FCPS CARES - November 2024
To recognize an employee with an FCPS Cares, please visit our submission page.
To view past submissions, please visit our previous submissions page.
Maurice Hirsh, South Lakes HS
"As a former colleague and from a current parent perspective...Maurice is a bright spot in the SLHS community. He has a kindness about him that radiates into his interactions with students and staff. Last year was Maurice's first year at SLHS. It's always hard to be the new person, but he fit right in. Working with him in our sub-school, I was able to learn by his example. I was able to look at challenges from a different perspective and approach interactions differently. The patience that he showed with his "new" batch of students was amazing. He quickly became the "go-to" person for many of them, including some that weren't even assigned to him. Maurice is fluent in Spanish. I am not. As an ESOL counselor, that is an important aspect of his job. Many of the students would come into the our office needing assistance when he wasn't available. He helped me to begin to learn simple phrases that would help me in assuring that the students would feel comfortable communicating their need in his absence. He encouraged me and quizzed me on my knowledge, helping to build my confidence. From a parent perspective, he was wonderful with my own student. She would wait for me to finish my day and Maurice would always engage her in conversation about school and outside of school activities. Over the course of a few weeks, she became overly anxious about her Reading SOL for grade 11. She was stressing over it and Maurice would talk her through it. She passed it, undoubtedly in part from advice he gave her. She came to share the news and he was just as excited as she was. She felt seen and appreciated the care that he showed her. He made her feel like her stress and anxiety were not "silly teenager normalcy" but validated that even as grown-ups we feel that, too. She still talks about Mr. Hirsch's kindness. SLHS is so lucky to have him!"
-Melissa LaBare, Herndon MS
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Jenny Murphy, Frost MS
"My interactions with Jenny Murphy have been limited. This is probably a good thing. The more I worked with her, the longer this message would become. Her animation, social skills, and tendency to go the extra mile are off the charts. If I was in her class consistently, this message could end up being ten-plus paragraphs, and readers would collapse in exhaustion... Being serious, though, she is amazing. The first evidence I saw of this: the way she transformed the bathroom. School bathrooms tend to run from antiseptic to heinous. They're places you need to go but never anywhere you want to be. Jenny changed that with festive decorations, scents, and messages. She turned the lavatory between the two art rooms into a third art room. Each holiday and season seem to bring a whole different theme. At the moment, it's "Happy Fall Y'all." This means apple-honey soap to wash our hands, several multi-color 'leaves,' and 21 messages on poster paper from staff members sharing their favorite thing about fall. Arguably the most impressive aspect of the room is that, as far I know, no one prompted her to do it. It wasn't a Social Committee agenda item or admin directive; it was all Jenny. The opening of the first day supporting a student in Jenny's afternoon class was remarkable. The flow from a just-for-fun flavor-of-gum warmup question into the main lesson was seamless. Every student was engaged and intent to share answers. This includes several students who could have starred in The Breakfast Club, if every actor played the role of Judd Nelson. When these particular students moved into individual kitchens, inevitable misbehavior started. One quick reminder, though, and it was back on task. One student in particular, who I was not sure was physically capable of apologizing, said sorry without prompting. The final indication the first day that Jenny had it all made me laugh out loud. Seamless as it was, the warmup had one minor thing missing. She got gum flavor answers from all the students, mentioned her own, and moved on. It wasn’t a big deal, but for someone so committed to community, it felt off. Then, incredibly, five minutes later, in the middle of another topic, she said, “Oh, wait, Mr. Verbicar, I’m sorry. What was your gum flavor?” HA! She read my mind and made my day. I can't remember what I said as my flavor, what anyone else said, and what students then made in kitchens. I remember how Jenny Murphy made me feel, and everyone else feel, and that’s what matters."
