia Bonilla Euceda, Pakamas Davidson, Kim Ensley, Graciela Guevara, Seung Hur, Sun Kang, Japinder Kaur, Paramjit Kaur, Mi Kim, Mija Lee, Hue Long-Tran, Phuc Luu, Elka Morales Lopez, Ranjit Nijjar, Li Wang, and Jun Zhu, Office of Food & Nutrition Services
“On March 3, 2025, Robinson Secondary School experienced a sudden power outage with very little notice. The food services team was tasked with preparing meals for over 1,600 students under these challenging circumstances Despite the obstacles, they displayed remarkable resilience and quickly implemented a plan to ensure the students' well-being. Even in the dimly lit kitchen during the first two lunch periods, illuminated only by a few emergency lights, the food and nutrition services team remained determined. They creatively used their personal cell phone flashlights to serve meals and went the extra mile by using phone flashlights to record students' lunch numbers. All students were able to choose from their preferred meals on the regular menu. It was truly inspiring to witness the team's unity and dedication as they worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to provide the best possible meals for our FCPS students. Robinson FNS team, your exceptional efforts and unwavering commitment are truly commendable. You are all lunch heroes, and we are incredibly grateful for your hard work and dedication.”
-Rahul Nooniwal, Office of Food & Nutrition Services
-
Region 1
Rebecca Schnabel, Navy ES - View the Celebration !
"Mrs. Schnabel is our Literacy Leader at Navy Elementary School. She has gone above and beyond to ensure a successful implementation of Benchmark Advance at our school this year. Becky's work is rooted in data, observation, and dedication to coaching and working with our teachers to help our students. Our school-wide data shows the hard work throughout the building is paying off with significant improvements and gains across the board. Becky's enthusiasm for reading and learning is infectious, and energy and passion are building within our community. Becky organized a school-wide literacy night, and this year the theme was "Navy's Big Top Book Bash!" and everyone had a great time.
The school provided families with educational materials and resources to help their child and various fun, age-appropriate, and engaging literacy activities. For our family specifically, Mrs. Schnabel played a critical role this fall in helping our family pinpoint and fix an issue with our child's phonological awareness. Mrs. Schnabel took me seriously when I asked for advice and help. After additional diagnostic testing, Mrs. Schnabel worked with our child's classroom teacher and her tutor (also a teacher at Navy) to implement an intervention strategy. In just 8 weeks, our child and the team closed the phonological awareness gap and went beyond. Our child moved from below expectations to a maximum score on this winter's i-Ready for above-average expected growth, which is tremendous progress in such a short period.
Because of Mrs. Schnabel, my child has a newfound confidence and belief in her own work ethic. Becky was instrumental in devising a plan of action and gave our family and teachers the necessary knowledge and tools to help. Our child is definitely a student who would have flown under the radar and would have been overlooked without our request for additional scrutiny. I know my child is just one of many, and this story isn't unique, but this is one small success story we should be seeking to replicate broadly across FCPS. In addition to this already large workload, Becky will do anything for our Navy family. She pitched in and provided some rotational classroom instruction to our 6th graders while our school found a suitable long-term substitute. She is one of our staff social committee chairs who helps celebrate and maintain Navy Elementary's lighthearted, supportive family feel. Becky is a veteran and experienced mentor who helps our young educators grow in this profession. I can't say enough glowing things about her as a professional and a person. THANK YOU, MRS. SCHNABEL!"
-a Navy ES parent
-
Region 2
Clara Villalobos Cortes, Catherine Muha, Scott Taggart, Tricia Tyskowski, and Elizabeth Smith, Timber Lane ES - View the celebration !
“I am proud to nominate the exceptional ESOL Team at Timber Lane Elementary School for the FCPS Cares award. This dedicated group of educators has demonstrated outstanding collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to supporting both our students and general education teachers in remarkable ways. Under the guidance of our Director of ESOL for FCPS, the team has been recognized for their exemplary work in implementing the new Benchmark Express curriculum. Their ability to adapt and integrate this curriculum into their teaching has not only enhanced the learning experience for our English language learners but has also been a shining example of best practices for Region 2. The ESOL team’s collaboration extends beyond their classroom instruction. They have played a pivotal role in supporting general education teachers through our collaborative learning team meetings, providing invaluable insights and strategies to ensure that all students, especially those who are English language learners, thrive. Their commitment to professional growth and collective support has fostered an environment where both students and staff feel empowered and encouraged. Recently, each member of the team was recorded as they taught Benchmark Express, with these videos now being used for region-wide professional development. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding quality of their teaching and their willingness to share their expertise with educators across the region. Their dedication to the craft and to their students' success is truly inspiring. The ESOL Team at Timber Lane Elementary embodies the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and service that the FCPS Cares award seeks to recognize. Their work is not only transforming the lives of our students but also setting a high standard for professional collaboration and instructional leadership. It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate the Timber Lane ESOL Team for the FCPS Cares award. Their passion, dedication, and expertise make them more than deserving of this recognition.”
-Benjamin Chiet, Timber Lane ES
Region 3
Charles Armstrong & Greg Dombrowski, Edison HS
"Mr. Armstrong, the PE teacher, performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a student this morning while Mr. Dombrowski, Director of Student Activities, quickly alerted me (the nurse) of the situation. I want to recognize them for an exceptional job well done! Thanks!
- Gina D'Angelo, Edison HS
-
Region 5
Jesus Henriquez Otero, Stone MS - View the celebration !
"Mr. Jesus brightens every day at Stone Middle School. When you arrive at Stone at 6:45 a.m., you are greeted by Mr. Jesus. His smiling face welcomes you into the building as he greets every staff member with a "Good Morning...it’s going to be a great day". From there, you can see Mr. Jesus in the hallways and cafeteria, ensuring that the building is spotless. He interacts with students, providing them encouragement and support. Kids know him well and identify him as their trusted adult in the building. I have always known that Mr. Jesus is a wonderful person with a kind spirit, but most recently, he went above and beyond. After the strong winds we experienced over the weekend, we arrived at school on Monday morning to see a small tree on its side in the parking lot. I arrived thinking, let me get inside and submit a work order. Then I saw Mr. Jesus in the parking lot accessing the tree. When I approached him, he said, "No worries, I have the right equipment. Do not waste time with a work order, I will take care of it." An hour later, the tree was removed. Amazingly, Mr. Jesus removed the tree and kept up with all his responsibilities in the building. There were no complaints. He just got it done! He is amazing! We are so lucky to have him at Stone Middle School."
-Sonya Williams, Stone MS
-
Region 6
Christina Cashman, Roseann Contreras & Stephanie Dawley, Lewis HS
“Christina Cashman, Roseann Contreras, and Stephanie Dawley did incredible work to support Lewis High School Multilingual Learners in taking the WIDA assessments this year. Lewis High School shifted to a "WIDA-palooza" testing day model to demonstrate to our students that they are important, and they are being prioritized to be their most successful selves in this testing experience. Ms. Cashman and Ms. Contreras ensured that all students received support in preparing for the WIDA through instructional efforts during Advisory periods and individual student conferences to motivate students by name and by need. They built staff understanding of what WIDA assessments look like and how to support their student’s English proficiency growth. Ms. Dawley created a new testing schedule to support testing all students engaging with WIDA assessments to minimize lost instructional time and create a positive testing environment. Student feedback on this experience has been extremely positive and currently Lewis has tested 97% of identified students. Thank you, Team.”
- Emily Cincinnati, Lewis HS
-
Other FCPS CARES Submission
Deidre Butler, Franconia ES
"I am writing to express my deep gratitude for Miss Butler, who has been an extraordinary teacher and mentor for my son. As a student in general education with special education services, my child has thrived under Miss Butler’s guidance and care. She has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure my son’s success in every way possible. Miss Butler is not just a teacher; she is a true mentor and caretaker. She has demonstrated a level of dedication, patience, and compassion that has made a profound impact on my son’s academic and personal growth. Her ability to understand his unique needs and provide individualized support has been invaluable. I have seen incredible progress in my son, both in his confidence and academic achievements, all thanks to Miss Butler's unwavering commitment to his success. Moreover, Miss Butler is a diamond addition to the special education force. Her talent, passion, and genuine care for her students make her an irreplaceable asset to the team. She constantly seeks out ways to support my child and works collaboratively with other educators to ensure his needs are met in the best way possible. I am deeply grateful for all the time, effort, and heart Miss Butler puts into her work. She has truly made a difference in my son’s educational journey, and I know he will continue to benefit from her mentorship for years to come. Thank you for recognizing the exceptional work Miss Butler does. She is a true gem in the educational community."
-a Franconia ES parent
Al Bunaugh & Juan Machuca, Gatehouse Admin Center
"Appreciate your support and guidance Al and Juan. You helped a lot with new programs, and we’re kind enough to teach me some new computer skills. Thank you gents!"
- Michael Ross, Gatehouse Admin Center
Karen Durocher, Willow Oaks Admin Center
"A deep and heartfelt thank you to Karen Durocher for her invaluable contributions to the 2025 Family Summit. As a key member of the Family Summit Steering Committee, Karen served as the lead for volunteers, playing a pivotal role in both the initial planning and the event’s overall success. Despite her demanding role as a central office administrator, Karen dedicated her time to attending meetings, recruiting and organizing volunteers, and participating in walkthroughs. She went above and beyond, arriving early on the morning of the summit to help with setup, ensuring everything was in place for a smooth start. Throughout the event, Karen worked tirelessly—directing both student and adult volunteers, collaborating with fellow Steering Committee members, and making sure every detail was handled with precision. Her insight into planning and running large scale events, flexibility, and unwavering dedication were instrumental in making the summit a success. Karen, your contributions were truly unparalleled, and we cannot thank you enough!"
- Diana Ree-Reeder, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Laura Waterman, Westfield HS
" A heartfelt and well-deserved thank you to Laura Waterman for her incredible support and dedication to the 2025 Family Summit. Laura had the task of managing both adult and high school volunteers and did it with with patience and efficiency, ensuring every aspect of the summit operated seamlessly. She not only coordinated volunteer efforts as a member of the Family Summit Steering Committee but also took the extra step of arriving the evening before to help with setup—despite her demanding role as a school-based administrator and her own family. Throughout the event, Laura worked tirelessly, directing volunteers, collaborating with fellow Steering Committee members, and making sure everyone had the support they needed. She stayed through the very last moments, ensuring every detail was handled—up to the final car at cleanup. The success of the 2025 Family Summit would not have been possible without Laura’s leadership, hard work, and generosity. Thank you, Laura!"
- Diana Ree-Reeder, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Joy Korones, McLean HS
"My son has had a somewhat rocky transition to high school, with juggling the demands and deadlines of HS courses and feeling adrift with close friends going to other schools. Joy Korones has made a real effort to get to know him and connect with him, while urging him up to meet high academic standards. Feeling seen and appreciated in Ms. Korones' class has made a true difference and helped my son retrieve self-confidence and enjoyment of school that had been slipping this year. We are so grateful that he's in her class: the right teacher at the right moment for our sensitive but capable student. Thank you!!"
-a McLean HS parent
Michael Kucharczyk, Willow Oaks Admin Center
"Michael is not our school's data specialist but always is willing to answer questions when I email/call. Data is very important for our school for both our school improvement work, but also in light of the new state accreditation/accountability system. Michael is not only knowledgeable, but also always willing to help. I appreciate his expertise and advice. It is evident that while Michael is likely in great demand by a great deal of schools, he also ensures that you as a school leader have the answers that you need to impact achievement at your school. In addition, he also is deeply concerned with the success of students. Thank you, Michael!"
- Daniel Seidenberg, West Potomac HS
Archawin Rochanavibhata, Lorton Center
"As the school principal, I have the privilege of observing dismissal each day, and one of the highlights is watching Archawin, the dedicated driver of bus 98 for West Springfield Elementary, interact with our students. His warm and welcoming presence is evident as he greets each child with enthusiasm and care. Whether it’s a cheerful high-five, a bright smile, or, in the case of one student who requests it, a heartfelt hug, Archawin goes out of his way to make every child feel seen and valued. Beyond ensuring a safe ride home, Archawin plays a vital role in fostering positive relationships and a strong sense of community among our students. His genuine kindness and approachable demeanor help create an environment where children feel comfortable and supported. By taking the time to connect with students in such a meaningful way, he reinforces the importance of respect, empathy, and kindness—values that extend beyond the bus and into our school culture. Archawin’s dedication exemplifies the profound impact that caring adults can have on a child’s school experience. His efforts not only brighten our students' afternoons but also contribute to a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere that benefits the entire school community. We truly appreciate and commend him for the invaluable role he plays in making West Springfield Elementary a place where every child feels a sense of belonging.
-Kelly Sheers, West Springfield ES
Tommy Burke, Gatehouse Admin Center
"Tommy Burke, our staffing specialist has been extremely responsive and knowledgeable during hiring. He has provided timely communication, follows up and processes hiring requests extremely quickly. Furthermore, he provides accurate updates and explains the why behind certain decisions (and references the policy or regulation). It has been fantastic to work with Tommy and can only imagine the volume of requests and questions he is processing on a daily basis. As a result of his support, we are able to hire and retain qualified applicants to support our children and community. Thank you Tommy for all you do to support schools. It is appreciated."
-Scott Hawk, Union Mill ES
Kristin Dreyer, Chantilly HS
" Kristin is one of the best teachers that I have worked with in my educational career. She is always thinking of her students and colleagues and always helps anyone who needs it. Every decision that she makes centers around her student’s strengths and needs. She plans her lessons with meticulous detail that will keep her students engaged during direct instruction. When students are struggling, she collaborates with them, her colleagues if needed, and their families. Then, she creates supports so that her students' can be as successful as possible. One example of her self-less dedication to her students occurred this school year. We have a student in our program that has difficulty writing. On her own personal time, she went to the library and found and printed 3-D handwriting supports for this student. The student was able to write some letters which gave her confidence. Kristin continued to think about how she could support this student, so she reached out to the engineering teacher at Chantilly HS. Then, she created and presented a detailed slide show that explained the student’s handwriting needs. After thoughtful consideration the engineering class decided they would make two handwriting supports for the student. I am so thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful colleague in the Chantilly STEP program."
- Sally Wolfe-Peralis, Chantilly HS
Laura Dailey, Eagle View ES
"I am honored to recognize Laura Dailey for her extraordinary dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting the students and families at Eagle View Elementary. Laura consistently goes above and beyond her role, ensuring that our most vulnerable students have the resources and stability they need to succeed. One recent example truly exemplifies her dedication. A family who transferred to Eagle View in November 2024 had faced significant instability, including time in a homeless shelter. Their child had chronic absenteeism, and Laura, as our attendance committee lead, immediately took action. She reached out to the family with care and confidentiality, connecting them to essential resources to help them gain stability and improve their child’s school attendance. Laura’s persistence and compassion made a life-changing impact. Recently, I learned that her steadfast support helped the family secure permanent housing. But she didn’t stop there. Laura spent an entire day helping them move into their new home, coordinating with the nonprofit Gracing Spaces to fully furnish their apartment. She worked alongside the mother, even lifting and moving large furniture, ensuring they had a fresh start. The mother was overwhelmed with gratitude, sharing how much Laura’s kindness and hands-on support meant to her. In my years as an administrator, I have never worked with a school social worker as dedicated, hands-on, and compassionate as Laura. Her actions extend far beyond her job description, making a tangible difference in the lives of our students and families. Eagle View ES is incredibly fortunate to have her, and she is truly deserving of this recognition. Thank you, Laura, for your unwavering commitment to our school community!"
-KJ An, Eagle View ES
Terri Smith, Gatehouse Admin Center
"As a retired educator with the school system, I felt it was appropriate to highlight the excellent assistance I received from Terri Smith in the Benefits office. I was very fortunate to get in touch with her. She was highly professional, courteous, and helpful resolving my problem. She went the "extra mile" reaching out to the appropriate person to assist me with my situation. I very much appreciate her efforts and felt she should be recognized for her excellent work. "
-Barbara Coogan-Twohig, FCPS Retiree
Holly Tate, Rolling Valley ES
"Holly Tate and the Rolling Valley Elementary School STEAM Night committee went above and beyond in planning their first STEAM Night to engage families in their community! Holly led the team in coming up with creative and engaging STEAM & Computer Science activities and stations. The activities and stations allowed families and students to work together in cooperative ways and apply creative and critical thinking. The night was anchored in problem solving using skills used by computer scientists: computational thinking! Families received an “Adventure Log” as they entered the exciting event. They were given a sticker on their log as they problem solved and created at each station. As they engaged in problem solving through the hands-on activities at the STEAM Night, families were able to experience ways students have been utilizing computational thinking in math instruction. As a result, caregivers can support computational thinking when problem solving at home. Experiences from the Rolling Valley STEAM Night and their transfer into the home environment supports students’ math confidence and connections to engineering and computer science careers. A testament to the night’s success was seeing students so engaged that they didn’t want to leave—some even in tears! Holly Tate and the STEAM Night committee’s hard work and dedication made this an amazing experience for the Rolling Valley ES community. Holly and the team show a commitment to expanding STEAM and Computer Science experiences for students by offering their resources for other schools to use for their STEAM nights. Their impact will go beyond their own Rolling Valley community and expand to other communities in FCPS!"
- Joni Smith, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Abdullahi Alasso, Abdulwahab Minni, Pawan Rijal & Javairia Khalil, Lorton Center
"I want to take a moment to recognize the bus drivers and assistants assigned to provide special transportation for one of our students at Bailey’s Upper ES. These four professionals have been nothing but kind, patient, and compassionate since day one. Both the drivers and the assistants recognize the needs of the student and go above and beyond to ensure his safety. They always have a smile on their face and greet the school team and the student with joy and kindness. The student is treated with respect and dignity. I could not be more grateful!"
-Mary Medeiros, Baileys Upper ES
Shanti Cole, Twain MS
"Mr. Cole joined us as a safety & security team member and has been an invaluable addition. His name is called on the radio non-stop and he always responds and is positive. His relationship with students and willingness to support wherever needed has made a positive impact on our school. I wanted to make sure he knows how much we appreciate all he has been doing this year!"
