FCPS CARES - May 2024

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

Brandon Kosatka, Wilton Woods Center

"I would like to take a moment to recognize Brandon Kosatka for his exceptional dedication and support throughout this school year. As a new Director of Student Services(DSS), navigating the complexities of building the school master schedule have been a significant challenge. However, with Brandon's unwavering assistance, myself and a cohort of other DSS's have gained invaluable insights into fundamental and essential components of the progress.

Brandon has consistently demonstrated thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and innovation in his approach to supporting our team. His willingness to go above and beyond, always being available to hop on a call and brainstorm solutions, has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals.

In particular, I want to express my gratitude for Brandon's weekly workshops. These sessions have been incredibly beneficial, providing guidance and clarity that have significantly eased the stress associated with master schedule building for the upcoming school year. Thank you Brandon, you are truly the best!"

-Deonte Young, Longfellow MS

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Region 1

Meg Rogers, Terry Rihl, Angela Couse, Steven Rogers, Taj Ghafari, Diana Lynn Cruz, and Robyn Troncoso, Carson MS

"Some members of the Library Instructional Services team (Meg Rogers, Terry Rihl, Angela Couse, Steven Rogers, Taj Ghafari, Diana Lynn Cruz, and Robyn Troncoso) spent three days at the Carson MS library weeding and inventorying our collection. This is a HERCULEAN task that would have taken us weeks to do on our own. While they worked, they also taught us a lot about best practices for managing a collection including running and analyzing worthwhile reports, employing repairing services, and ordering to fill gaps in a collection. Our library has had a complete restart which will allow us to reorganize our books, employ dynamic shelving, and create a more engaging and accessible library for our 1,400 middle school readers. We are beyond grateful to them for sharing their time, expertise, and skill. Thank you!"

-Ellen Bickford, Carson Middle School

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Region 2

Jill Shull, Haycock ES - View the Celebration!

"Mrs. Shull is simply exceptional! We feel incredibly fortunate that our child is in her class this year. Her dedication to teaching is unparalleled. In her classroom, she goes above and beyond to ensure every student grasps the material, constantly seeking feedback to gauge comprehension. Mrs. Shull is not only intellectually stimulating but also incredibly creative in her teaching approach. She personally crafts worksheets and homework assignments, infusing them with her own experiences and intriguing facts from around the world. These materials not only reinforce classroom concepts but also make learning truly enjoyable. Moreover, Mrs. Shull's commitment extends beyond the classroom. What's more impressive is her unwavering dedication to her students' progress. She invests her own time outside of school hours meticulously grading assignments, providing detailed and insightful feedback that truly challenges students to excel. It's not uncommon for my child to witness Mrs. Shull diligently editing documents even on weekends. Her dedication to her students' growth both academically and personally is truly remarkable. As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, we want to take the opportunity to express our gratitude for everything Mrs. Shull has done for the students. Her tireless efforts and genuine care have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on our child's education and development."

-Haycock ES parents

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Region 3

Michael Willie, Sandburg MS

"I am writing to nominate Michael Willie for the FCPS CARES award in recognition of his exceptional handling of a challenging situation. Recently, Michael Willie demonstrated remarkable calm and composure when faced with a student attempting to board his bus. 

His quick thinking and decisive action not only protected the students on his bus but also allowed support staff to intervene and redirect the student safely. 

Michael Willie's actions exemplify the dedication and professionalism that we value in our FCPS staff. His ability to remain calm under pressure and prioritize the safety of his students is commendable. He not only ensured the physical safety of those on his bus but also contributed to a sense of security and well-being for a student experiencing a difficult situation."

-Brianna Lucas, Sandburg MS

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Region 4

Molly Sullivan, Union Mill ES

"In April, our infant experienced an unexpected, emergency medical situation that left them admitted to the PICU and later the hospital at Children's National in DC. In a matter of moments, our family situation was upended, as suddenly the baby was removed from their siblings' lives, with no chance of visitation. My wife spent the entire time in DC, with me going back home on a sporadic basis. Our older children were not prepared for this situation. School offered a chance for respite and normalcy during this trying time. Yet, our older children still needed to process the event. In the case of our first grader, the gravity of the situation and his emotions hit him a few days later with the force of a locomotive. Noticing his distress, his teacher, Mrs. Sullivan, quickly reached out to my wife and I. An impromptu FaceTime call was facilitated by Mrs. Sullivan. This action meant the world to our first grader and us as parents. We were given an opportunity in a crucial moment to talk to him and help him process the situation and his emotions. Our family is lucky to have Mrs. Sullivan as a teacher, as her care for her students is second to none!"

-an Union Mill ES parent

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Region 5

Ryan Spivey, Eagle View ES

"Last Friday, a serious medical emergency occurred at our school. During this critical moment, Mr. Ryan Spivey, our Physical Education teacher, demonstrated exceptional professionalism and care. When one of our students needed immediate medical attention, Mr. Spivey promptly stopped his class, ensured emergency services were contacted, and maintained a calm environment. He provided vital initial care, stayed by the student's side, and efficiently communicated with first responders, ensuring they had the full context upon arrival. His actions during the emergency and his thoughtful follow-up with medical professionals were nothing short of heroic. Thanks to Mr. Spivey's swift and decisive actions, emergency medical services arrived in time to provide necessary interventions. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Spivey for his dedication and the genuine concern he showed. His actions remind us of the critical role educators play in our children's lives, not just in teaching, but in all aspects of their well-being. We commend Mr. Spivey for his exemplary conduct and thank him for his dedication to our students' safety and health. Our school community is fortunate to have such a vigilant and caring educator among us."

-KJ An, Eagle View ES

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Region 6

Brianna Bingman, Lorton Station ES

"My child has been learning in all different types of environments, from daycare to Montessori, and then from Private school to LSES. I feel very blessed because we have found some great support with the LSES staff. For the first time in my child’s educational path, I can say I wish his current teacher, Mrs. Bingman, could be his forever teacher. She hands down is the BEST teacher that makes me feel like Montessori’s and Private Schools were a bad choice. His growth in the past year has been nothing short of amazing! I’m sure there are several LSES staff members that can attest to this statement. Her patience, her teaching abilities, I don’t think any child would not want to be in her class. She effectively communicates, and provides updates on my child’s progress. It’s hard to state all the great qualities that she has displayed this school year, and we trust her. That is not an easy thing for us to say. On the first day of school, my child told me that he was placed with the best teacher there. I was wondering if he worked with Mrs. Bingman prior, and what made him say that. I found it promising, but I was still skeptical on someone being “the best.” Well, as the school year is ending soon- I can happily report to FCPS that Mrs. Bingman is the GOAT to this family, and his TBD third grade teacher will have big shoes to fill. I am so very pleased to have her as our child’s teacher! We thank you so very much Mrs. B, and we will miss you once the school year is over!"

-a Lorton Station ES parent

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Other FCPS CARES Submissions

Abeer Hammad, Woodburn ES

"Abeer stepped into a long term sub situation with only half a days notice due to a planned FML by main teacher. This was a difficult task with that type of limited notice and transition time. She took care for not only my child and all their unique needs but of course all the students in the class. Thank you for all that you did during the four month transition."

-a Woodburn ES parent

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Noah Hwang, Wilton Woods Center

"Noah has automated daily data download processes to free time for our group for additional analysis, more communication, and improving data literacy. Noah doesn't just take the necessary parameters, build the process, and call the request done. He follows through on the process, making sure it not only does what was asked but if we need any changes we had not anticipated. Thank you Noah!"

-Jessica Hernandez, Forte Center

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Isabelle Montalvo Perez, Fort Hunt ES

"We could call Isabelle a “Jack of All Trades.” In any given school day, she is assigned to fulfill many different and challenging positions. Positions that change daily. Despite the variety of assignments and positions she is assigned to, she is always very positive, responsible, and flexible. She has also finished her first year in college! Fort Hunt is very lucky to have such a hard worker, and such a great person as Isabelle Pérez."

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Rodneika Smith, Oak View ES

"Ms. Smith began forming meaningful relationships with students on her very first day at Oak View. She takes the time to get to know each student and their story and strives daily to create a space where everyone is included. Ms. Smith goes above and beyond to build a culture of equity and inclusion, both in her classroom and amongst the staff. As Oak View's co-chair of the equity committee, she doesn't just "talk the talk" of helping her colleagues progress in their equity journey. This year, she took on a monumental task of leading the charge to host Oak View's 1st ever Heritage Night, an opportunity for our students and families to share about their cultural heritage. With a dedicated team of school staff, and displays and foods provided by the families of our students, Ms. Smith's vision came to life, filling our cafeteria and gym with clothing, instruments, art work and cuisine from around the globe! Dozens of families commented on what a wonderful experience they had, the connections they made with other families who had similar heritages, and how much they looked forward to the next event honoring our school's diverse student population."

-Emma Swedberg, Oak View ES

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Wafika Albani, Greenbriar East ES

"Wafika Albani is very nice. She always provides help and support when we need it. Our first language is Arabic and with her help of translating for us we have solved all issues in school the we faced. She's always willing to provide help and tries her best to solve any problems we face in school."

-a Greenbriar East ES parent

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Jason Mohler, Fairview Park 

"Jason is a wealth of knowledge and our most valuable employee during difficult and busy times. He patiently explains unique circumstances to all of us, but especially to our numerous new employees. During building DROP, he worked tirelessly alongside our team contributing his knowledge bank and testing our system to make sure it was working for our members when we had the green light to roll out DROP. Aside from this, he finds time in his schedule to train and answer questions. We would not be the office we are today without him. Well Done Jason!

-Michelle Anwyll, Fairview Park

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Pamela Laing, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Pam Laing and the entire cafeteria staff are amazing to work with. During SOL testing they were extremely flexible and accommodating in getting lunches to students, bringing food directly to students during testing, adjusting their schedule to meet the needs of all students, and always being so cheerful and upbeat. They 100% keep what is best for students at the forefront of everything they do. A sincere thank you from the Testing Team Office!"

-Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock Secondary

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Christopher Lester Daniels and Van Vu, Lorton Center

"I am extremely grateful for the quick support that was provided to my school when the weather made our walking field trip impossible. Both Christopher Lester and Van Vu were quick to brainstorm and provide transportation support to ensure our field trip could go on! Our 3rd graders and KPES family are thankful for the quick response and support."

-Dotty Lin, Kings Park ES

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Wafika Albani, Greenbriar East ES

"Wafika Albani is a family liaison. she is a great woman doing great job with my son and call us at home to to make a connection between us and school, she  also explains everything to the teacher and she cooperates with us and with school"

-a Greenbriar East ES parent

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Meghan McLain, Annandale HS

"The Social Studies team would like to extend their gratitude to Meghan McLain for her exceptional work in identifying an issue with SIS settings that was preventing gradebook data from exporting to the EDSL PBA for the LAVC Workbook. Her persistence and problem-solving skills were crucial in resolving this problem for teachers at Annandale. Going above and beyond, Meghan shared remediation steps with division leadership, helping to ensure that students across FCPS will meet their Social Studies graduation requirements. Meghan’s dedication to supporting her team and all students in FCPS is deeply appreciated!"