-Colin Verbicar, Frost MS
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Megan Fowle, Frost MS
"A 2018 Cuemath study indicated that 89 percent of parents feel that math is the hardest subject their children study. A 2011 A-to-Z Teachers survey indicated that 41 percent of teachers think math is the hardest subject to teach, 12 points higher than the number two answer. If you Google the topic, the most entries on the first page mention math, by a 3 to 1 margin. How lucky then that Megan Fowle is there for Frost students. Megan is far from a pushover -- she is no shrinking violet. Any student thinks they are going to slack off, goof off, or get away with less than their best in math will soon think again. Students genuinely like and respect her though. She's tough but fair, and can give and take jokes. A surplus of ramen may partially explain her class bringing a record 421 items for a food drive, but only partially. On quizzes, tests, and beyond, they want to perform for her. It's the reason she was once chosen to lead the Frost summer program. On a personal level, I appreciate her emails after I subbed for her classes and shared memories at the Woodson football game, Student-Faculty Basketball/Volleyball/Pickleball, Sweetwater Tavern, PJ Skidoos, Glory Days, and Auld Shebeen. Frost students, staff, and parents may not find math and middle school easy, but with Megan here, everyone is better off."
-Colin Verbicar, Frost MS
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Patricia Johnsen, Frost MS
"A 2018 Cuemath study indicated that 89 percent of parents feel that math is the hardest subject their children study. A 2011 A-to-Z Teachers survey indicated that 41 percent of teachers think math is the hardest subject to teach, 12 points higher than the number two answer. If you Google the topic, the most entries on the first page mention math, by a 3 to 1 margin. How lucky then that Trisha Johnsen is there for Frost students. To colleagues and kids, Trisha's clear approach is positive. Virtually any time I've seen her in the hall, during teacher work days, at Happy Hours, or after I've covered her classes, she's been warm and appreciative. Maybe the example that most impressed me, however, was a bit tougher. I'd been asking about a student who has presented frequent challenges. It'd be understandable if her only response had been a sigh, eye roll, or snicker -- the behavior across the board had been that tough. Instead, she mentioned how firm she'd been with him, holding him to account, and following up with supportive feedback whenever he improved. Hearing of specific progress he'd made and goals he'd met after interventions was impressive -- and offered hope for strides in other classes. Frost students, staff, and parents may not find math easy, but with Trisha here, everyone is better off."
-Colin Verbicar, Frost MS
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Eve York, Frost MS
"If you've been a teacher at Frost for 5, 10, or 20 years, students who run at random times are still a challenge. Same goes for ones who yell, hiss, and throw objects. Managing such behavior can try even the most experienced teacher. Every time I've been in Eve York's classroom, it's been remarkable. Students who have displayed behaviors like that elsewhere have not in her room. More impressive still: Eve is able to manage that as a first-year teacher! Whenever I enter towards the end of a period, I half expect there to be chaos. Math can be tough, and it would match the group. Yet there all the kids, Eve, and a series of IAs are, quietly, pleasantly finishing work. Part of it is her manner. The warm, encouraging way she speaks sets the tone, and students follow. This includes a student who I heard say "please," "thank you," and "ma'am" for the first time! It's also apparent that Eve puts in the work to make class run smoothly. The labelled, numbered, color-coded white boards, poster papers, and starred bullet points fit this. The walls do as well. They contain vibrant student artwork, a Calming Corner poster, a Let's Take A Deep Breath poster, a comfy bean bag chair, and a laminated guide to 12 calming techniques. I'm not sure if Eve will continue being a math teacher, special ed teacher, counselor, or all of the above. Based on this start, though, whatever she ends up doing, I'm sure she'll be successful!"
-Colin Verbicar, Frost MS
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Adele Jackson, Frost MS
"Anyone would want a free gift card. I was happy then a few weeks ago when I won a $10 one for support in PE. I was honestly happier, however, that Adele Jackson won -- and would have given up mine so she could get hers. Adele has had arguably the toughest assignment in the school -- one that experienced teachers at Frost and outside of Frost have tapped out of. She has handled it like a pro, taking on combined classes, self-contained classes, whatever best serves the needs of the school, parents, and students. A rare break in her day is when students have PE. This is ironic since the pacing, flinging, and sprinting that come with the population could turn any period into an additional PE! Through it all, she maintains a positive, patient, firm approach -- using a token board where it would help, stepping back and letting a student decompress where that would. She also keeps tabs on any possible safety issue. When dismissal became tense one day, Adele made a quick, smart judgment. She had another staff member stay in her room, so she could locate a missing item. Moreover, I appreciate how she's always friendly when I enter her room. If I had to manage what she has to, it would be hard for me to have enough bandwidth to be welcoming. Somehow, though, she can, moments after an outburst. This message is not worth $10, or any actual money, but hopefully it provides some of the pay she deserves."
