fcps cares celebration at bull run elementary school

FCPS CARES - December 2023/January 2024

By Department of Human Resources
FCPS Cares
December 04, 2023

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

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

FCPS CARES of the Month Recipients

Central Office

Judie Lieberman, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Ms. Lieberman has been so helpful for our students and staff at Davis Career Center! We have so many examples of her help for students, staff, and parents. Ms. Lieberman is so kind and positive. Here are a few examples of her helping students directly. Last week, we had a student that needed some help on the bus ride, we asked her for some fidgets and Ms. Lieberman gave him one and it made a big difference for his day. She also led lessons on career choices which is so important because the students need a job after they leave here. She also helped us make a beautiful positivity meditation fidget garden that students can access as they need. Yesterday, Ms. Lieberman helped a student at DCC using a new technology in his cell phone so he can work more independently and without a lot of talking. This student does not like a lot of talking so this is a big help! He was so happy yesterday and this will make a big difference. Also, she helped with a presentation for the RATE conference. During the RATE conference we presented about accommodations for the workplace and college. Teachers and parents alike learned a lot from her presentation and her resources shared. We are so happy to have Ms. Lieberman as our ATS teacher, she always comes in with a smile and a helping hand."

-Deborah Maletz , Davis Career Center

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Region 1

Kim Schauer, Hughes MS

"Ms. Schauer has been applying for the R3 project grant for many years and was finally awarded the collaboration at the school she is currently teaching. Our Langston Hughes MS community has been fortunate to be at the receiving end of this effort. This past fall because of Ms. Schauer's, determination, initiative, and knowledge of the subject matter, this project gave the 7th grade students a hands-on opportunity to learn about native plants, protecting our waterways, and other important lessons about our environment right here in Reston and surrounding area. Through this project they developed a deeper understanding of our biodiversity and made connections to our everyday life and how it effects our waterways, plants, and environment. Ms. Schauer's passion for our environment not only spills over to the learning and collaboration happening with her own students but with the Hughes community and the community at-large, as well. Ms. Schauer plugged into her colleagues (the Science 7 team plus inviting colleagues to bring in card board boxes to lay on the spaces), students (facilitating one of the largest R3 projects yet with 2,500 plants so each 7th grade student could plant and work in the space), and community (presenting at Hughes PTA meeting to invite parents to participate, working with Fairfax County ecologists and area businesses). This project is epitome of community involvement, student engagement, and environmental awareness all under the leadership of Ms. Schauer."

-Jessica McInerney, Hughes MS

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Region 2

Carleen Troup, Camelot ES

"I am nominating Carleen Troup for the FCPS Cares Award due to her quick action and selflessness to help a colleague and friend. On January 13, 2024, one of our 2nd grade teachers, Maddie Stauffer, suffered a major stroke. Maddie called Carleen and she was there in minutes to support her. Carleen went to Maddie's home, recognized the signs of a stroke, and called an ambulance for her friend while on her way. Through the beginning steps of Maddie's healing journey, Carleen has been there every step of the way. She has been on the frontlines of supporting Maddie in the ICU, communicating updates about Maddie to our school community, and has been a rock for her second-grade team. The first day back to school after supporting her friend, I went to check on Carleen during the school day. Though processing the absence of her best friend and her 2nd grade neighbor, she was leading her students in an engaging writing focus lesson. Teachers, like Carleen, who are able to continuously support their students for the benefit of their learning and well-being, while quietly processing their own emotions, are selfless and noble. Carleen, her two teammates, our ESOL teacher, and our Reading Specialist have, without complaint, taken on Maddie’s class to ensure their learning and schedules continue with consistency. Due to Carleen’s quick actions and continued support of Maddie, our Camelot community has smoothly moved forward without a hiccup. We are all so thankful and proud of Carleen for all that she has taken on. She truly deserves this award for the care that she has provided to our students and staff, to Maddie, and to the Stauffer family."

-Kristen Williamson, Camelot ES

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Region 3

Florence Harrison, Bryant HS

"Some people very quietly go above and beyond every day. Pipi Harrison is one of those people. She is always working to improve the experience of our students and their families. She has developed a close connection with the homeless office to identify resources for students and families in need. She has a network of people who donate food, clothing and blankets to our students. Most recently Pipi is coordinating a holiday blanket giveaway to not only Bryant HS students, but students in all 4 FCPS programs at Bryant. She is a service warrior of the highest caliber."

-Karen Hertel, Bryant HS

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Region 4

Karizma Glenn, Bull Run ES - Pictured) - View the celebration!

"Ms. Glenn is a rare and unparalleled treasure in the educational field. In November, our grade level took a field trip to the National Zoo. What was just another normal day for Ms. Glenn will forever hold a special memory for me. Ms. Glenn works as an aid to a student with Cerebral Palsy and neurological disorders. Being nonverbal and restricted to limited mobility, this student often relies on Ms. Glenn for support in daily tasks, monitoring physical and emotional health, and engaging in daily activities with their peers. On this particular day, I watched Ms. Glenn shine in these areas that come so naturally to her. Of course, what was supposed to be a nice, sunny day outdoors turned into a day with nothing but rain. Ms. Glenn did not hesitate to do her best to ensure the student was kept as dry as possible. Constantly adjusting layers from falling off of their wheelchair, giving them gloves, and even holding an umbrella over their head while pushing them from one habitat exhibit to the next. Sure, one may say those actions are part of her job, but I saw something more. I saw the genuine care and worry she had that this student would become sick from the cold and rain. On this same trip, our class encountered several moments where Ms. Glenn shined to give this specific student the same equal opportunity/experience as every other student of the class. In one indoor exhibit, the handicapped observation spot was overtaken by adults, other school groups, and families attempting to give their toddlers a better view. When many other people would just be irritated or defeated, Ms. Glenn did not hesitate to give our student the same opportunity to experience the animal habitat as everyone else. She simply assisted this student out of their wheelchair, moved gradually through the crowd, and together found a spot on the floor to sit near the observation glass. I watched her as she pointed out the animals, and I watched this student’s face light up with pure joy. I observed her love for him and his love for her as they created a memory together. Ms. Glenn constantly influences the entire class to do better and be better. She is a role model to them, and they truly look up to her. She has never hesitated to help anyone who needs it and has never asked for anything in return. A short paragraph will never do her justice, but Ms. Glenn is truly a person who models what an FCPS CARES representative should be."

-Jennifer Kiehlmeier, Bull Run ES

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Region 5

Lisa Bliss, Nashwa Osmani, and Courtney Mocco, Freedom Hill ES

"I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend a group of extraordinary fifth-grade teachers at Freedom Hill Elementary for the FCPS CARES Program. Their selfless actions and dedication to making a positive impact on the community truly exemplify the spirit of caring and generosity. The teachers noticed that the community's engagement in sponsoring families for the holidays was not as robust as anticipated. Without hesitation, these three fifth-grade teachers joined forces to address the situation. Their collaborative effort began with sponsoring a single family from the list, and they ingeniously initiated an Amazon wish list to streamline the process for their classrooms. Remarkably, the initial wish list was fulfilled within hours, showcasing the immediate impact of their initiative. Undeterred by the rapid success, these teachers decided to expand their reach by adding another family to their sponsor list. Once again, the response from the community was swift, and the additional wish list was fulfilled promptly. This pattern continued for several days as the teachers, fueled by their unwavering commitment, added more families to their sponsorship list each time a wish list was fulfilled. In an astonishing display of empathy and community spirit, the group managed to sponsor a total of eight families within the span of just one week. Their dedication to ensuring that every child's needs were met during the holiday season speaks volumes about their character and the values they instill in their students. The actions of these fifth-grade teachers at Freedom Hill Elementary embody the true essence of the FCPS CARES Program, as they went above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in the lives of multiple families. I wholeheartedly endorse these teachers for the FCPS CARES Program, as their exceptional teamwork, compassion, and initiative deserve recognition and appreciation. Their inspiring efforts have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both the school community and the families they supported."

-a Freedom Hill ES parent

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Region 6

Katelyn Bongard, Karli Eddinger, Elizabeth Murphy, and Luis Perez, Holmes MS

"The Performing Arts faculty at Holmes are nothing short of amazing. They are supportive of each other as well as the students. My 8th grade daughter feels that the safest emotional place for her is in "I Hall." Ms. Bongard (orchestra), Ms. Eddinger (chorus), Ms. Murphy (theatre), and Mr. Perez (band) have created such powerful relationships with their students that the Holmes alumni are eager to return to see younger students perform at the concerts. My child has thrived because of the support she has received from two of the four teachers, but the others readily recognize her and engage her in conversation as well. The hours they put in outside of the school days are innumerable and without complaints. Each teacher has their own children to support, but they have taken on the Holmes kids as surrogates. But it's not that these faculty members just build strong relationships with their students, they impart a wealth of knowledge as well. Many Holmes students develop a love for their art form and continue to take performing arts classes at Annandale High School. My own child whose focus is on acting recalled a random fact learned in class about lightening design last year to explain a decision to a 6th grader. These faculty members are developing young artists and challenging them to be creative, and the world needs more of that."

-a Holmes MS parent

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Other FCPS Cares Submissions

Sarah Olson, Lake Braddock SS

"On behalf of everyone at DIT, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your participation in the Midyear Conference. Your willingness to share your expertise and insights on navigating the AI revolution with teachers and students was truly invaluable. Having your voices, as school-based instructional leaders, at the table enriched the conversation in a way that wouldn't have been possible otherwise."

-Summer Johnson, Sprague Technology Center

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Leon Jackson, Sprague Technology Center

"Today we took delivery of some new desks for our cubicles in the office of Digital Learning Resource Services (DLRS) Woo Hoo! But wait, who's going to wrangle the delivery, set up, and removal of the old stuff. Our "building guy", Leon Jackson, that's who. Leon made sure we were informed of what's going to happen and when, as well as communicate with the vendor, their delivery/set up crew, the FCPS warehouse, and the removal crew. It all went seamlessly and painlessly. Old stuff out, new stuff in, SWOOSH, all in a matter of a couple hours. I hope everybody thinks that their building support person is the best, but here at the Sprague Technology Center, we KNOW that OUR GUY is the best. THANKS LEON!"

-Matt Fetters, Sprague Technology Center

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Ryan Richardson, Woodson HS

-Summer Johnson, Sprague Technology Center

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Lindsey Fisher, Langley HS

-Summer Johnson, Sprague Technology Center

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Ashley Lowry, McLean HS

-Summer Johnson, Sprague Technology Center

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Nathan Poumade, Robinson SS

-Summer Johnson, Sprague Technology Center

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Renee Pittman, Lorton Transportation Center

"Ms. Pittman stepped up to support our work site shuttle today when our original driver was not available. She was extremely friendly and right away made me and my students feel welcome. Students don't always do well with unexpected changes, but Ms. Pittman made sure she checked the pick-up and drop-off schedule with teachers and students which immediately put them at ease. I can't thank her enough for taking the time to make sure my students were well taken care of and comfortable."

-Megan Pitts, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Vilma Fuentes, Haycock ES

"I am the kitchen manager at Haycock Elementary I met Ms. Fuentes when I started here in August 2023, and I am surprised daily to see her constant dedication and care that she brings every day. She is always ready to help, unsolicited. She makes sure that everything is cleaned and sanitized at the best, always with a smile. She is an amazing role model for her staff and the school community she works with. It is a privilege and honor for me to work with her."

-Lia Spriggs, Haycock ES

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Colin Murphy, Twain MS

"Mr. Murphy is a civics teacher for 8th grade at Twain Middle School. He is a very supportive and trustworthy teacher. He helps all his students to succeed. Not only does he manage all his classes, he also manages Twain's Student Council Association (SCA) with the help of another civics teacher at Twain. Mr. Murphy explains assignments really well, making sure we all know what we're doing. His grading rubric is quite strict which is what makes it even more fun and challenging for his students. He makes class so much fun! Sometimes all it feels like we're doing is having fun while learning! He's contributed so much effort into his students and Twain on its own. Mr. Murphy manages the Student Council Association (SCA) which holds nearly all of the events at Twain. As a member of the Student Council Association (SCA), Everyday I see how hard Mr. Murphy works to keep every event nice and organized. He's such an amazing teacher! One of the best things about him is that he responds to emails within minutes of receiving them. He has a nice habit of being kind and respectful to everyone whatsoever. It's only been half of the year and I've already learned so much from him. Mr. Murphy is not only my favorite teacher, but also many other students' favorite teachers. Mr. Murphy is such a motivation booster! Take today for an example, today I had to participate in the NAEP. I had to take the test right after lunch. Right before lunch ended Mr. Murphy said "Good luck! Make us proud!". I can't describe how his words lit up my mood. I kept his words in mind and successfully completed the NAEP without having much trouble. I believe Mr. Murphy should get rewarded for his hard work, patience and tolerance!"

-a Twain MS student

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Kristie Cohn, Oak View ES

"Mrs. Kristie Cohn deserves recognition for going above and beyond to support my daughter, a student in her 1st Grade class at Oak View Elementary School. Mrs. Cohn has proven to be skilled not only her instructional and assessment practices but, arguably more importantly, in her ability to keenly manage student social-emotional needs. My student has been anxious over attending an after-school club and Mrs. Cohn reached out to me today via email to check on my child based on a comment she made in class today. After sharing some background information, Mrs. Cohn was able to support my student, connect her with a peer, and support her in working through her anxiety. She ended up having an amazing time at her afterschool club and can't wait to go back. I am so appreciative of Mrs. Cohn's partnership with families and confident that my child is having the best experience in her classroom. Thank you, Mrs. Cohn!"

-a Oak View ES parent

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Tracy Harding, Fort Hunt ES

"Tracy is brand new to Fort Hunt and you would never know it. You can tell that she has had many years in education by the way she handles herself and interacts with students. She has taken the time to develop positive relationships with both students and staff. Tracy has done a great job keeping the amazing work of the ESOL department going strong during Ms. Suarez’s absence and has also welcomed and mentored Ms. Lackey as a long-term sub. Tracy continues to show amazing dedication to our students and our school."

-Leslie Curtin-Holt, Fort Hunt ES

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Stephen Wolfe, Woodson Complex Center

"Mr. Wolfe was called to Fairview to complete a repair on old musical risers. Upon his arrival, he realized that the equipment was unable to be repaired and offered information on where a new one could be purchased. He then took it upon himself to go by the warehouse to see if they had any because we needed our risers for an event the following day. He followed up with me to let me know that they did not have any risers available that day. Mr. Wolfe then stopped by the school this morning to let us know that the warehouse had risers in stock and that I should contact them immediately to see if they could be sent to Fairview. As a new Administrative Assistant, I greatly appreciated Mr. Wolfe's help and believe that he has gone above and beyond his job duties to try and assist us here at Fairview ES."

