FCPS CARES - October 2024

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

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

Spas Goleminov & Candi Wilson, Lorton Transportation Center

"I am reaching out to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support your team provided to my daughter last Tuesday, 8 OCT. My daughter attends school at Cherry Run Elementary and rides CR1. I think there was a substitute driver, as she did not recognize him but that man may have saved her life. my daughter began having an asthma attack and the driver immediately pulled over the bus, contacted EMS, and ensured she got to the hospital. The transportation team also sent a supervisor named Spas to accompany my daughter to the hospital and make sure she was ok and not alone until we could get there. Mrs. Candace Wilson also helped me locate the hospital and get important information about my daughter’s safety via phone. The whole team was amazing and I am truly thankful for their quick and lifesaving action, as well as their thoughtful plan to accompany my daughter to the hospital, notify the school, and talk to me on the phone. Both my husband and I are active-duty Army officers and were not nearby (I commute about an hour from the Pentagon and he is at Ft. Belvoir). We are so thankful for the wonderful people who took care of our daughter until we could get there. God bless your team and please feel free to share my story in recognizing and awarding these phenomenal employees for their incredible dedication and care."

-a Cherry Run ES parent

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Kat Frazier, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Mrs. Frazier took time for me after school to help me with my essay. it improved so much from the great advice and insight she gave me. I loved her suggestions and was able to implement them in my essay."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary

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Holli Selman, Robinson Secondary

"Ms. Selman is just AMAZING!!! I would like to nominate her for an FCPS CARES Award, but to be honest there is not enough space to say how thankful I am for her help as a senior in high school applying to college. The college application process is stressful but she explained each step and helped me find colleges that would be a great fit since I love animal science, backpacking, and snowboarding. She even had last minute college cram sessions where me and a bunch of other students could go for any extra help before the early action deadline. I'm still nervous about college but more excited due to her assistance. I'm feeling a lot more confident in my writing abilities since she reviewed my college essays, and gave very constructive feedback. She answered any questions very clearly. Thank you so much Ms. Selman for all the work that you do at Robinson High School."

-a Robinson Secondary

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Michael Corigliano, Robinson Secondary

"I am writing to nominate Mr. Corigliano for the FCPS CARES Award because he is an amazing ceramics teacher who goes above and beyond to help students to grow their confidence in their art. I'm new to learning the pottery wheel this year after focusing on hand built sculpture for two years. He took the time to break down the throwing process for bowls and answers any questions about steps in the throwing process. He also takes time to explain ceramics and help make any ceramic sculpture ideas possible. The ceramics room is always full during RAISE and Ceramics Club."

-a Robinson Secondary student

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Dave Penland,  Herndon Learning Center

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Assistant Administrator Dave Penland for his unwavering support and kindness. In the unique and often challenging environment of an alternative school setting, Dave’s consistent care and concern for his staff truly stand out. He goes above and beyond, listening to our personal struggles, offering words of encouragement, and providing a steady sense of support. His compassion reflects his character and dedication, extending beyond the workplace and making him an invaluable asset to our team and the students we serve."

-Latrese Carter, Herndon Learning Center

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Elaine Gonzales, Chantilly HS

"Mme. Gonzalez has been organizing the French exchange program at Chantilly HS for 11 years, and she and the program are absolutely outstanding! I cannot put into words how meaningful, educational, and eye-opening the exchange program was for me this year. Everything was so well organized and ran very smoothly, thanks to her. I'm very grateful to have had this opportunity as I not only learned more French but also learned a lot more about cultural differences and made a really great friendship. Thank you, Mme. Gonzalez, we appreciate you and all you do so much! Thank you, especially for taking the time out of your busy schedule to rerun this program time and time. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but it was definitely very beneficial to the students at Chantilly and Strasbourg!"

-Anonymous

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Carmen Galindo & Tyrone Smith, Stonecroft Transportation

"I am writing to recognize two employees who went above and beyond to assist with transportation for the Centreville High School Marching Band on Saturday, October 26th. Due to an error at CVHS, the marching band was not provided with buses to take over 100 students to a state assessment later that day. When the error was discovered at 6:30AM that day, I was unsure who would be able to help correct the issue. I reached out to Safety and Security for assistance, but since it was early on the weekend, we did not hear back from anyone who could secure buses. Tyrone Smith is a frequent driver in the Centreville pyramid who has driven for the band before. I had his number in my phone from a previous trip and since I was not sure who else to contact, I called him. Within a minute of explaining the predicament, he called Carmen Galindo from Area 3 Transportation in on the phone call. She went to work immediately to locate buses and secure drivers. In less than two hours, Carmen confirmed that the buses were on the way and that the trip could proceed without interruption. Without the immediate intervention of the caring employees Tyrone Smith and Carmen Galindo, the band would have missed the opportunity to perform at the state assessment, an opportunity that would not have been able to be made up. Their professionalism and concern for the students involved ensured that we were able to have a successful performance. I appreciate them more than I can explain."

-Melissa Hall, Centreville HS

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Paula Bordenkecher & Karen Hertel, Bryant HS

"I'd like to recognize Paula Bordenkecher and Karen Hertel for their support of our Literacy Tuesday initiative at Bryant. Ms. Bordenkecher and her team of journalism students created a video interview of our principal, Ms. Hertel, for Bryant's weekly Literacy Tuesday feature. The video showcases Ms. Hertel talking about some of her favorite books, and it's laying the foundation for a culture of literacy in our Bryant community. Thank you to Ms. Bordenkecher and Ms. Hertel for helping us to have meaningful conversations about reading and why it matters!"

-Meaghan Dobson, Bryant HS

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Christopher Phillips, Theresa Rogers & Cindy Waddell, Bryant HS

"At Bryant High School, our students often face unique challenges in accessing the same academy courses available to their peers in traditional high school settings. It is with immense pride and the strongest support that I nominate Mr. Phillips, our new Welding teacher; Dr. Waddell, our Construction Technology Teacher; and Mrs. Rogers, our Cosmetology teacher, for the FCPS Cares Award. Their hard work, resilience, and vision have been instrumental in establishing our Welding, Engineering, and Cosmetology programs from the ground up, creating invaluable opportunities for our students. I have had the privilege of supporting these teachers in the High-Quality Work-Based Learning classroom for four weeks. I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication and tireless effort they put into building a hands-on, career-focused learning environment. Through their daily activities, Mr. Phillips, Dr. Waddell, and Mrs. Rogers provide students with real-world career exposure, equipping them with both technical and essential life skills. A hallmark of Mr. Phillips and Dr. Waddell’s work is their commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Their collaboration in helping students pass the OSHA certification exam demonstrates their dedication to career readiness. Mrs. Rogers, likewise, is deeply focused on guiding her students through the Workplace Readiness and State Board Licensure Exam, ensuring they acquire the credentials that open doors to future career success. Their dedication to academic excellence is also a commitment to equity; they provide every student—regardless of background or language proficiency—with the tools and support needed to succeed. These educators have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and creativity in continuously seeking ways to improve the student experience and broaden opportunities in the 21st-century workforce. Their innovative teaching and willingness to embrace new approaches have provided our students with life-changing opportunities. The skills, confidence, and foundation for success these teachers have helped students build will have a lasting impact on their lives. For their passion, commitment to student success, and unwavering dedication to Bryant High School’s mission, Mr. Phillips, Dr. Waddell, and Mrs. Rogers are truly deserving of the FCPS Cares Award. Their influence will continue to shape students' lives long after they leave the classroom. They will not only be able to maintain a job they will have a career. Thank you, Mr. Phillips, Dr. Waddell, and Mrs. Rogers, for your hard work, innovation, and heartfelt dedication to the students at Bryant High School.

-Iris Stubblefield, Bryant HS

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Karen Wall, Fort Hunt ES

"In Karen Wall's relatively short time at Fort Hunt, she has proven herself to be a dedicated educator who shows respect to all her students. I often see her staying late at school which exemplifies what a hard worker she is. We’re lucky to have a colleague who puts the needs of her students first."