-Colin Verbicar, Frost MS
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Rema Cancino, Frost MS
"Frost has a ton of committees: Middle School Council, Frost Instructional Committee, MTSS, Professional Development and Learning, Tier 1 Behavior Wellness, Equity, SIMR, FSAC, Get 2 Green, and Social Committee. For years, fun as it sounds, Social Committee has not been easy. Events have been great, but the same cannot be said about the number of volunteers. Without strong, committed, inventive leadership, it could have collapsed. Fortunately, someone with exactly that type of leadership arrived: Rema! Her new approaches and vibrant messages made an impression. Instead of Social Committee, it became Social Club. Beyond messages, there have been Instagram posts. For years, there have been a barrage of requests to pay dues. Since Rema started, those requests have been accompanied by raffles. Her emails are also far from automated. They’re color-coded with bullets, puns, and pictures. Those tools can become too busy or distracting. In Rema’s case, they enhance her points and make them easier to remember. They’re electronic versions of the rubber “welcome quack” ducks she placed in everyone’s mailboxes to start the school year. Moreover, I appreciate that she went out of her way to secure my VIP seat / package at Woodson’s production of 1776. I’m not sure if Rema came up with the clever branding of Happy Hour as 9th Period, but she embodies it. No matter what challenges she has to deal with, she doesn’t just punch the clock. She goes above and beyond. She makes Frost better before the bell — and long after."
-Colin Verbicar, Frost MS
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Darius Broadus & Christopher Moxness, Sideburn Support Center
"We’re no longer cold thanks due to the dedication of OFM HVAC Technicians Darius Broadus and Chris Moxness! Our heat at the old farmhouse has been spotty this year and we have experienced several cold mornings, Chris and Darius responded to our work order on the same day of submission and made some adjustments to the unit that afternoon. They returned the following morning and found the unit was still having issues, so they dug in deep and disassembled and serviced the whole gas furnace. I had the opportunity to speak with them while they worked and it was an absolute pleasure, the gentlemen are great examples of a premier workforce and care about the work that they are doing. I’m looking forward to reliable heat this winter season and am appreciative for OFM’s maintenance operations!"
-Ian Trumbore, Sideburn Support Center
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Tara Harvan, Lynbrook ES
"Tara, thank you for leading the insightful session on Document Based Questioning at the recent Quarter 2 Full-Time Cohort. Your leadership and expertise were instrumental in creating a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. The thoughtful presentation you prepared for teachers implementing Full-Time AAP in their schools enabled them to engage with this resource in authentic and practical ways. When asked to do this, you did not hesitate. We appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to creating this learning experience, especially with your already busy schedule. We truly appreciate all the time, expertise, and dedication you put into making this session a success! Thank you for all of your continued leadership to our division."
-Samira Newman, Willow Oaks Admin Center
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Kerry Urbatch, Woodlawn ES
"Kerry, thank you for leading the insightful session on Jason Learning at the recent Quarter 2 Full-Time Cohort. Your leadership and expertise were instrumental in creating a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. The thoughtful presentation you prepared for teachers implementing Full-Time AAP in their schools enabled them to engage with this resource in authentic and practical ways. When asked for a volunteer to lead this session, you did not hesitate. We appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to creating this learning experience, especially with your already busy schedule. We truly appreciate all the time, expertise, and dedication you put into making this session a success! Thank you for all of your continued leadership to our division."
-Samira Newman, Willow Oaks Admin Center
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Bridget Healey, Rejane Martins, Christene Nichols, Katherine Richter & Eliana Sanchez, Irving MS
"On November 4th, Irving Middle School hosted professional development sessions to support our SIIP and focused on vocabulary instruction in all contents. Katie Richter led the planning of the entire PD day and put together a phenomenal morning of learning for our staff. The presenters: Katie Richter, Bridget Healey, Rejane Martins, Christy Nichols, and Eliana Sanchez, took the time to design meaningful sessions that had resources and strategies our teachers could turn around and use immediately in their classrooms. The session lead by Rejane, Christy, and Eliana modeled instructional strategies and provided useful information to understand and support our multi-language learners. Teachers at Irving has positive feedback on the PD the received. We are so lucky to have these dedicated educators on our staff that are willing to help all of our teacher improve their practices."