-Ashley Thomas, Fairview ES

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Amirah Coleman, Hayfield SS

"Ms. Coleman is truly a blessing to the CAT B program! She has remained a gift to the students for the second year in a row and that should be recognized. Last school year, she taught 3 subjects and was unwavering. This year despite the loss of a teacher, she stepped up to not only mentor the new teacher but co-lead. These positions are not easy, but Ms. Coleman makes it look easy. She provides comfort and care to the students at all times while supporting her colleagues 100% of the time. Being a compassionate teacher in these times (especially in the CAT B program) is not an easy task. Her skills should be recognized and acknowledged. Thank you, Ms. Coleman, for being an awesome teacher!"

-Kadene McDonnough, Hayfield SS

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Jose Duran, Herndon ES

"Eric and I just wanted to send a formal thank you to our custodians and Jose in particular. With so much work spread between so few people, we know that our cottage is easy to overlook but that has never been the case this year! Jose has been such a kind man and thorough worker; our classrooms have never been so well cared for. He’s so friendly and always has a big smile. We’re truly fortunate to have him at Herndon ES! The students love to thank him and wave good-bye at the end of the day when he is ready at the door for students to leave. Somehow, he always finds time for our chaotic rooms, and we would love for him to be recognized for what that means for us. Again, thank you to Jose (and to both our admin team and Building Supervisor, Santa Gabin, for the work of keeping all of these gears spinning so that we can have Jose’s great work!"

-Michael McHenry and Eric Lengel, Herndon ES

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Jose Cardenas, Alan Leis Center

"Jose Cardenas is our building supervisor, and there is nothing he will not do to ensure that our building runs smoothly. He is kind, considerate, and responsive to the needs of our building. After I changed the batteries in my wall clock, Mr. Cardenas noticed that my office wall clock was not keeping time. Instead of putting in a work order or informing me so I could purchase a new clock, he kindly gifted me a new wall clock for my office. These simple acts of kindness are greatly appreciated."

-Lisa Pilson, Alan Leis Center

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Carrie Leestma, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Carrie is a literacy champion in FCPS. She holds us all to high standards to ensure that we are putting students first in all we do. Carrie embodies what literacy leadership should look like and sound like. We are fortunate to have her on our team."

-Natasha Saunders, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Mona Mouneimne, Canterbury Woods ES

"Family Culture Night at Canterbury Woods Elementary School was phenomenal, thanks to the participation of students, families, and staff, but particularly thanks to the leadership of Mona Mouneimne. Our family had the opportunity to connect with other families through shared appreciation of cultures. Our children had the opportunity to honor each other's talents, interests, and identities. Thank you for taking the time to bring our community together to celebrate with and learn from each other."

-a Canterbury Woods ES parent

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Noelle Titus, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Noelle has the unique ability to exhibit great care and empathy to support middle school reading specialists. Recently, she has been coaching middle school reading specialists across FCPS to prepare for the Virginia Literacy Act. With each experience, she humanizes student data to ensure that teachers and leaders have not forgotten that we must consider the human implications of our literacy work."

-Natasha Saunders, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Jean Wyche, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"As a new LETRS facilitator this year, I have felt unbelievably supported by Jean Wyche. Jean has taken on a leadership role in managing the operational and scheduling challenges of LETRS training for teachers, supporting facilitators like myself in providing this complex professional learning opportunity this year. Managing multiple in person and virtual cohorts, Jean communicates with us weekly and offers coaching sessions to help us create high quality learning experiences for teachers. Thank you, Jean!"

-Diane Leipzig, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Courtney White, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Courtney White is an advocate for the use of Improvement Science as a method for using systems thinking and disciplined inquiry (PDSA cycles) for improving equitable outcomes in FCPS."

-Claire Silva, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Lisa Choi, Fairfax Villa ES

"Lisa works tirelessly to support the learning of all students through a complete review of data. Lisa is always open to innovative ways to support teachers and students. She is always a delight to work with and is always open to sharing her learning with others."

-Carrie Leestma, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Michael Cifci, Stonecroft Transportation Center

"Michael has been an invaluable extension of the school's behavior plan for my child. His ability to redirect and manage her tough behaviors and get her to school safely and even happily has been above and beyond. This is the first time she took the bus to school and it has been successful largely thanks to her bus staff Lisa and Michael. He is very invested in her success and very proactive with understanding how to support her. We cannot heap enough praise to capture his exceptional contribution."

-a Fairfax HS parent

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Lisa Davis, Stonecroft Transportation Center

"Lisa has been an exceptional extension to the school's behavior efforts to support our child during a very challenging time. She created a bus atmosphere that helped my child decide to get on every morning. For a child with very special needs, the ability of the bus folks to support and encourage that child to go to school every day is something every parent hopes for so we consider ourselves very lucky and blessed."

-a Fairfax HS parent

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James Marotta, Bull Run ES

"Mr. Marotta's dedication and exceptional leadership have significantly contributed to the collaborative nature of my child's IEP team. He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive parent/teacher partnership. His open-door policy creates a welcoming space for communication and collaboration. Bull Run is a better place because of his efforts."

-a Bull Run ES parent

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Aaron Tenenbaum, Springfield Estates ES

"If Fairfax County Public Schools needed a template for excellence in special education at the grade school level, FCPS would need to go no further than Mr. Tenenbaum. Mr. T exemplifies what it means to be a teacher of children. Committed to educating his students, Mr. T works to develop the whole person focusing on academic, social, and emotional growth. He builds relationships with parents, staff, and the students with the goal of developing individualized programs to achieve growth at the pace and the path appropriate for each child. Mr. T models excellence, kindness, patience, and serves as a positive role model for students. Mr. T goes above and beyond his normal school day roles and responsibilities. Mr. T has the taken the time to communicate before, during, and after school hours enabling consistent collaboration between student, educator, and parent. On several occasions, my child struggled to come to school due to anxiety, Mr. T would engage to make sure the student knew he had someone at school who cared for him and encouraged his participation in school. Mr. T’s class phrase ‘good kid, poor choice’ has made it into our home. As we work through life decisions, I can hear my son say ‘good kid, poor choice’. That phrase is one example of how Mr. T will hold students accountable for their actions, without tying poor choices to their own value. This type of educational environment continues to result in growth in my son’s social, emotional, and educational goals. As a parent, I am thankful Mr. T answered the calling to teach. My son is one of the many children that has been positively influenced by Mr. T. The students of Springfield Estates Elementary School are blessed to have Mr. Tenenbaum."

-a Springfield Estates ES parent

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Sydney Shelton, Lewis HS

"I just wanted to take a moment and thank Sydney for all that she's done for me this past school year. Having access to her calendar the past few months has really helped ground me in this new role, but these past few days have allowed me to realize how capable I am on my own. It’s giving me a sense of freedom, as well as a new found sense of confidence. She has simultaneously eased my transition into my new role as a teacher, but has also encouraged me to grow, and I can’t thank her enough for somehow managing to do both. I'm so glad to have her as my coworker!"

-Shaza Elsamani, Lewis HS

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Brigit Miller, Fort Belvoir Upper School

"Working alongside Ms. Miller for a few weeks having to witness how much she loves all the students that come through the gym doors was such a great experience. Not only does she greet the students every morning with smiles and hugs, she runs the safety patrols and has gone above and beyond with some students. Thank you Ms. Miller for all you do for the students."

-Carrie Junot, Fort Belvoir Upper School

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Mary Rinker, Spring Hill ES

"Connie is currently a 6th grade teacher at Spring Hill ES. She is the mother of our school counselor and heard the stories of how one of the 6th grade teachers unexpectedly retired. We and the students were in desperate need of a teacher. Connie, a retired teacher and principal from Philadelphia, offered to fill in so the students would have a qualified person teaching them. She selflessly left her home and friends in PA to move to McLean, VA to provide our students with much needed structure, academic rigor, and love. We are very fortunate at Spring Hill ES to have her experience, dedication, and commitment."

-Jennifer Petzold, Spring Hill ES

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Rae Perry, Fairfax HS

"At a local screening meeting, Ms. Perry went above and beyond to advocate for my son. As a teacher myself, her determination to think outside of the box to help him was inspiring. My son is truly SO lucky to have Ms. Perry on his side. Thank you!

-a Fairfax HS parent

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Benjamin Alvarado, Justice HS

"Mr. Alvarado goes above and beyond for all of our students' needs. He steps up in any role asked of him and does whatever is necessary to provide a safe learning environment for all students. Mr. Alvarado is the ultimate team-player. He is respectful to everyone and dedicated to making Justice HS and the community a great place."

-Jack McAuley, Justice HS

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Tamar McCallum, Hayfield SS

"Mrs. McCallum is one of Hayfield's unsung heroes. She is our lead athletic trainer, but truly is so much more. She is a counselor, a caregiver, and a surrogate mom for so many of our student athletes. She goes out of her way to ensure that anyone who needs her, feels supported and guided. Often our ATC's go unheralded, for while not thought of as traditional teachers or instructors, routinely they are just that and more. I am blessed to work with her routinely, as a game manager and coach. She is very knowledgeable on medical issues and displays her truly caring nature everyday! Thank you, Mrs. McCallum, for always being there for guidance, support, care, and a great attitude, no matter how many people you are caring for! Hayfield is truly blessed to have you nurturing and caring for our student athletes!"

-James Mercer, Hayfield SS

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Davis Murillo, Holmes MS

"Davis Murillo exemplifies what it means to be an FCPS Cares recipient. He is committed to building relationships with staff and serves as a positive role model for our students. He goes above and beyond his normal school day role and responsibilities. He is a valuable and versatile staff member who consistently supports the After-School Program including various different clubs and activities that help to make the school a better place. He is flexible and is always willing to help out when asked no matter what."

-Matt Kruk, Holmes MS

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Sarah Tisinger, Floris ES

"Dr. Tisinger had arranged a party for 6th graders so that the kids understand the important historical event of the Boston Tea Party. My son has food allergies thus making it hard for him to participate in the event since some of the food items had the allergens. However, Dr. Tisinger went above and beyond and made most of these food items with allergens from scratch so that kids with allergies like my son could still participate in this event. We appreciate Dr. Tisinger thought and efforts not only for preparing food items from scratch but also organizing this unique experience for the kids so that they understand the importance of this historical event. I hope you consider her for FCPS cares program."

-a Floris ES parent

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Jefferey Scales, Lorton Transportation Center

"Jefferey and his team are extremely responsive to the needs of our school and our students! We regularly get into binds with kids needing transportation and STRS cards not being submitted correctly by the sending schools. Jefferey always tries his hardest to get the students transportation quickly. He is sensitive to the needs of our students and families. Yesterday he was able to put special education transportation into place for a student and parent with less than 24 hours’ notice. Jefferey really cares about our school and our families and we are so grateful for his drivers and his leadership."

-Ellen Glaser, Quander Road School

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Daniella Jefferson, Robinson SS

"Daniella is a joy to work with at Robinson. When I show up to sub for a teacher who works with Daniella, I KNOW everything will go well. She is cheerful, loving and has a positive attitude. Daniella helps me follow the classroom routine and always knows what the students should be working on. She understands the curriculum and gently helps the students along when they need assistance. Plus, she loves to learn new things! Daniella is truly a Robinson treasure."

-Julia Hiles, Robinson SS

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Nahid Behrooz, Robinson SS

"I have worked with Nahid many times over the years I have subbed for teachers. She always knows what the students should be working on, who needs help, and who can work independently. Nahid understands the content and diligently helps the students complete assignments. She always has a positive attitude and a gentle, kind spirit. I ALWAYS know class will go great when she is with me!! Nahid is truly an indispensable asset to Robinson."

-Julia Hiles, Robinson SS

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Dieudone Cyubahiro and Hussein N. Abdullahi, Stonecroft Transportation Center

"We wanted to give a shout out to both Dieudone and Hussein for doing an incredible job maneuvering the Kennedy Center parking lot. Our 2nd grade team and students were incredibly impressed and grateful how they kindly and professionally problem solved and safely got us out of the parking lot when there was a lot of congestion. We so appreciate their dedication!"

-Victoria Curtis, Clearview ES

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Leslie Curtin-Holt, Fort Hunt ES

"When walking into Leslie’s third grade classroom, you immediately sense the classroom community she has created with her students. She encourages all her students to participate and maintains a classroom environment of positivity and accountability. Her classroom culture is one of kindness and empowerment to say the least. Leslie has a special way of ensuring that all her students can access the material being presented. She has an upbeat and fun demeanor that is inviting to all around her. Leslie has taught for over 25 years (think about the number of children’s lives she has touched). She cares about her students so much that for each student’s birthday, she sends them home with a birthday cake kit to ensure that everyone has a cake for his/her birthday. What a wonderful idea and a what a wonderful person we get to work with and learn with at FHES!"

-Preshion Lynch, Fort Hunt ES

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Mandy Kaur, Hunters Woods ES

"Mandy works tirelessly to provide substitutes and mentors so our classrooms can have coverage. She is constantly trying to find subs for our school, provide coverage for meetings, help teachers who have to suddenly leave school and other issues that come up. It's a fulltime juggling position and Mandy handles it with grace every day!"

-Pattie Ono, Hunters Woods ES

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Luisa Osorio-Murray, Dunn Loring Center

"Luisa is an exceptional translator who connects with the staff and parents to ensure a seamless translation of the IEP meeting. She pre-meets with staff, when needed, to ensure the IEP runs without a hitch. Luisa always communicates with the parent to be sure they fully understand the process, reason for the meeting and values their input in the process. She is knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful. We always know that the IEP meeting is going to go well when Luisa is present. We are proud of her and want others to know what an exceptional job she does for Aldrin ES and our families."

-Shane Wolfe, Aldrin ES

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Margarita Pedemonte, Lorton Transportation Center

"Ms. Margarita is amazing. Her cautious and skilled driving during the recent snowfall demonstrated a commendable level of professionalism and commitment to the safety of all the children she transports. The roads were still icy the next day and she maintained a cautious and safe approach. Furthermore, Ms. Margarita's personal touch in remembering each child's name and greeting them with a warm smile every morning adds significantly to the positive start of their day. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Margarita for her exceptional service. Her dedication to ensuring a safe, happy, and welcoming environment for the children is truly commendable. She is indeed a valuable asset to your team, and her efforts deserve recognition and appreciation. Thank you, Ms. Margarita, for making a difference in our children's daily school experience. Your contribution is greatly appreciated."

-a Fairhill ES parent

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Corinne Pauley, Fairhill ES

"My daughter's happiness and academic growth in Ms. Pauley's class are testaments to her effective teaching style. Ms. Pauley's approach to education has fostered a love for learning and enthusiasm in my daughter, which is a joy to witness. Furthermore, I am particularly grateful for the detailed and thorough responses Ms. Pauley provides when I ask her input regarding my daughter’s progress. Her insights are not only informative but also indicative of her deep understanding of her students' individual needs and potential. Thanks Ms. Pauley! We appreciate you!"

-a Fairhill ES parent

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Torey Diggs, Heather Crouch, and Neva Apsche, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Torey is always kind, patient, and super responsive. When we asked him if he could support our teachers in a collaboration around Performance Matters, he not only agreed but invited Heather and Neva to ensure our teacher's needs were going to be met. This team was thoughtful and intentional in their planning and delivery to ensure the teachers' needs were identified and would be addressed. They came to the session with positive energy and spent the day building capacity in the team around the objectives and patiently answered the questions that arose. I am very grateful for their participation and support! Thank you."

-Laura Reed, Centreville HS

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Delinda Hinnant , Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Delinda, a Behavior Intervention Teacher, has demonstrated strong dedication and perseverance working with the staff at Burke school. She is committed to building relationships and developing proactive systems and structures that benefit the students. Delinda provides a wealth of knowledge regarding behavior and is passionate about coaching and supporting others to achieve successful outcomes."

-Ashley Enright, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Leigh Kelly, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Leigh consistently goes above and beyond within the Office of Curriculum & Instruction when it comes to showing support, empathy and compassion for others. Each month she prints a monthly Action for Happiness calendar and posts them to remind us all to be thoughtful of our own well-being and mental health. This focus supports the Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships and Diverse, Adaptive, & Supported Workforce Pillars of our FCPS Strategic Plan. Our office is fortunate to have this consistent and supportive voice among us."

-Ann Wong, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Ricardo Conner, Stonecroft Transportation Center

"A big shout out to Ricardo Conner for supporting Herndon ES during an sudden incident impacting arrival this morning. Mr. Conner's presence at the school and assistance to administrators made a difference in ensuring a smooth and organized process during this critical time. It is evident that his dedication to his role goes beyond expectations, and we are truly fortunate to have him as part of our team. Thank you, Ricardo!"

-Jennie Skerker, Herndon ES

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Charity Adom, North Springfield ES

"Ms. Charity Adom is a breath of fresh air regardless of the day you’re having or circumstance you may be facing. Her smile that she always greets you with is truly contagious! She is one of the hardest working people I have ever had the pleasure of working with and never once will you hear her complain. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with her and to learn from her. She is a natural with her students and has such essential skills in working with behaviors and other student needs. She teaches others the importance of flexibility and adaptability when working with students and staff. Charity is always ready and willing to jump in wherever she is needed. Each staff member and students she works with will remain touched by her knowledge, patience, professionalism, and humor for many years to come."

-Kathleen Kruse, North Springfield ES

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Jane Curry, Annandale HS

"Ms. Curry is the best teacher in the world. She is always supportive and goes above and beyond. She is always there for me and she takes of her students. I would love to recognize her as an employee who goes above and beyond."

-a Annandale HS student

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Karen Kucik, Clearview ES

"Lovely to my daughter, and just great at doing her job. If I could, I would call her teacher of the month. My daughter understands the logic of the ancient times and learned new vocabulary words. And thanks to her, she's been learning at her level of intelligence. And you the teacher/employe if you're reading this a I hope you know your appreciated. "

-a Clearview ES parent

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Adam Bowen, Sprague Technology Center

"I was faced with the challenging task of setting up an online forum featuring multiple Zoom meetings, and I felt overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. Fortunately, Adam stepped in without hesitation. He generously invested his time and energy, providing me with clear and concise guidance on how to create the forum envisioned by my school. His support extended beyond the initial setup, as he remained available to offer assistance even after the event concluded. I am incredibly grateful for Adam's willingness to go above and beyond, not only for his technical guidance but also for his enthusiasm and commitment to helping colleagues grow."

-Maria Cruz, Jefferson Tech HS

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Elena Maria Baeza Gallar, Eagle View ES

"Elena was part of the Eagle View family long before officially joining our staff. As a parent and substitute, she certainly shares the love for our community. This has shone through as one of our most invested special education teachers. Elena is always prepared, knowledgeable, and unafraid to ask questions and advocate for the needs of her students. I have so enjoyed getting to know her and see her joy both as a mom and an educator unfold in our hallways."

-Becky Scott, Eagle View ES

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Jay Vaughan, Eagle View ES

"Jay is the epitome of joy for the profession of teaching. Every day I see him in the hallways or his classroom connecting with his students, being a positive role model for his colleagues, and tackling every curve ball with enthusiasm and a "get-it-done" attitude. He sees the best in all his students and validates each of them as individuals. He is truly an asset to the team at Eagle View!"

-Becky Scott, Eagle View ES

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Cheryl Counts, Eagle View ES

"Cheryl is really honing her skills as a special education case manager this school year! Even when experiencing a loss in the family, Cheryl proactively communicated with her department chair to ensure her IEPs were held and worked through the winter weather to reschedule additional meetings. She draws context from multiple sources of data to write informed IEP proposals and gets to know her students' families so she can work collaboratively with their individual needs. It is a pleasure to work with her!"

-Becky Scott, Eagle View ES

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Christine St. Germain, Fairfax HS

"A huge thank you to Christine for coming to West Springfield HS to present to our students about the different opportunities available in the Academy classes. She presented to 90 students and did a great job representing the Academy and explaining all the wonderful opportunities they offer."

-Rebecca Cousins, West Springfield HS

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Courtney MacCormack, Edison HS

"A huge thank you to Courtney for coming to West Springfield HS to present to our students about the different opportunities available in the Academy classes. She presented to 90 students and did a great job representing the Academy and explaining all the wonderful opportunities they offer."

-Rebecca Cousins, West Springfield HS

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Kylee Mathieu, West Potomac HS

"A huge thank you to Kylee for coming to West Springfield HS to present to our students about the different opportunities available in the Academy classes. She presented to 90 students and did a great job representing the Academy and explaining all the wonderful opportunities they offer."

-Rebecca Cousins, West Springfield HS

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Megan Town, Shrevewood ES

"Megan Town has had a positive impact on our Enhance Autism Program! Her contributions in supporting classroom arrangement, implementing ABA strategies, and facilitating data collection are commendable. Megan's dedication and expertise undoubtedly enhance the effectiveness of the program, making a significant difference for our students and staff."

-Joshua DeSmyter, Shrevewood ES

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Ryan Northcutt, Woodson IT Center

"Ryan assisted Lorton Station with install of new studio equipment (streaming). His last trip was to install and train staff on the new studio equipment. He is a wealth of knowledge providing a perspective on a modern streaming news studio. Additionally he was available to answer off topic questions about general cable and a/v so that Lorton Station could plan and explore options for the future."

-William Lindsay, Lorton Station ES

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Damion Dawson, Woodson IT Center

"Damion has made several trips to Lorton Station to assist with various cable/new studio issues. His last trip was to install and train staff on the new studio equipment. He has been patient and a wealth of knowledge in transitioning the 20 year old equipment to a modern news studio with streaming. Additionally, he was available to answer off topic questions about general cable and a/v so that Lorton Station could plan and explore options for the future."

-William Lindsay, Lorton Station ES

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Monty Fritts, Hayfield SS

"Mr. Monty Fritts leads by example, bringing a tremendous and approachable attitude every day, regardless of the multitude of other issues that are transpiring. He is very observant, and only after careful review of each situation, will he weigh in. I have had the opportunity to work side by side with him, and I am always impressed with his work ethic, and demeanor. He has high expectations for his coaches, and staff, and will hold us accountable, but will also show us how he wants that situation in question handled and will work with each of us to resolve each scenario. Mr. Fritts is willing to hear other ideas, and if we adopt that idea, he will give credit to that person/people who inspired it. He truly leads both in words and actions. Thank you, Mr. Fritts, for diving into the Hawk culture, and inspiring others with your own character and leadership!"

-James Mercer, Hayfield SS

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Peter Masood, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Pete, an FCPS Office of Safety and Security Patrol Officer was providing security at Jackson MS for the School Board meeting. Officer Masood was posted in the area around exit one when he saw a car with its hazard lights on pull into the parking lot and immediately stop. A woman exited the vehicle in obvious distress. As he approached the woman, he noticed that she was bleeding heavily from her nose. She was explaining that her nose just started bleeding and she began to feel faint. As she was speaking, she began losing consciousness. Masood immediately helped her sit down and administered 1st aide and used his radio to request an ambulance and assistance from other Security and Police personnel that were inside the school. Officer Masood's quick thinking and actions potentially saved this woman's life."

-Christian Fuller, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Danny Mikhail, Wilton Woods Center

"Danny Mikhail has provided excellent customer service to IT-PMP. We recently had personnel shift and needed to move equipment and reconfigure phones, etc. Danny is personable, patient, and knows a lot about how our systems are interconnected. He is a great colleague to learn from and to be around."

-Gloria F. Bownas, Sprague Technology Center

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Loreal Crumbley, Gatehouse Admin Center

"I would like to take a moment to acknowledge Loreal Crumbley. Her dedication in going above and beyond in supporting us truly exemplifies the spirit of the FCPS CARES Program. She has been incredibly quick and responsive in addressing any needs that have arisen. I know we can always count on her if we have a question or concern that needs immediate attention."

-Serena Giron, Holmes MS

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Jay Bagley, Wilton Woods Center

"Jay Bagley has been so responsive in helping us with our application authentication setup and with additional help we needed with the AWS instances over the past couple of months. His prompt assistance has helped us setup our applications quickly. We appreciate Jay for being flexible, and patiently clarifying our questions. Thank you Jay!"

-Rajitha Jadala, Wilton Woods Center

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Kathleen Kruse, North Springfield ES

"Kathleen Kruse is a ray of sunshine and one of the warmest educators, colleagues, and friends I know. Every child in her class feels her genuine love for and confidence in them. Her classroom is a beautiful balance of structure and fun flexibility. Kathleen effortlessly nurtures her students while patiently building up their skills and independence. In her role as team leader, she speaks up as an advocate for her team, fellow teachers, and all the students in the building. She is not shy to share her concerns and her ideas during important conversations. On a personal note, Kathleen is a generous, perceptive, concerned friend. She listens and sincerely cares about your life beyond the walls of North Springfield."

-Jen Heywood, North Springfield ES

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Carrie Van Brocklin, Meaghan Dobson, and Joe Ellington, Bryant HS

"I am grateful to the English department for being so supportive as I complete my first year Bryant. Whether I have a question, or need assistance with curriculum, planning or overall logistics; Carrie, Meaghan and Joe are there to help. Thank you all so much!"

-Paula Bordenkecher, Bryant HS

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Preshion Lynch, Fort Hunt ES

"Preshion is new to Fort Hunt ES this school year and she has been a delight to work with. From her first day she has been supporting teachers, students, and staff as our Gifted Education Teacher. I see her working with small groups of students in the 6th grade pod and just by looking at the students faces you see how much they are enjoying working with her. She also supports the teachers in the classrooms with their advanced students. Anytime you cross her in the hallway of Fort Hunt she ALWAYS has a smile on her face, one of those uplifting smiles that makes your day better. We are so grateful she is a part of Fort Hunt! Thank you for being an amazing teacher, coworker and simply a Foxtastic human."

-Rosa Dobarco, Fort Hunt ES

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Scottie Tran, Sandburg MS

"I would like to recognize Scottie Tran for his enthusiasm teaching Civics and the positive relationships he has with his students. He has established great rapport with his students, fostering a sense of trust and respect that allow for effective learning. Scottie goes beyond the curriculum and gives each student an opportunity to make a mini-presentation about themselves and the people and current events important to them. Students in his sixth period class were engaged and practiced questioning and critical thinking skills, which encourage and value in FCPS Social Studies. We are lucky to have Scottie a part of the Sandburg and FCPS teams."

-Jessica Chun, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Daniel Shogan, Thoreau MS

"I would like to recognize Daniel Shogan for the welcoming and positive classroom environment he has created for his students. He has established great rapport with his students, fostering a sense of trust and respect that allow for effective learning. He gets to know his students with a roster quest, a question displayed on the board for students to answer as attendance is taken. Students in his second period class were engaged and asked questions that went beyond the expected curriculum to further their understanding of World War I. A few students expressed high respect for Daniel and are grateful to have him as their history teacher. His dedication and passion to education and his students should not go unrecognized. We are lucky to have Daniel a part of the Thoreau and FCPS teams."

-Jessica Chun, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Dr. A Azami, West Potomac HS

"I joined FCPS as a teacher as West Potomac High School in August 2023. From the moment I arrived, Dr. Azami has demonstrated extraordinary kindness that goes above and beyond the call of duty. She explained to me many of FCPS's procedures and systems that challenged me. She invited me to daily lunch discussions and even shared her lunch with me. She helped me understand procedures relating to attendance, special ed, use of SIS and Schoology, absence and substitute requests, and many others. I am very grateful for her. She has helped me become a better teacher in my first year at FCPS."

-Hany Eldeib, West Potomac HS

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Susan Brooks, Justice HS

"Ms. Susan Brooks, one of our Geometry and Algebra 2 teachers, has been an outstanding contributor and instructional leader in our department. With our focus on student discourse, she has been a model for strategies that increase student voice and engagement while allowing for peer-to-peer learning. Ms. Brooks has also opened her classroom for her colleagues, shares her ideas, and welcomes feedback. Her constant adjustment to lessons in order to best support the students in front of her each year is an example of her own continuous learning and growth as well as her belief that all of her students can be successful. She holds high expectations while providing paths for success. We are very fortunate to have Ms. Brooks on our team!"

-Colleen Lally, Justice HS

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Lisa Socarras, Westbriar ES

"My son had Ms. Socarras last year. When I first met her at open house, I was immediately impressed by how many of her previous students stopped by to say hello. She clearly had an impact on them. I now know why. She has been the universes gift to my son, and I truly believe that every student should be blessed with a teacher as supportive as Ms. Socarras. She is my son's fiercest cheerleader and advocate. Even now that he has moved on, she looks out for him and provides him with support. She sees the strengths of all her students and focuses on those instead of their weaknesses. My son still stops by her classroom multiple times a week and she welcomes him with open arms and an encouraging smile. I am so grateful that my son was in her class last year because her positive encouragement will stay with him long after he has left Westbriar. It is so important that students have teachers who believe in them, and Ms. Socarras has always shown my son that she believes in him."