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Elaine Gonzalez & Jocelyne Smith, Chantilly HS & Westfields HS

"Ms. Elaine Gonzalez of Chantilly HS and Ms. Jocelyn Smith of Westfield HE collaborated to bring 22 exchange students from France to us. We loved hosting the students, learning from them, and showing them our lives. The school worked with a fantastic company to make this happen. The French students had activities planned every weekday and had an amazing time touring DC. For my child and family to experience this was phenomenal. The teachers went above and beyond to make this an excellent experience. I would highly recommend FCPS to continue sponsoring and working with the teachers to offer this program."

-a Chantilly HS parent

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Mary Ornstein, Hunters Woods ES

"Mrs. Ornstein has gone above and beyond for our son this quarter. He struggles with attention, focus, and reading, and writing. She has emailed with us many many times with updates on how he is doing. She kept data for his doctor appointments. She does a daily behavior chart with him. She is always on top of what his needs are both academically and behaviorally. We are very concerned about our son’s progress in reading and writing but know that he is in good hands with Mrs. Ornstein."

-a Hunters Wood ES parent

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Cara Gottheim, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Dr. Cara Gottheim is an incredible psychologist in our Comprehensive Services Site at South Lakes High School. She is always there to support, guide, and encourage the students and staff in our program, and she has also developed positive relationships with the family members of our students. Dr. Gottheim is trustworthy, kind, and calm, and people feel at ease in her presence. She utilizes the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach to help address the needs and concerns of students and staff, and she is an expert at facilitating meaningful dialogue. We all value and appreciate Dr. Gottheim, and we thank her for the important work she does every day."

-Jennifer Weise, South Lakes HS

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Giovanna Sardenberg, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Giovanna Sardenberg is an excellent and outstanding Spanish interpreter, but she is much more than her title. She connects with students, families, and her colleagues in a warm and professional manner. At the VA Hills Office, she answers the Spanish phone line, and she takes detailed intakes to capture the families’ concerns. She is knowledgeable in meetings, and she communicates in a clear manner. She is pivotal in engaging our Spanish speaking families, and she ensures that our Spanish speaking families have the information they need about our early childhood services. She is always willing to go above and beyond to help. She is an asset and a valued member of the VA Hills team. Her actions every day epitomize the essence of FCPS Cares, and she deserves to be recognized as an FCPS Cares recipient."

-Helen Rose, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Kelly Bradshaw, Lorton Station ES

"Mrs. Kelly Bradshaw embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator, demonstrating a genuine care for all her students that goes beyond the classroom. Under her guidance, my child has grown academically and flourished into a more confident and productive student. Mrs. Bradshaw takes the time to understand each student's unique needs, fostering an environment where they can thrive. Her commitment extends beyond school hours, as she actively attends student events and engages with families, building strong connections within the community. This dedication creates a supportive network that enhances the learning experience for all her students. Mrs. Bradshaw's ability to connect with both students and parents makes her a vital part of our school community. Her passion for teaching and her unwavering support for her students truly make her deserving of this recognition."

-a Lorton Station ES parent

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Regina Johnson, Colin Powell ES

"I have just listened to how kindly and compassionately our SIA, Regina Johnson spoke with a concerned parent. Regina listened intently, asked questions and shared details about next steps with a very worried mom. It's a honor to work with this amazing human."

-Lisa Dockins, Colin Powell ES

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Jonathan Gouse, South County MS

"Each morning, Mr. Gouse greets us with a smile in kiss and ride. He's energetic, kind, and acts as the perfect role model for young middle school boys. He's involved and my children enjoy staying after school with him to participate in activities such as flag football. Thank you Mr. Gouse for being helpful, patient, and adding to a welcoming and warm school atmosphere."

-a South County MS parent

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Michelle Cottrell-Williams, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I contacted Michelle numerous times regarding roster management and attendance recording for my school's Oct. 14th equity training. Each time, she replied in a timely fashion with kindness and patience. Michelle, I appreciate all the ways you supported me through this process. I appreciate your kindness!"

-Tawanya Scarboro, Graham Road ES

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Britteny Thomas, South County MS

"Ms. Thomas is my son's English teacher and case manager. We are grateful for her unwavering support and encouragement when handling his needs. Her dedication to teaching and endless patience has made a difference in preparing him for assessments. Thank you Ms. Thomas for giving him the tools he needs to succeed when faced with challenges connected to his disability."

-a South County MS parent

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Keddie McKnight, South County MS

"Mrs. McKnight is my son's English teacher. She is supportive, polite, and advocates for him when needed. Her teaching style and personality plays a huge role in engaging and motivating students. We are grateful for an English teacher who makes learning fun! Thank you Mrs. Mcknight!"

-a South County MS parent

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Liane Jones, Lake Braddock Secondary

"This teacher has been with me since the start of my Lake Braddock journey. She is everything a student wants in a teacher: Understanding, Amazing, Sweet, Generous, Helpful, and over all a wonderful person. I don't know what I'd do without her and honestly, I don't know where my grades in math would be because she is the reason I've gotten better and better. I am genuinely grateful to have had a teacher this nice and am very fortunate that I found someone who cares for me as much as she does. She may be my teacher, but she is also my best friend and I genuinely look forward to seeing her everyday."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary student

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Kat Frazier, Lake Braddock Secondary

"This is my English 12 HN teacher and she is just amazing. Even though I have just meet her this year, she has worked with me on my collage essay and she has even put time aside to help me edit and put everything together. In the process I learned more about her and she learned more about me, making me feel more comfortable with her and making me feel as though we have a great connection. She has been nothing but an amazing teacher this year and I am very grateful to have her as my teacher this year."

-a Lake Braddock Secondary student

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Jacob Uden, Centreville HS

"I would like to recognize Jake Uden for his commitment to the World Language Credit Exam administration at Centreville High School. This is the first year that school sites have hosted their own exams, and Jake’s coordination of all aspects - from securing space and proctors, to student outreach and identifying a keyboard issue during a test prep session - has been amazing! His attention to detail and the care he puts in to ensure our students will have the best possible testing experience are greatly appreciated and worthy of recognition. Thank you Jake!"

-Kristin Girardin, Centreville HS

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Claudia Caballero, Bryant HS

"I would like to nominate Melissa for recognition due to her outstanding efforts in achieving complete immunization compliance at Bryant. Through her dedication and meticulous work, she reduced the number of non-compliant students from over 100 to zero. Melissa ensured that all students had action plans, with some accessing our on-site clinic for their needs. Her approach was proactive and consistent—calling, emailing, and sending weekly reminders to students and parents. Melissa is caring, calm, and conscientious, always willing to help without complaint. Her calming presence is a source of comfort during stressful times, and she demonstrates great integrity by completing her work with precision and care. Melissa single-handedly accomplished this task, and her efforts deserve to be celebrated."

-Florence Harrison, Bryant HS

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Hui Chen, Daniels Run ES

"For years Ms. Chen and her staff have been serving the students and staff of Daniel’s Run phenomenally. I’ve always been impressed on the staff’s level level of teamwork, reliability, efficiency, and dedication towards making sure everyone is fed. Thank you for everything you do!"

-Joseph Housel VanScoter, Daniels Run ES

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Peter Fernandez, Thuthuy Huynh & Sriram Krishnamurthy, Wilton Woods Center

"As I am knee-deep in my first year leading Impact Aid, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible support I’ve received from the Data Services team that I have been working with — Sriram, Thuthuy, and Peter. Navigating a new project can be daunting, especially when it involves last-minute changes and adjustments. However, working with you all has been a pleasure. Your graciousness and accommodating attitudes made all the difference, especially during those times of uncertainty. Thank you for taking the time to explain your processes and for being so adaptable whenever plans changed. Your positivity and teamwork have truly made this experience manageable. I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive team. Thank you, Sriram, Thuthuy, and Peter, for everything!"