-Sara Padilla, Irving MS
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Melissa Paris, Union Mill ES
"Melissa, thank you for leading the insightful session on Advanced Math at the recent Quarter 2 Full-Time Cohort. Your leadership and expertise were instrumental in creating a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. The thoughtful presentation you prepared for teachers implementing Full-Time AAP in their schools enabled them to engage with this resource in authentic and practical ways. When asked to do this, you did not hesitate. We appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to creating this learning experience, especially with your already busy schedule. We truly appreciate all the time, expertise, and dedication you put into making this session a success! Thank you for all your continued leadership to our division."
-Samira Newman, Willow Oaks Admin Center
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Alex Nietert, Fort Belvoir Upper ES
"Alex, thank you for leading the insightful session on Advanced Math at the recent Quarter 2 Full-Time Cohort. Your leadership and expertise were instrumental in creating a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. The thoughtful presentation you prepared for teachers implementing Full-Time AAP in their schools enabled them to engage with this resource in authentic and practical ways. When asked to do this, you did not hesitate. We appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to creating this learning experience, especially with your already busy schedule. We truly appreciate all the time, expertise, and dedication you put into making this session a success! Thank you for all your continued leadership to our division."
-Samira Newman, Willow Oaks Admin Center
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Tara Harvan, Lynbrook ES
"Tara, thank you for leading the insightful session on DBQ (Document Based Questioning) at the recent Quarter 2 Full-Time Cohort. Your leadership and expertise were instrumental in creating a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. The thoughtful presentation you prepared for teachers implementing Full-Time AAP in their schools enabled them to engage with this resource in authentic and practical ways. When asked to do this, you did not hesitate . We appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to creating this learning experience, especially with your already busy schedule. We truly appreciate all the time, expertise, and dedication you put into making this session a success! Thank you for all your continued leadership to our division."
-Samira Newman, Willow Oaks Admin Center
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Dara Wein, Mount Vernon Woods ES
"Ms. Wein covers a 4th grade class on a weekly basis for arrival and Morning Meeting. She has truly built strong relationships with the students and has kept their routine intact. Thank you for all you do to support these students."
-Kristen Robinson, Mount Vernon Woods ES
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Paul Fink, Caroline Parris, Amber Greve, Stephanie Graham, Kaitlyn Shaw, Tara Skahill, Donna Higgins, Kristin Lillis, Jana McLeod, Kelly Brown & Jill Hunt, Annandale HS
"Thank you, the Annandale PACE Classroom teachers, and staff! This group have truly outdone themselves, fostering a vibrant and entrepreneurial learning environment for our students. Through innovative projects like their drink business PACE POURS, staff mail delivery, and a crayon business all students are getting to contribute their individual skills in their own way. Students may be taking drink orders, making the coffee, delivering drink orders, or collecting payment via invoices. Students are developing essential life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and financial literacy. It's inspiring to witness the collaborative spirit among the dedicated staff. The support starts with the administration helping to gain funding for the class curriculum and the Annandale staff who donated items to the classrooms such as a fitness bike and kitchen mini appliances. They have seamlessly integrated these business ventures into the school becoming part of the Annandale Atoms community. The passion of individual teachers was shown off when we toured the classrooms where teachers highlighted their individual passions such as Fink Fitness, mail delivery, crayon business, lamination, and PACE Pours. Who knew that working could be so much fun! The support of the staff including administration, teachers, PHTA’s, PHA’s, SLP’s, OT’s, PT’s, Adapted Curriculum, CTS, and ETR’s make this a real team effort. Your classes are making learning engaging and meaningful. Thank you!"
-Judith Lieberman, Willow Oaks Admin Center
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Tobe Pesature, Sangster ES
"Tobe Pesature is not only an incredible teammate, but a remarkable kindergarten teacher. My child is lucky enough to be one of her students and he is thriving with her as his teacher this year. She finds the good in every child, loves them like they are her own, and is always so professional with parents and staff. Sangster Elementary School and FCPS are so fortunate to have her working with our team!"
