FCPS CARES - February 2025

Emily Bradshaw & Ashley Lowry, McLean HS

"Emily Bradshaw and Ashley Lowry have continually been a resource and sounding board for our student when navigating a challenging teacher, helping determine how to best communicate and initiate tough conversations. Along the way both Mrs. Bradshaw and Mrs. Lowry have checked in to see how that conversations went, following up with advice and encouragement, brainstorming next steps, etc. They have been huge advocates for our student and we are so grateful for their professionalism and willingness to create a meaningful connection with our student and helping her along the way. She has gained skills of self advocacy, building confidence to approach a superior, and navigate hard situations with the encouragement of these two amazing administrators. It's also great that through their many check-ins, they continually ask about other things going on in her life- how was that game last night? How was your holiday? How can we support you going forward? We hope they can be acknowledged for their ability to problem solve and make connections with students at school."

-a McLean HS parent

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Janet Marco, Deer Park ES

"Janet Marco, a Health and Physical Education teacher, consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to her role. She fosters strong relationships with students and communicates effectively with both staff and parents. Furthermore, she willingly supports new teachers in various aspects of the profession. One of her most commendable qualities is her adaptability; in the dynamic environment of education, she readily adjusts to unexpected changes with ease. Her contributions make her an invaluable asset to the Fairfax County community."

-Taylor Gaddy, Deer Park ES

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Irene Hall, Belle View ES

"Irene Hall is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for being a true champion for students that attend the cosmetology class at Edison Academy. Ms. Hall is incredibly supportive to all students in both Cosmo 1 and Cosmo 2 classes. She always has time to help every student, has a fun joke, and share knowledge. Ms. Hall is hard working, caring and creates and environment where students feel a sense of belonging. Ms. Hall is an extremely hard worker. She has customized multi-page outlines for the chapters for her students, so they have the best opportunity to learn the material. She stays late to meet with parents. She works individually with students to make sure they do their cuts at the correct angles and then has them fix it repeatedly until she feels they learned the skill. She also has great attendance and rarely misses a day of work. Also, Ms. Hall is caring and compassionate towards others, including all the special education students. She reads, reviews and double checks that students IEPs are followed. For example, if there is an accommodation to read aloud and the students are testing, she will go the extra mile to ensure the student gets this accommodation. Additionally, when you walk into the classroom, you can instantly feel the energy in the room and know that the students are in good hands. Ms. Hall jokes around with the students and there is lots of laughter and good vibes. ARTs even notice the students leaving Ms. Hall sweet notes for example, “We love Ms. Hall.” Ms. Hall is a strong teacher at Edison Academy, cares deeply about student success and always lends a helping hand. Thank you for being such a great advocate for all students in Cosmo. Irene Hall is the GOAT!"

-Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Eric Fullinwider, Chantilly HS

"Eric Fullinwider is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for being a true champion for students that attend Chantilly Academy. Mr. Fullinwider is a vital member of the Chantilly Academy Support Team, providing invaluable support to Multilingual Learner students across 26 Academy programs. ART truly appreciate his expertise and unwavering willingness to assist in every way possible – Eric Fullinwider is the GOAT!"

-Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Melyssa Brennan, Belle View ES

"Ms. Brennan is a wonderful teacher. I appreciate her dedication to finding new and creative ways to challenge her students. She excels at getting the students to do their very best while giving them the freedom to be themselves! We are lucky to have her be part of our child's educational journey."

-a Belle View ES parent

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Morgan Storr, Belle View ES

"Mr. Morgan is always smiling, so kind and gentle. He takes great pride in what he does and it shows! Thank you for being such a great role model for the kids!"

-a Belle View ES parent

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Naila Chowdhury, Chantilly HS

"Naila Chowdhury, who works in the special education office at Chantilly HS is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She's a true champion for the Chantilly students pursuing their career goals at the Academy. ART appreciates that Ms. Chowdhury consistently ensures that ARTs are invited to students’ IEP meetings. Her dedication sets students up for success -- Naila Chowdhury is the GOAT!"

-Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Candace Jones, Centreville HS

"Candice Jones, the ETR at Centreville High School, is being recognized by Academy Resource Teachers (ART) for her exceptional support of students with IEPs. She's a true champion for the Centreville students pursuing their career goals at Chantilly Academy. Ms. Jones works closely with ART, CTE teachers, and Centreville's IEP teams to ensure Centreville students are fully supported while at the Academy, away from their high school. Her dedication sets students up for success -- Candice Jones is the GOAT!"