-Mariam Suqi, Wilton Woods Center

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Emily Gregory, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I have never written a CARES, and I might not write another one for a long time, and the one thing as a teacher I don't want to make an error on is administering tests such as SOL or WorkKeys. It's like dropping a pop-up fly in the World Series, an error could affect a student's test. The good thing is Emily in IAS, takes her time to walk me through the process, moreover, if she is on the road Emily will find a FCPS building to link up to the Wi-Fi to help me out. She is a stand-up person and is a great help."

-Omar Rosario, Edison Inter-Agency Schools

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Sania Ahmad, Jorge Del Carpio Vasquez, Abhijeet Ghosal, Shawn Heilemann, Brendan Martin & Maximilian Rountree, Wilton Woods Center

"I would like to nominate the IT Data Fabric team for their outstanding support in making critical student enrollment and course history data readily accessible to our team. Their commitment to excellent customer service was evident in their proactive visit to Willow Oaks, where they patiently addressed all our questions regarding the data feeds. This level of support exemplifies a true dedication to serving internal customers. As a direct result of their efforts, my PIDT team can now generate valuable data insights and conduct advanced analyses for various ISD programs, ultimately informing critical decision-making processes. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration with the Data Fabric team. Together, we will strive to achieve a "single source of truth" for data with context, a critical goal for FCPS."

-Yubo Zhang, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Mackenzie Koontz, Liberty MS

"We want to give a big shout-out to Mackenzie Koontz for her dedication and kindness to all her students. She’s gone above and beyond to connect with every child and make them feel included. She’s especially amazing with the self-contained adapted PE class, bringing patience, creativity, and so much heart to her work. Thank you for making such a positive impact and for being a rock star teacher! Liberty is lucky to have you!"

-Anonymous 

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Erik Dahlin, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"Erik has been supporting the county's Google issues for as long as I can remember. He must receive so many IT tickets on Google per day, but what I appreciate most is how he takes the time to look into every issue and provide a detailed explanation of what might be causing the issue. He also provides solutions to these issues and communicates clearly back to the staff having these issues. I support one site so I know how much can go into every issue. Erik supports the entire county, so I appreciate the level of detail he puts into helping all of us. He's been doing this for years and doesn't ever seem tired of the most trivial Google issues we have. Thank you for being awesome Erik!"

-Liz Smith, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

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Jakelin Lake, Yasmina Machado Soto, Rima Majzoub, Yaquelin Senzano, Jackelyann Sims, & Sherryanne Sooknanan , Braddock ES

"It is with tremendous pleasure that I complete this FCPS CARES Submission to recognize not only the dedication and commitment of our Office Staff, but to also celebrate their contributions to the school and how they ensure the systems in place to have a successful school year are always carried out with the utmost respect to the staff, students, and school community. I have worked in many schools over my career and have not encountered a staff that is individually and as a group so uniquely skilled and focused on the success of the school. 

Ms. Sooknanan, as the Administrative Assistant and Office Manager, speaks to teachers, students, parents, and the office staff with deep caring and attentiveness, ensuring any question and any request is well-documented, understood, and follow up with as well. She is often the first one in the building and last one out of the building, and even on long days with so much going on, she is kind, respectful and thoughtful. She goes to great lengths to provide teachers with support for morale, from consistently making encouraging and mindful comments to providing refreshments and treats whenever possible. She works magic in finding change in couch cushions to fund incentives and has an incredible relationship with our PTA members, who understand her commitment to the success of the school. Two of our office staff members have their children enrolled at Braddock, sharing the spirit of the community, and demonstrating their belief that our school provides our families with a rigorous learning environment that is also safe and supportive of their children. 

Our office staff consistently meet deadlines, despite the disorganization and forgetfulness of teachers and difficulty the school has in general to secure subs consistently. The front office is usually buzzing with movement, conversation, and pleasantries to the extent that one would not realize that there we are a large Title I Elementary School already brimming at the seams with students moving into our boundaries. Everyone in the office is fluent in English and at least one other language spoken in our community, and parents are greeted with kindness and respect from the moment they enter our building to when they leave. Jakelin Lake has warm and open relationships with our parents and staff who feel comfortable sharing with her sensitive needs and concerns, and she ensures confidentiality and professionalism when she shares them either through her role as Parent Liaison or member of the Faculty and Staff Advisory Committee. Rima Majzoub, Yasmina Machado-Sorto and Yaquelin Senzano work tirelessly from when they sit at their desks in the morning to when they feel they can close their computers in the late afternoon, after spending the day advocating for staff and parents, ensuring our records are impeccable, and chasing after staff who need to enter their information to records, etc. 

We are fortunate to have Jackelyann Sims looking out for all of our needs from hourly pay and reporting to substitute outreach and coverage, as her patience and understanding is boundless.  As an Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, I'm constantly approaching Rima Majzoub to check records, change data in SIS, look up information in SIS to compare to my records, etc. Whenever approached, even with a pile of files and papers she is working through, she is warmly receptive and assists me with any request by the end of the workday. I have not even begun to fully describe the service and spirit our incredible Braddock Elementary office staff bring to our school every day, because in truth the list is endless. But without any one of them, our school would not be the thriving and dynamic school that our children, and their children, come to every day.

-Christy Dervishi, Braddock ES

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Caryn Baptiste & Jessie Eunsook Ji, Colin Powell ES

"I would like to recognize 3rd Grade Korean Immersion teachers, Ms. Caryn Baptiste and Ms. Jessie Eunsook Ji, for truly going above and beyond in encouraging our daughter each week. Recently, our daughter gave a speech and tried out for SCA representative, and she did not receive enough votes to become a representative. Ms. Baptiste encouraged her by saying that she was very proud of her bravery and courage. Ms. Baptiste even sent a note to my wife and me sharing the same sentiments so that we could encourage our little one at home too. Ms. Ji continuously gives encouraging and cheerful individualized notes to our daughter recognizing her work. Ms. Ji is also so patient and puts in extra effort to help her understand new material. Both Ms. Ji and Ms. Baptiste are always very responsive to our questions and concerns. We feel that this positive and genuine encouragement by both Ms. Ji and Ms. Baptiste are truly exemplary, and we love them for this. Thank you so much for helping our daughter be her best and a future leader!"

-a Colin Powell ES parent

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Margaret Zuerner, Forestville ES

"Margaret Zuerner has been teaching for many years, but this year has been especially challenging for all of our staff. However, this has not stopped Margaret from forgetting what is at the core of everything we do- heart. Margaret is on a 4th grade team with one first-year teacher, a long-term substitute, an AAP teacher, and herself as the inclusion teacher. Margaret has taken both of the new teachers under her wing to help them with their lesson planning, grading, technology issues, and the many questions that come along with starting out as a teacher. I have been incredibly blown away with the grace and positivity that Margaret has shown our staff members. She sat down and graded every Unit 1 assessment with the new teacher, which took a very long time. Margaret did it because someone needed help and Margaret would never turn away a person who was asking for help. I once asked her why she did what she did, and her response was simply "because someone helped me". That really stuck with me because even though we are all going through one of the hardest years as a teacher, Margaret consistently still will offer to help others even if it meant her workload would have to be completed at home. Margaret works tirelessly to create slides, lesson plans, and tests that the whole team uses. She uses her humor to help engage our students and works really hard to make sure everyone is treated with love and respect. She maintains high expectations for her students, and I have been impressed with how they have all risen to the challenge. I have been teaching for 12 years and yet I am still taken aback by the heart that Margaret shares with her co-workers and students. She is a great model and should be recognized for how amazing she is!"

