The Board of Education of Charles County honored five outstanding staff members at its Oct. 13 Board meeting for their dedication to teaching and learning.
Those recognized were Patrice Fenwick, a special education teacher at J.P. Ryon Elementary School, Trynika Hailes, an instructional assistant (IA) at Glymont Middle School, Tracey Jenifer, an IA at the F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, John Johnson, building service worker at Thomas Stone High School and Ashley Roberson, a special education teacher at William A. Diggs Elementary School.
For the past three years, Fenwick has been the special education team leader at Ryon. “Each year, she takes the lead in welcoming and supporting new special education staff, helping them transition into their roles and building their capacity to effectively serve students,” Ryon Principal Nicholas Adam said. Fenwick recently earned her National Board Certification and is currently studying for a doctoral degree. Fenwick is Ryon’s self-contained special education teacher who works with students requiring a high level of specialized instruction, patience, advocacy and expertise. “Ms. Fenwick is the type of educator whose influence can be seen not only in the students she serves, but also in growth and success of the people who work alongside her,” Adam said.
Hailes has been at Glymont for five years where she is known for her “can-do” attitude and unwavering work ethic. “She is the type of employee who sees a need and steps in to help,” Orlena Whatley, Ed.D., principal of Glymont, said. But it is her dedication to students that shines most. “One of Ms. Hailes’ greatest strengths is the authentic and trusting relationships she has developed with our students,” Whatley said. “Students consistently identify her as a trusted adult — someone they know will listen, care and advocate for them and provide honest guidance.” For the students of Glymont, “she has created a sense of safety, belonging and connection,” Whatley said. Hailes supports and manages many of the school’s athletic programs and extracurricular activities, and volunteers for Saturday School, mentoring programs for girls and the Extended Learning Opportunity program. “Ms. Hailes does not simply work at Glymont,” Whatley said. “She is deeply invested in Glymont and the success of every [student].”
Instructional assistants must be problem solvers, be flexible and dedicated to students. Jenifer is all those things, Todd Wonderling, Gwynn principal, said. “Her flexibility and responsiveness make her a valuable member of any educational team,” he added. Jenifer’s skill working with students is evident to her colleagues. “She is skilled in delivering both small group and one-on-one instruction, meeting students where they are and supporting their individual needs,” Wonderling said. Jenifer follows all safety procedures which translates to a secure and supportive learning environment for students. She is also trusted with maintaining confidentially regarding the academic needs of students with special education needs. Jenifer has maintained significant relationships with her students. “One of Mrs. Jenifer’s greatest strengths is her ability to adapt quickly to the changing needs of students and building meaningful relationships,” Wonderling said.
With nearly 1,200 students and more than 100 staff members attending Thomas Stone every day, accidents can happen. Johnson is among those who are called to respond to the unexpected. “When unexpected incidents arise during the workday and require building service assistance, Mr. Johnson is often the first to respond,” Shanif Pearl, principal of Thomas Stone, said. “He approaches each situation with flexibility, patience and a calm presence that brings reassurance amid disruption.” Johnson’s job takes place inside and out of the school as he assists with the beautification and maintenance of the campus grounds as well as the cleanliness and sanitation of classrooms and other areas of the school. “He is an integral member of our building service day crew and his service leaves a lasting, positive impact,” Pearl said. Johnson keeps up with industry advancements in sanitation and cleaning practices to ensure Thomas Stone is a welcoming space. “Mr. Johnson consistently sets high standards for himself and models the efficiency, effectiveness, flexibility, patience and precision that help others achieve success,” Pearl said.
When Ben Harrington, principal of Diggs, started working at the school five years ago, Roberson was a second-grade teacher. While she excelled in the position, Harrington noticed how well Roberson planned lessons, modeled instruction and worked with her colleagues. “She worked as a general education inclusion partner for three years [when a] desire to support special education students took over,” Harrington said. Two years ago, he asked Roberson if she wanted to exclusively work with students in special education. “She jumped at the opportunity to embrace a new role and dedicate her time to co-teaching, providing intervention and thinking creatively to support special education students,” Harrington said. Roberson partners with a team leader at Diggs to make personalized schedules for students and case managers while collaborating with teachers, service providers and administration to ensure all legal requirements are met. Roberson oversees the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program and is working on earning her master’s degree.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).