- Christine Arocho, Twain MS
Colleen Wood, Willow Oaks Admin Center
"Dedicated. Thoughtful. Communicative. Organized. Responsive. Purposeful. Colleen Wood is all of these things! We have the pleasure of having Ms. Wood as our physical therapist at Union Mill Elementary. She supports a variety of students with mobility need and has been instrumental for our community to ensure students needs are being met across their school day to include in the classroom, at recess and PE. Ms. Wood has organized and hosted staff meetings to educated our school members about individual student needs, is readily available for questions and present in all her interactions. We especially appreciate her support and pop-ins during PE to check-in, support students, answer questions and provide feedback to ensure positive student engagement. Ms. Wood thank you for being such a positive role model and advocate for our students at Union Mill and at ALL 10 schools you support this year! We appreciate you and all you do."
-Manda Tirado, Union Mill ES
Lisa Davis & Michael Cifci, Stonecroft Transportation Center
" I have written glowing commendations for our special ed bus team Lisa and Michael at FFX HS. They effectively supported my child from coming out of homebound for anxiety and school refusal and bringing her back to school and for the first time on a bus at that. Today she had another crisis episode and after many attempts to help my child out of the moment, it was Michael who was able to reach her and get to her to comply and resolved the situation. Lisa is a very steady sensible captain of her ship. Lisa and Michael have the gift and skill of compassion and ability to connect with my very special child. Every parent would be so lucky to have that support everyday. They perform above and beyond. Our family counts them as huge blessings on this journey. They are incredibly valuable staff."
-a Fairfax HS parent
Margaret Evans, West Potomac HS
"Mrs. Evans took the time to come in over the weekend and decorate both of the staff bathrooms in our 700s hallway. I also see her staying regularly after school, often late, which goes to show the hard work and dedication she puts in."
- Symone Jenkins, West Potomac HS
Sarai Brown, Cameron ES
"I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your exceptional support in ensuring our students' diverse needs are met. Your dedication to providing additional resources and assistance has made a significant positive impact. Your flexibility in adapting to evolving student requirements, coupled with your collaborative spirit in working with colleagues, has been truly invaluable. Your commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and professionalism."
-Anonymous
Kylee Marciello, Cameron ES
" Ms. Marciello please accept my sincere gratitude for your exceptional support in ensuring our students' diverse needs are met. Your willingness to extend resources to additional students, your flexibility, and your caring and proactive approach have made a profound impact. You consistently go above and beyond, and your dedication is truly commendable. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students' success."
-Anonymous
Kaitlin Wilson-Vogel, Eagle View ES
"I am honored to take a moment to recognize Kaitlin Wilson-Vogel for her exceptional contributions as the Assistant Principal at Eagle View Elementary School’s Comprehensive Services Site. Kaitlin is one of the most capable, compassionate, and responsible assistant principals I have had the privilege of working with. She brings a remarkable combination of expertise, leadership, and dedication to her role, consistently fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for students and staff alike. Her communication skills stand out, as she navigates difficult conversations with parents, staff, and students with professionalism and empathy, earning deep respect in the process. Kaitlin’s knowledge of special education, individualized education programs (IEPs), and student learning processes is unparalleled, making her an invaluable asset to the school community. Beyond her expertise, Kaitlin is exceptionally organized, maintaining well-defined procedures and thorough documentation that ensure smooth and effective operations. She is also a hands-on leader in crisis situations, skillfully managing highly aggressive students and providing immediate support where it is needed most. A true collaborator, Kaitlin is open-minded and receptive to new ideas, working seamlessly with staff to enhance student success. Above all, her kindness, enthusiasm, and positive energy make her a joy to work with. Kaitlin’s dedication and leadership make a lasting impact, and I am grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge her outstanding work."
- Denise Marcone, Eagle View ES
Ana Pleitez, Gatehouse Admin Center
"I would like to recognize Ana Pleitez, in the office of Employee Services, for assisting with a sensitive employee issue. I approached Ana to inquire if any of the staff were notaries and Ana said, yes, in the Welcome Center and stated that she also is a notary. I provided Ana with a summary of what was needed and why. With little notice Ana cheerfully volunteered to help the employee and did so very professionally and adeptly. My office does not typically need “on demand” notary services, and I was very relieved that Ana was there to help. Working with Ana through the years I know that she is discreet and always maintains a calm demeanor--she was the perfect person to help in this situation. Ana is one of those quiet heroes of the school system, always smiling and always ready to lend a hand. Ana is the perfect example of a caring FCPS employee, and I so appreciated her assistance today! She made a difference."
- Melissa Russell, Gatehouse Admin Center
Mary Ann Smith, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
" Mary has done a wonderful job in her training. She takes her time moving through a training and consistently stops to answer questions. She also is very diligent at answering emails and letting people know what her training schedule is to meet the needs of adult learners. She does a great job."
- Alicia Ogrodny, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
Sara James, Hayfield Secondary
"Mrs. James is extremely comforting, helpful and patient. She is always in a good and energetic mood and brings everybody up. Mrs. James Is a really wonderful civics teacher and I am very glad I have her help in civics."
-a Hayfield Secondary student
Adam Schechter, Lewis HS
"Adam planned a day of learning for all HS SBTS at Lewis HS that truly highlighted the amazing work being done with and for students at Lewis. He included tours of different spaces where students were using technology, a student panel, and a variety of ways that SBTS could professionally collaborate and build relationships while keeping student learning at the center. His planning was thoughtful and creative. Thank you, Adam!"
-Lindsey Fisher, Langley HS
Lori Purvis, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
"Lori is amazing when she trains FCPS staff in the county. She takes her time moving through a training with detail and jumps in with additional information that would be useful to her audience, even during an established presentation. She takes the time to listen to and address questions for individuals attending her trainings. She does a great job."
- Alicia Ogrodny, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
Mary Strait, Cedar Lane Center
"Mary is someone you would be lucky to have in your corner. She is humble, honest, empathetic, driven, smart, funny, caring, hardworking, and so much more. If you need help with something, even if Mary is drowning in her own workload, she will stop what she’s doing and do what she can to help you. That goes for our students as well. Mary has been with the county for years and has worked at a few different schools. One of them being Madison HS, where she worked with my mom for a period of time. While Mary was a stranger to me, my mom always had such positive things to say about her that I felt like I already knew her. Fast forward, and what do you know, her and I ended up at Cedar Lane together. I was so excited that I now got to work with THE Mary that I had heard so many positive things about. The one who wants to see you succeed, the one who gives you a call to check on you when you’ve had a bad day, the one that has this way of making any school she’s a part of, better. Cedar Lane is a better school because of her- I’m sure of it. Mary's guidance and knowledge is invaluable and I am so lucky that I get to work hand in hand with her everyday and that I get to call her a friend. She deserves all of the recognition and praise for being the person that she is, and this is only a tiny glimpse of it! Thank you for all that you do and have done- I appreciate you and what you do more than you’ll ever know!
-Samantha DeLauder, Cedar Lane Center
Anna Chamberlain, Haycock ES
"Anna Chamberlain is a huge asset to our building. Not only does she assist in the library on a daily basis, but she will sometimes sub during her time off. She has built relationships throughout the entire student body and faculty due to this. Anna is a wonderful colleague and friend, and Haycock is lucky to have her."
- Nisha Hecht, Haycock ES
Brandon Kosatka, Gatehouse Admin Center
"This year a pilot program regarding how Common App schools are loaded into Naviance was introduced by Brandon Kosatka. Previously, this process was incredibly cumbersome and error-prone; culminating in a senior survey that involved self report information instead of what was actually done. This new process has streamlined the data-processing aspect of this work and makes the senior survey far more accurate. His relentless pursuit in creating a path where there was none has already saved hundreds of hours across the division and increased the integrity of the reporting process- ultimately diminishing the burden of school based employees while making the senior survey easier for students."
-Braden Peterson, Langley HS
Michele Anwyll, Fairview Park
"I had the pleasure of meeting with Michele Anwyll at the ERFC office to discuss the DROP program for legacy FCPS teachers, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. As someone who was initially nervous about making an informed decision, I felt completely at ease during our meeting. Michele was not only approachable and personable but also demonstrated a deep knowledge of the program. She took the time to thoroughly answer all my questions, and even went above and beyond by addressing a few additional inquiries I sent via email. What truly stood out to me was Michele's transparency and willingness to ensure that I had all the information needed to make an informed choice. Her professionalism, integrity, and dedication to helping others are truly commendable. Michele is an invaluable asset to FCPS, and I have no doubt that her contributions positively impact the organization and those with whom she works. FCPS is fortunate to have someone of Michele's caliber on their team."
-Eileen Donohue, Great Falls ES
Ann McMichael, Fort Hunt ES
"I first had the privilege of meeting Ms. McMichael thanks to Mr. Hurd, who connected us in the beginning of the school year . Coming from dual literacy, the immersion model was a new concept for me. Ms. McMichael welcomed me into her "house" and generously shared strategies to help bridge the linguistic gap with students who had limited Spanish knowledge. Her support during that transition was invaluable. Stepping into the school in the middle of the year, Ms. McMichael has truly transformed her classroom alongside her co-teacher. Each time I have had the opportunity to visit her class, I have witnessed an environment where students are quietly engaged in their stations, focused, and supported. She has seamlessly taken over a class enhancing it with her incredible organization and thoughtful strategies. The visuals, structured organization of the common areas, and careful attention to maximizing time during transitions have significantly contributed to reducing student frustration. Her clear guidance enables students to support each other and succeed in a smooth, collaborative environment. What makes Ms. McMichael truly stand out, though, is her ability to make everyone feel welcome. She greets both teachers and students with the biggest smile and bids them farewell with the same warmth. Her welcoming demeanor and positive attitude create an atmosphere where all feel valued and part of a community. She has an undeniable gift for making teachers feel supported, welcomed, and connected. Ms. McMichael is not only an inspiration as an immensely resourceful immersion program teacher, but also as a professional who uplifts and inspires those around her."