-Sarah Blake, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Cory Pena, Belle View ES

"My daughter and I would like to give a shout-out to her teacher, Mrs. Pena. Mrs. Pena has truly gone above and beyond this year to support my daughter. She is attentive to my daughter's needs and proactively provides extra support to help her succeed. My daughter loves Mrs. Pena's energetic and positive personality and feels comfortable asking for help when necessary. She frequently shares Mrs. Pena's words of wisdom with me outside of school. I love hearing her repeat these sayings that inspire hard work and perseverance. Almost every week, my daughter has to miss school to receive medical care. Mrs. Pena not only sends assignments home, but also allows my daughter to zoom in to class. This not only helps her keep up with her school work, but also makes her feel like a valuable member of the class, even when she is not physically in the building. We are grateful to Mrs. Pena for her ongoing support."

-a Belle View ES parent

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Ruby Brown, Stone MS

"My son is in Mrs. Brown's eighth-grade algebra class. We enrolled him in the daily algebra course for additional support and structure. Although he has struggled with math in the past, and I was nervous about him having to learn algebra, it has turned into one of his favorite classes. When we ask him about the course at home, he regularly describes Mrs. Brown as one of his favorite teachers. His positive attitude and excellent grades directly reflect the work and dedication she is pouring into her students. I just wanted to send an email to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that she has demonstrated."

-a Stone MS parent

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Reis DeBruyne, London Towne ES

"My son is in Mrs. Clay's first-grade class and receives one-on-one instruction from Mr. DeBruyne. While my son has struggled in some areas academically, Mr. DeBruyne has continually worked to provide caring, patient, well-thought-out, and well-articulated instruction to help him succeed. He has been a wealth of knowledge and insight, regularly communicating with us and providing updates/adjustments to his needs. During these young, developmental academic years, Mr. DeBruyne has made a lasting impact on my son. I just wanted to send an email to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that he has demonstrated."

-a London Towne ES parent

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Marly Nunez Gamarra, Groveton ES

"Ms. Marly, a PreK instructional assistant, is a caring and consistent instructor for her PreK classroom. Each morning she greets her students with a warm smile and makes sure they know they are safe and cared for. Whenever the teacher is out, Ms. Marly is able to keep the classroom running to insure that children learn, have fun, and have a quality PreK experience. Every time I visit her room, her calm demeanor is infectious for everyone around her. Despite various challenges in the last few years, Ms. Marly continues to show up for her students with her bright smile. Every child in her classroom is lucky to have her."

-Sarah Sibley, Groveton ES

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Will Lundregan, Fort Hunt ES

"Will goes above and beyond to assist the children in his care. Always optimistic and positive concerning the students, especially the students he is assigned to as an instructional assistant, in the special ed. Department. He even assists willingly, with class activities and shares positive words of encouragement to the students in general. Everybody appreciates and looks up to Mr. Will. His special students are quite attached to him and look forward to his presence daily. Very willing to assist in any possible way and also always shares a cheerful word to brighten one’s day. I admire his patience and willingness when interacting with the children and teachers also."

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Amanda Purcell, Fort Belvoir Primary ES

"Mrs. Purcell goes above and beyond by embodying the belief that education is not simply about instruction—it is about partnership. She understands that raising children takes a village, and she actively works alongside parents to ensure that students are growing not only academically, but also in character, discipline, and leadership. Her level of communication is unparalleled, providing parents with the insights and tools needed to reinforce lessons at home. She intuitively knows when a child needs encouragement, when they need discipline, and how to guide them in a way that is both firm and compassionate—an ability that comes from her genuine care and investment in her students. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Purcell plays an instrumental role in shaping young lives. She is not just a teacher; she is a mentor and a role model. She creates a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and valued. Her ability to connect with children on a personal level ensures that each student receives the guidance they need to become respectful, honorable, and impactful individuals. Speaking as a parent, I have personally seen the effect she has on my son. The values and discipline we instill at home are reinforced through her teaching, making it clear that she sees her role as more than just an educator—she sees herself as a key figure in helping raise future leaders. During a recent discussion with other parents, many of whom send their children to prestigious private schools, I found myself sharing how grateful I am for Mrs. Purcell, as she provides the same level of mentorship, structure, and care that parents often seek in specialized education. Mrs. Purcell’s dedication to her students and her willingness to go above and beyond in her role make her an invaluable asset to this school. She is shaping the future not just through academics, but through the lives she touches daily, ensuring that each student leaves her classroom not just smarter, but better prepared to be honorable, respectful, and capable members of society."

-a Fort Belvoir Primary ES parent

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