-Anthony Hanrahan, Annandale HS

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Ana Mack, Sarina Moses and Sarika Mehta, Sandburg MS

"Sandburg Middle School, like so many schools, is severely understaffed. Many employees are doing more than one job, and working hard to keep things operating smoothly on a day-to-day basis. I wanted to recognize three of these staff members whom I encounter on a daily basis. They are unfailingly helpful, positive, and supportive. Their work day begins early, and is full of challenges from the outset. In my former role of classroom teacher, I got to know them on a different level. This year as a retiree who is working as a substitute, I have seen the many things they do that teachers are not aware of, and that are happening all day long. Each one of these women is an asset to Sandburg and especially to FCPS. Ana Mack is the Administrative Assistant to the Principal, but her duties go way beyond supporting her supervisor. She is a much needed translator for Hispanic families and is always ready to assist non-English speaking students when they need help. The Sandburg front office has lost one of it's assitants this year, and Ms. Mack frequently has to step out of her own office to help when things get too hectic. She provides a cooling off space for needy students, a resource for supplies and information for teachers and other staff, and is frequently so busy helping others that she can't get her own work completed by day's end. Yet she is kind and supportive of anyone who needs some extra time and attention. I value starting my day with her positive energy and kindness. Sarika Mehta is the one Office Assistant currently employed at Sandburg Middle School. This is a school of over 1400 students, and she handles the daily overwhelming workload with grace and a smile. She is competent and has an amazing capacity for multi-tasking. I have observed her answering the phone to speak with a parent, signing in a late arriving student, and helping a teacher get assistance via the radio all within seconds.. She always makes time to greet anyone entering her space and makes one feel that his/her needs are the only thing important at that moment. She is a wonder! Ms. Sarina Moses is an Assistant Principal at Sandburg Middle School. Ms. Moses is extremely competent and does a great job handling typical middle school student behaviors, which is very important, but I wanted to praise her here for her handling of the placement of substitute teachers each day at this huge school. There are frequently several pages of substitutes on any given day, and Ms. Moses makes certain that every class is covered and each substitute understands exactly where to be throughout the day. She greets new subs and goes over the schedule with them to make sure they know about class times. She is patient and thorough, and I can't imagine anyone else handling this gargantuan job with the ease and attention to detail that Ms. Moses gives it every day. Every day, every class has coverage or she has come up with a solution by moving students around to other classrooms. Imagine having a giant chessboard in front of you and having to move each piece into exactly the right position to keep everything going. Many people would not be able to perform this task, yet Ms. Moses does it every day of the school year. I truly appreciate what each of these women does to make Sandburg functional every day. And more than that, I appreciate their kindness and competence that makes the substitute job easier."

-Robin Souligne, Sandburg MS

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Jenna Murgia and Nicole Madriaga, Cunningham Park ES

"I have been the registrar for the Cunningham Park summer schools program here at Cunningham Park Elementary School. In that position, I have been working hard to contact, send forms, and register a large amount of students into the program. I have had two assistants helping me in that process, and I want to take to time to thank them for their hard work. First, I would like to thank Jenna Murgia, for her organization and attentiveness with helping to register our Young Scholars students. We were the first school in the region to have all of our spots filled, and I think that was due to her spirited attention to detail, and communication with our learners/their families. Young Scholars is an important program for our MLL students, and I appreciate her going above and beyond to advocate for their participation in the summer programs. Second, I'd like to thank Nicole Madariaga for her help with the Bridge to Kindergarten program. Nicole has been my communication hub for all things Bridge to Kindergarten related; talking to parents, sending invitation letters, and helping parents to fill the voluminous forms required for their children to attend. Many of our parents want their children to attend, but shoe trepidation at the sheer amount of paperwork required for them to attend. Nicole helps parents navigate the processes and forms with ease, and has been a great help in getting parents to register their preschool age children in our program. I know that we are not the largest school in the pyramid, but we currently have the highest amount of pre-Kindergarten students signed up to attend the program, and I thank her for her help in making that happen. Thank you to them both, teamwork has made my job that much easier, and it has also been a great boon for our student registration this year. I hope they both know how much they are appreciated for what they do!"

-Matthew Hupp, Cunningham Park ES

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Marci Swfit, South County HS

"Ms Swift is multi talented, not only in getting 100’s of students to listen to her in classes, field trips and performances, but also for inspiring each student to do better and take pride in their music. We’re grateful for her."

-a South County HS parent

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Barbara Fielding and Angela Newsome, Wilton Woods Center

"Angela Newsome and Barbara Fielding have been wonderful to work with as we try to ensure easier ways to see the data about our students who are twice-exceptional at the secondary level. Angela has been able to summarize complex coding rules and connect us to the right people to help make this happen for the coming school year and is always positive and thoughtful in talking through the details about what we need. Barbara brings in important questions that help us to make sure we're not missing any important elements. I've really enjoyed working with both of them and truly appreciate the partnership as I know everyone is swamped with tasks!"

-Kirsten Maloney, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Jeremiah Tyler, Virginia Run ES

"I want to recognize Jeremiah Tyler. He is a wonderful music teacher who is calm and patient with the kids.. I’m always impressed when I see him working with students , and he makes music fun. They cover a.variety of topics in music, and the chorus concerts are always exciting and variable. My kids have loved having him as a teacher, and my 6th grader will miss him next year. Keep doing what you’re doing, Mr Tyler! The kids will always remember you and the joy you bring to music!"

-a Virginia Run ES parent

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Alison Costanza, Belinda Deville, Mona Johnson-Phillips, Jennifer Owens and George Saad, Nancy Sprague Technology Center 

"A special thank you to Sarah Marie Young, Belinda Deville, Mona Johnson-Phillips, Jennifer Owens, Alison Costanza, Joe Carpenter(vendor) and George Saad with transportation for collaborating to send out a late Friday afternoon message. Your expertise, team work and positive can do attitude were greatly appreciated. Thank you for always stepping up to any challenge and making all involved feel heard and supported."

-Michele Phillips, Lorton Center

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Christopher Long, South County HS

"Coach Long did a terrific job this year of pulling together a strong softball team. He helped create a team in which the players were excited to be there, wanted to work harder, and had fun, win or lose. He really demonstrated true sportsmanship and made it a good experience for everyone."

-anonymous

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Johan Durish, Falls Church HS

"Johan went above and beyond in creating a spreadsheet that will help us in our efficiency, effectiveness, and safety in the library. He utilized his computer programming skills to make the spreadsheet do a myriad of functions, giving us a wide range of access in abilities that will help us in not only our day to day functionality, but also in collecting relevant and necessary data. Helping another school goes above and beyond the expectations of the job. Thank you for making the McLean Library a better place, Johan!"

-Morgan Popma, McLean HS

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Iris Malave Compher, Gatehouse Admin Center

"I would like to recognize the amazing work of Language Services and especially of Iris Malave Compher. As a counselor, I work with sensitive topics and often need an interpreter on very short notice. Iris was able to walk me through the process and is very adept at matching interpreters of many languages to help me in working with parents at my school. Iris has been both kind and professional in all of my interactions with her. Language Services have been so helpful and Iris has been a shining star!"

-Justin Nielsen, Franklin Sherman ES

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Jason Franks, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"Jason is always quick to respond to any computer configuration issues I bring to his office with a smile and a positive, happy to help, attitude. I really appreciate his time and all of his efforts."

-Melissa York, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

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Marianne Strickler, Hunters Woods ES

"I would like to express our family's appreciation and admiration for Mrs. Strickler. She is a true gem! From the beginning, she worked to establish a strong connection with our child, which has made all the difference in helping him be eager to participate in speech/language activities. She makes learning engaging and fun! We have seen great progress in his speech over time. In addition, we are also extremely grateful for her valuable role on his IEP team."

-a Hunters Woods ES parent

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Steven Myers, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Thursday night we had our Junior Information Night for parents. We had a last minute cancellation for one of our speakers that evening. We were in a true bind, we had advertised an event and wanted to live up to expectations for the sake of our students and parents. We contacted Steve Myers, knowing he had the expertise, to discuss Military and Career pathways with our families. Not only did Steve not hesitate in saying yes and sacrificing an evening, he also knocked it out of the ballpark with the information he presented. We received several emails from families expressing how much they got out of the session. We cannot thank him enough for sacrificing the time and helping make the event successful and as advertised."

-John Basta, West Springfield HS

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Kimberly Urlwin, Deer Park ES

"It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Urlwin this year in Adaptive PE. As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, her contributions have been indispensable to the class. Ms. Urlwin demonstrates foresight in anticipating and promptly addressing challenges. She takes the initiative to provide valuable insights and feedback on her students' educational progress. Kimberly Urlwin exemplifies excellence in education, and our students benefit greatly from her expertise."

-Taylor Gaddy, Deer Park ES

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Nandita Bose, Deer Park ES

"Ms. Bose has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance assisting in Adaptive Physical Education throughout the year. As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, she has provided valuable support in Adaptive PE. Ms. Bose has built strong relationships with students and engages with them across various settings. Her proactive approach and willingness to assist without requiring direction are truly commendable. She effectively communicates and collaborates on all aspects of student education. Ms. Bose consistently goes above and beyond in her role."

-Taylor Gaddy, Deer Park ES

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Rowena Hipol, Eagle View ES

"'Ms. Hipol, thank you very much for all your hard work, effort and dedication to ensure that our child is shaping into an individual personality. Her excitement and eagerness to attend school each day ensures us how much fun the classes are while even being informative! Ms. Hipol also makes sure we are part of her progress through texts, photos and her work sent home each week. She is one of our child's favorite teachers and we are grateful to Ms. Hipol for all her efforts. Thank you for helping our daughter learn and progress each day!'

-an Eagle View ES parent

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Elizabeth Sweet, Oak View ES

"Elizabeth "Betsy" Sweet has gone above and beyond at Oak View in recent months. Prior to the pandemic, Oak View had an annual musical. After a several years of not having a musical post-pandemic, Mrs. Sweet has brought it back. She has devoted countless hours to our students, ensuring that they all grow in their confidence and abilities. Her mentoring and encouragement are to be commended. Because of her, many of our students, including my child, now have a newfound love with performing arts. Bravo to Mrs. Sweet!"

-Elizabeth Murphy, Mantua ES

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Janette Moman, Springfield Estates ES

"Mrs. Moman is a teacher who is supportive of the fine arts. She has created lessons that cover a wide variety of topics and engages the students. She is patient with the students as they learn new music and prepare for performances. Her projects and lessons are leveled for her students. I love hearing about what is happening in music."

-anonymous

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Monica Quintana, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Monica Quintana was able to assist our newly appointed Senior Manager get access to the essential resources that she needed to start in her new position. Our manager did not have an ID# in MyTime and Monica recognized the issue and took the appropriate action in order to gain access. She contacted the necessary departments and within a few hours she let me know that my new manager would have access shortly. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, it was very helpful."

-Dannielle Hough, Lorton Center

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Barbara Jefferson, Westbriar ES

"Ms. Jefferson is my child's guidance counselor and 504 case manager. She has helped us through a rocky start to the school year and supported our child as he transitioned to a new class and grade. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty with implementing his 504 plan. She has given him the support to be able to fulfil his potential in the classroom. Ms. Jefferson is a gem and I am at ease knowing my child will be supported by her. I am thankful my child has gotten to "grow up" with her in his school. She has worked hard on developing, cultivating, and maintaining a positive relationship and providing a positive and safe space for him. Thank you!"

-anonymous

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Angie Santiago, Mary Molly, Fairhill ES

"Mary Molloy and Angie Santiago are not only phenomenal employees, but phenomenal coworkers as well. This is my first year teaching as an Elementary PE Teacher, and I was given the opportunity to teach Adapted PE with my PE itinerant, Sarah Bobb. Both Mary and Angie have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to supporting the needs of the children in the upper Enhanced Autism Class. They have shown remarkable efforts in assisting a challenging student and have exhibited great patience and compassion in their approach. I am so incredibly lucky to have them by my side during my first year of teaching. They have inspired me to become a better teacher every day that I see them."