-Casey Young, Forestville ES

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Kenny Carter & Brad Hollis, Instructional Programs Support Center

"Kenny Carter and Brad Hollis are rays of sunshine to everyone who enters the Instructional Programs Support Center (IPSC). They truly put the "Support" in IPSC. They are always willing to help whether it's moving a pallet, lifting a box, or helping find a lost order. On more than one occasion they have helped search the warehouse for orders that the delivery person misplaced. They support multiple programs who have very different inventories and yet always seem to know exactly which items I am referring to when I have a question. They are fundamental in moving our materials to our summer site which is essential for us to provide our programs to students. Kenny and Brad do everything with a smile and always have a pleasant demeanor. I am very thankful for all their help and truly don't know how we would provide our program without them!"

-Beth Mehr, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Beth Beaulieu, Bryant HS

"Beth Beaulieu manages a wide range of responsibilities with ease, ensuring that our school runs smoothly and efficiently every day. Her organizational skills are second to none, and she always seems to be one step ahead, anticipating the needs of our school and addressing potential issues that may arise. Perhaps most importantly, Beth brings a positive and upbeat attitude to work every day. Never failing to greet you with the warmest “Hi! How are you?” Her cheerful spirit and willingness to help create a welcoming and supportive environment for all o fus here at Bryant High School."

-Anonymous

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Meaghan Dobson, Bryant HS

"Mrs. Dobson has taken on a new role this year as a literacy specialist. Most recently she has been remediating 14 students for the Workkeys test. 9 of those students passed the test and 2 more improved their scores moving closer to passing. YES!! Mrs. Dobson--thank you so much."

-Karen Hertel, Bryant HS

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Mohebullah Zyarmal, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Mr. Zyarmal was an interpreter who came to Cameron Elementary School to interpret for testing a student and then for a meeting for that same student. Mr. Zyarmal was incredible with building a rapport with our student and was so understanding of his needs. He was kind and patient with the student while supporting our needs to evaluate the child. During our meeting with the family, he was thoughtful and compassionate and made the family comfortable even though they attended by phone. He explained carefully and asked for clarification to best support the family's understanding of the process and documents being completed. The meeting ended up lasting 3 and a half hours and he did a phenomenal job. He had such a calm and compassionate demeanor with the student and family. My team and I were so amazed and appreciative of his support, professionalism and kindness."

-Karina Handy, Cameron ES

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Sara Johnston, Cameron ES

"Sara Johnston, special education teacher goes above and beyond for students every day. Her students feel valued, loved, and that their voice is heard. Recently these students were without their classroom teacher and partially combined with another class due to logistical issues. Recognizing that this could be challenging for students, Ms. Johnston created a "Pumpkin Patch" in her classroom, where she collected fall theme activities, and small pumpkins for students. This was a huge celebration for her students who showed both perseverance and integrity in dealing with the logistical issue as it was being resolved. This is just one example of many in how Ms. Johnston celebrates students and builds a caring community!"

-Amanda Snyder, Cameron ES

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Adriana Krogh, Fort Hunt ES

"Sra. Krogh always has a smile on her face when she comes to the cafeteria to help with breakfast. She’s outgoing, considerate, beautiful and always there to lend a hand when you need it. Fort Hunt is lucky to have Sra. Krogh at our school."

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Kathryn Williams, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Kathy Williams has done a phenomenal job with the Passage Reading Fluency assessment. She has been amazing to work with as a co-worker and has done a great job with our students. Kathy, we couldn't do it without you! We are eternally grateful to you!!"

-Maya Nardone, Lake Braddock Secondary

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David Hallmark, Woodson Annex-IT

"David Hallmark provides the highest level of customer service. He is always prompt in responding to tickets and easily accessible. David does a great job following up and ensuring repairs are good and the job is done right before closing out tickets."

-Richard Chinn, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

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Alexander Eisenberg, Colvin Run ES

"Mr. Eisenberg is my son’s 4th grade teacher. My son has ADD, which has affected his self-esteem, and he has never been happy to go to school, as he feels he’s constantly reprimanded for having difficulty focusing. But, this year with Mr. Eisenberg, my son has stopped crying about school. He is excited to attend class now, and he says Mr. Eisenberg is the greatest teacher he’s ever had. His confidence is growing daily, and he has a desire to do well and excel. Thank you so much Mr. Eisenberg for being a great teacher who can teach and connect with students, especially neurodivergent children like my son."

-a Colvin Run  ES parent

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Jessee Ceska, Oak Hill ES

"Jessee was amazing and met with our MTSS team at Poplar Tree in order to share with us the process at MTSS at her school. Her organization and willingness to share will help us make our MTSS procedures even more effective! Thank you so much Jessee!"

-Leslie Leisey, Poplar Tree ES

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Kristin Mandruleanu, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"As a decision was made by the division to quickly remove a unit and update pacing and units, we needed to quickly rewrite curriculum and pacing for teachers. Kristin stepped up and worked above and beyond her daily role and created plans to make these changes as easy as possible for teachers. She worked in the evening and early morning to be able to turn this around as quickly as possible for the teachers across the division."

-Jennifer Brown, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Jasmin Bernal, Ghada Hamed, Mensah Takyi & Dora Ustariz, Kilmer Center

"No matter what a day may bring, the staff in Room 13 show up for their students by setting up consistent routines, setting clear and consistent expectations and creating a positive and welcoming learning environment that has allowed their students to flourish so far this year. Thank you for being role models at Kilmer Center."

-Kelly Thomas, Kilmer Center

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Judie Lieberman, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I wanted to give a shout out Judie Lieberman, Assistive Technology Coach for Career & Transition Service, for sharing wonderful teaching tools to STEP on our Professional Development day Monday, October 14th. Judie Lieberman works tirelessly to stay up to date with AT Tools and Resources that can benefit both teachers and students alike. Judie shared a tool with us called Diffit which utilizes AI to create meaningful and adaptable lessons for our young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Earlier this week my co-teacher was called out to a meeting and that left me teaching last minute on a day I was not scheduled to provide direct instruction. Instead of playing a Kahoot or quiz I was able to generate an impactful and meaningful lesson on having a Positive Work Ethic on the job within 60 seconds. The students were so engaged and I was seamlessly able to make the lesson into a Google Form and post on Schoology for student access. What a wonderful resource to assist teachers and provide meaningful engagement for our students. Thanks, Judie!"

-Andrew Hahn, Davis Center

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Emily Findley, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"It is more difficult than ever to find qualified teacher mentors who have the capacity to support our novice educators. This means that the Great Beginnings team spend months working through nearly 100 external mentor requests every year to better support staff and schools. Because we do not have the expertise or connection to every subject and school, we rely on our central office specialists to help make some of these matches. This year, Emily Findley, of Health and PE, went above and beyond to help us match, what felt like, countless novice PE teachers with external matches. We are grateful for partnership and how her efforts have made a direct impact on not only the staff, but the students at these schools. We are grateful for all of our specialist partnerships and everything they do to connect novice and veteran teachers throughout the county."

-Meg Mascelli, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Nadya Abu-Rish, Beech Tree ES

"My son loves attending his POG class at Beech Tree Elementary with Ms. Abu-Rish! What sets Ms. Abu-Rish apart is her ability to build relationships that go beyond academics. She recognizes that young children thrive in environments where emotional and social growth are just as important as cognitive development. Her lessons incorporate social-emotional learning, teaching her students not only to enjoy reading but also to communicate, collaborate, and care for one another."

-a Beech Tree ES parent

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Crystal Saunders, Bush Hill ES

"Crystal Saunders is a shining example of dedication, flexibility, and commitment to student success. As a school-based substitute, she has consistently gone above and beyond her role to support our classrooms, particularly during challenging times. This year, she stepped up to open and set up one of our 6th-grade classrooms, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable environment for students and the arriving teacher. Her unwavering positivity and care for students have been instrumental in providing continuity and support. Each time we have an unexpected teacher absence, Ms. Saunders has seamlessly integrated into the classroom, planning with the grade level team, ensuring students stay on track, and navigating new curriculums. Her dedication to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for our students is truly commendable, and we are grateful for her invaluable contributions to Bush Hill Elementary School."