-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES
Andrew Reinoso, Woodson Complex
"We at North Springfield ES were planning on starting up our Running Club and Mile Runs on a Monday, but we had multiple trees cause damage that made the track unsafe. The Facilities Office was called on the Thursday before our events, and Andrew arrived later that same day to survey the damages. He understood the urgency of our situation and included additional projects to beautify the space (i.e. repairing two sections of fencing, filling in some craters in the field/reseeding the grass, and removing thick and aggressive brush from the fencing). Not only did Andrew and his team go above and beyond what was asked, they also completed all the work the following morning (less than 24 hours from the time the initial call was made). We are equally grateful and impressed by Andrew and his team. Thank you all for the immediate response and incredible work!
- Kevin Sami, North Springfield ES
Joel Ovando, Cameron ES
"Mr. Ovando's dedication to our special education students has been truly invaluable. His consistently calm demeanor creates a safe and supportive learning environment, fostering trust and encouraging progress. We are particularly grateful for his exceptional ability to provide care and effectively support students exhibiting challenging behaviors. His patience and understanding are instrumental in helping these students navigate their educational journey, and his unwavering commitment to their well-being is deeply appreciated. We recognize and thank Mr. Ovando for his remarkable contributions and the positive impact he has on our students' lives."
-Anonymous
Nancy Palmer de Sanchez, Lake Braddock Secondary
"Nancy Palmer de Sanchez is a gem of a high school Spanish teacher. Her passion for teaching and connecting with students is inspiring, and her love for the Spanish language and culture is contagious. She’s always looking for creative ways to engage her students and immerse them in the language in meaningful, real-world ways. Beyond her expertise, she’s approachable, kind and genuinely caring, always making her students feel supported. Nancy is the rare kind of educator whose impact lingers long after the school year ends, leaving a lasting, positive influence on everyone she teaches and interacts with."
-a Lake Braddock Secondary parent
Renee LaHuffman-Jackson, Krystle Trammell & Shannon Anderson, Dunn Loring Center
"The 2025 Family Summit extends its heartfelt gratitude to Renee LaHuffman-Jackson, Krystle Trammell, and Shannon Anderson for their exceptional support in managing childcare at this year’s event. Their dedication and collaboration were invaluable at every stage—whether it was sourcing staff, preparing materials, or setting up efficient systems for registration and child tracking. Thanks to their tireless efforts, we were able to provide a crucial opportunity for parents and create a truly successful experience for families. We couldn’t have done it without you! A huge thank you to Renee, Krystle, and Shannon for your outstanding contributions!"
- Diana Ree-Reeder, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Kim Sigle, Willow Oaks Admin Center
"The 2025 Family Summit Committee wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for Kim Sigle and her selfless and unwavering support of the 2025 Family Summit. Her contributions went above and beyond, and we are incredibly fortunate to have had Kim as part of our team. As a steering committee member, Kim played a key role in securing cost estimates for the Food team and dedicated countless hours to supporting both the setup and breakdown of the Summit. Despite the demands of the Accelerated Certification Cohort and your pursuit of educational leadership licensure, she freely gave of her time before and after intensive coursework. This speaks volumes about Kim’s character and leadership—traits that make her such an asset not only to our committee but also to FCPS. Moreover, when Kim heard about the need for First Aid support, she didn’t hesitate to volunteer her husband—another FCPS employee—to take training and provide that crucial service. Kim’s willingness to do whatever was needed, coupled with her positive attitude and efficiency, is truly remarkable. We are so lucky to have someone like Kim on our steering committee. Kim, thank you for everything you did to make the Family Summit a success. You are the epitome of a leader, and we are beyond grateful for all that you contributed!"
- Diana Ree-Reeder, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Raynell Crook, Johnson MS
"Ms. Crooks has created a safe and creative learning environment for her students. From visiting her classroom, I was impressed with the relationships she has created with her students and how much they adore her. She has instilled a love for the arts in her classroom. The future is bright for this teacher!"
- Chris Whitney, Fairfax HS
Jamee Lyons, Robinson Secondary
"My student is so lucky to have Jamee Lyons as her middle school counselor. Ms. Lyons is not only my student's safe space, but a creative and tireless advocate for them. Ms. Lyons a a diamond. She is communicative, knowledgeable, smart, and has a calm demeanor and a great sense of humor. The Robinson Community is better place because of counselors like Ms. Lyons. I am a grateful parent!!!!"
-a Robinson Secondary parent
Emma Mangels, Cunningham Park ES
"Despite a challenging school year, Emma Mangels shows up to work everyday with a positive attitude and a desire to make a difference in the lives of children. She has a deep impact on both students and parents and has an ability to lead with fairness, kindness and resilience that is truly admirable. Her calm demeanor allows her to navigate difficult situations with respect, maintaining dignity and strong relationships with her students. She fosters an environment where her students demonstrate respect and strive for excellence under her leadership. She does not shy away from hard conversations with parents, yet she handles them with such a positive framework that even the toughest discussions are met with kindness. The students she works with are very fortunate to have her."
- Lisa Lujan, Cunningham Park ES
Anna Sengstack, Johnson MS
"KJMS Orchestra teacher Anna Sengstack provided not one but two sessions of Area Orchestra, a program that provides elementary strings students in the Fairfax Pyramid an additional opportunity to hone their skills on their instruments and demonstrate those skills for the public. Mrs. Sengstack provides fun, engaging enrichment for these students on her own time. She meets the needs of all students in the ensemble, which has students with a wide range of ability. She builds a strong community making music together, despite the fact that the students don't even go to her school yet! She has been a cornerstone of the Fairfax Pyramid Orchestra program for over 15 years."
-Anonymous
Erin Wallace, Willow Oaks Admin Center
" I want to thank Erin for her help securing our child a proper placement. This process has been long, but she has been consistently kind, thorough, and quick to respond to our questions. She knew the right questions to ask, the right people to contact, and right way to make the process work for our child. Our family can not thank her enough."
-Tarry Carapezza, Hybla Valley ES
Brittany Vigil & Michelle Henry, Willow Oaks Admin Center
"Brittany and Michelle We wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the time and effort you both dedicated to setting up for the 2025 Family Summit. Your willingness to give up your Friday afternoon to ensure everything was ready for the weekend was truly invaluable. The work you both did may not have been the most glamorous, but it was absolutely essential to ensuring a smooth and successful start on Saturday morning. You tackled every task with such kindness, a great attitude, and a smile, which made all the difference. Your support was critical, and I can't thank you enough for your positive contributions. Your hard work and willingness to pitch in wherever needed are deeply appreciated. We couldn't have done it without you! Thank you again for everything."
-The Family Summit Committee & Diana Ree-Reeder, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Keyanna Williams, Willow Oaks Admin Center
"Keyanna Williams is an amazing human among humanity and incredible 2025 Family Summit team member! I just wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for all the incredible support you provided during the 2025 Family Summit. Your expertise and dedication were truly invaluable to the success of the event, and I can't thank you enough for everything you did. Whether it was offering web accessibility guidance, creating and adjusting websites, or working tirelessly on accelerated timelines, you went above and beyond. Your efforts were essential in shaping the web presence for the summit into something truly amazing, and it’s clear that your contributions elevated the overall experience for everyone involved. Your positive attitude and willingness to help, no matter the challenge, made such a difference. You not only delivered a superior product, but you also made the entire process smoother and more enjoyable for the team. Thank you for being such a fantastic part of this project, Keyanna. Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and I’m so grateful to have had you as a key member of the team."
-The Family Summit Committee & Diana Ree-Reeder, Willow Oaks Admin Center
Nancy Boscia, Lake Braddock Secondary
"There are always ups and downs in a day at school, but on one day that felt particularly challenging Nancy was a great listening ear and allowed me to share my frustrations in a safe space. I appreciate her collegiality as we work together supporting students working on literacy skills."
-Denise Steene, Lake Braddock Secondary
Denise Altman, Waples Mill ES
"As we near the end of the third quarter of second grade, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible impact Mrs. Altman has had on my child’s education this year. Mrs. Altman’s dedication, creativity, and commitment have made a remarkable difference, and I am truly grateful for the way Mrs. Altman supports and nurtures their learning. From the very beginning, it’s been clear that Mrs. Altman has a special gift for engaging students. Mrs. Altman’s innovative teaching methods make learning exciting and accessible, and my child looks forward to coming to school every day because of Mrs. Altman’s enthusiasm and approach. It’s evident that Mrs. Altman goes above and beyond to keep the material relevant and fun, which helps foster a deep love of learning in Mrs. Altman’s students. I also want to thank Mrs. Altman for the excellent communication she maintains with our family. Mrs. Altman keeps us well-informed of my child’s progress, and I truly appreciate how responsive Mrs. Altman is to any questions or concerns. It’s clear that Mrs. Altman values collaboration between home and school, and that partnership has made all the difference. Moreover, Mrs. Altman’s flexibility as an educator is something I admire. Whether it’s adapting lesson plans to fit individual needs or adjusting her approach to accommodate a variety of learning styles, Mrs. Altman always seems to know just what each student requires to succeed. And, Mrs. Altman’s ability to work so seamlessly with the entire teaching team has been a real asset to the school community. We feel incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Altman as my child’s teacher. Mrs. Altman’s dedication, kindness, and innovative spirit are qualities that make her stand out, and I know my child is benefiting greatly from her leadership and care.