-Abigail Martel, Rose Hill ES

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Carlton Ellis, Bonnie Napper, Martha Uribe, Lorton Center

"This afternoon at school dismissal time, Bonnie Napper, an area 1 bus driver supervisor, reported on the radio that a student was crossing Lorton road and appeared disoriented near Lorton Center. Carlton Ellis, operations manager, went into the Lorton Center's parking lot and found a student running on the sidewalk. He called out to the student and found out she was looking for her family, she had recently moved and she should be a walker now. The school had called to see if the student had gotten onto a bus, she had not. Martha Uribe, admin assistant, recognized the name from the school call and the student confirmed. The team called the school and confirmed the student could be returned to the school. Bonnie returned to Lorton Center and took the student back to the school to be connected with the family. Great work area 1 transportation team for seeing something and saying something, following up and working together as a team."

-Michele Phillips, Lorton Center

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Rachelle Wigenton, Stonecroft Transportation Center

"Rachelle always goes above and beyond each day to support the needs of our students at Centreville Elementary. Last week, we were working to change and modify transportation accommodations and we spoke with Rachelle for guidance. Without hesitation, she came out the following day to provide guidance, fix a harness, and support the student. She then followed up the following day and came again to ensure the student was successful. Her willingness, effective communication, empathy, and support is so appreciated!"

-Rachel Forte, Centreville ES

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Tappimon Honeycutt, Springfield Estates ES

"Ms. Honeycutt is our Enhanced Autism Teacher. She is a passionate teacher who never gives up on her students. She works tirelessly towards their growth. She is a teacher who will do what needs to be done to keep her students safe. She has worked to create community in her classroom. Ms. Honeycutt has set high standards for her students and established routines with and for her students. She collaborates and researches best practices to become the best teacher she can be. I am proud to work with Ms. Honeycutt and I want her to know she is doing great things and making a huge difference."

-anonymous

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Christine MacWilliams, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Christine has been instrumental this year in moving our collaborative team leaders forward. This year, she led and orchestrated a year-long professional development series around the seven norms of collaboration. Christine facilitated with empathy, always demonstrated active listening skills, ensured all staff felt validated and heard, and focused on building the capacity of our CT leaders. The CT leaders shared that Christine was authentic, a credible presence, and a phenomenal facilitator, always modeling what she was teaching. At CES, our CT leaders grew immensely in their facilitation skills due to Christine's dedication to this year-long PD. We are so thankful to have the opportunity to work with her!"

-Rachel Forte, Centreville ES

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Lorena Sagastume, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Lorena Sagastume has gone above and beyond to help support our staff and students here at Holmes Middle School. Following our English SOL, Lorena made time in her schedule to come to Holmes, work as a thought partner, develop a remediation lesson plan, and gather resources. Lorena's commitment to our students did not stop there. She moved around her schedule the following week and spent three straight class periods working with students in small groups. The staff and students are luck to have caring and thoughtful support for OSS, especially Lorena!"

-Ryan Christoff, Holmes MS

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Isabel Gonzalez, Fort Hunt ES

"Fort Hunt Elementary is fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and hard-working Spanish Immersion Second Grade Teacher like Isabel Gonzalez. She is extraordinarily talented at connecting with her students and colleagues with her wit and charm. Her calming reassurance and caring spirit is demonstrated when providing enriching and multi-tiered math and science lessons in Spanish. Mrs. Gonzalez’s passion and excitement for teaching and learning continuously encourage students to be mindful life-long learners. Thank you for all that you do for your students, colleagues, and school community!"

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Jocelyne Smith, Westfield HS

"Jocelyne Smith truly goes above and beyond for the students in the French program at Westfield High School. Over the last three years, she has been a tremendous asset to our department and has helped to strengthen and grow the French program. For the last two months, she has unselfishly given her time to mentor and support a long-term French sub out of her love and dedication for her students. Merci beaucoup pour tout ce que tu fais!"

-Angie Thomas, Westfield HS

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Anna Vallejo, Makaya Santiago, Jocelyn Iraheta, Andrea Madayag, Lake Braddock SS

"Anna Vallejo, Makaya Santiago, Jocelyn Iraheta, and Andrea Madayag run one heck of a health room! I can say clearly that my student gets wonderful help with these folks. As a dad, am grateful for their kindness, understanding, and professionalism"

-a Lake Braddock SS parent

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Faiza Alam, Johnson MS

"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible dedication and enthusiasm you bring to your role as both my son's teacher. Your positive influence on his learning journey has been remarkable, and I felt it important to acknowledge your efforts.

My children often share stories, especially the projects and lessons you organize. Your ability to engage students and inspire a love for learning is evident in his newfound interest in Model UN and debating. I particularly appreciate your extra time supporting him whenever he struggles, ensuring he remains motivated and confident.

Your commitment goes beyond teaching; you care for your students' overall well-being, which is incredibly reassuring for a parent. I have noticed significant growth in my child's confidence and skills, and I credit much of this development to your supportive and nurturing approach.

Thank you once again for your passion, patience, and tireless work. We are fortunate to have you as an integral part of my child's educational path. Similarly, I can give many more examples with my older son. You always encouraged and inspired him to take up new challenges such as Caring for Watershed and eCyber missions.

I wanted to take a moment and appreciate your positive impact on both of my sons’ middle school."

-a Johnson MS parent

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Stefanie Kline, Annandale HS

"This week our student was facing a hard challenge with peers. When she went to discuss her challenge with Ms. Kline she felt heard and understood and supported. Thank you for making your classroom a safe space and for building a relationship of trust with our student!"

-anonymous

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Sena Chon and Haein Lee, Dunn Loring Center

"We were very fortunate to have Ms. Sena Chon and Ms. Haein Lee as our Korean early literacy program teachers 2 years in a row (very lucky!). Past two years, I have seen how my child bloomed in a classroom environment from a shy 2-year-old to a vocal, expressive, and confident (soon to be) 4-year-old. Their dedication and hard work definitely deserve appreciation. Ms. Chon and Ms. Lee have created such a warm and welcoming learning environment for students in the program and have set up a positive learning atmosphere where children can learn and grow. I especially appreciate the Korean early literacy program since it was a nice opportunity to learn more about the US school system, and FCPS- since I came here during my high school years. Both teachers were engaged with parents and truly have made a great impression on FCPS. We can’t thank them enough!"

-a Korean Early Literacy Program parent at Braddock ES

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Kristal Edwards, Irving MS

"Kristal Edwards supports all teachers within our growing special education team. She has taken on the role of department chair this year for the first time. Despite the challenge of taking on a new role she continues to lead the team with a positive and supportive demeanor no matter how challenging her day or week may be. She always stops whatever she may be in the middle of to field questions/concerns from any teacher in the building. In meetings she is a supportive teammate with staff and families. Kristal is an asset to our school community."

-Jaime Mullen, Irving MS

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Kellen Scott, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Kellen Scott is amazing. We were struggling with a course code and loading the CTE competencies. Kellen took care of us. She answered all our questions, served as a go-between with DIT and even took the time to review two student's records for us. Chantilly is grateful!"

-Emily Phelan, Chantilly HS

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Candice Cetinkaya, Holmes MS

"We’re incredibly grateful for Candice's pivotal role in organizing and planning our Science remediation this year. She created tailored resources for our teachers, helped us group students by standards for the most effective remediation, and provided remediation for two small groups of students. Candice even took the time to work one-on-one with a student who missed remediation day, ensuring he was well-prepared for his retake. Her dedication and hard work have truly made a difference, and we are so thankful to have her as a part of our Holmes team."

-Brandi Goncz, Holmes MS

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Randi Greene, West Potomac HS

"I’m writing to recognize the wonderful caring work of Ms. Randi Greene and the Cat B team in the special education department at West Potomac High School. Ms. Greene is extremely thoughtful and compassionate. Ms. Greene provides additional homework and often reaches out to share an antidote or story from the day. She and her team make a big deal out of birthdays and organize a “party”. They buy balloons and sing. This group of kids has very limited social activities outside school, so this is a big deal. She has helped orchestrate opportunities for parents to connect with other parents. These introductions have led to more extracurricular activities and social interactions. Most of all Ms. Greene and the Cat B team have stayed positive and supportive of my son, despite some challenging behavior flare ups. Thank you."

-a West Potomac HS parent

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Terrance Diggs, Lorton Center

"I would like to say, thank you and you are appreciated to Terrance Diggs. (Bus Driver Supervisor- Area 2) On May 2, I had a breakdown with a spare bus and had to get another bus to use for the afternoon. After numerous all-calls and running extremely late for my Thomas Jefferson PM run, my supervisor was willing and able to meet me at T.J. to help spilt the run so I could cut the time down by half. Needless to say, the run itself takes about an hour to complete. This young man always goes above and beyond to help his fellow coworkers."

-Yolanda Giddings, Lorton Center

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Sarah Chin, Churchill Road ES

"Ms. Chin is not only a wonderful teacher, but also a caring and devoted educator. In the classroom, she treats every student with respect and makes the learning experience fun and engaging. She has a great sense of humor and connects well with students, always trying to see things from their perspectives without passing judgment. Outside the classroom, she goes above and beyond to get to know her students personally. She is the only teacher I know who visits her students' sports tournaments on holiday weekends to offer support. We could not have hoped for a better teacher and role model for our son's final year in elementary school!"

-anonymous

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Jeri Clark, West Springfield HS

"This is the 2nd year my son has had the fortune of being in Ms. Jeri Clark's classroom. I am not sure he fully appreciated it last year in Strategies for Success, as she continuously pushed him out of his comfort zone and made him laugh (even as hard as he tried not to). She held him to account, maintained continuous communication with him and me, and made herself available after school for work from her class and others.

This year, in a completely different class, she has become his sounding board for all things school-related. What he saw last year as frustrating, he values in her this year and seeks her out for discussions and work assistance. He shares his struggles with communicating with other teachers and they collaborate to advocate for his needs. He works with her to set goals and create a plan to complete outstanding work in all classes, even though she is no longer his Strats teacher. Ms. Clark has given him the confidence to move into Team Taught classes for the first time since middle school, and the support to initiate conversations with his other teachers. Sometimes, she just provides a quiet place for him to focus and knock out work. She just gets him!

For my family, Ms. Clark has provided amazing feedback around when to push and when to step back, and we are so grateful for her knowledge of autistic learners. This expertise also came in handy when we were looking to update his IEP goals to ensure they were clear and attainable. Overall, it is known that teachers in younger grades are nurturing, patient and connected to their students. With such a large amount of students, so many varying needs, and so many additional expectations constantly put on all teachers, we are grateful to have a teacher so invested in our child's success. We are so grateful to Jeri Clark, and feel blessed to have her as a partner in our son's education."

-a West Springfield HS parent

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Sarah Goings, Franconia ES

"I am writing to nominate Sarah Goings for the FCPS CARES Award. Sarah is an exceptional educator who makes a profound difference in the lives of her students in the enhanced autism classroom at Franconia Elementary. Sarah is a champion for her students. She tirelessly personalizes instruction and creates a nurturing environment that fosters their academic, social, and emotional growth. Beyond her classroom, Sarah passionately shares her knowledge and expertise with other educators in the county. She leads professional development sessions and offers ongoing support to colleagues, ensuring best practices reach all students. Sarah consistently goes above and beyond. She dedicates countless hours to developing innovative lesson plans, collaborating with families, and advocating for student needs within the school community."

-a Franconia ES parent

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Stacey LaFountain, London Towne ES

" I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to a supportive individual during this school year. Stacey LaFountain has been an invaluable source of assistance for us as parents of a student in First Grade. Her expertise, quick decision-making, and support both inside and outside of meetings have been incredibly beneficial. Despite the challenges of the year, I appreciate the direct communication we have with her through our child's daily log, which allows us to identify behavior patterns to discuss with our child's healthcare providers. Stacey demonstrates a keen understanding of which behaviors might require adjustments and those that are typical for children with ADHD. Additionally, our child greatly benefits from and requires the daily sensory breaks provided by Stacey.

More specifically, I wanted to share a challenging incident that occurred about a month ago when I was picking up my child early for a family dinner. The incident followed a period of increased behavior concerns noticed by both us as parents and the teachers. I had picked up my child early from school, and they were upset because they wanted to go home in the van. In their frustration, they became oppositional and attempted to run towards the van instead of walking home. I had to intervene to ensure their safety, which led to some yelling. Thankfully, Ms. LaFountain witnessed the situation and came to help. Stacey was able to calmly engage with my child, de-escalating the situation and helping them calm down. I was incredibly grateful for her support in that moment."

-a London Towne ES parent

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Wafika Albani, Greenbriar East ES

"Mrs. Wafika Albani is so helpful and kind, she explained everything about school and jobs very patiently. She is always available for support in every aspect of a family's life. We very much appreciate her support and help."

-anonymous

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Renea Mielec, West Potomac HS

"Ms. Renea Mielec, the Math Instructional Coach at West Potomac High School has been my guardian angel since I joined FCPS in August 2023. As the Algebra 1 CT Leader and Math Coach, Renea guided me through a year full of tests and standards that I was not familiar with. She has always been generous in sharing her immense knowledge and expertise. She helped me plan for teaching and prepare my students tests. She went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that students at West Potomac were ready for the SOL and the District Benchmark tests. I could not imagine what I would have done without Renea's help. She even took upon herself to pursue bug fixes for Performance Matters when I pointed out the bug. Renea has been encouraging and supportive throughout the year with positive energy and a wonderful smile even when the going was tough. Her support has been critical for my success in my first year at West Potomac HS and FCPS."

-Hany Eldeib, West Potomac HS

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Maryanne Wilson, Mantua ES

"In my Art class, one of the students expressed that she was upset about having to retake an SOL assessment right after my class, and she asked if she could go and talk to her teacher, Mrs. Wilson. I walked the student back to her classroom, where Mrs. Wilson was planning for her class. She welcomed the student, inviting her to stay with her for the rest of the specials time. The student wanted to finish her Mother's Day project, so Mrs. Wilson said she could complete the project with her in the classroom. Afterwards, Mrs. Wilson came to my Art classroom so the student could show me the completed project. Despite the interruption to her planning time, Mrs. Wilson put her student's well-being first, as always. This student felt heard and valued by Mrs. Wilson. In 30 minutes, Mrs. Wilson gave her student a sense of calm and confidence."

-Davide Lorenzi, Mantua ES

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George Saad, Tanya Villareal, Susan Ellis, Nancy Sprague Technology Center, Lorton Center

"The IT support team and transportation team collaborated with the distribution of 1100 laptops, so far for our drivers, attendants and floaters. George Saad ensured the day to day distribution was successful by collaborating with the IT team (Tanya Villareal, Susie Ellis, and group) and transportation's area office administrative staff. George found ways to enhance and streamline the process, by listening to all feedback. He was present at each event to be available and assist with the assignments, all while keeping up with his day to day workload and problem solve as necessary. He has created a team of transportation staff to sustain future implementations and are able to problem solving issues. George also presented a guide for our transportation team to use to access the essential tools for their jobs. George is always looking for ways to make things simple, processes better and improve our day to day operations. We are forever grateful for all he does with transportation and his collaboration with outside departments to ensure we stay informed of all things technology. Thank you George, you are simply the best! We couldn't have done it without you. Tanya and Susie and Team--you are all amazing and your team was supportive, professional and cool under pressure. Thank you for the collaboration, support and feedback throughout the process."

-Michele Phillips, Lorton Center

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Jason Ward, Sideburn Support Center

"On Monday May 6th, I was visiting Sideburn Support Center, regarding an assignment - which required a site visit - regarding updating critical information for Emergency Management planning purposes. I encountered Jason Ward, Mechanical Engineer, during my visit. During our conversation, I explained that I was verifying room numbers, room locations, as well as other supporting information for OSS planning documentation. Jason learned that the maps that I was utilizing for (our) planning purposes were not as detailed as they could be. Jason ask me to accompany him to his office at which time, he put aside the project he was working on and signed into a specific site and printed me several copies of maps that greatly benefited the project I was assigned to complete. Not only did he print out the maps for me; he explained the process and permissions needed. I spent 20 to 30 minutes with Jason Ward on Monday, May 6th. I had never met Jason before. What was impressive is that Jason recognized that the information I currently held was not adequate for Emergency Management purposes. He set aside his duties and obligations to assist me with out being asked to do so. Because of Jason's assistance, the information needed was obtained in a timely fashion and OSS - Emergency Management and Continuity of Operations has access to tool which will greatly enhance our capabilities in planning for critical incidents. Jason Ward demonstrated teamwork and excellence. I nominate him for an FCPS Cares Award."

-Purvis Dawson, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Leslie Leisey, Hannah Converse, Samira Newman, Derrick Rauenzahn, Stacey Jones, Poplar Tree ES, Luther Jackson MS, Madison HS, Wolftrap ES, Thoreau MS, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for Leslie's efforts in coordinating students’ participation in the recent POG POL Conference panel. Your planning, coordination, and efforts to bring students for the panel was invaluable. The presence, participation, and perspective shared by the students during the panel was critical to the success of the event. It was clear that the students have had many opportunities for meaningful learning experiences and reflection of their own growth throughout the year, as they had so many anecdotes and examples to share with all who listened to the panel.

I acknowledge that gaining permission, organizing transportation, and communicating with families, teachers, and administrators was no simple task. I cannot thank you enough for your efforts to ensure that student voice was not only a part of the POG POL Conference, but the highlight of the event for all."

-Abbey Miller, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Rahellah Saleh, Silvia Kim, Amel Saad, Angelina Asibu, JaMia Boston, Uzma Aziz, Sadia Faisal, Iman Hashim, Betelehem Berhe, Tony Jackson, Flor Villatoro, Hanna Fanta, Susana Garcia, West Potomac HS

"Instructional assistants in the Cat B program at West Potomac High School raised money for one of their colleagues that has a chronic health condition and takes continuous medication more than $600.00 in less than a week."

-Danielle Tapsoba, West Potomac HS

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Sarika Mehta, Sandburg MS

"I would like to honor Ms. Mehta, our Administrative Assistant in Sandburg Middle School for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment. She makes possible every day the success of our daily operations. Since she joined the school, Ms. Mehta has demonstrated exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately. Their capacity to organize and prioritize work, along with their meticulous attention to detail, has been crucial in maintaining the fluidity and effectiveness of the administrative processes. In addition to her technical competence, Ms. Mehta stands out for her positive attitude and teamwork skills. Her willingness to assist others and proactive approach to problem-solving have contributed to creating a collaborative and harmonious work environment. She is always willing to go above and beyond their responsibilities, ensuring that all administrative needs are met promptly and excellently. Ms. Mehta handles interactions with families, students, and colleagues with professionalism and courtesy, always leaving a positive impression. In summary, Ms. Sarika Mehta is an exemplary professional whose contribution has been indispensable for all of us."

-Eugenia Williams, Sandburg MS

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David Kuhn, Langley HS

"Mr. Kuhn, my daughter’s AP US History teacher is incredible. Every week I hear stories of rigorous debates, enthralling class discussions, and group activities that my daughter cannot wait to share. She loves his class. I credit Mr. Kuhn with building a strong community and close culture within the walls of his room. Langley is so fortunate to have an educator like him. I hope he knows the impact he makes on a daily basis."

-Ava Walter, Great Falls ES

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Morgan Martin, Laurel Ridge ES

"Mrs. Martin works hard daily for the students and staff in the CSS program at LRES. She builds strong relationships and provides continuous support meeting all needs. Her passion for ensuring student success is evident in her interactions and commitment.

Thank you Mrs. Martin for all that you do!"

-Ashley Enright, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Alexa Scott, Chantilly HS

"As we celebrate FCPS graduating class of 2024 I wanted to give a shout out to Chantilly High School’s student counselor Mrs. Alexa Scott. Mrs. Scott is very involved in every student’s success. Mrs. Scott takes time to understand every student's interest, the college setting they are interested in and then gives very detailed feedback about the best colleges that fit the student. My child has reached out to Mrs. Scott multiple times over the past 4 years, and she has been able to answer every question and support her during her high school years & throughout the college application process. Mrs. Scott reaches out to students throughout the process. Mrs. Scott shows her passion in being a student counselor throughout a student's 4 years of high school. Mrs. Scott teaches through her passion and compassion that success is a process. Thank You Mrs. Scott!!!! You are Amazing! Chantilly High School students are LUCKY to have you as their counselor!!"

-a Chantilly HS parent

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Tonya Temple, Fort Hunt ES

"We are so very lucky to have such a wonderful reading resource teacher like Tonya Temple, but she is more than that – she has also been gracious enough to step into being a classroom teacher on our 1st grade team! Her unending patience with her students is something that I deeply admire, and her dedication towards helping her students grow as learners and individuals shows in the growth they have made this year! Thank you for all that you do for our students Tonya!"

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Ana Mack, Sandburg MS

"Ana Mack, our exceptional head Administrative Assistant and Office Manager stands out for her outstanding ability to multitask with precision and efficiency. Her skill in managing diverse responsibilities is essential for the flawless operation of our educational institution. Endowed with meticulous attention to detail, she organizes and executes each task with mastery, from effectively managing the office to providing unwavering support to the management. Ana's knowledge of FCPS organization makes it possible for any need or question to be met with a solution and a positive response. Not to mention her kind and willing character, which causes her office to always be full of people requesting her services, to whom she attends with kindness and precision. Ana´s tireless dedication and ability to tackle complex challenges make her an invaluable asset to our school community. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to exceed expectations make her a cornerstone in our educational environment."

-Eugenia Williams, Sandburg MS

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Alicia Pitarque Heishman, Sue Houde, Kathi Sheffel, Khanh Tran, Claudia McDowell, Erin Silvan, Willow Oaks Admin Center, Virginia Hills Center, Dogwood ES

"An FCPS team of professionals at Dogwood ES and in central office worked with great care, sensitivity and collaboration to quickly enroll and welcome a new kindergartner whose family has experienced significant stressors. This team MADE IT HAPPEN and the outcome was positive for everyone involved! We now have an excited new kindergarten student who has joined our FCPS family!"

-Laura Thieman, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Hardie Clifton and Dan Meridieth, Gatehouse Admin Center

"During their patrol of the Woodson HS parking lot, Officers Hardie and Meridieth demonstrated exceptional vigilance and teamwork in a critical situation. Their sharp observation skills led them to an elderly man in need of assistance near the school property, who had suffered a heat-related incident, causing him to feel dizzy, fall, and hit his head on the ground.

Without hesitation, the officers sprang into action. Officer Hardie was efficient, directing traffic precisely, while Officer Meridieth assessed the man's condition. Together, they orchestrated a seamless response, ensuring the man received the medical attention he needed.

Thanks to their sharp vigilance and coordinated efforts, the officers ensured the situation remained calm until paramedics arrived"

-Ritchie Math, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Katy Hughes, Dunn Loring EC Center

"Our experience working with Katy throughout the 23-24 school year has been nothing short of exceptional. Katy's professionalism, diligence, and thoughtfulness have consistently impressed our family. Right from the start, she proved invaluable in guiding us through the IEP meetings, ensuring that our child's goals and objectives were set up effectively.