-a Westbriar ES parent

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Allie Johnson, Westbriar ES

"Mrs. Johnson has been very encouraging of my son this year. She has challenged him in his areas of strength and supported in the areas where he struggles. As a fellow math lover, she has encouraged him to think outside the box and try new things to expand his knowledge. But she has also been equally wonderful when it comes to his areas of weakness. After being discouraged by his reading placement, she sat with him and helped identify books that he would enjoy reading that were at his level to boost his confidence. My son has bonded with her and loves going to school each day. Mrs. Johnson is also incredibly responsive to me as a parent, always willing to answer my questions about my son's progress and discuss any concerns that I might have."

-a Westbriar ES parent

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Kevin Pulliam, Westbriar ES

"My son had some challenges in gym last year. After meeting with Mr. Pulliam at the beginning of the year, he has gone above and beyond to work with my son to ensure that he is able to succeed in gym this year. He provides my son with continuous individual feedback on how he is doing so my son can make real-time adjustments as necessary and keeps me informed on how he is doing as well. I am grateful that Mr. Pulliam has taken the extra time to meet my son where he is from a social-emotional developmental perspective to ensure his success in his class. Gym is one of my son's favorite times of the week now."

-a Westbriar ES parent

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Danielle McNamara, Stonecroft Transportation Center

"Danielle McNamara is an electric bus driver for Team 37. In the absence of an Electric Bus Supervisor, she has gone above and beyond to ensure the electric buses are charging and assisting her follow electric bus drivers with any questions or concerns they may have. Additionally, she is sending a daily email with an update on what is happening with the buses/charging stations. She is truly appreciated and an asset to FCPS Transportation."

-Shannon Jones, Stonecroft Transportation Center

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Emily Gross, Shrevewood ES

"Emily Gross is truly an exceptional Special Education Teacher in her second year at Shrevewood ES. Her dedication, skills, and commitment to her students is inspiring. She goes above and beyond to ensure the success and well-being of those under her care. We are proud of her skills of facilitating IEP meetings, her communication with teachers and families, and her overall positive demeanor daily. Shrevewood ES is fortunate to have such a remarkable educator in Emily Gross."

-Joshua DeSmyter, Shrevewood ES

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Christian Freeman, Shrevewood ES

"Mrs. Freeman has been a supportive resource and mentor to our special education staff and families and I am appreciative of the work she does to support us all. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing environment and ensuring that all students have what they need to thrive at Shrevewood has not gone unnoticed. Her guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in empowering our new teachers to navigate the complexities of special education, ensuring they provide the best possible support to our students. I want to express our deepest gratitude for the positive impact she has had on both professional development and the overall well-being of our special education community. Her dedication to the profession is a source of inspiration for us all."

-Katie Vandawalker, Shrevewood ES

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Blanca Henriquez, Sunrise Valley ES

"We would like to give a special shout out to Nancy Kusher, Mery Bush and Blanca Henriquez! They have done an amazing job building relationships with their students and creating a safe, supportive, and caring environment for them. In addition, they have also created a welcoming environment for central office staff and are extremely collaborative and easy to work with. They do an amazing job at managing whatever is thrown their way (i.e. changes in schedule, support and more)! We feel so lucky to be supporting you this year! Keep up the amazing work!"

-Heather Padgett and Cheryl Zimmerman, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Mery Bush, Sunrise Valley ES

-Heather Padgett and Cheryl Zimmerman, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Nancy Kusher, Sunrise Valley ES

-Heather Padgett and Cheryl Zimmerman, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Mike Hardy, Bryant HS

"I was out of the country for a week and lost access to my email due to some standard security protocols. When I returned to the building, I still couldn't get access to my work email with my school device. When Mr. Hardy found about the problem, he was literally at my door within a few minutes. As always, Mr. Hardy was diligent, thoughtful and positive in his work, and in a very short time the problem was resolved. Things like this remind me that Mr. Hardy frequently goes beyond his specific job responsibilities to help the school and staff. For example, I can recall trying to organize an bulletin board alone and having some difficulty finishing the job. Mr. Hardy walked by, turned around, came back and took a few minutes to help me finish the work. It was a small thing, but in a small school, we frequently have to work together outside of our normal responsibilities to achieve great things for our students, and Mike Hardy is a big part of that school culture."

-Ron Virts, Bryant HS

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Joash Chung, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Joash has gone above and beyond in support of FCPS new tutoring programing. He has been extremely responsive and helpful in navigating the process of hiring and placement of high impact tutors. Due to his efforts KPES has been able to dramatically increase the level of support being provided to students. Thank you Joash for all your efforts and attention to detail!"

-Dotty Lin, Kings Park ES

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Gretchen Proctor, Haycock ES

"Gretchen is just a one kind of person and teammate. I first met Gretchen when I started at Haycock in 2017. She takes on so many leadership positions including being the head of our school's social committee. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels apart of our HayFam as well as be a fantastic mother to her two kiddos outside of school. Thank you Gretchen for being you and doing all the things. Haycock wouldn't be the same without you!"

-Nisha Hecht, Haycock ES

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Aziz Elhayani, Woodson IT Center

"Aziz was very helpful by training on-site TSSPECs on how to calibrate wall mounted projectors. He also offered to come back anytime we need future support with calibration or any other projector issues. Lastly, the energy he brought while doing his job was a great way to end the week."

-Adam Fitzgerald, Oakton HS

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Lorna Cordero, Laurel Ridge ES

"Lorna is an incredibly creative and collaborative part of the Laurel Ridge family. As a STEAM teacher, Lorna is constantly partnering with classroom teachers to align her instruction to the math and science going on in each class. Her class includes students from all seven grade levels and she creates exciting and accessible, yet challenging activities for them every day. She supports students and school programs through after school clubs and school improvement projects. You will often see her and her students outside practicing their skills as global and ethical citizens. Recently, Lorna led students through awesome Hour of Code activities. Her 2nd grade students worked in teams to code Botley 2.0 robots, her 3rd grade students participated in an 'unplugged' dance-based coding activity, and her 5th and 6th grade students used code.org and CS First to make a variety of creations. And that's just to name a few examples! Lorna is always on the lookout for new experiences and opportunities for students in STEAM. From water bottle rockets to astronomy explorations to building (model) bridges, Lorna connects with students and builds their love of learning every day."

-Caitlin Quincy, Laurel Ridge ES

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Austin Walter, Sprague Technology Center

"Austin was very helpful and patient as he assisted me in helping reset the passwords of two of custodians at my school. My custodians and I really appreciate how quickly he was able to resolve the password issues they were having!"

-Jennifer Buchko, Halley ES

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Stephen Sumpter, Lake Braddock SS

"Stephen is such a team player. When it comes to testing: whether VGA or WIDA, he is always willing to step up and help out with anything and everything. Thank you so much for always being willing to step in and help with whatever is asked of you! You are awesome!"

-Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock SS

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Aziz Elhayani, Woodson IT Center

"Aziz came to fix the HDMI cable issue with the projector going blank frequently while it's on. He was very professional and knowledgeable and came up with the best solution. He tried to clean up the mess that was caused and he was respectful the entire time he was in the classroom working on the project. Aziz went above and beyond to help me to fix the situation so I can have the best environment when teaching the students."

-Annie Chong, Chantilly HS

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Tina Wrubluski, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Ms. Wrubluski embodies the warm, inviting, 'only a phone call away' level of professionalism FCPS proudly offers to our community and staff. There have been multiple occasions when school based officials are in need of counsel, have a wondering, and/or just want to make sure schools are supporting as needed. Ms. Wrubluski is responsive, builds capacity, and always ends conversations with the reminder she is there to support. Ms. Wrubluski's outstanding soft skills coupled with her expertise have not gone unnoticed and exemplify the team spirit that can and does exist within FCPS. Thank you for always being a phone call away, ending phone calls with an open door to circle back, and ensuring we are always keeping students at the center of our work. You are a bridge builder, tremendous resource, and greatly appreciated. Thank you!"

-Claudia Pirouzan-Jones, South County HS

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Steve Passino, Edison Support Center

"I wholeheartedly recommend Steve Passino, the HVAC Supervisor at Edison, for recognition under the FCPS Cares program. Steve's contributions to our HVAC classroom have been nothing short of exceptional, significantly enhancing the educational experiences of our students. Steve's proactive approach to liaising with our class has been invaluable. On several occasions, he has identified and provided us with equipment that serves as excellent training aids. His foresight and initiative in this regard are commendable. For instance, about a month ago, Steve informed us of an opportunity to acquire around 20 decommissioned window units from another school. This generous gesture has greatly benefited our students, especially those working towards their EPA certification. These units offer a hands-on experience that connects textbook learning and real-world application. The variety in the condition of these units, some in near-perfect working order, others requiring repair, presents a range of learning opportunities. This spectrum of functionality allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, which is crucial for their development as skilled technicians. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of an R-32 unit among these. This piece is a 'crown jewel' for us, being the first A2L refrigerant equipment in our program. It gives our students a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest industry standards and regulations, which have recently shifted towards using low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants like R-32. Steve's contributions extend beyond mere equipment donation. His actions reflect a deep commitment to the future of our students and the HVAC industry. His efforts ensure our students are well-trained and well-prepared to adapt to evolving industry standards. Steve Passino's dedication and foresight have been instrumental in enriching the educational experience for our HVAC students. His actions embody the spirit of the FCPS Cares program, and I believe he is more than deserving of this recognition."

-Robert Stringham, Edison HS

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Rosa Dobarco, Fort Hunt ES

"Rosa Dobarco is the heart of Fort Hunt Elementary. There are numerous tasks that she works on daily that go above and beyond her official duties. She is the first to greet you with a smile or her humor, not to mention… the pounds of chocolate! So much of what she does goes unnoticed to ensure that our school runs smoothly. WE LOVE YOU, ROSA!!! We’d be lost without you."

-Kiani Marrero, Fort Hunt ES

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Kiani Marrero, Fort Hunt ES

"Kiani has a spark about her teaching that the children truly love! She has a way of making learning both fun and exciting! You can see and feel the passion. She is amazing!"

-Mariah Taylor, Fort Hunt ES

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Julie Green, Lake Braddock SS

"As an Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Julie Green is an extremely knowledgeable and reliable colleague who collaborates willingly and provides exceptional math resources. Recently, I had reached out to Julie on behalf of our middle school's math department who was requesting guidance with vertical white space lessons. With a quick turn-around, Julie shared resources and offered to connect our math department's teachers with Lake Braddock math teachers. I appreciate Julie's clarity of information and her openness to connect teachers from two different schools."

-Dana Gorman, South County MS

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Aziz Elhayani, Woodson IT Center

"Aziz was so helpful early on a Monday morning! He kept finding solutions to the buzzing in the speakers in my classroom. His pleasant personality and humor made my day!! Thank you for hiring such a professional individual who cares!!"

-Amy Schehl, Aldrin ES

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Cheryl Lovitt, Mount Vernon HS

"Just before winter break, a substitute teacher in our school complained that she wasn't feeling well. Mrs. Lovitt, a kind and caring Administrative Assistant was able to determine that the substitute needed medical attention, she contacted all the right people including the substitutes family & helped the sub to remain calm. Mrs. Lovitt accompanied the sub to the hospital, and she stayed with her until the family arrived. Recently, the daughter of the substitute contacted me to express her sincere gratitude for the kindness that was shown to her mother. Mrs. Lovitt's daily generosity and kindness is just one way she contributes positively to culture and climate of our school, it is the MVHS Major way!"

-Adrian Williams, Mount Vernon HS

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Susan Bengtson, Little Run ES

"I have been meaning to submit this for a while now. Mrs. B was my daughter's teacher last school year when she was in preschool. I can't speak highly enough of her. Even now, half a year into preschool, whenever we meet up with my daughter's friends, we all gush and talk about how much we love Mrs. B, how hard she worked for our kids, how she went above and beyond to give them and their families what they needed. I'll never forget going to a "performance" at her class and the kids were all dancing along to a song. At one point, the song directed the kids to jump, which my daughter can't do. For a moment I was worried she would feel left out. But she immediately turned to Mrs. B, grabbed her hands, and Mrs. B helped her jump like all the other kids. It is a small thing, but it really stood out to me, how she would give the kids exactly what they needed, and they knew they could depend on her for that. That is the kind of teacher she is. In a school full of amazing educators (And we truly did love everyone there, they were all so amazing. I still remember her IA's like Mrs. N and Ms. Cindy who cared so much and were so good working with her.) Mrs. B is truly remarkable."

-a Little Run ES parent

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Kristen Brechwald, Oak View ES

"Mrs. Brechwald has gone above and beyond to ensure continuity of learning for my daughter and her classmates when her teacher stepped down mid year. Kudos to Mrs. Brechwald for stepping up and stepping in. We are incredibly grateful for you!"

-an Oak View ES parent

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Robyn Laha, Bush Hill ES

"Robyn Laha is a kind and caring educator who can put a smile on anyone's face! She builds strong relationships with her colleagues and students and always has something positive to say. She puts in the extra effort to connect with others and is always a friendly face to pass in the hallway. In her classroom she designs engaging experiences for her students and goes the extra mile showing kindness for all of those around her. Thank you Robyn for being such a compassionate and caring member of our school community!"

-Alison Bieber, Bush Hill ES

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Christine McMillan, Navy ES

"I am so lucky and grateful to work with our amazing Administrative Assistant Mrs. McMillan. She is the most hard-working, positive, energetic and thoughtful person. Mrs. McMillan goes above and beyond every single day to support our busy school, teachers, students, health room and front office."

-Kristina Mirlas, Navy ES

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Paula Prosper, Cooper MS

"Ms. Prosper is an all out amazing teacher! She is completely dedicated to her students in every way. She goes above and beyond to ensure they feel supported, confident, and able to succeed. I am so grateful for all of the ways she pours herself into our children. She is truly one of a kind!!!"

-a Cooper MS parent

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McKenzie Senick, Shrevewood ES

"McKenzie's first year at Shrevewood ES as a reading specialist has been nothing short of transformative. Her dedicated efforts have significantly bolstered the school's reading programs. McKenzie's expertise shines through in her support of teachers, particularly in the implementation of small group strategies. Her contributions have extended to enhancing our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) routines, elevating the overall efficacy of our academic interventions. Moreover, McKenzie has played a pivotal role in fortifying our Collaborative Learning Teams (CLTs). Her tailored resources have empowered these teams to refine and enrich reading instruction within their classrooms. Overall, McKenzie's impact has been instrumental in fostering a more robust and effective reading environment at Shrevewood ES."

-Joshua DeSmyter, Shrevewood ES

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Susan Kannengiesser, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I cannot say enough about Susan. Susan goes above and beyond every single day to support students and colleagues. On behalf of the Nontraditional School Programs, we are extremely grateful to Susan for her constant support, guidance and problem-solving. Thank you Susan!"

-Kate Salerno, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Deontae Hargrove, Falls Church HS

"Deontae is one of the new security staff members at Falls Church. He's also an FCHS alumnus and assistant football coach. He's been an amazing addition to the school community. He's visible and takes responsibility for his zone. He always has a smile and is immediately responsive on the radio. As a coach, he already knew many of the students and greets them by name daily in the hallway. I heard him today pull a student aside in the hall to check on him. He's continually looking out for his students and referred a few to the MentorWorks program. We are grateful for his presence and contribution to the safety and wellbeing of our students."

-Jessica Grenfell, Falls Church HS

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Armando Sanchez, Beech Tree ES

"Armando Sanchez lends a hand in his building and to support his neighboring schools. During a fire drill at SHES Mr. Sanchez loaned his knowledge of the panel, the activators, and the overall systems to help support our Sleepy Hollow Community. Mr. Sanchez is kind and patient. He wants the best for his staff and students and beyond. We are very appreciative that Mr. Sanchez is willing to extend his impact beyond the walls of his building."

-Tim Scesney, Sleepy Hollow ES

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Eboni Adams, Admin Gatehouse Center

"Eboni has been extremely helpful with helping me navigate several requests to hire. She is super knowledgeable, polite, and a phenomenal problem solver. Glad to be working with her, as I know I will always be in good hands. Thanks Eboni!"

-Shawn Heilemann, Wilton Woods Center

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Donna M Ford, McNair ES

"I am deeply touched with all Ms. Ford does for me and my daughter. She has been supporting my daughter for more than a year now. We lost my husband just before school opened in 2022. My daughter wouldn't express anything while she was awake but had problem sleeping properly and would cry and talk about her sadness in sleep. I told Ms. Ford and she talked to my daughter and that day she slept better. We were all very shocked when my husband passed away and I was swamped with work and funeral preparations. Ms. Ford had asked me to inform her when kids would attend. I emailed her at 3 AM in the morning of the day of funeral. She attended it with other school members. My daughter still remembers it and is glad for such support. She is quite young but knows that she can ask for help. I am so glad that we are part of such good family where not only my daughter but I am also supported. I have been to Ms. Ford's office a few times too. My daughter has bounced back to her former self. Credit goes to school counselor, teachers and other office staff who helped us along our journey."

-a McNair ES parent

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Courtney Barber, Great Falls ES

"At Cooper, we administered the SOS screener for our 7th graders - about 500 students. We have four counselors, a social worker and a part time psychologist that was able to adjust her schedule to be with us. We were worried that we would be overloaded and since best practice would be that two adults meet with a student to do a Columbia Screener when required, we were concerned we would not get through all our students the first day which is a requirement we have set. I know Courtney having worked with her on several cases together last year. I emailed her and asked if her admin would "allow" it, would she be up for the challenge. She was so enthusiastic and said yes immediately. In Courtney fashion, she showed up to Cooper early and ready for the day. Her help and insight were invaluable. I had the pleasure of partnering with her for several meetings and over and over again was impressed with her professionalism, knowledge of regulations and thoroughness. In addition, she is funny and smart and great with the kids. SOS day is always a bit tough, but it was well executed by our team and the invaluable contributions from Courtney Barber. I know that Courtney went back to her school the next day with double the workload and played catch up all day. In the midst of it all, she contacted us to thank us for calling on her to help. That is just who Courtney is and FCPS is so very lucky to have her."

-Michele Saint Germain, Cooper MS

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Alejandra Pena-Ulloa, Lake Braddock SS

"Alejandra has been an invaluable member of Lake Braddock who creates a warm and welcoming environment for our students and families who speak a second language. She has been proactive in providing bilingual resources and support for new student registrations and goes out of her way to help parents create school accounts so they are connected to their child's education. She goes above and beyond for numerous other needs to include student and parent meetings, parent outreach, and connecting families with community resources. She is so positive in every interaction with students, parents, and staff and is always willing to help. She has been an amazing addition to Lake Braddock and is having a meaningful impact on so many people."

-Ian Brodie, Lake Braddock SS

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Charlotte Chrostowski, Westfield HS

"Mrs. Chrostowski was an amazing math teacher to my daughter last year. She helped her make sense of geometry and actually made math fun. My daughter continues to see her during 3rd period. Mrs. Chrostowski continues to help my daughter in math and support her in any way she needs. Mrs. Chrostowski makes her 3rd period feel like a family for my daughter. Mrs. Chrostowski even helped her get needed accommodations for her IEP."

-a Westfield HS parent

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Morteza Vessali, West Potomac HS

"My son experienced a life-threatening brain bleed (called a ruptured arteriovenous malformation - AVM) in June of 2023. He was hospitalized all summer and underwent a craniotomy in the fall to remove a malformation in the occipital lobe of his brain, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Mr. Vessali was one of two teachers who offered homebound learning to my son. Being my son's physics teacher, he volunteered to extend his day to offer homebound education until the Thanksgiving break. He was very patient and recognized my son's educational needs in conjunction with his brain injury. He regularly reminded us that my son's recovery was most important and treated his studies as such while offering lessons to keep him up to speed with his peers. We couldn't be more appreciative of both Mr. Vessali and Mr. Dahlgren. Our son is a miracle and they have both been a huge part of his recovery."

-a West Potomac HS parent

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James Dahlgren, West Potomac HS

"My son experienced a life-threatening serious brain bleed (called a ruptured arteriovenous malformation - AVM) in June of 2023. He was hospitalized all summer and underwent a craniotomy in the fall to remove a malformation in the occipital lobe of his brain, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Mr. Dahlgren was one of two teachers who offered homebound learning to my son. We hand-picked him and he accepted the challenge. He met my son at the library after his long day of teaching. He came prepared with detailed and interesting lesson plans, coordinated with his teachers, engaged my son in learning, and missed dinners with his own family. He has been a major player in my son's continued recovery and has given us hope that he can continue to learn and succeed with hard work."

-a West Potomac HS parent

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Paul Farrow and Mark Holmes, West Potomac HS

"Paul Farrow and Mark Holmes go above and beyond at West Potomac. We are in the process of converting our small weight room to our new wrestling room and Paul Farrow(Building Engineer) and Mark Holmes(Custodian) basically volunteered to help get the equipment in the small weight room broken down, and take apart the flooring to help us with this transition. This is not part of their job, but they went above and beyond to help our office in Student Activities to make this happen! They not only do their jobs great, but they are two awesome human beings who will help out however/whenever they can for the greater good. West Potomac is lucky to have them!"

-Matthew MacDonald, West Potomac HS

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Christopher MeKenney and the Edison Satellite Electrical Team

"We would like to thank Christopher and the Edison Satellite Electrical team for installing 18 electrical ballast in the library, rewiring of soffit lighting and rewiring timeclock for all lighting controls in the library making a significant difference."

-Paul Farrow, West Potomac HS

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Michael Mazzarella, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Mike generously volunteered his time to come to our Data Services' monthly meeting. He took us through the types of data requests he receives and works on. Additionally, he helped us understand his office's struggles with accessing data. We are now working on building a more robust system to meet the needs of data power users like Mike."

-Shawn Heilemann, Wilton Woods Center

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Kristin Delgado, Fairview Park

"Kristin helped me fill out my retirement papers and she was very patient and very clear explaining everything. I give her a high five."

-Barbara Palencia, Eagle View ES

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Jimmy Bochert, Sprague Technology Center

"Jimmy volunteered to get me set up with a new smart phone. He was at work early, super helpful, and fun to chat with as he got everything connected. Great person and very knowledgeable regarding portable technology."

-Shawn Heilemann, Wilton Woods Center

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Scott Giambattista, Dwayne Archer, and Kelly Tatian, Oakton HS

"All three staff members were integral in responding to a situation. They remained calm and assisted a student in need. We are grateful that all three are members of the Oakton community!"

-Jamie Lane, Oakton HS

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Susan Kwan, Dunn Loring Center

"My name is HyeYoon Chung, and I came to Virginia from Korea on November 7th with my 12-year-old daughter. Although I left the United States 10 years ago and came back, it felt like a fresh start in the process of settling back into life in the United States and I was full of worries because I was unfamiliar with the school registration process in the United States at all. However, meeting Ms. Susan Kwan at FCPS Dunn Loring Center was not only very helpful, but she also helped me proceed smoothly, so I am writing this note to express my gratitude. I had no information about the American school system, so I felt a lot of emotional pressure. During the process of registering my child for FCPS, I met Ms. Susan Kwan, and since we had already exchanged greetings via email several times (even before I left Korea) and received guidance on the documents/processes that needed to be prepared, I was able to proceed a little more easily and quickly. After registration, I was still frustrated and worried because I had no information about my child's future schedule, such as the testing, registering at her school and etc, but Ms. Susan Kwan calmly explained the procedures based on her many experiences and her understanding of the concerns of parents was greatly supported. Even on days when Ms. Susan Kwan was off, she prepared all the documents and left them with her colleague, constantly checking emails and informing me of the progress. As she said that she always kept the promises she made to the parents, I could feel that she was a great person who also stood out for her sense of responsibility. What I remember the most is, ‘The promise I made to the parents… is the law to me.’ Is there anything else that can convey a stronger sense of responsibility to parents who may be fearful and worried when they first come to the United States? I don't know if I can recommend Ms. Susan Kwan for the annual Outstanding Achievement Award, but I am writing this email because I would like to at least recognize her great support and to appreciate it before the year is over."

-a Longfellow MS parent

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Ken Martin, Willow Admin Center

"Although I had never worked with Ken directly, I remembered his dynamic presentation at an in-service, and how he mentioned he had invested time learning a particular ed tech tool. So when I needed help with this tool, I contacted him out of the blue for support. Without hesitation, he dived right in as a coach and thought partner to walk me through the tech tool and to get my project up and running. Huge thanks to Ken and his generosity of time and spirit."

-Maria Cruz, Jefferson Tech HS

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Kathy Shepard, Coates ES

"Kathy is one of the 2nd grade teachers at Coates. Kathy is great at managing her classroom and developing a genuine love of learning in her students. Kathy has a positive attitude, never complains, and truly loves her students. We are so lucky to have Kathy as a teacher and I don’t think she is recognized for all she does."

-Maria Claessen, Coates ES

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Aimee Molina, Eagle View ES

"Our first-grade daughter came home very upset one afternoon because a group of older boys had teased her about her height. We talked about the incident at home, and she decided to talk to Ms Molina about it the next day. Ms Molina came up with a plan to address this and made our daughter feel cared for and safe. She further reached out to us parents with a detailed email on the interaction. We appreciate Ms Molina in showing our daughter such compassion in this instance and many others. She is an outstanding teacher, and we are lucky to have her as our daughter’s teacher!!"

-a Eagle View ES parent

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Satonya Dews, Sofia Arias, Laura Doughty, Peggy Mukumbuta, Tomara-Maria Morgan, Kendra Villegas, and Sara Crummet, Baileys ES

"Thank you to the staff at Bailey's Lower ES for their ongoing hospitality, warmth, and compassion in welcoming a new family to the school and supporting the students and family during this time of transition. Please receive my heartfelt gratitude!"

-Laura Thieman, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Tim Roberson, Woodson IT Center

"We wanted to take a second to write a shoutout to Tim Roberson for his continuous assistance in keeping our morning news studio up and running. We are always happy to see him walk through the door because of his can-do attitude and genuine desire to help. Even after his initial visit early in the school year to help with rearrangement and rewiring of the equipment, he consistently responds to our (often panicked) emails quickly and offers solutions right away. If there are any issues that can’t be resolved over email, he offers to come troubleshoot in person. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and is not only willing to help staff use the equipment but is also happy to train students as well. From adjusting crackling microphones to creating a mobile video production cart to reconfiguring an entire studio, Tim really does it all! His knowledge, kindness, and flexibility make it possible for the staff and students at Laurel Ridge to broadcast every day!"

-Stephanie Giba, Laura Ridge ES

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Ron Virts, Bryant HS

"I would like to sincerely thank Ron Virts for organizing an amazing visit to Bryant High School! Ron went above and beyond to ensure that I felt welcome and introduced me to the amazing Bryant instructional and support staff. In a very short time, I learned about the history of Bryant High School, the unique operational objectives of the high school, as well as the ALC and AIM programs. This being my first visit to Bryant, it was an amazing experience. Ron and the Social Studies department at Bryant High School/ALC/AIM are world-class educators integral in maintaining the wonderful school environment for their students."

-Anthony Hanrahan, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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John Kelly, Navy ES

"Our TSSPEC, John Kelly, is the heart of our school. He works tirelessly to make sure all of our technology is working and everything is up to date. His positive attitude lifts up our staff. He is always available to help and he does so with a smile. John actively participates in school spirit days and he makes an effort to get to know the students. He has read to my class, taught them about Virginia history, and showed them how to fix problems with their laptops. He consistently goes above and beyond. We are VERY lucky to have John at Navy!"

-Maryn Simon, Navy ES

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Suzanne Garrett, Terraset ES

"Suzanne Garrett is a former teacher, and now part-time tutor at Terraset Elementary School. The week before break, she generously gave of her time and resources by bringing cookies and cookie decorating supplies to allow those students she works with to participate in the joy of this holiday activity during their lunch periods. Students took home bags of decorated cookies to share with their families, and there were big smiles all around. Her devotion to our school community is tremendous."

-Suzanne White, Terraset ES

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Matthew Kruk, Holmes MS

"Mr. Kruk has been the After School Specialist at Holmes Middle School since February of 2022. When I first arrived at Holmes Middle School in August of 2022 (I came from California), we had a sit-down meeting to discuss what I could do to be part of the After School Program at Holmes Middle School. As you may know, we had a "meeting of the minds" which led to my current position as the Attendance/Data Manager and the Administrative Designee for the After School Program. Mr. Kruk always goes above and beyond for everyone who works and/or is affiliated with the After School Program. On behalf of myself and the rest of the After School Program Family, we are "blessed" to work with such a compassionate, inspirational leader. Keep up the good work!"

-Sandra Ramirez, Holmes MS

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Kathleen Heck, Stonecroft Transportation

"When we reflect on the school year to date, one person rises to the top as the most positive force in our son's life, and that is his incredible bus driver, Ms. Katie. Ms. Katie treats the students on her route as her own, looking out for each child's safety, earning their respect, and even remembering everyone on holidays. Her warmth, kindness, and care for each child is felt every day. Thank you, Ms. Katie, for all that you do!"

