Notes of Gratitude 2011
“Excellence in Teaching” award winner Angela Benjamin, Woodrow Wilson High School [Photo by James R. Brantley]
“Excellence in Teaching” award winner Roaenetta Mayes Browne, Sharpe Health School [Photo by James R. Brantley]
“Excellence in Teaching” award winner Sylvia Ewing, Kelly Miller Middle School [Photo by James R. Brantley]
“Excellence in Teaching” award winner Charles Feeser, Benjamin Banneker High School [Photo by James R. Brantley]
“Excellence in Teaching” award winner Deborah Flanagan, Barnard Elementary School [Photo by James R. Brantley]
“Excellence in Teaching” award winner Maria Samenga, Harriet Tubman Elementary School [Photo by James R. Brantley]
Take the opportunity to publicly thank your favorite DCPS teacher in one of two ways:
- Complete the form on the Share Your Gratitude for a DCPS Teacher page.
- Tweet your gratitude on Twitter. (Be sure to include #DCTeachers in your tweet!)
Be sure to check out all the other ways we're celebrating and showing gratitude to our teachers.
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Teacher Sarah Kaufman at Watkins Elementary School
Dear Sarah,
Our family is incredibly grateful to you for educating our children over the past 5 years. Your work ethic is incomparable, and we are convinced that under your guidance, our children are receiving a world class education. Your ability to extend lessons beyond academics and onto good citizenship, personal responsibility and grace and courtesy has reached beyond our children and onto our entire family.
We're incredibly proud of being a DCPS family and we thank you for this amazing experience.
With Love,
The Mills Family
All Teachers and Aides at Eaton Elementary School
You know who you are. You come to school ready, prepared, positive and supportive of your students.
You know who you are! You collaborate, stay late, and go the extra mile.
You know who you are...you do it right, with passion, the best you can, inspite of it all.
You know who you are!.. life-long learners...striving for more. I appreciate you!
DCPS parent: Jacqueline G.
Teacher Morgan Plummer at Lafayette Elementary School
Other than grades and test scores, I can tell how well my daughter is doing in school based on the way she plays "class" with her stuffed animals. She lines them up, puts them in proper rows and then begins "teaching," based largely on how she is taught in her own classroom. My daughter "teaches" each stuffed animal with great respect, enthusiasm, care and concern.
If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, Ms. Plummer should feel pretty good about herself. Ms. Plummer has done a fantastic job teaching my daughter with math and reading (the stuffed elephant and teddy bear are coming along nicely, too).
Thank you Ms. Plummer for everything!
You're the best!
DCPS parent: Fred L.
Teacher Michelle Houston at Brookland Education Campus @ Bunker Hill
I would like to thank Ms.Michelle Houston PK4 at Brookland Bunker Hill Elementary School for challenging my son and doing an outstanding job!
DCPS parent: Donna M. via Facebook
Teacher Ms. Henderson at Watkins Elementary School
We are so grateful that Ms. Henderson has been our children's teacher. She prioritizes their social/emotional development along with their academic advancement. She helps them meet success by motivating them through their strengths and interests, and she creates a safe and supportive classroom environment where they are free to take academic and social risks. Thank you Ms. Henderson.
DCPS parent: D. Bruce
Teacher Tracy Payton at Leckie Elementary School
Ms.Payton is an awesome teacher, role model as well as an inspirational and tremendous leader! I've had the pleasure of knowing her for the last 5 years. When I met Ms.Payton, she was the After-Care Coordinator at Leckie.
She made my child's learning and after care activities very creative, challenging and fun. She is very resourceful & very knowledgeable in many, many areas. I don't know where I would be without such an Wonderful Teacher who loves the children as she does and is so passionate about it !
So I'm Nominating Ms.Tracy Payton as Teacher Of The Week For Leckie Elementary School on this day !!
DCPS parent: Aja G.
Teacher Ms. Franklin at J.O. Wilson Elementary
Thank you, Mrs. Franklin, for introducing my granddaughter, Skye, to nouns, verbs and adjectives in kindergarten. We appreciate and value your differentiated instruction for our gifted granddaughter and her fellow kindergartners, as you meet their individual needs.
Thank you, too, for truly listening to parents and grandparents and valuing their multiple perspectives. You are a truly remarkable teacher and we love you.
DCPS community member: Wanda G.
All DCPS Teachers
Thanks to all my @dcpublicschools #dcteachers who shaped me and helped me get to where I am today! Happy teacher appreciation week!
DCPS alumnus: E. Wodatch via Twitter
Teacher Kathleen Bergin at Murch Elementary School
You Rock! Thanks for making first grade so fun!
DCPS student: Trevor B.