Katy was able to foster a strong connection and trust with our child and has become one of our child's favorite teachers. Following each session, Katy provides detailed reports outlining her observations and interactions, showcasing her genuine care and dedication. It's clear that she invests not only her time but also her heart into supporting our child's development.

When faced with the decision of selecting a school for the upcoming year, Katy went above and beyond to assist us. Recognizing the urgency, she proactively arranged early IEP discussions and facilitated communication with the special education program at the associated FCPS elementary school. Her efforts were instrumental in helping us navigate this crucial decision-making process, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to our child's well-being and educational journey.

While we ultimately decided to keep our child in his current school and forego FCPS's IEP for the next school year, Katy's impact will be deeply missed. Teachers like her are a rare find, and they serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for families navigating the complexities of special education. Katy's dedication and support have left an indelible mark on our hearts, and should we ever consider returning to FCPS in the future, it would undoubtedly be because of educators like her."

-a Dunn Loring EC Center parent

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Jocelyne Smith, Westfield HS

"It has been an absolute pleasure for my daughter Maddie to have Jocelyne Smith as her French teacher for her freshman and sophomore years. Maddie decided when she entered high school that she wanted to learn French, and Mrs. Smith's teaching methods and caring, personal manner have fostered that interest and helped it bloom into a full-on obsession with the language, cultures and anything else about France and French-speaking areas of the world that Maddie encounters. Mrs. Smith clearly makes an effort to provide creative and thought-provoking opportunities for the students to learn -- for example, the students had a group project where they had to draw a house and label it with French words, and my daughter and a couple of others were allowed to build the house in Minecraft, which they really seemed to enjoy. Mrs. Smith is such a warm, positive presence -- we could tell at Back to School night as former students popped in and said hello that her influence goes beyond just her time in the classroom. The lessons Maddie has learned, both in the French language and with personal interactions, have been fundamental to her learning process this year, and we credit and thank Mrs. Smith for that."

-a Westfield HS parent

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Bryna Erickson, Lake Braddock SS

"I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for your phenomenal leadership this entire year. You've been an absolute rock for our Geometry CT! From keeping us focused and positive to navigating all the demands, school-wide and beyond, your flexibility has been truly impressive. I especially appreciate how you managed all the different requests that came our way with such grace. You are such a sharp individual, your mind is always acute and we wouldn't be right without you!"

-Joseph Wieland, Lake Braddock SS

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Ginger Albertson, Nathan Walby, Eagle View ES

"Thank you to Ms. Albertson and Mr. Walby for sharing your passion for music with the students of Eagle View Elementary School. Together, they organized a special ensemble choir for kids interested in participating in the All-County Chorus Festival. They gave up their Thursday mornings to conduct practice with the choir at 8:30 AM before school for the past several months, taught the kids songs in various languages, attended and chaperoned every on-site rehearsal, and provided the ensemble choir with the opportunity to sing in front of an Eagle View audience prior to the all-county event. My child truly enjoyed the experience and I greatly appreciate the extra time Ms. Albertson and Mr. Walby dedicated to sharing their craft. (Not to mention, Mr. Walby is also there after school helping to manage the kiss and ride line.) Their love of music and commitment to sharing that love with the students does not go unnoticed. Thank you!"

-anonymous

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Elizabeth Goodfriend, Eagle View ES

"Ms. Goodfriend is an amazing teacher. This was evident when I chaperoned during a field trip and her class was so polite and engaged, and not to mention, knew all of the answers when the tour guide asked questions. I see her after school running programs like Girls on the Run and at after school events like Art and Music Night. But I want to highlight one time in particular during Art and Music Night. As part of this event, the school held a dancing activity where kids and their parents could participate in a line dance every 20 minutes. For these types of activities to be successful, you need that one participant to bring energy and excitement and that participant was Ms. Goodfriend. I must have seen her dance in almost every round with the same amount of energy...encouraging the kids, smiling, and breaking a sweat. I want to thank Ms. Goodfriend for this energy and for sharing what I would express as pure joy with the kids."

-anonymous

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Mary Thompson, Marybel Orellana, Shelby Hammye, Derek Ryan, Marie Lemmon, Bailey's Upper ES

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the staff at Bailey’s Upper Elementary. My daughter had a rough 2nd grade year and I was concerned how third grade was going to go BUT my fears were put at ease by the amazing staff at BU. From Ms. Lemmon, who helped us and guided us to achieve a plan that worked for my daughter. Mr. Ryan and Ms. Thompson, who made themselves available when she was feeling scared, anxious or just needed support or a chat. Mr. Ryan has given her a SAFE environment and place to go if she needed to “escape” the classroom due to her overwhelming feelings. What more could a mother want for her child? Señora Orellana is kind and encouraging. She pushes herself in the Spanish language and helping her meet her potential. BUT a special thanks goes to Ms. Hammye. Ms. Hammye was a life changer for my daughter. She meets her where she is, recognizes her panic before she can even get there, has guided her AND made herself available to my daughter to help ease her mind and worries. Ms. Hammye is an incredible teacher and human being. Words can’t explain the gratitude I have for this woman. She has made a world of difference in my child’s life and for that I will forever be grateful. I was concerned with this year but this amazing group of staff members eased my mind and heart. This staff truly wants to be at BU and you can FEEL they care and love the students. I’m indebted to everyone to has helped make my daughters 3rd grade year a success! Thank you so much!"

-anonymous

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Jordyn Myers, Fort Belvoir ES

"I want to send a very special thank you to my daughter’s teacher Ms. Jordyn Myers. She has made my daughter’s first school experience in Pre-K so smooth and enjoyable. There is not a day that goes by that my kid does not brag about how much she loves Ms. Myers. It’s quite refreshing, especially because she’s an extremely emotional kid, she has blossomed into a very strong & confident student this year. I owe a special thanks to Ms. Myers for helping us as parents in the process! Thank you! My concerns about her in public school have shifted. I’m now confident she will do well wherever she goes!"

-a Fort Belvoir ES parent

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Shannon Lane, Eagle View ES

"I’m so grateful to Miss Shannon. She taught my son last year and I really appreciate what she did for him. I’m happy to have the chance to send her a gratitude message, even if it is late. My son faced difficult times in the beginning of school but she was loving and caring and more than a teacher to him. In the celebration of Teacher's Appreciation Week, I really appreciate Miss Shannon’s efforts. I truly see her as the best teacher, who can have a great effect on the kids' lives and leave sweet memories with them. I really wish her all the best. Thanks."

-an Eagle View ES parent

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Rob Paine, Kilmer MS

"Thank you to Mr. Paine for his great communication and collaboration in 8th-grade civics. He has been great in communicating ideas and strategies to ensure our daughter's success in his class. It is evident that he cares about his students and their success. THANK YOU!" 

-a Kilmer MS parent

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Daniel Noll, South Lakes HS

"Mr. Noll has inspired my son to excel at engineering. We have always thought our son would make a good engineer but after taking Intro to Engineering online during the COVID pandemic he lost interest. After some convincing, he decided to give it another try and we are so lucky he got Mr. Noll as his teacher. Mr. Noll keeps the class fun and engaging - so much so that my son often spends his lunch period there while another class is going on. Mr. Noll has also helped him to build confidence, suggesting he apply for a job at the library to help fix their 3D printers. It means so much to have a teacher see the best in your kid so he can see his own strengths. Thanks, Mr. Noll!"

-a South Lakes HS parent

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Eugenia Williams, Sandburg MS

"In my inaugural year of teaching Spanish, one individual emerged as my rock, offering unwavering support and guidance: Eugenia. Her constant inquiries about my needs, collaboration in class planning, and willingness to step into the classroom when necessary made her an invaluable mentor. 

Eugenia's dedication to my success was evident from day one. Her genuine concern for my well-being and willingness to assist me in any way possible provided me with the confidence needed to navigate the challenges of my first year with greater ease. 

Collaborating with Eugenia on class planning was a highlight of my experience. Her wealth of experience and insights enriched our lesson plans and fostered a sense of teamwork. Her willingness to share her expertise not only improved my teaching but also strengthened our professional bond. 

What truly set Eugenia apart was her willingness to go above and beyond for our students. When faced with a struggling group, she didn't hesitate to teach a lesson herself. Her ability to convey complex concepts with clarity ensured the success of the students and left a lasting impact on me. 

Eugenia's influence on my first year of teaching Spanish cannot be overstated. Her support, collaboration, and dedication have shaped me into the educator I am today. I am profoundly grateful to have Eugenia as a colleague and mentor, and I know her guidance will continue to inspire me in the years ahead."

-Monica Tatis-Phan, Sandburg MS

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Erin Dwyer, Kilmer MS

"Mrs. Dwyer has made 8th grade English a positive experience for our daughter. She makes her students feel confident and presents material in a way all students can learn. She accommodates different learning styles and sets students up for success. Thank you for all you have done this year!"

-a Kilmer MS parent

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Molly Wright, Kilmer MS

"Dr. Wright has made 8th grade science a positive experience for our daughter. She makes herself available to her students and has created an environment where our daughter is comfortable asking questions, participating, and engaging in class. She has helped our daughter grow this year from a reserved student to more of a class leader. Thank you for all you have done!"

-a Kilmer MS parent

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Gil Martinez, Lake Braddock SS

"I want to give a big shout out to Mr. Martinez who has been my daughter's teacher for 2 years now. He not only cares but really goes above and beyond for his students. He brings his passion for teaching to inspire his students. He cares about their emotional well-being and always reaches out to make sure my daughter is learning without any other stress. I greatly appreciate him."

-a Lake Braddock SS parent

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Gil Martinez and Robb Fiechtner, Lake Braddock SS

"I would like to take a moment to thank Snr. Martinez and Mr. Fiechtner for the care and support they give to their students. Both have truly been positively impactful during the most formidable years of my son's life. They foster and encourage intellectual curiosity creating an environment of critical thinking and open communication. My son comes home excited and eager to share the learning experience of the day. I think these gentlemen are phenomenal teachers who deserve to be recognized for their unwavering support to their students."

-a Lake Braddock SS parent

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Emily Phelan, Chantilly HS

"Emily Phelan is an unsung hero. The truth is, we would all be lost without her know-how and guidance. For several years, she has integrated administration and the departments in our school to create unity and cohesiveness in several domains. She offers assistance wherever she can, even if it does not directly relate to her position. I am so grateful for her endless support and comprehensive knowledge of the complicated FCPS universe."

-a Chantilly HS staff member

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Brad Healey, Canterbury Woods ES

"In a field with so many wonderful educators, Mr Healey stands out as an exceptional part of FCPS. He goes above and beyond each day to make students feel comfortable and part of the school community. As a new family at the school, my child immediately felt welcomed by Mr. Healey. On days that were tough, he was the staff member who always made him feel seen and important. Mr Healey even gives up his time to have lunch bunches with him. The impact of these lunch bunches cannot be measured, as the joy it gives my child as well as the understanding that this staff member cares so much about him will last well beyond the elementary school years. We are beyond lucky to have someone like this in our child's life. Thank you Mr. Healey for being an incredible role model and inspiring our child each day."

-a Canterbury Woods ES parent

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Caitlin Radek, Jessica Vargas, Kathleen Maturan, and Alex Dilldine, Instructional Programs Support Center, Herndon ES, and Wakefield Forest ES

"As members of the Artificial Intelligence Innovator Cohort, these educators have demonstrated exceptional leadership by sharing their experiences using the text-to-image AI feature in Adobe Express. Their contributions to an FCPS video currently in production will provide valuable insights and inspiration to colleagues across the district, highlighting the potential of this tool to enhance student expression, creativity, and learning outcomes.

Each educator thoughtfully detailed their unique journey within the cohort, offering a diverse range of perspectives on the impact of this technology on students of various grade levels and learning needs. As AI innovators, they have already made significant contributions to their school communities, and this video will further amplify their reach, empowering educators throughout FCPS to leverage AI tools for transformative educational experiences.