-a Waples Mill ES parent
Chrissy McLaughlin & Kristen Scudder, Navy ES
"Ms. Scudder and Ms. McLaughlin truly bring Portrait of a Graduate to life at Navy ES, creating an environment where students feel empowered, valued, and inspired. Their enthusiasm for fostering creativity and critical thinking shines through in the way they embrace every student’s ideas, helping turn them into meaningful, real-world projects. While so much learning happens in the classroom, these two exceptional educators go above and beyond to ensure that students develop and refine the skills that will serve them far beyond their school years. Their unwavering support and encouragement have made a profound impact—not only on the students they teach but also on families like mine. My daughter has absolutely thrived under their guidance, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the way they nurture confidence, innovation, and a true love of learning in every student they work with.
-a Navy ES parent
Nelson Villalobos, Transition Support Resource- Graham Rd Community
"Mr. V is the epitome of a team player! He is always willing to help in any capacity and with any job. He has tremendous respect and patience for everyone. The students trust and respect him very much. We want to thank him for being so reliable, dependable and supportive. We want to express our appreciation for all the hard work he does at TSRC Graham Road.
-Ann Gary & Syeda Abdullah, Transition Support Resource- Graham Rd Community
Diego Pineda-Palacios, Maggy Pye & Hans Crist, Sideburn Support Center
"The FCPS lighting team from Sideburn Center, Hans Crist, Maggy Pye, and Diego Pineda-Palacios, visited our library twice, once to assess what replacement lights we would need and the second time to do the actual replacement. Both times, this team needed to bring a lift Genie in to reach the highest point of the vaulted library ceiling. In both instances, Hans, Maggy, and Diego were polite, respectful of the teaching space, and mindful of the safety of the students nearby. They completed the job quickly and were friendly, efficient, and professional. We appreciate these fantastic FCPS employees! Thank you!"
- Danielle Powers, Frost MS
-
Thaisa York & Kathleen Otal, McLean HS & Longfellow MS
"Ms. Thasia York from Longfellow Middle School and Ms. Kathleen Otal from McLean HS led a wonderful parent coffee conversation at Haycock Elementary School. They discussed many important topics including academic advising, career planning, and upcoming transitions. Their presentation was clear, informative, and well received by the parents who attended. They demonstrated great pyramid collaboration but supporting the families who will have children eventually attending both Longfellow MS and McLean HS. Thanks, Thaisa and Kathleen for your time and expertise!"
-Steven Myers, Willow Oaks Admin Center
-
Duc Hua, Falls Church HS
"Duc is the most friendly and cheerful person, He always delivers the food in a very organized way and takes care to make sure the order is always correct. Duc has learned all of our names and greets us daily with kindness and cheerfulness. Having someone greet you each day and using your name is the best feeling ever! We all appreciate him here at TSRC Graham Road."
- Ann Gary, Transition Support Resource-Graham Road
-
Alyssa Berg, Lees Corner ES
"Alyssa is a first year speech teacher at Lees Corner. She has worked tirelessly to be sure that all of our non-verbal students have their devices EVERYWHERE they go and that they use them. She has made sure that our youngest learners who need them were able to get them. She encourages all of our teachers to be sure they carry them with them throughout the day. It has been so exciting to see students "talking" with their devices. Alyssa has created a device spreadsheet for the staff so everyone will know which students have devices. She has made posters to support the language systems and has created recess baskets to put the devices in when the kids are running around. She also made mats for the students desk to remind them where to keep them. In addition she invited Karen Horn to our special education CLT to help to get everyone up to speed and on the same page. Alyssa is a true gift to our community!!!!"
-Beth Robertson, Lees Corner ES
-
Christian Aponte, Wilton Woods Center
" Christian, and OCS as a whole, work tirelessly to ensure our systems stay secure. It's meaningful and reassuring to have such a responsive, and hardworking team in charge of our security and digital well-being. Recently, I submitted an unblock request for a resource which I thought was exceptionally important for us to have access. I was able to work with Christian and his team to better convey why this resource was so impactful to my work, evaluate potential risks it may propose, and seek ways that we can mitigate or prevent these issues. It felt refreshing to have an open dialogue -- having my opinions and perspective understood made me feel included in FCPS and DIT as a technology professional."
-Maximilian Rountree, Wilton Woods Center
-
Walter Bagwell, Oakton HS
"I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank Mr. Bagwell for taking time out of your weekend to visit a former student in the hospital. Your kindness and dedication go beyond the walls of the school, and your actions are a true testament to the care and compassion you have for the students you support. You have been a positive influence in my son’s life, and I know that countless other students have benefited from your unwavering commitment to their well-being. Your willingness to show up when it matters most does not go unnoticed, and it speaks volumes about the kind of educator and person you are. On behalf of our family and the many students whose lives you have touched, thank you for all that you do. Your compassion makes a difference, and we are so grateful for you."
-an Oakton HS parent
-
Rosa Dobarco, Fort Hunt ES
"I would love to nominate Rosa Dobarco, . I have observed her interactions with every member of this community, and she is always calm, patient, and smiling with warmth in her eyes. She is always willing to answer questions and offer guidance. The stack of candies in her drawer is a sweet little corner of the school. Her emails, filled with funny and encouraging emojis, are a burst of energy that makes us smile and want to share that same positivity in return. When I see her, I feel safe and happy, knowing she has the best intentions for everyone in the building and goes above and beyond for parents, students, staff and visitors. I believe she brings the same kindness and care outside of the school community as well. I truly believe the world needs more people like Rosa to make daily life more welcoming and peaceful. Thank you for everything you do for us, and for the love and joy you bring to all of us every day."
- Amaya Apellaniz, Fort Hunt ES
-
Yujin Choi, Deborah Felix & Cathie Eames, Haycock ES
"Yujin Choi, Debbie Felix, and Cathie Eames went above and beyond yesterday. Not only did our school have a 3 hour early dismissal, but we also had kindergarten orientation. Between the extra early dismissals, extra staff absences, and welcoming new students, these three held everything the entire school together! Without these three yesterday, I am unsure if it would have been all very successful. Thank you Yujin, Debbie, Cathie for all that you do each and everyday!"
-Nisha Hecht, Haycock ES
-
Sherry Watkins, Bull Run ES
" Sherry Watkins and her fourth grade students are exceptional. Each morning two students join her classroom for a morning meeting. They are greeted with smiling faces and a very welcoming classroom. Mrs. Watkins has created a safe and comfortable space for all students that ensures they have equal opportunities to participate. The activities are engaging and promote peer collaboration. We are very fortunate and appreciative to be a part of her classroom each morning."
-Katherine Deer, Bull Run ES
-
Shannon Harrigan, West Potomac HS
"Mr. Harrigan helped de-escalate a situation today that could have resulted in a significant disruption to the learning environment. He was able to calm a student down simply by speaking with the student and affirming their concerns. He demonstrated empathy and allowed the student to first share their concerns before attempting to redirect the student. He further shared personal experience to validate the student and encourage them to look ahead rather than focus on negativity. Thank you for modeling this difficult emotional regulation!"
- Janet Babic, West Potomac HS
-
Daniel Seidenberg, West Potomac HS
" Although he serves the science department Mr. Dan Seidenberg freely dedicated time to discuss important changes to the state accreditation formula with English teachers. He was patient with the many questions we had and professional with the responses. Thank you, Dan!
- Janet Babic, West Potomac HS
-
Amaya Appellaniz, Fort Hunt ES
"We all know that the first year teaching in a new school or even in a new state, as in Sra. Appellaniz's case, can be stressful and amazing at the same time. With her energy, kindness and dedication, she quickly became an invaluable part of our Foxtastic Fort Hunt team. With compassion, she provides valuable support and a positive learning environment to all her students. We are grateful she chose to teach at Fort Hunt Elementary, and we are looking forward to having her as a part of our team for many years to come!"
-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES
-
Dwayne Peyton, Chantilly HS
"Mr. Dwayne Peyton is an amazing counselor. I have had the privilege of having him as my three daughters' counselor for many years. Mr. Peyton gives great advice and responds quickly to all emails. Beyond that, he is such a positive person, and regardless of the question or concern, he is there to be a support to the student and the family. I feel confident that when I ask him a question that the answer I will get is well-researched and a thoughtful response based on my student's needs. Each of my children have had different needs and learning styles, and all of them have felt supported and respected by Mr. Peyton. My two who have graduated still talk about what a fantastic counselor he is, and my current student feels confident and comfortable going to him for support. I have one more year as a Chantilly parent and I can easily say navigating the needs of high school students in preparing them for their future has been made easier because of Mr. Peyton."
-a Chantilly HS parent
-
Elizabeth Case, Chantilly HS
"Coach LP is a special ed teacher for Cat B students in Chantilly HS. In addition to her full time teaching job, she coaches our team in the Special Olympics! She gives it her all!! She started a business for her class! I don’t know when she sleeps! The kids love her dearly and we the parents are so very grateful she is there coaching!!"
-a Chantilly HS parent
-
Jenny Murray, Union Mill ES
"SCA co-leader. MTSS council member. Unified Sports lead coach for our school and pyramid. Kids Heart Challenge school leader. Get2Green school co-leader. Staff and 6th grade volleyball organizer, player and leader. Autism Acceptance school ambassador. These are only some of the additional tasks our spit-fire Jenny Murray takes on at Union Mill Elementary School. In the past month alone Mrs. Murray has helped our community raise over $29,000 for the American Heart Association, ensured our Union Mill staff and students are deepening our skills of inclusion and celebrating our relationships with practices for Unified Sports and organized practices twice weekly for our staff vs. 6th grade and staff vs. other school volleyball games. All this AND she raises the bar daily in our physical education classes to ensure all students are safe and successful movers for some of the most engaging classes at our school. Team handball; check. Fall themed obstacle course; done. Cosmic bowling; back for year three and better than ever! When we discuss big hearted, kind, dedicated, high-achieving humans Jenny Murray is second to none. It is also important to note that Mrs. Murray has not skipped a beat in doing these tasks while also increasing her daily workload due to the unforeseen injury and leave of a partner teacher. Jenny thank you for your quiet and tireless work. Thank you for adding extra scoops to your plate with a head nod and smile. Thank you for making a positive impact for our students, staff and community. Many of our achievements have you as our leader, detailed organizer and big-idea mastermind. I am grateful to have you as a mentor, colleague and most importantly friend. Thank you for being an amazing human we all can aspire to be!
-Manda Tirado, Union Mill ES
-
Sebastian Cabezas-Basto, West Potomac HS
"Mr. Cabezas-Basto has been a huge help in the school this year. Most recently he came to one of my classes to introduce himself and give the students avenues, methods, and advice to guide them in the school and who they can turn to for things they want to talk about, grade help, and just to be a lending ear. He was helpful in supporting the expectations in the classroom and how students can be successful in school. Very thankful to him for taking the time to come speak to the class and help out. Thank you!"
-Tim Stuecheli, West Potomac HS
-
Chris Ann Evans, Robinson Secondary
"My daughter was facing a personal emergency that left her anxious and embarrassed. As a teacher at a school on the other side of the county, I couldn't easily get to Robinson to support her so I called the school directly for help. Chris Ann Evans went above and beyond to help and assist my daughter through this situation. She was a great help to both of us and it was greatly appreciated!
-a Robinson Secondary parent
-
Leonel Teller, West Potomac HS
" I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible impact Mr. Teller has had on my daughter’s education and future. At just 16 years old, she attended her first ride-along with Fairfax County’s EMT team on Tuesday. What she thought would be a slow and uneventful day turned into an eye-opening, hands-on experience. In just four hours, she assisted in administering CPR, identified a patient having a stroke, and even inserted an IV—an incredible achievement for a high school student! None of this would have been possible without the outstanding instruction and preparation she received from Mr. Teller. His dedication to his students goes beyond the classroom. He not only equips them with essential medical skills but also instills confidence and a deep passion for the field. Because of his guidance, my daughter has solidified her decision to pursue nursing in college, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I truly believe the academy classes at WPHS deserve more recognition for the incredible ways they prepare students for real-world careers. Mr. Teller, in particular, goes above and beyond—not just as a teacher, but as a mentor who genuinely cares for his students’ success. Thank you for all that you do to support educators like him."
-a West Potomac HS parent
-
Terry Rihl, Instructional Programs Support Center
"Terry Rihl, of Library Support Services, made extra efforts to find and process one box of books amid hundreds of orders so that we could have the books in our library in time for the author's visit to our school. Terry goes above and beyond in her words and deeds to help the library community, and despite there being hundreds of schools she supports, each of us manages to feel like she is personally looking out for us. She is quick to respond to questions and is always willing to offer helpful suggestions based on her vast knowledge and experience in school libraries. Thank you Terry!"
-Jeannie Sklar, Haycock ES
-
Natalie Farazmand, Lake Braddock Secondary
" I would like to recognize my 7th grade son's English teacher, Ms. Farazmand. From the moment I met Ms. Farazmand, I was so impressed with how she welcomed each student and how she created a kind, welcoming environment in her classroom. Watching her interact with her former students, it was obvious that she had made a profound impact on these children. I was so happy my son had her as a teacher! Then, the other evening my 7th grade son, had 4 of his 7th grade buddies spend the night at our house. While we were all eating at the table, the topic of teachers came up. This is when I just sat and listened to each of these 7th graders gush about how they loved and valued their teacher, Ms. Farazmand. Some of these kids didn't even have her as a teacher but still gushed about her kindness and warmth and they were wishing she was their teacher too. It made me feel so thankful for Ms. Farazmand and so happy that she is able to touch so many students in a positive way. In a huge school, it can be intimidating for these 7th graders. It's so important for them to have positive role models and a safe place to go. It sounds like Ms. Farazmand has done that for these boys and I'm sure for many others. I just had to tell her, "Thank you" from a very appreciative parent.
-a Lake Braddoc Secondary parent
-
Heather Dorman, Cooper MS
"Heather facilitated a Vanguard and Lighthouse Team Learning Day on March 7th. She organized a well thought out agenda that supported teachers in learning new AI tools, setting goals and instructional planning. As she moved around the room connecting with different teachers, you can see her leadership, kindness and strong relationships shine through. Shas truly built a strong community of passionate and innovative educators. The relationships she has built outside of Cooper MS was evident as well with presenters from both IT and ISD. Her commitment to collaboration and authentic relationship building makes her one of FCPS's finest educational technology leaders."
- Summer Johnson, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
-
Kristin Bretz, Stephen Giese, Julie Halse, Kurt Kohls & Brandon Smith, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
"I’m sharing my gratitude for Kristin Bretz, Stephen Giese, Julie Halse, Brandon Smith, and Kurt Kohls for joining me to learn more about Google Gemini Advance (AI) tools. These Tsspecs have access to advanced Gemini (AI) tools because their assigned schools are Lighthouse Schools, many of which are innovating around emerging AI technology. Tsspecs often create incredible operational efficiency in their work and within the sites they support. They are therefore an incredible talent pool to connect with as operational AI use cases emerge. In our brief meeting, this group had already identified several efficiencies such as streamlining and updating existing documentation, refining formulas in Google Sheets to better elicit data, and creating custom chats (Google Gems) to query data and develop related communication. I’m eager to continue learning from them, and I am positive their leadership will reveal more possibilities with these tools. Thank you!"
- Pamela Galietta, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
-
Lori Purvis, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
"I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for Lori's invaluable partnership and support during my recent meeting with Technology Support Specialists on Google Advanced Gemini (AI) apps and integrations. Lori graciously agreed to attend and share her expertise on short notice, which was immensely helpful. I value her leadership in developing learning opportunities throughout the district... her knowledge extends far beyond AI. Her presence was especially meaningful as I am new in my role and as I gained experience presenting in this capacity. I’m learning so much from her. Thank you, Lori!
- Pamela Galietta, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
-
Emma Ascencio, Willow Oaks Admin Center
" I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for Emma, who continues to help me with budget transfers, purchase orders, credit card purchases, and everything else finance-related. You're truly a lifesaver! I know these tasks can be complex and time-consuming, and I'm so grateful for your efficiency, accuracy, and willingness always to lend a hand. Your expertise makes my job (and likely everyone else's) so much easier. Thank you for your patience in explaining things and for always being so responsive. Your dedication to keeping things running smoothly is truly valued. Thanks again for everything!
-Leigh Kelly, Willow Oaks Admin Center
-
Larry Tanh, Hayfield Secondary
"Mr. Larry Tanh is one of our unsung heroes at Hayfield Secondary. He is the HS Administrative Assistant to the Special Education Department. One of his many roles is to set up each parent meeting, including: re-evals, local screenings, IEP and 504 updates, to name just a few of his many areas of responsibility. To accomplish these goals, he often has to get coverage for many of the teachers participating in the meetings, and sometimes he is that coverage. Today, Larry was working, even though he was very much under-the-weather, with a severe head cold. Despite having many symptoms that would keep most people out of school, he put on a mask and carried on. He takes extreme pride in his role, and to be honest, Hayfield would be at a deficit if he was not present everyday! Thank you Mr. Larry Tanh for always putting our students, their parents and our staff first and foremost in your considerations, and efforts.
- Jim Mercer, Hayfield Secondary
-
Susan Byrd, Evan Downs, Jill Meiring, Grace Chandler, Kaylee Armstead & Meagan Tubbs, Lake Braddock Secondary
"Huge shoutout to the LBSS Fanquest Team who went above and beyond to prepare, plan, and execute an amazing event! The energy and happiness from the players, families, and community was captivating and it couldn't have been done without those who organized it."
- Alison Reeves, Lake Braddock Secondary
-
Trevor Thibeault, Lake Braddock Secondary
"Trevor stepped up in a big way the last few weeks assisting the admin team at Lake Braddock while we were down numbers. His willingness to jump in and help out was a tremendous relief."