-a Langley HS parent

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Veronica Gonzales and Melissa Caballero, Bryant HS

"Sometimes you are so grateful for the efforts of co-workers it is hard to find the words. A student at Bryant was experiencing a health episode. We could not reach the parents as neither of the numbers were working. Melissa and Veronica scoured the student's cumulative file until they found additional numbers and were able to reach the parent. This effort took hours, but they never gave up. The parent was alerted to the students health issue and was grateful to have the information."

-Karen Hertel, Bryant HS

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Tracell Lisenby, Alicia Leonard, Veronica Gonzales, Claudia Caballero, and Zeury Santana Carrasco, Bryant HS

"These five ladies have come together to form a girls group at Bryant High School. The group called safe space meets on Fridays and is aimed at supporting the young women of Bryant as they navigate their school and post-secondary journey. These women came up with the idea on their own coming together to plan meetings and activities. The impact of this group is most certainly going to be life changing."

-Karen Hertel, Bryant HS

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Kristin Matus-Kelso, Lake Braddock SS

"Thank you to Kristin for organizing, setting up, and cleaning up the Special Education department holiday Cookies and Cocoa party. Kristin reserves a space for us all to gather and share holiday treats during the day. She invites everyone in the department to bring something if they can. And then welcomes everyone to just come and hang out! It creates a place where we can actually spend time talking and catching up with our fellow department members in a fun and relaxed environment. It is my favorite part of December at Lake Braddock."

-Denise Steene, Lake Braddock SS

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Catherine Phelps, Lake Braddock SS

"Cat makes our shared hallway a welcoming and festive place to be. She always decorates with seasonally appropriate items and includes biographies and quotes from notable people of all races and ethnicities in her display. Recently, she created a tree complete with orange, red, and yellow leaves that graced her doorway. Then she had invited her advisory class to make giant snowflakes and hung those in the hall and on her door. Cat always has a smile on her face and is welcoming to both students and staff who pass her doorway. It is wonderful to work in the same area as Cat and get to enjoy her creativity and contagious enthusiasm to make our school a wonderful place to be."

-Denise Steene, Lake Braddock SS

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Jenn Gray, Coates ES

"Jenn is always supportive of her staff! During challenging situations, she always goes above and beyond to help her staff with grace. Thank you for all you do!"

-Kristine Lowkis, Coates ES

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Thomas Anderson, Coates ES

"Tommy is a music teacher's best friend. He and his staff take care of all our set up needs, sometimes before we even realize we have those needs. Thank you, Tommy, for being a joy to work with!"

-Allyson Capurso, Coates ES

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Kristin Pualoa, Coates ES

"Kristin is a new PE teacher at this school, and she has been really great to work with. She is super creative, tech savvy, no-nonsense and kind with the kids. She is very adaptable and fits in very easily with the team."

-Tim Gardiner, Coates ES

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Jennafer Koonce Hoff, Ravensworth ES

"Jenna is an exceptional mentor, friend, and co-worker at Ravensworth. Her unwavering support and guidance during my first two years have been invaluable. Always ready to help, Jenna seamlessly balances professional expertise with empathetic guidance on personal matters. She has played a key role in navigating family relationships and deciphering FCPS protocols. Jenna's dedication to fostering a collaborative culture has significantly contributed to our team's success. I enthusiastically nominate her for the Cares award in recognition of her outstanding contributions and transformative impact."

-Kennedy Hyer, Ravensworth ES

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Robert Wise, West Potomac HS

"Mr. Wise has fired-up my son! His well-roundedness and business savvy have ignited a passion in my son to go after his dream of being in business for himself. Thank you, Mr. Wise, for allowing my son to start growing in a direction he had never really explored or thought about. With the mentality and motto, "Watch me," my son is determined to go to business school one day and become an entrepreneur. Mr. Wise, thank you for making a difference in our students' lives!"

-a West Potomac HS parent

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David Hallmark, Woodson IT Center

"David Hallmark supports both schools I work in, Rolling Valley ES and Hunt Valley ES, as a Field Services Technician. David contributes to a high level of customer support and satisfaction in the schools. The teachers, and I as the TSSpec, depend on him to repair their laptops promptly and thoroughly. Thank you, David, for your responsiveness, reliability, and the care you deliver through your work."

-Mary Lou Bare, Sprague Technology Center

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Maria Filgueira, Deer Park ES

"Our school has experienced an influx of testing to determine if students qualify for special education services. Maria has jumped in, despite having her own workload, to help our special education team ensure we are in compliance with our timelines. We appreciate her willingness to support our school and she is a shining example of someone who goes above and beyond to support the FCPS community."

-Jenn Gray, Coates ES

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Sean Rolon, Falls Church HS

"Mr. Rolon is always supportive, he is always there for me when I need someone to talk to. He makes my days better and he always has a smile on his face. He goes above and beyond. I would like to recognize him for FCPS Cares."

-a Falls Church HS student

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Kelsey Lanza and Kelsey Lee, Fairfax Villa ES

"Both of these teachers have embraced two of their newest students with open arms. These students are experiencing great hardship including homelessness and family illnesses. Student teacher relationships are still forming, however in the meantime, they have rallied the community to start a donation drive. They have collected new clothes, toys and gifts for the holidays, and even gift cards for family use. This team has advocated for these students since their very first day giving them time to acclimate and being mindful of their situation. They embody the heart of a teacher who cares."

-Noor Hachwi, Fairfax Villa ES

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Maria Cruz, Jefferson Tech HS

"Maria is an incredible colleague who came to my rescue when I had some specific questions about ESOL accommodations and programs. She was able to guide me through many resources and provided her valuable input from the lens of an ESOL teacher. Because of her, I am able to access the information that I need to empower teachers to celebrate ESOL students' strengths and identify areas of growth. Thank you, Maria!"

-Janet Babic, West Potomac HS

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Waleska McGlone, Annandale Terrace ES

"Ms. McGlone is an amazing teacher and person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help our Odyssey of the Mind team from another Fairfax County School. She has been more than willing to extend her time and effort on behalf of the students on our team! We are so lucky to have her assistance and know that her students are even luckier to have her as their teacher! Thank you, Ms. McGlone!"

-a Springfield ES parent

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June Yoon, Woodson IT Center

"I would like to nominate June Yoon for always being willing to drop what he is doing and help. Whenever we have an issue with phones, voicemail elevators he comes right away and fixes the problem, and he has never had to come back! IT's always done right the first time. June has even come in on Sundays to move phones for our renovation moves so everything works on Monday morning. June always goes above and beyond and deserves to be recognized! Thanks June."

-Billy Lariscy, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Linda Thompson, Gatehouse Admin Center

"I recently returned from being on leave and noticed a mistake in my paycheck. I reached out to Linda who got me answers and helped me resolve my issue immediately. I am so appreciative of her professionalism and support, especially around a very sensitive and important issue."

-Meghan Mascelli, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Brian Welfle, Hollin Meadows ES

"Brian Welfle is our wonderful music teacher. He helps build community and bring joy to our school days. He creates magical experiences for our students and staff. Every year before winter break, our kindergarten students read and write about gingerbread cookies. They bake cookies with the help of our amazing kitchen staff. This year, Mr. Welfle dressed up as the gingerbread man, pretending to run away just like in their stories. He has created a magical memory for the students. He also was willing to be our (w)elf on the shelf, in which he dressed as an elf. Staff members took pictures with him in a photo studio in his classroom that he created. He and Mrs. Hill are preparing for our winter sing-along on Friday, which is a joy to attend. Additionally, he worked privately with one of our 6th graders to create and record an original song. He goes above and beyond regularly for our students. All the things he does really helps to enhance our school community."

-Ali Resch, Hollin Meadows ES

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Oliver Goodridge, South Lakes HS

"Mr. Goodridge has been my son's counselor for three years. He has made many suggestions over the years that greatly improved my son's experience at school. He remembers my son's concerns and suggests creative solutions. In our annual 504 meetings, he helps focus on what is working well, not only options for improvement. Our family is very grateful to Mr. Goodridge!"

-a South Lakes HS student

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Sydelle Keisler, South Lakes HS

"My son is in Ms. Keisler's film studies class. As a student with ADHD, he has struggled to enjoy school. Ms. Keisler consistently builds his confidence. He now believes that he has original ideas to share. She has inspired him to maybe even consider going to college. He looks forward to her class and it's the first thing he tells me about after school. Not only does she communicate positively with my son, she also texted us (his parents) to tell how much she appreciates his contributions in class. This felt like a gift out of the blue. Thank you Ms. Keisler!"

-a South Lakes HS student

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Amanda Castellucci, Woodburn ES

"It would be amazing if every FCPS school had a teacher like Amanda Castellucci. The energy, enthusiasm, and warmth that she brings to her job every day is inspiring! Many mornings before the school day begins, you can find her outside greeting students in the 'Kiss and Ride' line and welcoming them to school. She connects with students in a way that makes them feel like they matter, and for so many of our students,feeling like they are seen, heard, and recognized is a beautiful gift. In the hallway and in the classroom, she takes the time to get to know students and engages them in conversation about their interests and they are eager to share with her! We are so grateful that Amanda Castellucci is a part of the Woodburn staff and brings so much light and love of learning to the Woodburn community!"

-a Woodburn ES parent

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Kat Frazier, Lake Braddock SS

"On November 19th of this year, I received an acceptance letter from my dream college. While other academics were factors, I would like to thank Ms. Frazier, my English teacher, for helping me create the essay I wanted to write. I wasn't sure of the topic I had chosen because of the feedback that some others had given me, but she gave me the confidence to write about what I felt in my heart I should. She spent hours talking with me about the topic and making me feel heard and she was excited to work with me and help me express myself the clearest way I could. I truly feel that the essay that I now love and feel proud of is one of the factors that greatly helped me get into that college! If it wasn't for her, I would have caved and chosen a topic I wouldn't have loved nearly as much."

-a Lake Braddock SS student

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Will Jordan, Sideburn Support Center

"We had 2 floor plates for our gymnastics equipment break. The pieces to fix these are very hard to find. I called Will and he went out of his way to make sure we had the floor plates in time for our Senior Night for Gymnastics. Will was extremely helpful and we are very grateful for him!"

-Greg Miller, McLean HS

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Kathy Martin, Woodson HS

"The job description of an assistant principal doesn't even begin to cover the amount of other items that Kathy takes on here at Woodson. On Tuesday, our principal saw a mouse run past his desk and into his closet. We radioed for help and Kathy came running into action! She was literally on her hands and knees trying to find it (which she did!), with Mr. Greata there for back up, and as I stood on a chair showing moral support. Thank you, Kathy, for having our back no matter what the situation is!"

-Alexa Pugnetti, Woodson HS

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Shannon Evans, Thoreau MS

"Madame Evans is my daughter’s French teacher. Madame Evans has organized French speaking pen pals from Senegal for her students to converse with. My daughter is so excited about this opportunity. I wanted to publicly thank Madame Evans for her work in making these pan pals happen. Also, I can tell Madame Evans has created a warm classroom environment by the stories my daughter shares about her class at home. I’d like to thank Madame Evans for that, as well. Her hard work and kind spirit is so appreciated!"

-a Thoreau MS parent

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Katharine Murphree, Olde Creek ES

"I have had the privilege of working with Katharine for several years now. As an instructional assistant in an enhanced autism classroom, Katharine cares deeply about each of her students and understands their unique needs. This school year has presented many unexpected challenges, but Katharine has continued to do everything she can to provide her students with a learning environment that allows them to be successful, sometimes that means even stepping into the role of a special education teacher. It is no surprise that her students adore her! Thank you, Ms. Katharine, for doing what you do. Your students are so incredibly lucky, and so are we!"

-Eliana Klein, Olde Creek ES

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Rubia Rodriguez, Hollin Meadows ES

"Our family liaison Rubia Rodriguez is amazing! She goes above and beyond every day to help all of our families and our staff. Just a few examples: she helps organize our weekend backpack program, she has encouraged families to volunteer at our school, she helps teachers communicate with families, she has strengthened the home/school connection and she is a great listener to students in need. Thanks Rubia!"

-Kathy Tucker, Hollin Meadows ES

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Raja Slimani, Hayfield SS

"Ms. Raja Slimani is one of the most "passionate about her subject" teachers I have met in my 17 years of teaching! Her intense desire to create meaningful and well-crafted lessons for her Arabic language learners is on display every day. Ms. Slimani often works late into the afternoon/evening to create her own lessons, sometimes even writing the phrases and questions by hand, and then making copies for her students. Ms. Slimani is also one of the most genuine people one meets in education. She truly cares about each person she interacts with, student through staff. Every day she greets each person she encounters with a warm smile, that exudes her interest in what you are sharing with her. Thank you, Ms. Slimani, for your dedication to Hayfield's (and FCPS') Language Arts Department!"

-James Mercer, Hayfield SS

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Emily Vanderhoff, Hunt Valley ES

"We want to take a moment to thank Ms. Vanderhoff for her incredible work. Since the start of the school year, we've observed a remarkable transformation in our daughter's growth and learning journey. She has developed a love of learning, especially reading and this is in no small part due to Ms Vanderhoff. Each day, our daughter eagerly looks forward to go to class thanks to the great environment she has built. We feel fortunate to have such a dedicated and inspiring teacher."

-a Hunt Valley ES parent

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Jewel Orem Schrader, Justice HS

"She always manages to coordinate and lead our shows masterfully, while directing and being in creative control. She supports each and every student in the Theatre Program, and teaches real life skills that we can all use. Even when she is tired or stressed out she continues to work, and manages to get it done, often without recognition. She has really ignited my passion for Theatre, and I will forever thank her for that."

-a Justice HS student

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Mariah Taylor, Fort Hunt ES

"Mariah comes in each day and can be asked to assist in any grade, any classroom, or with any students. Her ability to be flexible and open to our school needs is invaluable. When I am fortunate enough to have her help in my room, she jumps right in and knows what needs to be done without me saying a word. Her ability to see what each child needs is a gift. The students love her, and you can see how much she cares for the students. Some days go unexpectedly, her support and willingness to go above and beyond for both the students and staff is amazing. Thank you for everything Mariah. Fort Hunt is lucky to have you."

-Nicole Cancilla, Fort Hunt ES

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Jose Mejia, Lorton Transportation Center

"I apologize, I am submitting this a bit late, but I'd like to give a big thank you and kudos to Mr. Jose Mejia who was driving late buses on Wednesday, November 8th. Our late bus request for 3 of our Athletes that participate in Unified Special Olympics after school, was lost in transmission that day, and so our three students didn't have buses to take them home. We talked with Mr. Mejia about it and he was very helpful and accommodating by saying he could take our 3 students home. It was such a relief to get his help!! So I just wanted to send this to say that Mr. Meija is awesome! Please give Mr. Mejia our thanks! Woodson appreciates him!!"

-Katherine Travis, Woodson HS

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Lisa Barrow, Cooper MS

"I met Ms. Barrow at Cooper Middle School in 2020 on her first day of school as principal. I didn’t know who she was, but I still remember how she greeted everyone with her beautiful smile. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic and Cooper was under construction. Two of my kids attended Cooper, a son who has graduated and a daughter who is in 7th grade. I see Ms. Barrow in the morning at Kiss and Ride. No matter what kind of weather, she is there to take care of students, parents, and faculty. I feel her enthusiasm, kindness, and caring attitude everyday. It is Ms. Barrow who created a welcoming and kind environment for students and helped them create positive mindsets. The Cooper community and I feel so fortunate and grateful to have Ms. Barrow as our principal at Cooper Middle School."

-a Cooper MS parent

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Carolina Roca Del Valle, Stonecroft Transportation Center

"Despite extended work-hours and added duties to a normally busy schedule, Carolina performs her work with grace and a smile on her face. She is quick to respond to emails and to solve any inquiries regarding student transportation. I am sure we are not alone, but I and Johnson MS greatly appreciate what Carolina does for our students and parents."

-Andrea Holmes, Johnson MS

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Philip Vargas, Robinson SS

"Once again, Mr. Vargas has inspired and taught his students as evidenced in the recent guitar concert at Robinson. They performed extraordinarily challenging works which included twelve string guitars. The music was uplifting and performed at a professional level. The performance reflected Mr. Vargas' ability to inspire cohesion, dedication, practice, and great care in his students. While living in Japan, I learned that culture recognizes outstanding individuals in the arts by the designation "National Treasure." "FCPS CARES" is a wonderful opportunity to similarly recognize Mr. Vargas' outstanding work."

-a Robinson SS parent

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Adam Wong, Transition Support Resource Center - South Lakes

"Adam Wong has made my job so much easier this week and I am so grateful. His attention to detail and his thorough work has been extremely helpful. Thanks Adam! I am so happy you are in IAS."

-Lisa Dockins, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Deborah Maletz, Charles Williams, Shamika Maddox, and Daniella Minetti, Davis Career Center

"These phenomenal teachers were assigned to a Collaborative Learning Team this year, and they truly embrace every word of this team title. Each member shares experiences, offers suggestions, and asks questions that are proof of their knowledge and dedication in the field of special education. As the facilitator of all CLT meetings in the building, I can say it is a joy to meet with this group weekly. I always know that they will be professional and bring creative ideas to our curriculum discussions. They are enthusiastic about new ideas ,and each member contributes honest and helpful feedback. I'm so grateful to work with this group each week!"

-Carli McIntosh, Davis Career Center

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Inock Lim, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Inock has been so helpful and patient answering my questions and correcting my mistakes with travel requests. With so many variables and exceptions, it's challenging to know every possible option. Inock is always right there to help. Thank you!"

-Julie Moore, Lake Braddock SS

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Jewel Schrader Orem, Justice HS

"Ms. Schrader is our Theater Director here at Justice and puts hours and hours of work to cater to our needs and make our shows the best they can be. Whenever I see her work I see someone dedicated to their craft and its always a pleasure to work with her on a show. She cares deeply about her students and is always working on ways to grow our incredible program."

-a Justice HS member

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Jewel Schrader Orem, Justice HS

"Ms. Schrader, the theater teacher at Justice High School, worked above and beyond to create a seamless production of Beauty and the Beast for the school this fall. She worked long hours and contributed her own resources towards leading a memorable show for the community. Despite setbacks, she had endless patience for each student involved in the production, and set out to teach them how to be the best actors, technicians, and by extension, people that they could be. Her dedication is admirable, and deserves recognition!"

-a Justice HS member

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Jewel Schrader Orem, Justice HS

"Ms. Schrader is an amazing teacher; she is really fun and has helped me learn so much over these past few months. Ms. Schrader has worked so hard for the Beauty and the Beast performance on Nov. 9 - 11 and now working on The Picture of Dorian Gray. She has helped us become better performers and actors."

-a Justice HS student

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Jewel Schrader Orem, Justice HS

"Mrs. Schrader goes above and beyond in everything she does in order to support her students and ensure that they are becoming the best young adults and emerging global citizens they can be."

-a Justice HS member

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Meghan Mason, Cub Run ES

"We have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Mason for two of our daughter’s years at Cub Run. In both experiences Mrs. Mason has been a champion for our daughter. She has been aware of the needs of our daughter and worked to help her both meet those needs and to celebrate her successes. She is acutely aware of who are daughter is and impresses us with her ability to keep up with her students interests and activities. She creates an inclusive environment where all students have a safe space to work outside of their comfort zones and make mistakes. We have seen our daughter grow academically and emotionally under her care, and we are very grateful. She should be celebrated for all of her efforts."

-a Cub Run ES parent

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Danielle LaLande, Cub Run ES

"Ms. LaLande has done an amazing job with our daughter. This is our daughter’s first year in the special education program, and she was very nervous about how an IEP might change her school experience. Ms. LaLande has done a tremendous job making our daughter feel comfortable, accepted, and safe to be herself. She has given her confidence in both her abilities and her inabilities. She has given her a safe space to ask for help and to share when she is confused. This is such a blessing. Our daughter has not only greatly improved in her academics, but also in her confidence. Instead of being embarrassed about her work, she is proud to bring it home and show us. Ms. LaLande is an excellent example of what inclusion looks like. Our daughter has made great strides and to see her excited to go to school has been one of the greatest gifts. She especially looks forward to her lunch bunch time! Ms. LaLande, alongside Ms. Mason, should be celebrated for her hard work and dedication to her students."

-a Cub Run ES parent

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Rick Rocha, Wilton Woods Center

"Rick always goes out of his way to provide excellent customer service for all. A visitor came to the office unannounced to do fire extinguisher inspection, which required someone to walk with him throughout the entire building making sure that all units were found and done. Rick dropped his current task list and took ownership of the site visit so the gentleman could complete his task without hesitation, even knowing that it would take most of the day. It's a pleasure to work with Rick on a daily basis."

-Keith Hudson, Wilton Woods Center

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Kat Frazier, Lake Braddock SS

"In a time when I needed her most, Mrs. Frazier came through in order to help me with my personal essay for my college application. Meeting with me multiple times within the week it was due and helping me cut hundreds of words to meet the word count, she came through and gave me hope, she was the green light at the end of my dock."

-a Lake Braddock SS student

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Kaitlin Brescia, Hayfield SS

"Kaitlin has been an amazing member of the English department. This is her third year and she stepped up to be a co-CT leader and provide leadership and direction for English 11. She helps develop interesting and relevant lesson plans with her team and always provides awesome ideas and techniques for teaching. She is passionate, engaging, and fun and sets high expectations for her students. She teaches an SOL year and rises to the occasion with aplomb making sure her students excel in their writing. Her entire class passed the Writing WorkKeys this year. She's become an important part of our department community and I regularly see her in the hallway between classes catching up with former students who love to come see her. She's early in her career but she's a great teacher and the department is so lucky to have her!"

-Cristina Ward

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Suk Chuk, Westfield HS

"Suk Chuk is incredible as our central kitchen manager in Westfield pyramid. She’s always ready to help, even when things get tricky with our food menu. Whenever we need something changed, she never says no, she finds a way to make it work for us. For example, we were serving hamburgers one day and we prepared a bit more than normal as it had been a while since we had them. But the kids went extra wild for them and we started to run out. Suk quickly sent us extra patties so everybody that wanted a hamburger could have one. She’s like a superhero who solves problems and makes us feel like a strong team. To quote her on a recent email reply when I was having an issue with the menu: “No worries. You are not the only one. We are here for you.” Which shows how much she cares for us and motivates us to get the problem fixed. Suk always tells us we’re on the same team, which makes us feel great. We’re so lucky to have her, she’s a big part of why our team is awesome!"

-Misil Martin, Deer Park ES

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Abigail Gulbronson, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Ms. Gulbronson is a talented and dedicated ABA coach. I, along with the staff within our adapted curriculum program rely on her to provide us guidance and support with many unique situations. We have had her support with challenging behaviors and are appreciative of her knowledge and expertise. She is highly responsive. Her humor, care and concern are an asset."

-Kelly O'Connell

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Maria Meletiche, Bryant HS

"Ms. Meletiche is a consummate, dedicated, compassionate school counselor. She works to ensure that every student on her caseload is cared for by listening to them, collaborating with colleagues and connecting with community resources. I have a few students on my caseload who speak very little English. Ms. Meletiche has adopted these students as her own, ensuring that their needs are met just as any of her own students. Today, for example, we collaborated together to contact a medical provider to attain medical records for a student's baby so that we can complete the infants day care packet and get the baby into daycare so the mother can attend school. We spent over 90 minutes on the phone and Ms. Meletiche helped to translate for me. Just last week, she assisted me with another student as we navigated another challenging situation for over 6 hours over two days. Maria Meletiche exemplifies a caring employee who goes above and beyond to ensure that all students have what they need to receive their high school education."

-Margaret Veenstra, Bryant HS

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Michelle Routhier, Lake Braddock SS

"Michelle is a jack of all trades! She is organized, relates great to all students, handles everything she does with grace, and is the first to step up to complete any and all tasks asked of her. She does it all. She is so amazing and we would be lost without her!"

-Maya Nardone and Tre Fava, Lake Braddock SS

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Karen Najjum, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"We'd like to give a much overdue shout out to Karen! Since she joined us from another division last year, principals have benefitted from Karen's hard work developing leaders in FCPS. In only a short time, Karen has facilitated principals attending conferences, brought us in to support professional development for new and aspiring leaders, exposed us to new PD opportunities in the community, and helped to create a new (and very engaging) principal cohort called "Leading the Mission". She has been friendly, communicative, and eager to receive feedback to better tailor offerings to our needs. We are very lucky that she joined FCPS, and for the efforts she has shown. Thanks, Karen!"

-Nicholas Zapadka, Freedom Hill ES

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Sedeka Turner, Gatehouse Admin Center

"I would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of Sedeka Turner, who was the Employment Specialist supporting Freedom Hill for most of FY24 hiring. Despite a challenging hiring season, Sedeka was so supportive of our school's hiring. She responded quickly to all of our questions, processed hires quickly, and ensured that our school became fully staffed. I enjoyed her sense of humor and frequent updates throughout the process. We are so appreciative of Sedeka, and wish her well in her new role."

-Nicholas Zapadka, Freedom Hill ES

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Kacey Norwood, Centre Ridge ES

"Ms. Norwood has displayed an unparalleled abundance of compassion and generosity toward my daughter who is struggling to connect with other students. She identified at the start of the school year the peer isolation my child was experiencing, and she immediately stepped into action. Ms. Norwood's level of personal investment in the social and emotional well-being of her students is rare. It is abundantly clear she relishes in her role as a servant leader as evidenced through her personal weekly sacrifice of her lunch break to provide a moment of reprieve for a student who dreads recess. Her willingness to take on responsibilities well beyond the scope of her own duties to mentor and build the self-esteem of her students is commendable. I am witnessing my daughter's self-confidence grow as a direct result of the time she spends with Ms. Norwood. This type of demonstrated leadership in the classroom should be the gold standard to which all teachers should strive to implement. Ms. Norwood's efforts have been impactful in all respects to include my daughter's academic success and her attendance. As a result of the inclusive environment Ms. Norwood has fostered in her classroom my daughter for the first time ever has not attempted to use being "sick" to end her school day early or to stay home. The impact continues to be even more far reaching in the lives of working parents. Ms. Norwood is an indispensable member of the Centre Ridge teaching cadre who has and will continue to better the lives of all those fortunate to be her students. Her relentless commitment to her students coupled with her exemplary character are at the level commensurate with the most esteemed educators of our time. It is my hope this incredible teacher gets the highest level of recognition, until then, let all know, she has the highest level of my respect and admiration."

-a Centre Ridge ES parent

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Jennifer L. Brown, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"We had an English teacher looking for an old copy of an elementary textbook, and I reached out to Jenn to help. She immediately responded with a helpful resource and sent it to the teacher in the PONY within moments. I am so grateful for Jenn's responsiveness, willingness to help, and follow-through."

-Stacey Kiggins, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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MG Giamporcaro, Lake Braddock SS

"Not only is MG a phenomenal counselor, but when it comes time for testing, he is a spreadsheet and Pearson extraordinaire! Nothing ruffles his feathers and remains cool and calm in all stressful testing situations. His personality is palpable and he bring such a joy to the testing office. MG, we would be lost without you!!"

-Maya Nardone and Tre Fava, Lake Braddock SS

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Shelia Gavin, Brookfield ES

"Our librarian, Shelia Gavin, is a true gem. She has transformed the library into a welcoming and vibrant place, breathing new life into its shelves. Her enthusiasm has made our library a wonderful space for both students and volunteers. Mrs. Gavin's willingness to share her knowledge and expertise has made her an invaluable resource for everyone who steps through the library doors. You make our library a real 'novel' place to be!"

-Tech Team, Brookfield ES

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Scott Dreier, Lake Braddock SS

"Scott has gone so far above and beyond to help fix a complicated wifi problem we experienced in HS Student Services throughout the fall. He was handling multiple instances throughout the building of network issues that were not straightforward nor easy to solve, and prioritized both our access and teachers' access to the internet in those other spots. He was able to help us gain a temporary solution while he collaborated with specialists to solve the larger issue. We very greatly appreciate his attention and follow-through with everything especially considering the volume of tech-related issues he has to juggle in a building as large as ours. Thank you so much Scott!"

-Ian Brodie, Lake Braddock SS

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Tracell Lisenby, Bryant HS

"There are multiple reasons why I appreciate working with Ms. Lisenby. She is incredibly diligent, establishes strong connections and bonds with our students, and always manages to juggle multiple tasks, doing each with great skill. But my favorite is her open mindedness to try new things. Ms. Lisenby sets an outstanding example, emphasizing that one doesn't need to have all the answers, but rather an openness to explore unchartered territories when facing new challenges. This year, Bryant offered the course Medical Coding and unfortunately, there were no existing models or mentors to learn from. That didn't stop Ms. Lisenby from diving into the intricacies of the course, learning alongside her students. I always appreciate her commitment to continuous learning. Additionally, she serves as our senior sponsor, overseeing the well-being of students during senior sponsored activities, ensuring they receive Bryant t-shirts, and graduation goody bags. This year, Ms. Lisenby spearheaded a "Girls' Group" alongside other educators with the vision of encouraging, educating and empowering young women to be the best version of themselves. Ms. Lisenby is a true asset to Bryant and our students."

-Pipi Harrison, Bryant HS

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Aly Al-Shammari, Gatehouse Admin Center

"I am a new employee who desperately needed assistance with setting up my accounts. To my pleasure, Aly was most professional, patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging. I could not have accomplished this tasking without her. Please commend her and make a note in her personnel file. I will certainly seek Aly again."

-Lena Bowie, FCPS

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Scott Drier, Nick See, and Semuel Hackett, Sprague Technology Center

"Our TSPECS are amazing, they always help students with technology and always help staff with all kinds of questions. They had set up our main testing location yesterday for VGA testing. This morning, we discovered that all their hard work had been taken down. When I went into their office to beg for help this morning at 7am they graciously took care of re-setting everything up, in a matter of minutes. We could not be successful with testing without them. THANK YOU!!!"

-Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock SS

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Guery Cespedes, Lake Braddock SS

"Guery works incredibly hard day in and day out to keep our school cleaned and get everything set up for us. This morning we thought we had our Lecture Hall set up for testing (which he took care of prior). Somehow before this a.m. without us knowing everything was taken down. Guery stepped in ASAP and re-set up everything for us in a matter of minutes. He (and his whole custodian crew) are AMAZING."

-Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock SS

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Stephanie Habasinski, Sarah Martinez, and Christie Takacs, Spring Hill ES

"On Wednesday, November 29th, two cars were broken into on school property and windows were shattered. One car belonged to a 4th grade teacher at my school and the other to my mother, a 6th grade teacher at my school. Stephanie, Sarah, and Christie, made the choice to remain with us as we waited for FCPS security and a FCPD officer to arrive. They did not have to stay as their cars were not impacted, but they did so out of the kindness of their hearts. Even when we stayed late into the night, 9:30pm to be exact, they still chose to stay to make sure both teachers were okay. I am blessed to work at Spring Hill Elementary School and have such selfless individuals as my colleagues."

-Erin-Caitlin Rinker, Spring Hill ES

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William Plath, Wilton Woods Center

"Despite facing a tight deadline for upgrading admin site servers, Will devised and executed a seamless plan that ensured uninterrupted service for end users and effectively enhanced our TSSpecs' ability to provide prompt and efficient support. Will displayed exemplary professionalism throughout the server upgrade project. His meticulous attention to detail, his calm and composed demeanor under pressure, and his unwavering commitment to excellence made him an invaluable asset to the team."

-Tanya Villareal, Sprague Technology Center

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Pat Breslin, Bryant ALC

"It is not just one experience or one day that Mr. Breslin is in motion! He is the teacher who is the first to get to a crisis situation. He is the teacher who bonds with students who are reluctant to engage in any way. He is the teacher who is always game to participate in field trips and special events. Mr. Breslin quietly and consistently makes things happen! Thank you Mr. Breslin for your dedication, consistency, and passion! You make an impact each and every day!"

-Nancy Chang, Bryant ALC

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Carol Barrios, Lewis HS

"Ms. Barrios is truly a gem at Lewis High School, not only in the Student Services department but in a wide spectrum of areas in the school. As a school counselor specifically supporting Level 1 and 2 English Language Learners in our building, her ability to connect, support, and be visible to all her students is incredible. She builds immediate positive relationships with her students and has support them with social emotional, academic, peer and any other needs. She wears an innumerable number of hats. Any time I walk by her office she has students with her. She is clearly a significant trusted adult in our building and helps our students feel a sense of belonging at Lewis High School. She goes above and beyond every day whether helping teachers and administrators understand the cultural differences that impact students, regularly making time to come to lunch where her students swarm to be near her, escorting students who need an adult on a trip the hospital from school when families are not immediately available and supporting SRR presentations. Mr. Barrios deserves all the recognition and appreciation available to acknowledge her dedication to our community."

-Emily Cincinnati, Lewis HS

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Katherine Cadena-Gonce, Freedom Hill ES

"I cannot praise Katherine enough. She has been instrumental for my three kids to feel "at home" and comfortable at school. Her personal touch, greatest care, positive can do attitude give me a piece of mind when my kids are in school (2 graduated from FHES), one is still there. Any time I need anything from school, I reach out to Katherine and she provide just-in-time assistance. Our family loves Katherine!"

-a Freedom Hill ES parent

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Julianne Hussin, Freedom Hill ES

"This is my third child with Mrs. Hussin. She has consistently gone above in beyond over the years, and I can't be happier. All my kids have gotten excellent education and experience during their year with Mrs. Hussin. Her enthusiasm and energy, outmost dedication, care and fun personality is what every child needs in a classroom. I believe she deserves all the recognition and acknowledgement possible."

-a Freedom Hill ES parent

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Joseph Berenato, Chesterbrook ES

"Mr. Berenato is an amazing new sixth grade teacher who has been just super for both of our current sixth graders. Daily, he is ensuring they know the value of their efforts and helping them to build self confidence as students and people. Last week, Mr. Berenato even performed the Heimlich maneuver upon our daughter during a choking incident. We are obviously grateful for his amazing way with this sometimes challenging and often misunderstood age group, but we surely were relieved that he knew what to do and rushed to her aid last week. THANK YOU, MR. B. YOU ROCK!"

-a Chesterbrook ES parent

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Meghan Ehrman, Fairview ES

"Ms. Ehrman helped my wife and I navigate a challenging situation involving our daughter's transportation to school. She went above and beyond, calling transportation, speaking to the bus driver directly, etc., even relaying important information to us after-hours. We truly appreciate the assistance and were impressed by her willingness to go above and beyond to support our daughter and family! Thank you so much, Ms. Ehrman!"

-a Fairview ES parent

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Margaret Veenstra, Bryant HS

"I would like to express my appreciation for Margaret Veenstra. This past week, she demonstrated dedication by taking a large group of students to Wilson College. Margaret serves as the School Counselor for Project Opportunity, the teen parenting program at Bryant High School, and also spearheads CPP (College Partnership Program). Wilson College, with its specialized program for young parents balancing education with motherhood, provided an invaluable experience for the students (one young mother immediately shared her keen interest in attending there and gathering more information). Margaret's commitment to exposing them to such opportunities highlights the importance of awareness of achieving one's goals and dreams. Margaret works tirelessly to build up the lives of our students and her caring nature is always on display."

-Pipi Harrison, Bryant HS

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Courtney Betzel, West potomac HS

"Courtney has been working all fall to prepare her students to be highlighted in the community presentation of the Nutcracker. For many of these students, this is a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and is an invaluable experience as they learn how productions are formed from conception of ideas and choreography to production of the incredible show. Courtney is not only empowering students to showcase their talents, but she is giving them real world opportunities in the arts, opportunities that they would not have without the academy program. Her choreography is incredible but her dedication to the students is the most special part of the program, and they all shine on stage and off. Thank you, Courtney!"

-Janet Babic, West Potomac HS

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Alicia Day Javkhlan, West Potomac HS

"Ms. Day led her orchestra in a fantastic holiday celebration as part of the community Nutcracker performance. The orchestra performed while students danced, and it was such a beautiful way to highlight the incredible talent at West Potomac HS. Ms. Day is selfless with her time and talent to showcase our students and community. Thanks for all you do!"

-Janet Babic, West Potomac HS

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Nekesa Campbell, Fairview Park

"It's with immense gratitude and a heart full of appreciation that I write these words to you. Your unwavering support and incredible dedication during my retirement process at FCPS have left an indelible mark on my journey. I’ll never forget that chilly, rainy day when I stepped into your office feeling anxious and uncertain. Your reassuring voice and the genuine comfort you offered instantly made a difference. Despite the rush, you made time for me, treating me with such importance that I felt like a cherished member of a loving family. Your professionalism combined with that personal touch embodies the very essence of EFRC's mission. From the initial phone call to the final farewell after my appointment, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and support. Your thoughtful gesture of popping into my appointment prior to you leaving for lunch and sharing kind words and a warm hug mirrored the care that I often show others and it was well received. Your role as a "gatekeeper" in the office is nothing short of extraordinary. The impact you have on individuals navigating pivotal life changes cannot be overstated. Now, in my fifth month of retirement, I reflect on those moments with deep gratitude and a profound sense of peace. Maya Angelou's words resonate profoundly as I think of you. "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how you made them feel." You've made me feel valued, supported, and cared for, something that will forever stay etched in my memory and heart. Your commitment to excellence in your work is a testament to your character and the outstanding workforce of FCPS and EFRC. As I embark on this new chapter, I wish you nothing but the best, endless grace, peace, overflowing love, and boundless joy in all your endeavors."

-Tiffany Sivells, on behalf of FCPS retiree

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Milka Willis, Lake Braddock SS

"Milka Willis works tirelessly to bring out the best in our ESOL students. She has the ability to balance high expectations with kindness and empathy. Our conversations are continually focused on student achievement, how to do a better job supporting our students, and how to prepare them for the future. I love walking into Milka's class and watching the interplay of toughness and expectation, and student awareness that she genuinely cares about their success."

-Jacqueline Naughton, Lake Braddock SS

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Valeria Butron, Lake Braddock SS

"Valeria joined the HS Student Services department at the end of 1st quarter and has been a ray of sunshine as students and staff enter our suite. In the short time she has been here, Valeria has been a joy to work with and has been a calm and welcoming presence to our students. Her smile is omni-present, and she never hesitates to assist counselors in the department. Additionally, she generously uses her fluent Spanish to make Spanish speaking families and students feel even more welcome in our offices. her innate kindness radiates out at all times and we are incredibly lucky to have her."

-Jacqueline Naughton, Lake Braddock SS

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Ian Brodie, Lake Braddock SS

"Ian has been an invaluable addition to the HS Student Services department at Lake Braddock. His positivity and skills are shared with staff and students alike. As we finished the 1st quarter, Ian was the force behind a plan to make the HS Student Services office more inviting. In his request for funding the plan, he cited research about the impact of an environment on students and staff winning over all who may have thought the changes were unnecessary. His efforts galvanized the entire department to help with his project, and we spent an entire day painting walls, hanging pictures, and having an absolute blast transforming our workspace. Ian is a gamechanger. He is thoughtful and insightful and brings out the best in everyone around him all in the name of doing better for kids."

-Jacqueline Naughton, Lake Braddock SS

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Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock SS

"Maya Nardone's current job description is "Middle School Testing Coordinator" at Lake Braddock. The job itself would keep anyone busy from the beginning to the end of any day, and beyond. And yet, Maya has taken on the role of using her stellar math skills to support our students most in need of help. She has, in particular, taken one of my high school junior students under her wing as his mentor and as his support as he prepares for the Algebra 1 SOL. A student who does not always connect with others quickly, he connects with Maya because he absolutely knows her concern for him is sincere. I am extremely grateful for her support and her genuine concern for our students."

-Jacqueline Naughton, Lake Braddock SS

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Debra Brown, Lake Braddock SS

"Deb Brown is the sneaky ninja of kindness. She never looks for recognition and yet she is always the "boots on the ground" person in supporting causes that support our families at Lake Braddock. In this situation, Deb spent hours out of her Sunday afternoon, helping me collect "Blessing Baskets" for our families from Anita's Restaurant. She did not hesitate to respond when I sent her a text asking for help and came right over to transport over 100 baskets to her home so we could disseminate them the following day to our families in need at Lake Braddock before the Thanksgiving holiday break. Deb is a person of action, a continual support, and a sneaky ninja of kindness."

-Jacqueline Naughton, Lake Braddock SS

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Ellen Franklin, Woodlawn ES

"Ms. Franklin is a staple at Woodlawn Elementary. She is the "voice" behind our school announcements and welcomes everyone to Woodlawn with a smile. In addition, she works extremely hard to ensure that everything she does is done with perfection - especially her spreadsheets. She is always willing to go the extra mile for staff and students. Her desire to learn more and apply her learning is an inspiration to all. I feel so blessed to work with Ms. Franklin."

-Brooke Nyland, Woodlawn ES

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Dawn Ross, Transportation Center

"Dawn Ross is fantastic, and we appreciate her! She is enthusiastic about payroll and making sure everyone gets paid correctly. Our office has been short 1 Transportation Supervisor and 5 Bus Driver Supervisor's which has made completing time sheets a bit of a challenge. Let me tell you, Dawn has no problem rolling up her sleeves and getting them processed herself. She communicates well and she educates drivers, attendants, and supervisors. She keeps everyone informed of Schedule change deadlines and early time sheets. She lets us know about an impending deadline; not one that already has passed. When we are short staffed in the afternoon; as we were for the first several months of school and when we were without a dispatcher, we could always count on her to pitch in the dispatch office or answer the phone. We could not function without her!"

-Carole Phelps, Lorton Transportation Center

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Melisa Castellon, Ravensworth ES

"Melisa wholeheartedly dedicates herself to her students, fostering a connected and optimistic learning atmosphere. Her commitment transcends the classroom, as evidenced by the enduring bonds she forms with her students. Their frequent visits, filled with nostalgia, attest to her profound impact on their lives. Melisa effortlessly creates an environment where students feel at ease sharing their thoughts and experiences, and she attentively lends a sympathetic ear and thoughtful advice when needed. What sets Melisa apart is her intuitive understanding of both the emotional and educational needs of her students. Her efforts extend beyond the expected, as she consistently goes above and beyond to support each individual. Not only is she a pillar of support for her students, but Melisa also readily extends her assistance to colleagues in need. Her welcoming presence radiates warmth, making her a natural focal point for collaborative efforts. Colleagues are drawn to her, seeking her insightful input and guidance. In essence, Melisa exemplifies the epitome of an outstanding teacher, seamlessly blending empathy, dedication, and expertise to create an enriching educational experience for all."

-Ana Salvador, Ravensworth ES

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Alex Dooling, Hayfield SS

"Alex works tirelessly for our students and community. As our Military Family Life Counselor, she works to raise awareness and create a welcoming place for all students, not just military families, here at Hayfield. She organizes spirit days and weeks to raise awareness and is consistently seen throughout the building connecting with students and teachers alike. Most recently, she is creating a gratitude wall where teachers can submit why they are grateful for our community. All of this she does with kindness, love, and a smile. We are so lucky to have Alex as part of our community!"

-Regina Natale, Hayfield SS

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FCPS CARES - December 2023/January 2024

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FCPS CARES of the Month Recipients

Central Office

Region 1

Region 2

Region 3

Region 4

Region 5

Region 6

Other FCPS Cares Submissions

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