-Summer Johnson, Sprague Technology Center

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Kristine Baden, Wilton Woods Center

"Once she received the request, Kristine Baden quickly provided me access to Tableau and several resources to learn the application. I appreciate Kristine dropping everything from her busy day to help a new colleague. Many thanks, Kristine!"

-Alisa Shreve, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Sandy Terry, Kings Glen ES 

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional support and dedication that Ms. Terry, my daughter's special education teacher, has shown towards her education, particularly in the area of reading. I am delighted to share that my daughter has made significant strides in her reading ability under Ms. Terry's guidance. Her confidence in herself and her reading skills has noticeably improved, and this progress would not have been possible without Ms. Terry's encouragement and support."

-a Kings Glen ES parent

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Daniel Seidenberg, Willow Oaks Admin Center 

"Dan has gone above and beyond in supporting our building with our SOL scores, demonstrating a deep commitment to building capacity in other FCPS Employees and supporting student success. Dan rearranged his schedule to provide individualized support, working closely with our team to kick off a new Strategy Lab schedule that groups students and helps teachers identify SDBQs for retakes. His efforts have ensured that our students have the best possible support and resources for success in their remediation efforts.

Additionally, Dan has been instrumental in communicating our building's needs to his OSS team, leading to the development of processes and spreadsheets that have greatly benefited our teachers. His willingness to listen and his proactive approach has made a significant impact on our ability to effectively use data to support student learning.

Dan's dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit make him a true asset to our school community. We are incredibly grateful for his hard work and support.

Thank you, Dan, for all that you do!"

-Brianna Luca, Sandburg MS

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Gary Robinson, Springfield Estates ES

"At Springfield Estates, I am greeted with a smiling face every morning, no matter the weather by our custodian, Gary Robinson. No matter what he is doing, he will take the time to check in on staff and students. Additionally, he completes each of his tasks with a smile on his face. He exudes positive energy and outlook to everyone he encounters. He works tirelessly to ensure that all of our needs are met at school. Mr. Robinson truly loves his job and does it with joy. Mr. Robinson goes above and beyond simply ensuring our school runs efficiently. I am so happy to have him at my school."

-an anonymous Springfield Estates ES Staff Member

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Brianna Cole, Eagle View ES

"Ms. Brianna M. Cole is an outstanding teacher with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development. She has a natural ability to connect with her students and create a positive learning environment. Ms. Bri is highly regarded for her innovative teaching methods, patience, and focus on promoting positive behavior and social skills among her students. Her commitment to her students is unwavering, and she goes above and beyond to ensure that each child receives the attention and support they need to succeed. Ms. Cole's prompt communication while managing the entire class is remarkable. She is the favorite of all her students in the class. We are fortunate to have her in our class, as the student has made significant progress under her guidance."

-an Eagle View ES parent

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Courtney McPhie, Centreville HS

"Thank you for sharing your time and expertise in developing standards, benchmarks, and indicators for the LGBTQ+ Perspectives in Literature course. Your perspective as a leader and an instructor in this course is invaluable, and we are grateful you chose to share your experiences. Teachers and students will benefit from your work, as they will now have clearly defined skills accessible through Schoology and Performance Matters. Thank you again for your willingness to participate."

-Sharon Dickens and Stacey Kiggins, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Seth LeBlanc, McLean HS

"Thank you for sharing your time and expertise in developing standards, benchmarks, and indicators for the LGBTQ+ Perspectives in Literature course. Your perspective as a leader and an instructor in this course is invaluable, and we are grateful you chose to share your experiences. Teachers and students will benefit from your work, as they will now have clearly defined skills accessible through Schoology and Performance Matters. Thank you again for your willingness to participate."

-Sharon Dickens and Stacey Kiggins, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Jenny Le, Lake Braddock SS

"Thank you for sharing your time and expertise in developing standards, benchmarks, and indicators for the LGBTQ+ Perspectives in Literature course. Your perspective as a leader and an instructor in this course is invaluable, and we are grateful you chose to share your experiences. Teachers and students will benefit from your work, as they will now have clearly defined skills accessible through Schoology and Performance Matters. Thank you again for your willingness to participate."

-Sharon Dickens and Stacey Kiggins, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Jessica Pullis, Edison HS

"Thank you for sharing your time and expertise in developing standards, benchmarks, and indicators for the LGBTQ+ Perspectives in Literature course. Your perspective as a leader and an instructor in this course is invaluable, and we are grateful you chose to share your experiences. Teachers and students will benefit from your work, as they will now have clearly defined skills accessible through Schoology and Performance Matters. Thank you again for your willingness to participate."

-Sharon Dickens and Stacey Kiggins, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Russ Wright and McLean Wilson, Sprague Technology Center

"Shout out to the two TSSPecs who keep Willow Oaks in top form - MacLean Wilson and Russ Wright! They are responsive to requests for help, quick to explain how to manage any technology changes coming our way, and get us back up and running as quickly as possible. They go above and beyond, and I am grateful for their support. Thanks, MacLean and Russ!"

-Andrea Martin, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Nan Curran, Gatehouse Admin Center

"I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU!!! to Nan Curran. Nan and her team do a phenomenal job of making sure schools are taken care of when it comes to using credit cards for expenses and travel. Our teacher-club sponsor for the TSA (Technology Student Association) recently traveled to a competition in Hampton, VA, and was very grateful for the ease of using the credit cards.

I had equipped the teacher with a copy of her Procurement Card Employee Acknowledgement Disclosure form, told her to have her staff ID on her person, and if needed, a copy of the tax exemption certificate.

By emailing Nan ahead of time-Nan was able to notify the credit card company of the upcoming expenses. This allowed our teacher not to worry while being able to pay for expenses for rooms and food for the 35 students participating in the competition."

-Karen Bryan, Mount Vernon HS

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Natalie Albers, Newington Forest ES 

"Miss Albers is by far one of the best teachers at NFES. Thank you for hanging out with my daughter at recess sometimes. This has made her more confident, more outgoing and so very happy! She comes home with a burst of energy and is very excited to share her day with her family!"

-a Newington ES parent

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Gil Martinez, Lake Braddock SS

"Sr. Martinez has been an incredibly important figure for our family this year. Our son was new to Lake Braddock this year and new to the area. The transition was incredibly difficult. He felt isolated in a sea of students. Sr. Martinez communicated with us frequently and soon learned of our son's struggles. He has regularly reached out and checked in with us about his School performance, attitude, and progress, even letting us know when he seems to be making friends, or appears to be happy and adjusting. These communications have been very important and helpful. We appreciate Mr. Martinez going the extra mile and showing that he cares."

-a Lake Braddock SS family

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Shetha Baez, Irving Middle School

"I cannot say enough good things about what Ms. Baez has done for my daughter this year. She has really gone above and beyond to help my daughter to be successful in math. Despite the fact that she is working an extended contract she has dedicated a lot of time to helping my daughter understand math concepts and reteaching her things over and over again, until she gets it. She has communicated with me regularly about my daughter's progress and struggles. I know that most teachers would have gotten fed up and given up on my daughter long ago, but Ms. Baez has continued to try and reach out and give my daughter new opportunities to learn the material and demonstrate her knowledge. This year has been a big transition as this is my child's first year in middle school and first year with an IEP. We're still trying to hit on the right support to help her, and Ms. Baez has been communicative, flexible, and patient as we work through finding accommodations to help my daughter be successful. I really feel like I have a true teammate in helping my daughter with a subject she struggles with and could not have asked for a better teacher than Ms. Baez. Thank you, Ms. Baez:)."

-an Irving MS parent

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Anna Veltri, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Ms. Veltri and I met at a career fair for students at Cedar Lane School and it was pretty close to instantly I could tell she passionately cared about students and their future job prospects. Her personal enthusiasm for helping high schoolers with soft job skills and networking is evident. The career event, which she organized, engaged students with employers from diverse sectors and she was active in ensuring the young people asked their questions and received information from prospective workplaces. Anna is positive with a big smile!"

-a Cedar Lane School parent

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Jenny Murphy, Frost MS

"Jenny Murphy goes above and beyond when it comes to building relationships with students and creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom. For starters, she likes to send postcards to ALL her new students, welcoming them to the class! Several of my students (some of whom have strong negative feelings surrounding school) have mentioned what a difference it made with starting a new subject area. She recently sent cards and notes to a student who was absent for over 2 weeks. When this student returned to school, her class was the first one he attended and, due to her support, it went splendidly (including baking cookies for his classmates, helping to lessen the awkwardness of returning after such a long absence). This is just a small example of how Jenny creates a welcoming and inclusive environment. She is willing to collaborate with special education teachers and modify assignments and take extra time with individual students to help them be successful. FACS is such a popular class that has unfortunately been a struggle for many students who need a little extra support (which is difficult to provide when you're using hot stoves and sewing machines in a packed classroom), but Jenny makes it look easy. Recently, one of my students had a particularly rough day, ending with FACS, and needed some of this extra support. Jenny showed extraordinary patience and was able to find some time to help this student. Her patience made a huge difference in his day, and he commented on how special and unexpected this was for him (and really helped him end on a positive note)."

-Mindy String, Frost MS

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Joseph Denti, Keene Mill ES

"Dr. Joseph Denti is the kind of educator that a young person runs across, if he or she is very fortunate, perhaps only once or twice in a lifetime--and I told my child as much as we drove home from the end-of-the-year band concert at West Springfield High School last night. It is not hyperbole to compare Dr. Denti to the likes of composer-turned-teacher, Glen Holland, whose life story was brilliantly portrayed in the eponymous film, "Mr. Holland's Opus." Dr. Denti’s personality and passion for music are equally as robust and rich and inspiring. Dr. Denti transforms the minds of his young students and causes them to think differently of themselves. Indeed, the children on stage last night--many of whom I have known for many years--literally *looked* different to me as they performed. Their young faces appeared suddenly graceful, mature, engaged, somehow older, and imbued with a confidence which would normally be reserved for far more experienced and sophisticated performers. 

Dr. Denti has exceptionally high expectations for his students and yet, again and again, I have witnessed him bring these children together to create cohesive, exciting, and moving pieces. He encourages them to take risks and to believe in themselves. Since the beginning of the school year, there have been several nights when neighborhood children who, like my child, are also students of Dr. Denti's, have come over with their various band instruments and had extemporaneous jam sessions on our deck in the evenings. These young people want to succeed because they know their teacher wants them to succeed and they, in turn, want to see him succeed, as well. His joy and enthusiasm for the children and his subject matter are ineffable. Dr. Denti creates a synergy among these children that is so inspiring it nearly brings me to tears. 

I am so deeply grateful my child was afforded the opportunity to be taught by such a masterful teacher and decent human being. Every child deserves at least one “Dr. Denti” on their journey to adulthood. 

Finally, I am thankful to the administrators, as well, who are clearly staunchly supportive of Dr. Denti and the other very fine educators in the music program at Keene Mill Elementary School."

-a Keene Mill ES parent

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Natalie Duncan, Irving MS

"Ms. Duncan is one of my daughter's favorite people at Irving Middle School. She makes lunchtime fun with music and trivia, and her after-school programming is essential for families that need a safe space for their middle schoolers to be in the afternoons. Most of all, Ms. Duncan has made my daughter feel welcome. At the end of 7th grade, she gave her a Character Award certificate, which meant the world to her. My daughter also loves to spend time chatting and just hanging out with Ms. Duncan in the bus loop while waiting for her late bus to arrive. It is one of the things she will miss the most about Irving as she moves on to high school. Thank you for everything, Ms. Duncan!"

