The Board of Education honors several employees at their monthly meetings for their accomplishments in the classroom, school and with students and staff. During the May 12 meeting, five exemplary employees were recognized by the Board. Pictured from left is Connie Mattingly, instructional resource teacher at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School, Debra Van Roon, language arts teacher at Mattawoman Middle School, Pamela Jones, culinary arts teacher at North Point High School, Julie Colaizzi, science teacher at Mary B. Neal Elementary School, and Joanne Brown, occupational therapist and special education teacher at the F.B. Gwynn Educational Center.
The Board of Education honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees during the May 12 meeting including Joanne Brown, Julie Colaizzi, Pamela Jones, Connie Mattingly and Debra Van Roon.
Brown has worked at the F.B. Gwynn Educational Center for the last 10 years as an occupational therapist and special education teacher. Brown’s leadership in the Infants and Toddlers Program has helped pair teachers and related service providers with families in need of assistance. She conducts professional development and training for Charles County teachers, and works with staff from other counties. Brown recently partnered with Babies R Us to help teach developmental classes. She continues her professional growth by attending meetings, conferences and workshops in order to enhance her knowledge about the development of young children. Daphne Burns, principal at Gwynn, said Brown is a valuable asset to the Gwynn Center team. “Brown is actively involved in community outreach programs that help provide training to parents and partners about infants and toddlers and activities to promote development through daily routines and play,” Burns wrote in a nomination letter.
Colaizzi is a science teacher at Mary B. Neal Elementary School and was recognized for being a master teacher with exemplary leadership qualities. In addition to her duties as a teacher, she coordinates the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program at Neal and is a co-chair for Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA), the science fair and Relay for Life. She demonstrates a high level of commitment to her job and creatively incorporates technology into her lessons as well as manages a Padlet program during staff development sessions. Colaizzi is a member of the instructional leadership team (ILT) and Neal’s administrative team. Neal Principal Carol Leveillee said Colaizzi is an exemplar role model for teachers. “She is dependable, reliable, a team player and a true gem. Neal and Charles County Public Schools are very lucky to have her,” Leveillee wrote in a recognition nomination letter.
Jones has taught at North Point High School since the school’s opening in 2005, and leads the school’s culinary arts program. Her dedication and love of her profession has led to the success and popularity of the program. Jones is the lead advisor of the Skills USA program at North Point, and has worked with Skills USA students for more than 20 years. Most recently, she led North Point’s team to an outstanding performance in the Maryland Skills USA state competition with 52 medal winners. Two of her students were also elected to leadership positions with Maryland Skills USA. North Point Principal Michael Simms said Jones’ highest priority is educating and assisting her students in achieving to their highest ability. “Her love for her profession is apparent in the desire of our students to take her courses and in her willingness to teach students at any point during the school day. Mrs. Jones meets with students before and after school, and gives up her personal lunch time to assist students with achieving their highest ability,” Simms wrote in a recognition nomination letter.
Mattingly is an instructional resource teacher at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School and was recognized for her work ethic, knowledge and passion for students. She works tirelessly to ensure the needs of students are met and appropriate learning enrichment and programs are provided. Recently, she helped to rewrite the gifted education guided reading curriculum for grades three through five. Mattingly also coordinates testing at Mitchell and ran a successful testing program this school year. Mitchell Principal Verniece Rorie said Mattingly is an exemplar role model for her peers. “Mrs. Mattingly truly exemplifies an outstanding employee with an exemplary work ethic,” Rorie wrote in a nomination letter.
Van Roon teaches eighth grade language arts at Mattawoman Middle School and has been a teacher at the school since 2000. She encourages her students to excel in the classroom, maintain high standards and be positive role models for one another. Van Roon also sponsors the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at Mattawoman. As sponsor, she has led the NJHS in several community projects including volunteering at the Charles County Humane Society, participating in the Walk for Homelessness, raising money for the Southern Maryland Food Bank and the American Cancer Society, as well as donating holiday decorations to various organizations. Mattawoman Principal Douglass Dolan said Van Roon demonstrates long term excellence in her position. “Her commitment to the NJHS and her students proves her long term excellence at Mattawoman Middle School and her contribution to its growth and development,” Dolan wrote in a recognition nomination letter.
The Board honors several students and staff monthly.
Board recognizes outstanding students
Four Charles County Public Schools students were honored by the Board of Education at their May 12 meeting for accomplishments in the area of academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness. Pictured from left are Jasmine Forbes from Mattawoman Middle School, Desiree Satchell from North Point High School, Zaria Smith from Mary B. Neal Elementary School and Rebecca White from Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School.
The Board of Education honored four students on Tuesday, May 12, for excellence in academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness, which are the focus areas of the school system’s master plan. Honored were Zaria Smith, fifth grade, Mary B. Neal Elementary School; Rebecca White, fifth grade, Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School; Jasmine Forbes, eighth grade, Mattawoman Middle School; and Desiree Satchell, senior, North Point High School.
Smith was honored by the Board in the area of academic achievement. She is an honor roll student and is well known among her teachers as a hard worker who enjoys helping her peers. Smith has attended Neal since kindergarten and has been recognized as a student who demonstrates Neal’s three R’s – respect, responsibility and right to learn. Additionally, Smith is a member of Neal’s student ambassador group, math team, Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) team, chorus and All-County Chorus. Outside of school, Smith enjoys reading and traveling.
White was honored by the Board in the area of academic achievement and is consistently recognized by her teachers as having an inner drive that pushes her academically. White is also described by Mitchell staff as a stellar student and has maintained honor roll grades throughout her school career. She is dedicated to balancing extracurricular activities and school responsibilities. White is a member of Destination Imagination (DI), the chess club and the Computer Bowl team. Outside of school, she is active in Girl Scouts and plays the violin and piano.
Forbes was honored by the Board in the area of career readiness. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), step team, and is in the school band. She is well known among her teachers as a student who displays determination and is focused on her future and academic goals. Forbes is enrolled in accelerated and gifted classes, and has maintained a 4.0 grade-point average during her three years at Mattawoman. She is also well known for her ability to prioritize assignments and responsibilities in order to effectively complete them.
Satchell was honored by the Board in the area of personal responsibility. She is a positive role model for her peers and is known by her teachers for her strong work ethic and commitment to education. She maintains a 4.1 grade-point average and is enrolled in honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Satchell is also enrolled in the Criminal Justice program and volunteers at several school-related functions. She consistently displays a positive attitude and welcoming personality. After graduation, Satchell plans to attend Clemson University and major in mechanical engineering.
Each month the Board of Education honors students for their success in academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility.