LA PLATA, Md. (December 16, 2011)—Four exemplary Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees were honored by the Board of Education on December 13. Honored were Robynn Mudd, Tina Thomas, Brenda Richards and Laura Buzzell.
Mudd is an elementary school teacher at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School. She was nominated for significantly impacting students who are not traditional learners, helping keep the school moving in a positive direction and planning an exceptional instructional program for students. Mudd creates special connections with parents by earning their trust and respect. She is always looking for ways and venues to help equip her students with tools to meet success. Mudd is an active participant in school improvement efforts and works on numerous school committees. She is the first–grade team leader and understands that students often need more than a traditional instructional program. Mudd has implemented all county initiatives into her classroom and is a model for guided reading and Math Investigations. Barnhart Principal Amy DiSabatino said Mudd is often presented with challenging students and finds ways to reach them and help them find their full potential. “Ms. Mudd is a dedicated teacher who has worked diligently with Barnhart students to help them reach academic success,” DiSabatino wrote in a nomination letter.
Thomas is a secretary at Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School. She was nominated for demonstrating extreme professionalism, continually adding and excelling at new tasks and creating relationships and communication with every Brown student and parent. Thomas has been employed with CCPS for eight years. She handles everything related to students and families with pride and is concerned for their well being. Thomas took over the school’s Teleparent notification system, announcements, Student Support Team (SST) meeting prep and works specifically with the vice principal as her secretary. She works and trains teachers each year on the importance of up-to-date files and also works closely with every family to orient them to the school. Thomas personally creates certificates each quarter for students earning citizenship, attendance and honor roll for awards programs. Brown Principal Darryl Evans said Thomas takes pride in everything she does. “It is her attention to detail, love for children and commitment to Dr. Brown teachers, staff and parents that makes her our exemplar employee,” Evans wrote in a nomination letter.
Richards is a gifted education teacher at John Hanson Middle School. She was nominated for recognition for successfully developing a student tutoring program, called “HOT’s” (Helping Others To Succeed), serving on school teams and committees and building important relationships with staff, students and parents. Richards’ “HOT’s” program is one of the tools she uses when creating programs that support students who are struggling academically. She assists students who need extra help when they are not receiving it at home, rearranges her schedule to meet a teacher’s needs, and is a team player in every aspect when it comes to crossing areas to benefit a student’s need. Richards is a member of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and literacy audit teams, and she participates in county programs such as the fall and spring chess tournaments and It’s Academic competition. She identifies, motivates and enriches students and staff and she is responsible to service with skill and fidelity. Hanson Principal Kathy Kiessling said Richards’ enthusiasm and passion for the gifted program inspires the students and teachers she supports. “The most outstanding contribution Ms. Richards contributes to our school and our community is her passion and commitment to our students,” Kiessling wrote in a nomination letter.
Buzzell is a mathematics teacher at Henry E. Lackey High School. She was nominated for recognition for her commitment to her students, expanding her professional skills and providing leadership to staff and committees. Buzzell’s efforts have yielded great results as she has had tremendous success in working with her students in acquiring the skills and knowledge needed for passing the Algebra High School Assessment (HSA). She takes advantage of every opportunity to advance her knowledge, skill and expertise as an educator. Buzzell takes on a leadership role with the Algebra team by sharing her instructional expertise and strategies for best practices for implementation. She dedicates time to school activities by serving as the school’s SGA advisor and class sponsor, working with the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) committee and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, and helping the football team. She has a special affinity for working with school athletes in need of support and direction by serving as the football team’s chief advocate, counselor and mentor. Lackey Principal James Short said Buzzell has worked with students at all levels over the past several years and has earned a reputation for being an advocate for many students in need. Buzzell is “a mentor, role model, exemplary teacher, coach and cheerleader,” Short wrote in a nomination letter.
The Board honors several exemplary employees each month.
Source: Charles County Public Schools