-an Irving MS parent

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Missie O'Neal, Anne Vogel, Werner Thom, Mina Cho, and Pedro Rivera, Fairview Park

"I would like to recognize the tireless work Melissa O'Neal has put in to implement our DROP program. Building it was not easy and she looked at all aspects that were needed to support our members. She, along with Anne Vogel, Mina Cho, Werner Thom, and Pedro Rivera, deserve to be recognized for their outstanding effort in this program with a very quick turnaround. No stone was left unturned, and we are ready to serve our members with the excellent care they have come to know because of this team"

-Michele Anwyll, Fairview Park 

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Brian Shields, Cardinal Forest ES

"Mr. Brian Shields is the kind of teacher that kids hope to have. I know my son was hoping he had Mr. Shields from the time he was in 2nd grade! We had not even finished the school year but my son was looking ahead. I now understand why he was so hopeful to have Mr. Shields as his teacher.

Mr. Shields is patient, caring, and attentive, and partners with parents to ensure students have everything they need. Mr. Shields intentionally carves time out of his day to call parents for support or to share positive news. Mr. Shields also maintains high expectations of his students and wants them to become owners of their education. For example, students are encouraged to review all their weekly assignments that are sent home in their Tuesday folder. On EVERY assignment, Mr. Shields has provided feedback for his students to see. This takes an incredible amount of time, as he handwrites, “AMAZING!” or “Great work!” My son’s eagerness to learn, achieve, and expand on his written ideas has increased tenfold this school year. Mr. Shields sets the bar high in his classroom and the students have a profound desire to not only reach it - but go beyond it!

In addition, Mr. Shields has helped my son develop a love of reading. Unfortunately, virtual learning dampened my son’s interest in books, much to my dismay. This in turn impacted his reading assessment scores. From the beginning of school to January, my son made 275% of the expected growth on his iReady! Mr. Shields sent me an e-mail to celebrate this incredible progress. My son is more confident in his reading abilities and enjoys diving into a book!

While I am grateful that my son has had Mr. Shields this school year, I am also writing this as a fellow FCPS Colleague, as many of his former students are on my caseload as a counselor. Mr. Shields is a celebrity in the Region 4 community. One particular student, who had the fortune of having Mr. Shields in 2nd and 4th grades, wrote her college essay about the impact of a lesson Mr. Shields did in his classroom. This single lesson on prefixes has resonated with her throughout her entire educational journey. It was in his classroom that she began developing a stronger sense of the world around her. She was able to realize her potential, recognize her strengths, and develop confidence as a first-generation college-bound student. Mr. Shields went above and beyond to attend her senior night at West Springfield High School. What an extraordinary teacher! His impact has impacted students for many years and he continues to be a prominent figure in the hearts and minds of his students. Mr. Shields is an asset to FCPS, Cardinal Forest Elementary, and all who have had the distinct privilege of calling him their teacher. Thank you for all you do, Mr. Shields!"

-a Cardinal Forest ES parent

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Kaitlin Kaplewicz, Rolling Valley ES

"I would like to recognize Ms. Kaplewicz this year for all of her wonderful attributes and in particular, her calming presence. I have seen the way she lowers her voice to get the attention of her class instead of raising it. I have also seen how she thoughtfully addresses each student's concerns and questions even if they are redundant or silly. Her patience is extremely admirable and I believe the children thrive in her presence. She also goes above and beyond when I have a concern at school. Her immediate validation and problem-solving are very much appreciated and noticed. We are lucky to have Ms. K in our lives and wish her an awesome career ahead at Rolling Valley."

-a Rolling Valley ES parent

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Anna Markel, Rolling Valley ES

"Ms. Markel has now taught two of my children at Rolling Valley and I feel incredibly blessed to have her in our lives. Each time I see her, Ms. Markel is smiling, calm, and unfazed. I marvel at her ability to address all students calmly even if three are talking at a time, mere inches away from her face. She is a great communicator, promptly responding to e-mails and sending information out as soon as she can – ranging from minor incidents that occurred at school or what day of the ABC countdown it is. She has even sent pictures and videos of my children partaking in activities and that means the world to me. I highly admire how organized Ms. Markel is. She doesn’t miss a thing. I often wonder how she has enough hours in the day to accomplish so much. This year in particular, I’ve had to work with Ms. Markel closely on a few difficult situations. She has gone above and beyond in validating my concerns, showing grace, and problem-solving with me. She has a wealth of ideas for any situation I’ve brought up with her. I could go on and on about what a positive impact Ms. Markel has had on our family, but suffice it to say, we love her!"

-a Rolling Valley ES parent

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Yasmine Bachmann, Stonecroft Transporation

"Yasmine Bachmann is absolutely stunning; she is a hard worker, punctual, kind, patient, and very sweet to our preschool students. She goes above and beyond every day to ensure students' comfort and safety. For a while, she worked without an assistant, and despite this immense challenge, she never complained and worked hard with a warm smile on her face. Thank you, Yasmine! We are blessed to have you!"

-Nahla Eltaher, Crossfield ES

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Dana Calamito, Lake Braddock SS

"I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your incredible leadership throughout the recent SOL remediation process and the long long school year. Your ability to coordinate everything so effectively was truly impressive. Your efforts in pulling together the data and organizing the remediation materials were invaluable. I especially appreciate your collaborative approach during each CT meeting. You fostered a great environment where everyone felt comfortable contributing, and your guidance throughout the process was spot-on. I'm truly grateful that you are here at LBSS and can't wait to continue working with you next year!"

-Sarah Olson, Lake Braddock SS

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Jennifer Frantz, Lake Braddock SS

"I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your outstanding leadership throughout this entire school year. Your dedication to our Algebra team has been truly remarkable. You kept our team moving forward with such focus and positivity. Your ability to navigate the various demands, from school to county, while remaining flexible was incredibly impressive. I especially appreciate your willingness to accommodate all the different requests that came our way. The time and effort you put into remediating students during WIN and pulling together resources to ensure their success was invaluable. You created a supportive environment where everyone felt empowered to contribute, and your guidance throughout the year was nothing short of exceptional. 

Thanks to your leadership, our Algebra team thrived. I'm incredibly grateful to have worked alongside you this year."

-Sarah Olson, Lake Braddock SS

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Margaret Wickham, Liberty MS

"I am so impressed with the staff at Liberty Middle School and especially the librarian, Margaret Wickham. My daughter has had such a wonderful 7th grade experience this year and the dinner conversation usually revolves around the library. She has participated in so many activities and programs sponsored by the library and it has made such a positive impact on her middle school experience. The library has offered games, crafting, and, of course, new reading opportunities. Ms. Wickham implemented a book selection and delivery service and my daughter was so excited to receive so new book recommendations. Middle school is such a difficult time for many students and I am so grateful to Ms. Wickham for making the library a place of joy and belonging. Thank you!"

-a Liberty MS parent

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Dee Laucevicius, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Dee Laucevicius (Carole) is phenomenal. She’s always been a caring and professional person, who has always stepped up to a challenge. Lately, I have been having radio issues, which is a safety concern. She took ownership, immediately fixed the problem, and explained how it happened. Thank you Dee as am grateful!"

-Michael Ross, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Cynthia Gavin, Lake Braddock SS

"Ms Gavin, really is very nice and always helps out when we need help, and is really funny and is always very kind towards students."

-a Lake Braddock SS student

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Claudia Caballero, Bryant High School

"Ms. Melisa (Claudia) Caballero came in to work extra, extra early to help set everything up for our Teacher Appreciation event. Her willingness to assist co-workers, without even being asked, is truly appreciated. She is always one of the first to step up and support her team members. We can always count on Ms. Caballero and are grateful to her at Bryant High School."

-anonymous colleague, Bryant HS

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Jennifer Stockburger, Orange Hunt ES

"While our eldest child was preparing to enter Kindergarten in the summer of 2023, he was understandably filled with a multitude of BIG emotions. Like many children, our child does not adapt well to change and naturally takes a little time to conform to a shift in his day-to-day schedule. He was overwhelmed with the idea of riding a new bus (although was equally excited), making new friends, learning how to navigate the hallways of a big school, eating in the cafeteria, and needing to ride another bus for aftercare once school concluded. As much as we attempted to prepare him for this *big next step*, he remained apprehensive and cautious.

Knowing his personality the best, we were anxious to learn who his Kindergarten teacher would be and wondered whether she would be able to meet his needs and create a space for his personality to flourish. Within the first week, Mrs. Stockburger exceeded every expectation we could have had. If there was ever a person more perfectly suited to earning the title of “Kindergarten teacher,” it is most certainly her. She is loving, kind, generous with her time, and beyond patient. She has made us as parents feel seen and heard on many occasions during the school year. She has built a relationship with our child on a foundation of trust and has allowed for him to consequentially trust the other administrators he has encountered during his time at OH. Mrs. Stockburger is often the subject around our dinner table because our child absolutely loves her. Aside from feeling loved, our child has excelled academically under her and her trusted IA, Ms. Reed. Together, they have created an atmosphere in the classroom that is centered around fun and a curiosity for learning.

Our family could not have asked for a greater teacher in our son’s life as he embarks on his public school journey! Mrs. Stockburger has been a true blessing to us, but especially to our child. She deserves to feel so much appreciation this week as she pours everything she has into her students daily. Thank you for all that you do, Mrs. Stockburger! It certainly does not go unnoticed! 😊"

-an Orange Hunt ES parent

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Jennifer Betten, Michael Vam Wambeke, Diane Rogers, Ellen Bickford, Emily Carmichael, Emily Howard, Meghan Saladino, and Megan McKnight, Johnson MS, Longfellow MS, Lake Braddock SS, South County MS, and Carson MS

"Thank you, Meghan McKnight for your tireless work organizing the year-long reading event for middle schools, Battle of the Books. She is a true leader in literacy, and has organized the competition for the last five years! Battle of the Books was held at Lake Braddock Secondary on April 25, with 14 middle school clubs of readers competing in a book trivia contest. This event gives a home to a very special group of FCPS students: voracious, competitive readers who work as a team to read 16 books and study all year long. Meghan is also extremely supportive of librarians who are new to the competition. I'd also like to thank librarians Emily Howard, her partner librarian at South County, Jenny Betten for her co-leadership sharing games and resources; Meghan Saladino and Emily Carmichael for reading every book and double-checking questions and answers; and Mike Van Wambeke and Diane Rogers for all the organization at setup at LBSS. In addition, thanks to Ellen Bickford for spreading the joy and bringing this competition to new schools, and welcoming them! Congratulations to each middle school librarian and teacher co-sponsor who supported this fantastic event all year!"

-Debbie Scott, Herndon MS

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Sharon Santo Domingo and Abby Taylor, Centre Ridge ES

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you at the preschool, especially to Ms. Sharon and Ms. Abby. You're both amazing with the kids in pre-school. The way you treat them with patience, calmness, and kindness is truly special. Every day, you create such a warm and caring atmosphere in your classroom. You make sure each child feels happy and excited to learn. Your patience and calmness help the kids feel safe and confident, which is so important for their learning. My child loves being in your class, and it's easy to see why. You both make learning fun and enjoyable for them. And I really appreciate how you always respond to our emails and texts so quickly. It means a lot to know that you're there to help with any questions or concerns we have. Thank you, Ms. Sharon, Ms. Abby, and the whole team, for all your hard work and dedication. You're making such a positive difference in the lives of our little ones, and we're so grateful for everything you do."

-a Centre Ridge ES parent

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Shyla Somayyajula, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Shyla is an invaluable member of the HR technology and data team, known for her careful, thoughtful, and efficient work ethic, consistently delivering data promptly. Her keen eye for trends and seamless coordination with other offices ensure strategic data utilization across the organization. Undoubtedly, she is a good friend to have in the office, embodying reliability and excellence."