-Daisy Gomes, Bush Hill ES

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Shannon Campbell, Rocky Run MS

"Shannon Campbell and the staff at Rocky Run Middle School have been integral for helping to ensure that staff have had a space to provide required training on the new English Language Arts curriculum for all K-6 classroom, ESOL and Special Education teachers. To date across many sites, approximately 6,000 teachers have received training on implementation of the new curriculum. This has been a huge lift, and Shannon's support made trainings at Rocky Run smooth. Thank you Shannon!"

-Claire Silva, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Paula Prosper, Cooper MS

"Mrs. Prosper compassionately and creatively helped my son to see his teachers as warm and caring people. My son is struggling with a long-term illness and anxiety about attending school since he misses a lot. Mrs. Prosper has kept in close touch via email, and even insisted that it was convenient for her to stop by our house to work with Max on math. When she stopped by, he wasn't feeling well but gave her some apples we had recently picked. Mrs. Prosper then arranged to make a video of all my son's teachers, sharing the apples, including each of them, plus the school social worker and his guidance counselor, taking an apple and giving my son a brief message of thanks and kindness. This must have taken considerable time and energy, finding each of his teachers and editing the video. For my son, it meant he got to hear words of encouragement from all his teachers and that they were looking forward to seeing him in school. It was a very powerful message."

-a Cooper MS parent

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Shannon Johnson, Terraset ES

"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for everything you do. You are the best part of FCPS, making families, students, and staff all feel loved and welcomed. Your support for families ensures they feel safe and valued. I know your work is never easy, but you handle it all with such care and compassion. Your dedication truly makes a difference in our community. Thank you for being such a vital part/person to FCPS!!!!"

-Laura Cerda, Fox Mill ES

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David Ickowski, Terraset ES

"I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you do. Your unwavering support for our community, and your genuine effort to ensure that both staff members and parents feel heard and understood, has truly been a breath of fresh air. Your unique approach and dedication are unmatched, and it makes a significant difference in our lives. Thank you for going above and beyond. We are so fortunate to have you!"

-Laura Cerda, Fox Mill ES

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Anthony Garza, Hayfield Secondary

"Mr. Garza has been my mentor, being new to Hayfield everyone's journey is different. I have been blessed to have someone with such a caring spirit, all the times you have encouraged me, even when I felt I couldn't. Smiles are contagious, Kindness is FREE, you only fail if you quit, What goes around, comes around."

-Paula Jennings, Hayfield Secondary

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Douglas Goulla, Lorton Center

"Doug's bus driving route is based out of South County HS. He and the other drivers who Annandale Terrace ES on 9/28 were excellent drivers in Downtown Washington, DC. They were professional in traffic, waited to ensure everyone (families and other bus drivers) were together. Doug gave his Washington Nationals baseball hat to a student who was asking many inquisitive questions about the DC landmarks. The student was very appreciative and enjoyed wearing his new team spirit wear. Good job bus driving team and thank you for helping our students have a great outing to Nationals Park with their families."

-Anonymous

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Fran Furr, Herndon MS

"Fran Furr organized OneSight Vision Clinic to come to Herndon Middle School for our students, staff, and community. Participants received a comprehensive eye exam and eyeglasses, if needed, at no cost. Here is the impact that Fran's efforts had: 103 HMS students screened with 66% qualifying for glasses 23 HMS staff screened with 91% qualifying for glasses, including all custodians getting an exam and receiving glasses 26 pyramid students screened with 85% qualifying for glasses This was a big undertaking that took countless extra hours to make happen and a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Fran had to work with the county to get approval, OneSight staff who came to the school, and organizing the schedule that worked best for everyone. Fran was able to do this while still executing her duties as assistant principal. Some quotes from students who received glasses shows the impact Fran's dedication had on the HMS community: "Woah, thank you for doing this for me!" "I didn't realize it was so blurry till I put them on." "I have superpowers now that I can see."

-Caitlin Ferrence, Herndon MS

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Matthew Kruk, Holmes MS

"Matthew Kruk and the staff at Holmes have been integral for helping to ensure that staff have had a space to provide required training on the new English Language Arts curriculum for all K-6 classroom, ESOL and Special Education teachers. To date across many sites, approximately 6000 teachers have received training on implementation of the new curriculum. This has been a huge lift, and Matthew's support made trainings at Holmes smooth. Thank you, Matthew!"

-Claire Silva, Willow Oaks Admin Center

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Adriana Krogh, Fort Hunt ES

"Sra. Adriana Krogh always has a smile on her face when she comes to the cafeteria to help with breakfast. She’s outgoing, considerate, beautiful, and always there to lend a hand when you need it. Fort Hunt is lucky to have Sra. Krogh at Fort Hunt. "

-Casandra Lewis, Fort Hunt ES

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Jessica Gregory, Hayfield Secondary

-Anonymous

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Brittany Burke, Westfield HS

"Ms. Burke is my daughter's amazing ASL teacher. My daughter did not start ASL1 until her junior year, but through the guidance of Ms. Burke, my daughter excelled in ASL1 and discovered a true passion for ASL. Ms. Burke inspired my daughter to practice her ASL non-stop, and my daughter eventually felt she needed a more challenging ASL class for her senior year. She went to Ms. Burke to see if it would be possible to take ASL3 her senior year, skipping ASL 2. Ms. Burke told my daughter that she would have to learn all the ASL 2 curriculum and work hard to skip a level. Ms. Burke provided her with all the slides from ASL2 and helped her during 3rd period and even stayed after school with my daughter multiple times to help her be ready for the ASL2 PALS. Ms. Burke was able to give my daughter the confidence she needed to take and pass the ASL2 PALS assessment at the end of the school year. My daughter was overjoyed when she found out she would be in ASL3 with Ms. Burke her senior year. My daughter was so honored when Ms. Burke asked her to help setup her classroom for the new school year. Ms. Burke has really helped my child come out of her shell, grow in confidence, and love coming to school. Ms. Burke gave my daughter the encouragement she needed to go to her first deaf event and now goes regularly to deaf events. My daughter was so excited when she found out she was in the ASL Honor Society and could sign the National Anthem at the football games. Ms. Burke has inspired my daughter to pursue a career in the field of ASL when she leaves Westfield. As a parent and teacher, myself, I have been so impressed with the way Ms. Burke forms relationships with her students and inspires confidence. My daughter feels happy when she sees Ms. Burke. My daughter will say that Ms. Burke is her favorite teacher. "

-a Westfield HS parent

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Heather Murphy & Caroline Taylor, Jefferson Science & Tech HS

"Dr. Heather Murphy and Ms. Caroline Taylor's response, assessment, and care were excellent and so appreciated. The Athletics Trainers interventions made a great difference in "my student-athlete's" overall recovery from breaking his leg, and the bedside manner of the care-team was so comforting as well. Dr. Heather Murphy and Ms. Caroline Taylor both went above and beyond providing him a boot and crutches to prevent further injury until seen for follow-up the next day. I heard the TJHSST Athletic Trainers were ranked the best athletic trainers in the country, and I believe it. You both made such a difference. You are the BEST!!!! TJHSST Athletics Trainers are now providing physical therapy to "my student-athlete" after school to get "my student-athlete" back on the field for next season. Again, thank you to the entire care team for providing such exceptional care. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO!!!

-a Jefferson Science & Tech HS parent

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Mitsue Hunter, Johnson MS

"I'm starting my 3rd year as a teacher with a provisional license. Mitsue has never been my mentor but she has always acted like she was. Any questions I have, even when I have asked the same questions over again. Mitsue has always stopped what she was doing and helped guide me through to the answer. She takes her time explaining things and I have never felt like I was bothering her at all. It is clear Mitsue is a people person and that she truly understands the importance of retaining new teachers. Her advice, guidance, and leadership, over the last 2+ years has been invaluable to me and I am just so grateful that she works at my school. Thank you so much Mitsue!