- Alison Reeves, Lake Braddock Secondary
-
Ana Maria Fonseca Carvalhais, Bull Run ES
" Ana is a substitute teacher passionate about helping others. She goes above and beyond her work responsibilities. She makes my job easier. I just want to say I'm really grateful for all the support she is giving me and my school Bull Run ES (best school ever!!)"
-Anonymous
-
Pam Lieber, Kings Park ES
"Pam Lieber is not my children’s teacher but she’s shown exceptional empathy and kindness to my children. She participates in my children’s school’s Kiss & Ride line and is always smiling. Both my children have school refusal but one of them is having a more difficult time. Over the last couple weeks, Pam has opened our car door with a smile. Knowing one child will be crying or screaming. She also anticipates my child’s unique needs. She will assist with directing traffic or will chat up my child in attempts to distract them. She is truly an asset and gift to KPES.
-a Kings Park ES parent
-
Erin Kemp, Lake Anne ES
"Erin Kemp is an exceptional special education teacher who has a unique ability to connect with her students, making them feel truly seen and valued. Through her compassion and dedication, she creates a nurturing environment where each student feels supported, understood, and capable of success. Not only does Ms. Kemp foster a strong sense of belonging, but she also drives impressive academic progress, helping her students close achievement gaps and reach their full potential. In addition to her classroom impact, Ms. Kemp is committed to strong communication with parents, regularly sharing clear, no-nonsense data about their child’s progress. She makes sure parents know exactly where their child stands and what steps need to be taken to ensure continued growth. By holding both students and parents to high standards, she empowers everyone involved to work together toward success. If every student had the privilege of having Ms. Kemp as a teacher, we would undoubtedly have the most empowered, confident, and prepared students.
-a Lake Anne ES parent
-
Jean-Marie Simpson, West Potomac HS
"I have been out due to medical reasons and Jean Marie Simpson has been covering the advisory classes with my substitute. She never complained and was very positive and supportive when I told her the news."
-Miles Liss, West Potomac HS
-
Cathy Wood, Laurel Ridge ES
"Laurel Ridge is incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Cathy Wood as our assistant principal! I have had a pleasure of teaming with Ms. Wood for the last 6 years through my son's special education plan. Ms. Wood is known for her unwavering determination and refusal to back down from any challenge. She is always willing to find a solution and open to teaming with others to ensure the solution works. She is deeply compassionate and understanding, making her exceptionally approachable and empathetic to the needs of students and staff alike. Additionally, Ms. Wood is an advocate for twice-exceptional (2e) learners, ensuring that these students receive the support and recognition they need to thrive both academically and socially. Her role is pivotal in fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment. Thank you, Ms. Wood for all you bring to LRES and our community!"
-a Laurel Ridge ES parent
-
Michael Sanchez, Willow Oaks Admin Center
"The MyPDE team is incredibly fortunate to have Michael Sanchez, who not only excels in coordinating many aspects of the application but also consistently goes above and beyond to support colleagues in OPL, the ITFASTeam, and other departments. His dedication to problem-solving and providing timely assistance helps ensure smooth operations for the entire team. Whether it’s troubleshooting issues, offering guidance during meetings, representing our team with vendors, providing updates, or proactively addressing potential challenges, he demonstrates a spirit of collaboration and support that drives success and growth for everyone involved."
- Marcey Lopez, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
-
Randy Peery, Woodson Annex-IT
"I would like to highlight the outstanding work that Randy Peery does within FCPS. I have been fortunate to have Randy’s support for several years across different schools. He is incredibly professional and does a remarkable job ensuring our staff laptops remain operational and in the hands of teachers. Beyond his core responsibilities, Randy routinely assists with issues outside of his role. His support extends far beyond simply fixing laptops—he is a wealth of knowledge and advice for all of my technology-related challenges. Thanks to his guidance, I have learned how to resolve many computer issues, saving both my staff and students valuable time, as well as reducing repair costs for the county. Randy thrives on solving problems and takes his role as a steward of FCPS resources very seriously. He has often told me that he just wants to "see things work." Through his example, he has encouraged me to do the same. He is a generous colleague who consistently goes above and beyond his job expectations, and his contributions make a significant impact on our schools."
- Christopher Jacobs, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
-
Laura Reed, Willow Oaks Admin Center
" I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for Laura Reed's exceptional presentation at Cooper Middle School's Vanguard Day of Learning. Her session on "Google Vids" was both informative and inspiring, leaving our teachers with a wealth of new ideas. Laura did a fantastic job showcasing the versatility of Google Vids as a tool for both teachers and students. Her presentation highlighted the integrated Gemini functionalities for video creation and editing, which generated a lot of excitement among our team. I am grateful for Laura's willingness to share her knowledge and passion for educational technology with the Cooper Vanguard Team.
-Heather Dorman, Cooper MS
-
Elizabeth McDowell, Willow Oaks Admin Center
" I want to express my sincere gratitude for Elizabeth McDowell's fantastic presentation at Cooper Middle School's Vanguard Day of Learning. Her session on "Notebook LM" was a highlight of the day, providing our teachers with valuable insights into this powerful tool. Elizabeth's clear explanations and engaging presentation style made it easy for everyone to understand the potential of Notebook LM for individual lesson planning and content creation. She also sparked a lot of interest in how shared Notebooks can be created and used by curriculum teams and departments. I am appreciative of Elizabeth's expertise and dedication to helping the Cooper Vanguard Team leverage technology to enhance learning."
-Heather Dorman, Cooper MS
-
Summer Johnson & Pamela Galietta, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
"I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for Summer Johnson and Pam Galietta's outstanding presentation at Cooper Middle School's Vanguard Day of Learning. Their session on "Gemini Integration in Workspaces" was incredibly informative and engaging for our entire team. Summer and Pam provided practical examples and classroom applications that truly resonated with our teachers. They highlighted Gemini's potential for lesson planning, providing effective student feedback, using Google Sheets integration for exit tickets and data analysis, and even showcased uses for Google Gems. Their expertise and enthusiasm were evident throughout the presentation, and they fostered a collaborative and engaging learning environment. The Cooper Vanguard team is so grateful for their willingness to share their knowledge, which is inspiring us to explore new ways to integrate technology into our classrooms."
-Heather Dorman, Cooper MS
-
Karen Young & Charlette Jefferson-Dixon, West Potomac HS
"There was a great field trip to the Annandale NOVA campus yesterday with many students from both West Potomac and the Edison Academy in attendance. I heard the students telling other students today “Yo – you missed out by not going.” Students were surprised of the new programming NOVA has done. “When my brother and mom investigated NOVA 10 years ago, there weren’t many programs like this. I am so glad to learn about these programs, especially in the field of IT”. There were many times when I was planning this field trip that I thought it was too complicated and wasn’t going to work out. One major obstacle was when we realized that a large number of the Edison Academy students have a base school of West Potomac and had registered for the West Potomac bus. Taking a minute to think, we realized that it would be much smoother logistically if students could take the bus from West Potomac to the field trip versus traveling to Edison to take the bus to the same place. However, this meant extra work and kindness from staff, especially staff at West Potomac. Thank you to Karen Young and Charlette Jefferson-Dixon who went above and beyond to make sure the field trip was a success and were inclusive, helpful and positive forces of nature! They participated in meetings with us, sent many e-mails and kept excel spreadsheets to keep us organized. Also, when the students were with them, Ms. Young and Ms. Jefferson-Dixon made sure the students were treated with kindness and felt included. This experience would not have been possible without collaboration between faculty at West Potomac welcoming Edison Academy students.
-Deborah Maletz, Edison HS
-
Allison Lukac, Kings Park ES
"Kings Park is incredibly fortunate to have a 2nd grade teacher Allie Lukac, who not only excels in her own role but consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues in addition to our Young Scholars. Her dedication to fostering a collaborative environment helps create a culture of support and growth. Whether it's offering guidance and strategies to fellow teachers or providing mentorship to our Young Scholar students, she embodies the spirit of "Together We Grow."
-Michelle Crabill, Kings Park ES
-
Jennifer Fulton, Robinson Secondary
"Mrs. Jennifer Fulton cares for students, and that care shines through in both simple and complex ways. She is the kind of teacher that many of us, if we’re lucky, look back at with appreciation and respect, knowing just how formative a role they have played in our lives. With my child, Mrs. Fulton created confidence in a sea of anxiety, and excitement in a world of dread. Mrs. Fulton first taught my child in a shared classroom, and—seeing a spark of interest and ability—encouraged my child (who would never have believed that they could succeed in an IB course) to take an IB course. Mrs. Fulton then helped them prepare to be ready, step by step. When my child started the new course with Mrs. Fulton, early challenges presented themselves, and Mrs. Fulton found a way to restore my child’s confidence, to help them see their own abilities, and to step through new challenges with greater faith in themselves and their own abilities. Mrs. Fulton, I can’t thank you enough. We truly appreciate you."
-a Robinson Secondary parent
-
Keith Walker, Wilton Woods Center
"Keith's support of the IT FASTeam is outstanding. Specifically the SIS Secondary grade book upgrade and implementation of fixes when problems arise. He doesn't just provide quick fixes; he takes the time to understand the root cause of issues and then actively supports our team in implementing effective solutions. He is helpful, responsive, and always goes above and beyond to assist."
