Four exemplary Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees were honored by the Board of Education on March 12. Honored were Sarah Millman, Alexis Howell, Van Connor and Cynthia Harrison.
Millman is a kindergarten teacher at William A. Diggs Elementary School. She was nominated for recognition for displaying excellence in her position and for her ability to reach all levels of learners. Millman is innovative, technologically savvy and detailed-oriented in each lesson she presents. She is a member of the schools educator effectiveness team and attends all trainings to enhance her skills and knowledge to benefit her students. She is dependable and strives to ensure that her students are successful learners and role models for one another. Diggs Principal Sandra Taylor said that Millman is a leader and team player. “Millman goes above and beyond the call of duty to show support and exemplifies all of the qualities of an exemplary employee,” Taylor wrote in a nomination letter.
Howell is a third-grade teacher at J.P.Ryon Elementary School. She was nominated for recognition for demonstrating a high degree of pride in her work and for displaying a professional work ethic. Howell uses a caring and consistent approach with her students and strives to help struggling learners become successful in the classroom. To meet the needs of each student, she plans accurately to structure lessons that are fun and exciting for her classes. She is well known among school staff for her kind demeanor and positive, professional attitude. Ryon Principal Robert Opiekun said Howell maintains a positive attitude towards teaching. “She is a clear asset to J.P.Ryon and thus for Charles County Public Schools as well. She always puts forth the best interests of her students,” Opiekun wrote in a nomination letter.
Connor is a pupil personnel worker at General Smallwood Middle School. He was nominated for recognition for displaying a passionate and professional demeanor in order to help students and staff. Connor dedicates his time to helping others in need and often goes out of his way to make sure students have what they need to be successful. As a pupil personnel worker, Connor is often asked to handle several tasks daily and does whatever is asked of him. He is generally the first person to arrive for work at Smallwood and maintains a flexible schedule in order to assist where he is needed. Smallwood Principal Kathy Perriello said that Connor is a true student advocate. “Connor is a kind-hearted, caring person who is not only concerned with the students of Smallwood, but also with each staff member,” Perriello wrote in a nomination letter.
Harrison is a pupil personnel worker at Thomas Stone High School. She was nominated for recognition for displaying a high level of expertise and professionalism. Harrison actively monitors students on her case load and visits with students and parents to develop a caring relationship between home and the school. She is actively involved in monitoring students’ records and assists school administration in working to improve student success and personal responsibility. Stone Principal Michael Meiser said Harrison’s strongest asset is her caring demeanor among parents and