-Richard Beck, Johnson MS

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Jeremy Doxer, Stonecroft Transportation

"Everyone loves a team player, someone who cares about students and fellow employees. An employee who, if something lands on her desk or arises during his watch will see the matter through regardless of convenience or any associated challenges. I and many others in the Stonecroft Transportation Office are privileged to work with just such an employee: Jeremy Doxer, Senior Manager for the Area 4 Transportation Office. Yesterday evening Jeremy received a phone call from School Security alerting him that the brakes on a bus were smoking and the bus was possibly on fire. The bus would need to be towed and the driver provided with a ride to her parking location. Jeremy quickly alerted the assistant director of transportation and followed up with a quick phone call to me, his counterpart, in Area 3. It didn’t matter to Jeremy that this situation occurred after hours, that he was away and needed a ride back to his home/car, or even that the bus and employee involved were assigned to another manager in another area. Jeremy declined my offer to respond, saying he was much closer. He took full ownership of the situation. He proceeded to the scene and ensured the well-being of the driver; that the bus was towed; and that the driver received a ride to her personal vehicle. While helping others is Jeremy’s characteristic behavior, I did want to recognize his contributions to FCPS. Whether assisting in the schools, helping other departments, or being there for the Office of Transportation Services Jeremy is that employee. He cares about his job and most importantly he cares about the people."

-John McCracken, Stonecroft Transportation

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Chrissy Brownson, Rachel Clausen, Lesley Fernandez, Michele Gates, Mark Moseley, Kim Sigle, Karen Taylor, Erika Thompson & Donna Volkmann, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Thank you to the entire staff of Get2Green and particularly Mark Mosley for their hands on support and guidance. They are proactive in their anticipation of what Green Team leaders need to run successful programs. They come out to the schools, they jump into activities with the students, and they meet individually with us to walk us through the countless resources at our disposal. They make what could be overwhelming, easier to navigate and I so appreciate them! They truly are a model for other FCPS departments and groups."

-Sarah Dekramer, Floris ES

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Rachel Le, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"Rachel Le is an amazing teacher who works diligently to help students achieve their GED through the ISAEP program at Graham Road. During the 23-24 school year, I had the pleasure of collaborating with her to enroll a few of my students in the program. Rachel is kind, patient, and she has a huge heart. Working together to support one of my students led to the student gaining their GED. Watching the student's pride in finishing the program and passing their GED test may have been the highlight of my year. Rachel was kind enough to invite me to the graduation ceremony where not only was I able to watch my student cross the stage, but to also hear about the stories of students who crossed the finish line as well. This is a true testament of the positive outcomes that occur when a student is surrounded by a full community of support. Rachel, thank you for teaming with me to support our student and helping them achieve their goal!"

-Kelly Ellis, Falls Church HS

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Deedre Day, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Deedre Day has been paramount in my 1st 30 days with FCPS. Deedre not only introduced me to each person in HR, but also spent days helping me digest our complex processes, systems, and methods. An efficient and effective first 30 days gave me the head start needed to support MyPath and process optimization, helping lead to my receiving a team excellence award after optimizing the onboarding process. Deedre's expansive expertise, efficient guidance, and sound leadership continues to be a foundation I can rely on as we deploy MyPath and contribute to schools' and student success."

-Muhammad Hegab, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Erick Davila, Gatehouse Admin Center

"Erick Davila has consistently demonstrated his high benchmark for providing an optimal experience and efficient support to make sure I hit the floor running when I joined the team. As the challenges changed, he was eager to go above and beyond to assure I was technically supported for success in my role. Thank you!"

-Muhammad Hegab, Gatehouse Admin Center

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Richard Peterson, Justice HS

"Mr. Rich Peterson is our school-based testing coordinator and he is AMAZING! His passion for doing what's best for students drives him in everything he does. His communication, attention to detail, ability to stay cool under pressure during testing season (both WIDA testing-- for which we have hundreds of test takers-- and SOL testing season including all of the last minute retake opportunities), is commendable. Above all, his heart and professionalism are two things that truly make him a valuable member of our school community. I am thankful to have him with us now in year two for this position. Prior to that he was our Dean of Students during which time he helped reconnect students with their education and engage families in the process. He is a critical member of our team and we are better for having him."

-Colleen Lally, Justice HS

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April Brown, Stonecroft Transportation

"I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for Ms. Brown, our exceptional bus attendant, who recently demonstrated remarkable dedication and care during a medical emergency involving one of our students. On that day, Ms. Brown noticed that one of the students was not acting like himself. Her keen awareness and attentiveness allowed her to quickly assess the situation and take swift action. By summoning the school nurse and security, she ensured that the necessary help arrived without delay. When it became clear that emergency services were needed, she remained composed and focused while 911 services were contacted and providing vital information. What truly stands out is Ms. Brown’s decision to follow the student to the hospital. This act of compassion exemplifies her commitment not only to the safety of her students but also to their emotional well-being. Her willingness to go above and beyond in a time of crisis reflects her deep understanding of her students and her role as a trusted guardian during their commutes. Ms. Brown is a true role model for all bus attendants and deserves recognition for her exemplary service and unwavering dedication. Her actions not only helped a student in need but also served as an inspiring reminder of the impact one individual can have on the lives of others. Thank you, Ms. Brown, for your extraordinary commitment to our students. You are an invaluable member of our transportation community."

-Stephanie Keller, Stonecroft Transportation

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Erin Price, Union Mill ES

"Ms. Erin Price is an amazing 5th grade teacher at Union Mill Elementary School! She came to my daughter's volleyball game last week and stayed for the entire thing, cheering her on the whole time! I watched my daughter's face as she realized Ms. Price was there and it was incredible. She got the biggest smile, stood taller and proceeded to really go for it in the games. Ms. Price is amazing in the classroom in a zillion ways, but to see her go out of her way to connect with my daughter and our family outside of school was above and beyond. Thank you! 

-an Union Mill ES parent

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Paul Dowling, Sideburn Support Center

"In late August, when I crossed the basketball court/blacktop playground behind my neighborhood school—Fairfax Villa Elementary—while jogging to the grass field beyond it, I noticed a cigarette lighter on the ground. Concerned that it posed a safety hazard to the students or neighborhood kids who frequent the playground, I headed over to the nearby parking lot where there were a few FCPS janitorial and maintenance staff vehicles, and I’d seen at least one such staff member. (This occurred a few days before school was in session again for the 2024-2025 term.) I spotted an apparent FCPS maintenance staff member (possibly an electrician or HVAC technician?) heading back to his truck from the school and approached him to ask where to dispose of the lighter. He indicated in a friendly manner that he’d take care of it and then walked over to the blacktop playground and retrieved it, searching briefly for other hazards. In a subsequent exchange in which I thanked him, recognizing that this task was likely not part of his job responsibilities, I learned his name is Paul Dowling. What most impressed me was that he responded by deflecting my appreciation and saying, “We’re all in this together.” I believe his action and response epitomize a school system culture of caring and unity with the entire community."

-a Fairfax Villa ES parent

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Elizabeth Cho, Rose Hill ES

"We have the greatest Reading Specialist in the whole county at Rose Hill. Over the last few years there have been numerous changes in the Language Arts curriculum in elementary schools. Change causes stress, panic, and anxiety. At our school Mrs. Cho makes us all feel at ease and ensures us that we can do it and believes in us. In our weekly CTs she creates an atmosphere of joy, where we work as a team to do what is best for our children. Mrs. Cho would say that she is just doing her job, but I don't agree. She is doing her job and much more. She has made a 64-year-old, 37-year veteran believe in himself every day, and deliver the new Benchmark curriculum with confidence. Change isn't easy, but as long as we have Mrs. Cho at Rose Hill School, we can handle it, and our kids will be successful."

