Charles Co. Board of Ed. Honors Exemplary Employees

LA PLATA, Md. (Jan. 13, 2016)—The Board of Education honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees at their Jan. 12 meeting for being the difference in the lives of children and for their commitment to the school system. Honored were Maritza Davis, Deborah Luehe, Jamie Mucciolo, Sandy Rooney and Sandra Young.

Davis is secretary to the principal at William B. Wade Elementary School and was chosen for recognition by Principal Kevin Jackson for demonstrating consistent leadership, an exemplary work ethic and for creating a positive environment for students, staff and parents. As secretary to the principal, Davis serves as the front office manager and works hard to create a positive and inviting atmosphere for staff, visitors and students. She maintains a calm and professional demeanor when working with concerned parents and provides guidance to any one in need of assistance. Davis also takes the lead on coordinating school-related fundraising efforts and volunteers in her community. As a native Spanish speaker, Davis also serves as a liaison for parents and students who speak Spanish. Jackson said Wade staff agree that Davis is a valuable asset to the school community. “Mrs. Davis is known by staff as an extremely hard worker. She sees a job that needs to be done and she takes it on. She is always willing to extend herself for students by providing them with a variety of supports,” Jackson wrote in a nomination statement.

Luehe is a media instructional assistant at Matthew Henson Middle School and was chosen for Board recognition by her principal, Christina Caballero, for her passion for working with students, assisting her peers and demonstrating an exemplary work ethic. Luehe has worked at Henson for the past nine years and helps students choose books for independent reading, assists teachers in securing instructional resources and technology, and helps to coordinate school-related events. Last school year, she hosted a reading webinar for teachers on instructional strategies in which she shared new resources with her colleagues. She also supports the media specialist in lessons with students and offers guidance and support wherever she is needed. Additionally she coordinates awards given to students as part of recognition ceremonies. In her nomination letter, Caballero describes Luehe as a leader. “Ms. Luehe leads by example. She is always willing to do whatever it takes to help a staff member or a student. She is the person who will do what is needed to make something run successfully or smoothly. She displays the pride, spirit and commitment of an amazing staff member and is an inspiration to everyone at Henson,” Caballero wrote.

Mucciolo is a fifth-grade teacher at Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School and was selected for Board recognition by Jenifer Principal Nancy Seifert for her commitment to using technology in her classroom and for advocating for her students on a daily basis. She is in her second year as a fifth-grade teacher and previously taught third graders at Jenifer. She is well known among her peers for going above and beyond expectations as a teacher to ensure her students are successful. Mucciolo hosts an online reading blog for her students to keep them interested in learning during the summer and uses the Donors Choose program to acquire technology for her classroom. She coordinates events for students to demonstrate skills they learn in her class, such as a recent “Writer’s Tea,” and hosts a math tutoring program before school called “Math and Muffins.” Mucciolo has served as the third-grade team leader and assists with planning efforts for the fifth-grade team. Additionally, she is the yearbook sponsor and chairperson for the Just Say No club, and is active with the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. In her nomination statement, Seifert said Mucciolo is dedicated to her students and active in the school community. “She is extremely dedicated to the success of her students. She advocates for her students daily and sets high standards for them and herself,” Seifert wrote.

Rooney is secretary to the principal at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center and was recognized by the Board for her commitment to professionalism and for demonstrating an exemplary work ethic. Rooney has worked at the Stethem Center for the past 11 years and in addition to her role as secretary to the principal, she is responsible for all financials, payroll, the school calendar and maintaining the website. She helps with technology needs, organizes school-related fundraisers and activities, and is known as the “go-to” person for assistance among staff members who may need additional help or guidance. Rooney is also well known among her colleagues for her strong work ethic and tendency to go above and beyond daily. Evelyn Arnold was named principal at the Stethem Center in 2015 and nominated Rooney as Stethem’s exemplary employee for Board recognition this school year. In her nomination letter, Arnold said Rooney helped her transition into her new position. “When I became principal in 2015, I relied heavily on Sandy to explain the policies and procedures that had been in place as well as the day-to-day operations of the Center. Her assistance was vital to a smooth transition, and she was consistently thoughtful and thorough in her explanations and reports,” Arnold wrote.

Young is a special education instructional assistant at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School and was chosen by her principal, Kimberly Hairston, for recognition for her commitment to green initiatives at the school and for implementing environmentally-friendly practices for students and staff. The school’s Go Green initiatives began in 2011 when Young launched a campaign to save foil juice pouches for recycling. Students at Dr. Mudd now participate in other efforts established by Young such as a No Waste Lunch, maintaining a butterfly and turtle garden and the launch of a Green Club. Student members in the club meet weekly to plan environmentally friendly efforts for the school community. Additionally, Dr. Mudd applied for Maryland Green School status this year and Young helped to implement programs that met application criteria. In the classroom, she works hard to connect with students and provides them with encouragement and positive support. Young strives to make sure all students succeed and know they are supported. In her nomination letter, Hairston said Young’s contributions help to support a positive learning environment at Dr. Mudd. “Whether it is enforcing rules in the cafeteria or teaching skills a student should have, she does an exemplary job with class and love. She is a dedicated instructional assistant who gives every student what they need to bring out their personal best,” Hairston wrote.

The Board honors several exemplary employees each month.

Source: Charles Co. Public Schools