-Diana Ree-Reeder, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Allison Hoak, Daniela Wiseman, Lisa Lujan, Marcie Cohen, Melissa Hughes, Veronica Pereira, Cunningham Park ES

"I recently went in for an LSC meeting for my son and was amazed at the process and professionalism shown by the ladies in the room. I had no prior experience with how the meeting would go, but I was given the time to talk about my child and say everything that I needed to. I was even late and we were running over, but never felt rushed. The team was extremely prepared, they read his report that I sent in advance and had suggestions to help him. It was evident that all the people in the room really cared for my son. I have the utmost gratitude for these staff members at Cunningham Park and greatly appreciate all they do for their students."

-a Cunningham Park ES parent

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Kendall Baker, Bailey's Upper ES

"Ms. Baker is one of our 4th-grade teachers. She builds strong relationships with her students, families, and staff. She is a valued member of her team and is always willing to try new approaches to support her students. She is flexible and always available to support her team members and other staff in the building. Her commitment to our school and students doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you, Ms. Baker, for everything you do for our school, we appreciate you!"

-Tricia Wayland, Bailey's Upper ES

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Hugo Duran, Bailey's Upper ES

"Mr. Duran is one of our Special Education Teachers who works on the 5th grade team. He has been a part of the Bailey’s community for years. He builds strong relationships with his students, families, and staff. He is a valued member of the 5th-grade and special education teams and is always willing to try new approaches to support his students. He is flexible and always available to support his team members and other staff members in the building. His commitment to our school and students doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you Mr. Duran for everything you do for our school, we appreciate you!"

-Tricia Wayland, Bailey's Upper ES

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Malik Wyatt, Bailey's Upper ES

"Mr. Wyatt is a first-year teacher at Bailey’s Upper ES working as an Enhanced Autism teacher. This year Mr. Wyatt has built strong relationships with his students as well as students he doesn’t teach daily. He is a valued member of the Bailey’s Upper community. His commitment to our school and students doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you Mr. Wyatt for everything you do for our school, we appreciate you!"

-Tricia Wayland, Bailey's Upper ES

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Evelyn Valladares, Bailey's Upper ES

"Ms. Valladares is a valued member of the Bailey’s Upper community. This year, Ms. Valladares is new to our team as an ESOL teacher. She builds strong relationships with the students she supports and her colleagues. She is flexible and always available to support her team members and other staff members in the building. Her commitment to our school and students doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you Ms. Valladares for everything you do for our school, we appreciate you!

-Tricia Wayland, Bailey's Upper ES

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Deborah Schrank and Elizabeth Egbert, Halley ES

"As a mom of a student with special needs, it was an emotional transition to have my daughter placed in the Class-Based Program. I was nervous about her in every single aspect. But having Beth Egbert and Debbie Schrank as my daughter's teachers has been amazing. My daughter has a developmental delay, which ultimately led to many different emotional outbursts and many sleepless nights because she could not regulate her emotions. But knowing my daughter was in good hands during the day, put my mind at ease. They taught her and provided her with the tools for success. How to self-advocate, how to take deep breaths if needed, and most importantly how to interact with others. It has completely changed my daughter's young life to have these two amazing adults by her side. Her emotional outbursts have lessened, her communication has grown tremendously, and she has even begun interacting with peers (familiar and unfamiliar). We never could’ve imagined this before starting preschool with them. It has provided my family with so many opportunities because she has the tools to succeed in new environments and has given my daughter an amazing boost at having the best life possible. Each day she says that they are her best buds, and that she loves them so much. Words cannot describe the gratitude I have for them."

-a Halley ES parent

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Mary Spage, Laurel Ridge ES

"I would like to recognize this week being Teacher Appreciation Week to one of my daughter's teachers, who has shown me on 2 occasions the care and concern not only for my daughter Agustina, but for the rest of her students. Last week through an email called "Thoughts about SOL" she once again showed us her care and encouraged us to make sure we tell our children the immeasurable value they have. Thank you, Mrs. Spage for all you do for our Kids."

-a Laurel Ridge ES parent

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Kara Payne, Johnson MS

"This week is staff appreciation week, but this is to appreciate Kara Payne who does so much for our staff. She made everyone feel so special this Monday morning by hand-engraving tumblers with everyone’s last name on them. She had to cut all the stencils, apply a chemical peel, and wipe them off. Her hard work is appreciated and noticed by all. This is just one of the many things she has helped with to prepare for staff appreciation week. She did this to appreciate the staff, but we appreciate her even more. We love you, Kara!"

-Bradford Allen, Johnson MS

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Brennan McQuillen, Fort Hunt ES

"Brennan is an integral part of the music department here at Fort Hunt Elementary. His passion for music is contagious and that’s why our school’s chorus always does a fantastic job. He advocates for our students by making sure they have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits music can bring into their lives. I am happy to have him as my Lead Mentor partner as well as my Kiss and Ride partner. Thank you, Brennan!!"

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Gill Martinez, Lake Braddock SS

"Sr. Martinez goes above and beyond in fully communicating with the parents. He makes himself available via text and email and is prompt in his replies. His classroom is a place where all students feel safe. He has worked with my student to make sure she has felt safe this year and to meet her where she was at emotionally, understanding that sometimes a child is not able to perform their best in school due to outside pressures."

-a Lake Braddock SS parent

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Gill Martinez, Lake Braddock SS

"Sr. Martinez has done so much for my daughter's learning. I can tell he genuinely cares about the education of his students, assigning great practice tools and thorough lessons. Spanish is such a difficult subject to teach as it’s hard to grasp the concepts of conjugation, preterite, etc, but Sr. Martinez makes sure his students understand these concepts. The amount of time and work he must put into his job, considering in SIS he has over 40 assignments graded is astounding. Thank you very much, Sr. Martinez, for everything you do for my daughter!!"

-a Lake Braddock SS parent

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Nicole Fisher, Cardinal Forest ES

Mrs. Nicole Fisher has made a tremendous impact on my son’s life. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to share just how remarkable she truly is.

At the beginning of the school year, Ms. Fisher contacted me directly to learn how she could make my son’s school year a great one. After our conversation, I knew my son would have an incredible 2nd-grade year. I knew he would thrive in her classroom. Academically, socially, and emotionally, Nicole has consistently met my child where he is but also has pushed him to new levels. He is more confident with his academics and loves going to school.

From day one, my son has felt immensely cared for and supported. She has been a warm face to greet him each day, he enjoys their banter about sports (even when he trash talks her beloved Eagles!), and she serves as his cheerleader as he tackles difficult tasks. For example, after completing his first two-step number story using an open number line strategy, she sent me a celebratory message on Talking Points so I knew. She said, “Today was a magical day of learning! I seriously almost cried because I am so proud of him.” This is one of many times that Nicole has reached out to share these moments of learning with me.

This year my son was diagnosed with ADHD and qualified for an IEP. Before finalizing the IEP (a lengthy process), Nicole was already providing services and accommodations to help him. She knew how he learned best and simply gave him the support he needed without being told or prompted by a legal document. Nicole’s early interventions helped me share valuable information about my son's strengths and areas for growth that were instrumental to the diagnostic process. She also helped the school team craft a strong IEP that will continue to set my son up for success in the years to come. In the initial IEP, the school team was celebrating because of the growth he had made as a result of her support. This is a testament to her quality teaching and the intentional efforts she makes to ensure her students learn.

My son will move mountains for anyone he has a relationship with inside his school building - and he is fortunate to have many amazing adults at Cardinal Forest that he can go to for just about anything! But without a doubt, my son would go to the moon and back for Nicole Fisher! I am eternally grateful for her role in his life, as it has only set a strong foundation for his future. My son is the luckiest kid to have her as his teacher and I couldn’t be more grateful for her. Thank you for making a difference!

-an FCPS parent

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Consuelo Bachelet, Lake Anne ES

"We have been incredibly lucky to have Sra. Bachelet teach our son and daughter. She is a caring and knowledgeable educator, who goes above and beyond in her dedication to enriching the students’ experiences and the school community. She has taken her passion for gardening and the environment and fostered amazing programs at Lake Anne. She organizes and spends Saturday mornings working alongside families to create and expand multiple gardens at the school. She runs the Eco School club and facilitates students’ learning and growth through environmentally friendly actions, like recycling projects, collecting compost at lunch, and an after-school gardening club. Additionally, she has found grants and made connections with local master gardeners to support the program and provide the students with even more resources and opportunities to learn. Her encouragement this year has really sparked our daughter’s interest in science, gardening, and helping her community!"

-a Lake Anne ES parent

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Arlyncia Pina, Franconia ES

"Mrs. Pina consistently goes above and beyond for her students. She truly has a heart of gold and a genuine desire to help her students achieve success in their goals. We had concerns about our daughter, and she assisted us in getting the help we need. We felt seen as parents and her communication is impeccable. Mrs. Pina advocates for her students and you can tell she cares so much about them. Our daughter raves about Mrs. Pina! She has made such great leaps in her reading journey, thanks to Mrs. Pina and all the supporting staff at Franconia. We could not put into words how thankful we are for Mrs. Pina and her unwavering support for our child. Kudos to you, Mrs. Pina!"

-a Franconia ES parent

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Keyanna Williams, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Keyanna Williams is a world class web curator who was critical to the success of the 2024 Family Summit. In addition to utilizing her web design skills and accessibility knowledge, she was kind, flexible, and patient with all the parties involved. She followed up to ensure that the website was finished and did so in a quick and professional manner. We could not have done this work without Keyanna and she is a gem that everyone should know about!"

-Diana Ree-Reeder, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Tanya Stanley, Terraset ES

"Ms. Stanley is the Orchestra teacher at Terraset ES. She does an amazing job with her students. She challenges them with difficult music, while also having fun. My child works hard for her because of the relationship she develops with her students and the confidence she has in them. My child is learning more than just how to play the violin from Ms. Stanley!"

-a Terraset ES parent

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Ruby Brown, Stone MS

"I wanted to take a moment to recognize Ruby Brown, Algebra teacher at Stone Middle School. I really appreciate the communication she delivers to the parents and to the students. She shows that she really cares about the success of her students. I have had 3 children of mine who have had her as a teacher and they all go on to say that she's really a great one. For a middle schooler, this is huge. I know her schedule is busy, but to she that she really takes the time to deliver progress notifications and messages about upcoming tests/study sessions is really valuable information to a parent who also has a busy schedule. And for a student, having a teacher who is able to communicated well with you is a big deal. She's doing a great job and the school is lucky to have her!"

-a Stone MS parent

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Jenna Murgia, Cunningham Park ES

"I wanted to take a quick moment to acknowledge how skilled and diligent Jenna Murgia is at her job. She brings amazing lessons to our rooms and teaches in a clear and engaging way. She reaches out to us each month to schedule lessons without us even having to ask her. In addition, holy cow, is she on top of providing enrichment opportunities for our students. Again, without us even asking her for ideas or help, she drops an enrichment activity into our math lessons every day. When we do ask for help, such as for Jacob’s Ladder ideas, she provides us the materials that enable students to work independently and puts them into our Schoology so all we have to do is tell students to look for them. Amazing. She also pulls a math enrichment group once a week for our high math students. Finally, she has been taking an unprecedented amount of parent meetings related to level 4 (and, presumably, level 3) services, placements, and appeals. This is all only for second grade, which seems almost a full-time job right now, and I know she supports the other grade levels with just as much, if not more, support. We have a real gem with Jenna. I should also mention that Jenna started with us in January, and dove in head first!"

-Elena Heyer, Cunningham Park ES

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