-Danny Adams, Rose Hill ES

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Salwa Ibrahim, Davis Career Center

"I would like to recognize Salwa Ibrahim, one of our dedicated paraprofessionals, for her work in connecting us with a worksite that is interested in reconnecting with us this year. Salwa has been silently working in the background and reaching out to the Westin Tysons Corner on our behalf to see if they would be interested in restarting our partnership. Today they reached out and indicated that they are interested and would like to meet to discuss having a team of students join them. I am so immensely grateful to Salwa for her work on behalf of our community and for her belief in our students. Our school mission states that we are driven to achieve success in vocation, independence, and self-determination; it is because of caring educators like Salwa that we can embody this mission and provide wonderful opportunities for our students each day. Fingers crossed that we can reconnect with the Westin and begin working and thank you, Salwa, for helping us get a foot back in the door!"

-Chad Clayton, Davis Career Center

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Lawrence Cooper, West Potomac HS

"I would like to take this time to thank Mr. Lawrence Cooper for going above and beyond the call of duty for CAT B students here at West Potomac. Mr. Cooper engages and motivates his students in many different activities, some of which are non-conventional and lots of fun. His repertoire ranges from cooking, gardening, painting, shop (like building furniture), and arts and crafts, to name a few. He engages students to be creative and think outside the box, making tables with real bugs, flowers, sand, and lots of other natural stuff. Whatever will teach his students a greater sense of independence is what Mr. Cooper strives to do. He held a Graduation Banquet at a local restaurant after school for his senior class. He presented each student with a gift bag and a framed picture. Mr. Cooper promotes a team spirit here at West Potomac. He prepares a Soul Food Luncheon in February for Black History Month and a Fish Fry in April for Jazz History Month every year for staff. He decorates the hallway outside his classroom, displaying artifacts he has collected over the years to share with students and staff. Mr. Cooper is generous to a fault, every year he comes out of his own pocket to feed students and staff. Mr. Cooper steps up to put out fires and is always someone the Special Education Department (SPED) can depend on...... Thank for your commitment to excellence and Teamsmanship!"

-Anonymous

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Stephanie Almquist, Zach Emmons, Christian Lauritzen, Alexis Pozinsky & Abigail Thomas, Clearview ES

"I want to recognize Principal Almquist and several of her staff at Clearview Elementary who have helped my student feel more comfortable and confident in the school environment. This is my student’s second year at Clearview, but the new-to-us teachers and staff worked hard in just the first few weeks of the new school year to develop rapport and build my student’s confidence with getting started each day. Specifically, Ms. Thomas, Ms. Pozinsky, Mr. Emmons, & Mr. Lauritzen along with our amazing Principal, Ms. Almquist, and I’m sure more staff than I even know, have demonstrated such care and quick problem solving to help my student overcome challenges with the daily transition to school. My student has reported that their mindset about school is changing for the better and I am forever grateful for this amazing staff who has made such a difference in our lives. Thank you."

-a Clearview ES parent

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Paul Arena, Robinson Secondary

"Paul Arena is literally everything good about Robinson HS (and Robinson is an EXTRAODINARY community, so that is saying a lot)-special education, inclusion, spirit, sportsmanship, teamwork, kindness, diligence, determination, humility...the list goes on and on. Paul is a Special Education teacher at Robinson HS. He runs Special Olympics, he runs Partnership, he coaches Freshman football (I am sure I am missing an activity) and has done ALL these things for many years. I think he spends more than 80-90 hours a week dedicated to this school and all his various responsibilities and duties. He does everything well, completely, thoroughly-AND NEVER COMPLAINS! Teachers can be notoriously overworked, exhausted, put out. Paul is the epitome of overworked, but nothing gets by him or forgotten. No student is EVER forgotten by his kind heart, and he does his best to include every single student in absolutely everything. AND HE NEVER COMPLAINS. And the amount of help, guidance he provides to his colleagues is unmatched, along with a side of humor to keep the team going. There are not enough good words to describe this man. He does what he does not for fanfare or acknowledgement but truly because he loves his students, his colleague, and his Robinson community. Paul Arena is MORE than deserving of thus FCPS Cares award. We are so grateful for him here at Robinson HS!!!"

-Katy Smallwood, Robinson Secondary

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Catherine Howard, Kings Park ES

"Catherine deserves this note of recognition and admiration for her visible compassion. She is one of our Multiple Disabilities teachers, and I have the privilege to teach music to her little group of kindergarteners. She radiates a calm yet enthusiastic energy, and most importantly, her genuine love for her students is inspiring. The aura of her classroom is welcoming, nurturing, and safe. Catherine shares her kindness and warmth across our entire building. On a daily basis, you’ll see her greet coworkers and students alike with her friendly smile. At Kiss & Ride in the morning, she’s a celebrity among the kids. Everyone in Catherine’s orbit can see her passion (and gift) for teaching and her perseverance during inevitably challenging moments. Her sense of humor always brings light. It’s an honor to witness Catherine love and respect her students for who they are, and celebrate them in every way."

-Kelsey Jordan, Kings Park ES

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Matt Fetters, Tracy Soular & Annamaria Ward, Nancy Sprague Technology Center

"I want to personally thank Tracy Soular, Annamaria Ward, and Matt Fetters. The support from them and Integrated Digital Technology Services helped me with the creation and voice over for an award submission video. They were able to take loose ideas and concepts, and turn them into a fantastic presentation. Thank you all!"

-Shawn Heilemann, Wilton Woods Center

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Caitlin Monroy, Herndon ES

"Mrs. Caitlin Monroy, a 2nd grade teacher at Herndon Elementary School, consistently goes above and beyond in her role as an educator. Not only does she provide exceptional learning and emotional support to her students, but she also ensures that her classroom is a nurturing environment where every child feels cared for and valued. Beyond her daily teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Monroy takes the time to communicate with parents in both Spanish and English, bridging language barriers to ensure that all families are informed and involved in their children’s education. Additionally, she often purchases snacks and supplies for students who may not have the means to bring their own, showing a deep level of care and commitment to the well-being of each child in her class. Her dedication to her students and their families demonstrates her unwavering passion for making a positive impact on her community."

-Anonymous

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Julie Zimmerman, Langley HS

"In all my twelve years as a FCPS parent, I have never come across a teacher or staff member that is as dedicated as Julie. First off, her cheerfulness is infectious. She provides support to every parent she comes across and takes a personal interest in their students, how they are managing, their well-being and overall success. As a co-parent of my son's class, she has been phenomenal in organizing each class to collaborate on events, forums and has created a unity between the class teams so that incoming freshman class teams have a great foundation of knowledge to pull from and not having to start from scratch. She also helps navigate between the class parent teams and school administration, creating a much more collaborative level of communication."

-a Langley HS parent

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Cassandra Lewis, Fort Hunt ES

"Cassandra Lewis is a positive and happy person. Her joyful spirit greets each student by name as they come through the lunch line. She’s a terrific mentor both here at Fort Hunt and in her community. She’s a wonderful and integral part of Fort Hunt."

-Tracy Hutchison, Fort Hunt ES

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Paul Arena, Robinson Secondary

"Paul Arena IS Robinson. He pours all his energy into this school through teaching, coaching, Special Olympics, and being in the community. He always has a smile on his face and shows up for families and students. He makes after school activities fun and inviting for everyone."

-Ann Hardman, Robinson Secondary

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Nicole Borghard, West Potomac HS

"As one of the advisors SGA, Nicole Borghard goes above and beyond keeping students at West Potomac informed. Nicole gathers morning announcements and schedules students to read them. In addition (the above and beyond part) she posts the to the "All Students Schoology" course. This helps students who are present when they are read stay up-to-date on what is happening here at school. It is also a great resource for students to be able to access again at a later time if they want to reference something."