-Bethany Layton, Sangster ES
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Nathan Miles, Frost MS
"Around the time Nate Miles graduated Frost as a student, the quarterback of his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers was under pressure. It mirrored pressure Nate himself faced when he joined Frost as a staff member. In a Monday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Bucs in 2016, Ben Roethlisberger had to perform — immediately. He had 75 yards to cover and minimal time to do it. Calmly, decisively, over the next 9 plays, Roethlisberger marched down the field. With a 1-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Switzer, he completed what a journalist called a “picture-perfect 2-minute drill.” Ben completed his 2-minute drill in 69 seconds! 8 years later, when Nate joined Frost as an IA, he faced Roethlisberger pressure. He was tasked with supporting one-and-one and then in groups among the toughest kids at Frost — students who prove challenging to veterans. His 75-yard march included a few sprints: down every Frost hallway, field, and into the neighborhood. Wherever he was needed, Nate was there, showing himself to firm, friendly, whatever the play called for. I’ve valued his help at Sports Club / Flag Football, his participation in the IA Fall Party, and the fact that he responds to every individual/group message — often with gratitude. When he’s able to do something or not do something, he clarifies — an underrated trait I appreciate. I’d appreciate if my Giants or Jets could have the Steelers’ 6-2 record, but that may be too much to ask — even for Nate…"
-Colin Verbicar, Frost MS
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Amanda Morgan, Frost MS
"Technically, Amanda Morgan does not need to be recognized. She's been nominated for numerous awards in the past, and she's earned the respect of students, teachers, and staff for more than a decade. Her commitment stands out, though, and has been there from the beginning, so it deserves to be mentioned. The first chance she had to be part of the Frost community, she took it. It was in the summer, off contract hours, in Arlington not Fairfax, and none of her fellow new staff members were there. Yet, Amanda came out to Caribbean Breeze and made an impression. That commitment has continued in many ways since then: attempting to find a missing necklace, attending a holiday chorus concert, and sending a shout-out afterward. She also put in extra hours at Shrek, Matilda, Puffs, and the Woodson art show. Her own kids pitched in, even before they became Frost students. During her tenure as SCA rep, she brought cool things we'd never had before, including a pie-throwing contest and school-wide rock-paper-scissor tournament. We've had plenty of school dances before, but not many that kids kept talking about the next day. This fall, when the SCA moderator had to leave, she leapt back in. I’m not sure if she consulted with a zoo to have a coyote visit Frost the same day as Wild West Wednesday, but it sounds plausible... Moreover, I appreciate her amusing texts, her reactions to my In-House messages, the time she gave up her room for an (epic) Poetry Club session, and a recent comment in the hall about positive male role models. If I were a student in her class, I'm not sure even she could salvage my meager skills as an artist. As a colleague, though, I'm glad to have her!
-Colin Verbicar, Frost MS
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Alex Winiewicz, Braddock ES
"I would like to nominate Alex Winiewicz, one of the Physical Education Teachers at Braddock Elementary School for an FCPS CARES award. Alex goes above and beyond each and every day to show that he cares about all Braddock students, staff and families in so many ways. Of particular note is the way Alex greets students as they enter our school building each morning. While he greets all students joyfully by name and wishes their parents and siblings a wonderful day, he is especially gifted at meeting those students who have the most difficulty transitioning to school. He holds hands, brings out a bubble machine or stuffed animal, slings pink unicorn backpacks over his shoulder while walking crying students to class, communicates in Spanish for those who are more comforted that way, and makes every child feel seen, welcomed and known. He is always thinking ahead when dealing with students with challenging behaviors and jumps in anytime additional support is needed. At dismissal he knows all students’ families and welcomes returning siblings exuberantly, while ensuring that everyone is safe and going home with the correct people. He is a true treasure and I want him to know how much he is appreciated."
-Judith Swoboda, Braddock ES
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Kerrie Turner, Thoreau MS
"Kerrie Turner, a school counselor at Thoreau Middle School, embodies the spirit of FCPS Cares. Her relentless dedication to supporting students is truly inspiring. Kerrie is an exceptional communicator who builds strong relationships with students, teachers, and families. She goes above and beyond to ensure students have their basic needs met, enabling them to fully engage in their education. Her recent act of kindness, personally picking up and delivering a rent support check to ensure it arrived on time for a family in need, exemplifies her selflessness and commitment. Kerrie's unwavering support and compassionate actions make her an invaluable asset to the Thoreau community. She is a shining example of what it means to care, and she is most deserving of the FCPS Cares Award."
-Gabi Ritchey, Thoreau MS
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