- AmyBeth Kramer, Nancy Sprague Technology Center
-
Cheryl Dewenter, Steve McBride, Dawn Gillis, Jacqueline Durr, Allison Gardiner, Grace Yakubisin & Katie Parish, Hughes MS
"This past weekend Langston Hughes Middle School students performed Matilda Jr. for sold out crowds. Their joy and excitement exuded from their smiling faces from the beginning of the show on opening night to the final bonus run through of "Revolting Children" closing night. Students were poised, polished, prepared and were given the encouragement to succeed with professional coaching and directing from the incredible staff at LHMS. Cheryl Dewenter, Steve McBride, Dawn Gillis, Jacqueline Durr, Allison Gardiner, Grace Yakubisin and Katie Parish all poured their heart and soul into preparing students to perform for their peers, families and community members. Countless hours go into ensuring no detail is missed and I know I am not alone in wanting to express my deep appreciation for ensuring every student left that stage proud of all they accomplished together. Thank you!"
-a Hughes MS parent
-
Lisa Sonntag & Kathy Popovich, Kings Glen ES
"I received a phone call from my daughter's teachers last Friday very concerned for her and her safety. The school day had ended, and they had noticed she had left her house key in her desk and wanted to make sure she was home and safe inside. They were worried she would be sitting on the front porch locked out and crying. They were ready to run the key to the house if needed. This is just one more way that her fabulous teachers go above and beyond for their students."
-a King Glen ES parent
-
Diana Glaser & Nancy Wanzer, McLean HS
"My daughter is in Nancy Wanzer's and Diana Glaser's team taught English class at McLean High School. Traditionally, English has been one of her more difficult subjects. Together they have had such a positive impact on my daughter's writing ability this year. They have taken the time to really support her needs and strengthen her abilities. In meeting and in email, they are proactive and come up with workable solutions. Recently, my daughter completed a project and presentation she was dreading. Ms. Wanzer took the time after the presentation to email me and let me know that she had done well. She noticed all of the hard work my daughter had put in. Happy tears to know that someone could see how hard my daughter works. I know that my daughter will move forward into her next year with more confidence and stronger skills. Thank you, Ms. Wanzer and Ms. Glaser."
-a McLean HS parent
-
Nelson Villalobos, Transition Support Resource Center-Graham Road
"Nelson Villalobos works to ensure a safe and caring community at this site. He greets students and staff by name and makes a connection with them. He is an excellent communicator and facilitates conversations even when they're difficult with care and respect. Nelson has made it easier for me to do my work by supporting me with necessary information, tools, and access to resources. Nelson makes everyone feel like they matter, they're cared about, and they're safe. It would not be the same place without him."
- Suzanne Thompson, Transition Support Resource Center-Graham Road
-
Lawrence Cooper & Tonja Diggs, West Potomac HS
"On February 27, 2025 (Thursday), I had the opportunity along with several of my Colleagues from the Office of Safety and Security (OSS) to participate in an annual luncheon tradition at West Potomac H/S in which Mr. Lawrence Cooper (teacher) and an incredible group of Volunteers he musters annually - serves lunch for the Staff at West Potomac HS as an ending to the month celebration of Black History. Tonja Diggs (OSS) consistently assists Mr. Cooper with putting together this incredible "lunch" for Staff and some of his Student Volunteers. There was a mixture of Student Volunteers from WPHS, Teachers, and OSS Staff, that for over (4) hours we had the opportunity to serve lunch to the well-deserving staff of West Potomac HS. I want to emphasize the word "SERVE." What an incredible privilege to be able to "serve" along students, colleagues, and other FCPS Staff ... There was no shortage of food and/or fellowship. The Principal of West Potomac H/S (Ms. Jessica Statz) and her ADMN Team fully participating in this event by supporting and partaking in it. The Chief of the Office of Safety and Security in conjunction with the Executive Director of OSS - supported this event by allowing OSS Staff Members "serve" their fellow colleagues at West Potomac HS and supporting Mr. Cooper in all his efforts. It is a monumental task that Mr. Cooper takes on yearly. The Food and Deserts were supplied by local businesses, staff, and volunteers. It was "service" with a "smile" and "grateful hearts." I was truly blessed working along side the students. I even provided them a "history" lesson of Groveton High School, which in now West Potomac HS. It was a homecoming for me personally and an opportunity to continuously give - back because of Mr. Cooper's vision, compassion, and love for history, community, and "breaking bread" - sharing in a meal - to further strengthen the bonds of the West Potomac HS - Community. I am looking forward already to next year ... Mr. Cooper is an incredible teacher, colleague, and mentor to students and staff. He spends countless hours preparing for this event and working with his Volunteers. The hallways are decorated with black history photographs and memorabilia which takes you on a journey as you enjoy food and fellowship. As such, a sweet spirit of food, music, and conversation echoes the hallways of West Potomac High School. This opportunity left a LASTING impression on me - as I am sure Mr. Cooper and his team, to include Tonja Diggs (OSS), has left forever impressions on all those who have partaken over the years. Mr. Cooper is an incredible staff member that I would like to recognize for FCPS Cares. Mr. Cooper is a difference maker; he is a gentleman; a priceless member of the West Potomac H/S Staff."
-Purvis Dawson, Gatehouse Admin Center
-
Alejandra Mendez Orellana, Woodson HS
"Ms. Alejandra Mendez welcomed me with such kindness as I walked into the front office of Woodson HS. I was running late and her care made my day! She took the time to show me a map of where I was headed, but also gave me personalized directions. I am so thankful for the hospitality of Ms. Mendez and the kindness she brings to the students, families and visitors (like myself!) to Woodson."
- Laura Thieman, Willow Oaks Admin Center
-
Latrena Warthen, Mountain View HS
"Ms. Warthen constantly goes above and beyond for the school and community she supports. Her pride in our school is evident in each and every thing she does. Not only does Ms. Warthen care for our campus, keeping our building looking incredible, but also she cares for the staff and students on the campus. She is an active member of our school community, developing relationships with and mentoring students. Ms. Warthen displays the same level of care to our staff. One example of this is that she reminds staff to always have a hand free when going up and down stairs, as she is concerned someone might fall and get hurt. While that may seem like a minor thing, that reminder conveys how much she looks out for and cares about the people in her building. Ms. Warthen epitomizes our school motto of family, love, respect.
-Anonymous
-
Leann Parente, Fairview ES
"Ms. Parente has been an amazing asset to our family as we navigate a very difficult period in our lives. Not only has she attended every meeting we have had with the various service agencies we are working with, but also she has also been an extremely knowledgeable and active member of the team, suggesting resources and programs that might fit our family. She has also been a compassionate thought partner, listening with empathy and respect to our family's story and making sure she understands the full situation before seeking solutions. Along with being an amazing advocate for her students, she is also an advocate for the parents of the students. In meetings, she actively paraphrases what I express, ensuring that my point of view is represented and providing much needed validation and reassurance. I cannot express the value that Ms. Parente brings to the Fairview community and how grateful I am to have her on our team.
-a Fairview ES parent
-
Amy Spiess , Bailey's ES
"I have had the pleasure of witnessing Ms. Spiess's dedication to students at school events at Baileys- the winter concert, the Global Community event, and the Arts in Action event last week. I am so grateful for her positive and enthusiastic energy, her passion for music and teaching, and her patience and kindness with students. My daughter who is in Kindergarten adores her and is so excited for her music classes with her. Such a gem at Bailey's!"
-a Bailey's ES parent
-
Zeeba Saleem, Fort Hunt ES
"Ms. Saleem is the absolute master of building relationships in the classroom. She not only brings the love, but she brings the respect, the hard work, and the knowledge of school procedure. She brings out THE BEST in her students. Kindergarten is always the quietest line in our school hallways. Ms. Saleem brings a warm demand to her students that they act their best and that they show their best to others. I have personally witnessed conflict de-escalation through patience and humor. I have always enjoyed the logic she brings to situations, and I have personally learned from it. In fact, I do not think I would be a teacher of a classroom without her showing me how to do the instructional assistant’s job first. It’s the kindergarten instructional assistant’s job to assist with the Kindergarten teacher’s vision of the classroom and to learn as much school procedure as possible. Ms. Saleem does it with amazing grace. I was lucky and am grateful to have shared the job as an IA with Ms. Saleem for four years. Thank you for everything you do, Zeeba!"
- Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES
-
Jenna Brennan, Bull Run ES
"Jenna Brennan is a veteran teacher who took on the new role of Noncat Teacher this school year. In her first year in this position, she has created a welcoming and safe space where her students can truly flourish. Jenna has thoughtfully updated her classroom design to meet the diverse needs of her students, implementing countless visual supports that enhance learning and engagement. She has also expertly differentiated the curriculum to support the individual learning needs of each student, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Additionally, Jenna fosters a strong sense of community within her classroom, encouraging collaboration and mutual respect among her students. Which she leads by example, with her positive attitude and willingness to support her team. Which further exemplifies her commitment to creating a harmonious and effective learning environment. Through her dedication and innovative approach, Jenna has made a significant positive impact on her students' educational experiences and the overall sense of community in her classroom."
-Anonymous
-