-Jessica Landon, West Potomac HS

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John Tourtellotte, Lake Braddock Secondary

"Mr. Tourtellotte has been an outstanding addition to the Lake Braddock Performing Arts Department. He has worked collaboratively with the other department members, sharing students and resources. Mr. Tourtellotte has donated his time and talents to choreography work for our marching band show and has built structures for our marching band show to help support the band. His collaboration with his colleagues has been tremendously appreciated, and we see that collaboration is mirrored in the students of the performing arts courses because of his leadership. Thank you, Mr. Tourtellotte!"  

-Mike Luley, Lake Braddock Secondary

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Stephanie Bluestein, West Potomac HS

"Stephanie Bluestein stepped in on the third day of school to help my son, a freshman, in an upsetting situation. Her care and concern, along with going above and beyond by calling me before outreach from the teacher involved, was very much appreciated and will always be remembered."

-a West Potomac HS parent

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Eric Williams, Hayfield Secondary

"Mr. Williams is always there for me when I need him and does everything on time and is consistent, one of the only consistent people in my life and for that I am forever grateful!!"

-a Hayfield Secondary student

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Mary Beth Brooke, Willow Oaks Admin Center

"I would like to recognize MaryBeth Brooke, Occupational Therapist Extraordinaire, who provides fine motor services for the students in our school. MaryBeth is a dream to work alongside. I always learn a new way to help a student to achieve fine motor skills in new and productive ways. MaryBeth is also always willing to share ideas, curriculum, routines, procedures, tools, and supports. In meetings, MaryBeth manages to capture each students progress in a way that is accessible to parents and other team members. She is approachable, knowledgeable and parents who have worked with her consistently "sing her praises". Many times, MaryBeth has offered to assist during meetings and help with the technology side. She's also a great cheerleader and provides adults with strategic feedback. I love having the opportunity to work alongside such a talented professional. MaryBeth Brook exemplifies all of the qualities of an extraordinary FCPS Caring Employee!"

-Nicole Ingegneri, Keene Mill ES

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Andrew Hahn, Davis Career Center

"Andrew Hahn has been exceptionally welcoming and kind to me as a new staff member to the building this year. He has incredible relationships with students in his class and also works diligently to build relationships with all students in the building. He can be heard in the hallway engaging in small talk with students and taking a genuine interest in their preferred topics. He reinforces our new Tier 1 behavior interventions by reminding students to demonstrate Safety, Independence, and Respect. His bright demeanor brings light to our day to day here at Davis Career Center. I am grateful for his ability to bring a fresh, positive lens to each day and model how to be a great teacher for myself and our colleagues. Kudos Mr. Hahn!"

-Maureen Howard, Davis Career Center

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Anita Santoyo, Bryant HS

"The High Impact Tutoring program is an exceptional gift to our students and families- it provides a much-needed complement to our students’ existing curriculum and enables us to provide additional individualized student support. However, we could not have anticipated the impact our tutor, Mrs. Anita Santoyo, would have on our students, staff, and overall school culture and climate. Mrs. Santoyo’s enthusiastic and innovative approach to student learning, unwavering patience, rapport-building skills, communication skills, boundary-setting skills, and overall “can do” spirit have had an observable impact on student engagement, student behavior and student/staff communication. We are grateful beyond words to have her with our team each day sharing her tremendous gifts with our students."

-Kimberly Watts, Bryant HS

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Tashima Bradshaw, Stonecroft Transportation

"Tashima is a bus driver floater for the area 3 transportation office. She is primarily assigned to cover open small bus runs. Recently, one of the routes that she covers has included a student who has some challenges departing from the school bus. During the month of September, there was an event that occurred on this route that required Tashima and other school staff to quickly get involved to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the students on the bus. During this event, Tashima set aside her own safety to step between two students and spent an extended period of time protecting one of the students until the event was resolved and all students were safely removed from the school bus. Not once did she think of herself and continually checked on the wellbeing of both students and other staff on the bus during this event. Additionally, she ensured that her upcoming route would be covered on time by another bus as she knew she would not personally be able to cover it. Tashima is exemplary in her job and is a shining example of the work that our bus drivers do every day. When our students get onto a school bus, we know that their safety and wellbeing is priority one. Many times, we treat them as if they were one of our own children. Tashima is the best of the best at this and is a perfect example of how FCPS Cares about our students! When I asked the assistant principal at the school involved in this event what they had to say regarding that day, they said “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tashima for her quick thinking and courageous actions during a recent high-stress situation. When faced with a dangerous circumstance involving one of our students, Tashima remained calm, acted swiftly, and ensured the student's safety above all else. Their professionalism and dedication exemplify the highest standards of our community, and we are incredibly proud to have them as part of our team. Thank you, Tashima, for going above and beyond to protect our students!”

-Jessica Trexler, Stonecroft Transportation

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Sharon Belton, Marie A Harley & Laurie Laso, Bryant HS

"The Bryant HS counseling team exemplifies the "care" in FCPS cares. In a short time, they have worked diligently to provide enriching experiences to support the alternative learning environment, identified and secured individual student and family supports, provided professional learning sessions to enhance the school climate and culture, and enthusiastically embraced resources and supports previously not explored/utilized. They are an extraordinary team of dedicated educators who model daily what it means to genuinely and holistically "CARE" for ALL students. We are blessed beyond words to have Dr. Sharon Belton, Marie Harley, and Laurie Laso on the Bryant team."

-Kimberly Watts, Bryant HS

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LaShon Harrison, Stone MS

"Ms. LaShon Harrison goes above and beyond her job responsibilities here at Stone MS. This year she has supported two new staff members as they transition into our building after the start of the school year. She has attended countless IEP, LSC and Staffing meetings all with a smile on her face. She is so professional coming to the table with data and observations ensuring that each conversation is fully worth the time of those around the table. She was proactive this year in bringing together several groups to discuss and prepare for students with special needs entering our building. She steps in on the administrative team when necessary. She supports our student leadership groups around the building. She just does all the things each and every day. We are lucky to her at Stone MS."

-Sonya Williams, Stone MS

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Custodial Team, Lake Braddock Secondary

"The custodial team helps to keep this school clean, and I really appreciate that. Without them, our school would be a complete mess. The custodial staff is always helping and cleaning up after us."

-Lake Braddock Secondary student

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Noelani Martin, Justice HS

"Noelani Martin is an exceptional art teacher at Justice High School. An instructor with much experience, she is very knowledgeable in the use of all tools or techniques that are a part of her classes. Her methodical teaching style combined with her extensive knowledge allows her to create practical workflows and assignments for her students to succeed. She is very talented at explaining even complex concepts in an analytical manner, empowering students to push themselves with their work. Additionally, she is also very kind, and regularly goes out of her way to personally support all her students and establish a comfortable learning environment, often putting personal time or resources into students who are interested in creating their best artwork. She establishes a class community where expectations are quite clear, to the point of not being of concern. Whether a student is struggling with a new concept, if they are creating novel artworks through advanced processes, or if they’re somewhere in between, Ms. Martin meets students where they are at and fully supports them from the start to the end of their project. As such, she deserves much recognition for the many ways she positively impacts the community at Justice High School."

-Anonymous

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Brian Rothe, Bull Run ES

"Brian Rothe is an amazing addition to Bull Run elementary Special Education team. This year Brian took on a new a EAC classroom and has done it with absolute professionalism and always has a smile on his face. Brian goes above and beyond to collect meticulous data, differentiate to meet each learners needs, communicate with parents, and is continuously striving to seek out new ways to support his students."

-Anonymous

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Miranda Smith, Westfield HS

"After my daughter’s injury at school last spring, Miss Smith brought us supplies, loaned us equipment, and provided extra materials to keep my child engaged while we waited for FCPS homebound instruction to begin. This would be important for any student, but my daughter has Down Syndrome & Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which means the extra effort provided her with continuity and connection. She was able to transition smoothly & happily back to school this Fall."

-a Westfield HS parent

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