Teacher Robert Johnson at Lafayette Elementary School
A big THANK YOU to Mr. Johnson for making our family's introduction to Lafayette such a wonderful experience. Our son adores Mr. Johnson as do many other kids of all ages throughout our neighborhood who have been lucky enough to sit in Mr. Johnson's classroom. Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for all you do for our kids!
DCPS parent: Stacy B.
Teacher Maria Syquia at Tyler Elementary School
Ms. Syquia has been a wonderful, caring and dedicated teacher to my daughter Anna. Anna came to Ms. Syquia's preschool class as an inclusion student with autism, and the amount of progress she has made is tremendous.
Thanks to the patience and the caring nature of Ms. Syquia, Anna is learning so many things that exceed the academic requirements of an early childhood classroom. Ms. Syquia is teaching her to be a caring friend and an independent person, which is such a wonderful gift!
Thank you, Ms. Syquia for all the things you do!
DCPS parent: Claudia S.
Principal Miller, Assistant Principal Holmes, Faculty and Teachers at Ballou STAY High School
You are the best! Thanks for your hardwork and dedication to the students and community of Ballou STAY High School! Best wishes in your future endeavors!!!
DCPS employee: Connie J.
Teacher Robin Rice at Burrville Elementary
Ms. Rice,
We just want to publicly thank you for all the had work you have put into teaching Chloe. You have been firm when firmness is needed and you have been loving when needed. Your support in helping to raise Chloe has been a God send.
You have taught her to push beyond what she thinks she can do. You have also allowed her to pursue the things that have become important to her. Thanks for allowing her to blossom and to showcase her talent. You are truly a special teacher.
DCPS parent: Paula W.
Teacher Ms. Irrazary at Anacostia Senior High School
I would like to thank you for being the best teacher my child has had all school year.
We appreciate you, you are the best Ms. Izzy!
DCPS parent: Karen S.
Teacher Benjamin Lookner at Browne Education Campus
Mr. Lookner's patience and consistency is truly inspiring. He is a positive role model for the challenging middle school group that he works with on a daily basis. He is always professional, timely, and efficient. Teach on Mr. Lookner!
DCPS employee: Kelly R.
Teacher Corinne Earnshaw at Browne Education Campus
Ms. Earnshaw is a fabulous middle school Spanish teacher! She divides her time between two DC Public Schools in such an impressive way! She is positive and firm with her students, trying new games and activities with them in the classroom frequently.
Ms. Earnshaw goes out of her way to get to know her students by making home visits and taking them on incredible field trips to Spanish bakeries and restaurants, forcing them to speak only in Spanish. She is relentless and consistent when it comes to classroom management.
As a first year teacher coming in through the Teach for America program she is truly impressive and inspiring. Teach on Ms. Earnshaw!!!!!!
DCPS employee: Kelly R.
Teacher Ms. Wilburn at J.O. Wilson Elementary School
I would like to thank Ms. Wilburn for being a rigorous fellow educator who has inspired my First Grade Daughter to soar. I thank you for seeing her potential and helping her to excel in reading. I hope that you have an enjoyable week and know that Dakara and I appreciate you very much.
Sincerely Yours,
DCPS parent: Stephanie R.
Teacher Lena Brahame at Turner Elementary School @ Green
Thank you so much for being the committed teacher that you are. You made my tenture as a principal so much easier.
DCPS employee: Marcia P.
Teacher Malvery Smith at Turner Elementary School @ Green
I was blessed to have you working with me when I was the Principal of Turner. You have to make my job so easy and you constantly showed your commitment to students.
DCPS employee: Marcia P.
Teacher Rachel Houghton at Peabody Elementary School
Thanks, Mrs. Houghton, for a great four years with the Smith kids! If only their parents would let them "read whenever we want" like you do :).
DCPS parent: Melissa S.
Teacher Ms Chu, Ms Riche, Ms Hailstocks at Browne Educational Campus
I would like to thank Ms Riche, Ms CHU and social worker Ms Hailstocks for all their hard work and dedication to our kids at Browne, I love you all and I appreciate all your hard work.
DCPS parent: Charlestina K.
Teacher Alicia Walker at Hardy Middle School
Alicia provides to her students a fresh approach to teaching and learning. Her project-based methods give students a real-life experience that taps their creativity, makes them attend to detail, and empowers them to take ownership for their learning. Her teaching is relevant and her students will feel its impact for years to come.
DCPS employee: Renee J.
Teach
I am grateful to her, she used to push me to work hard as a dedicated aide under her immediate supervision.She is a very creative teacher, specially in the field of Science. She masters it and knows the right techniques to teach her students at Mamie D. Lee School.
DCPS employee: Mohamed T.
Teacher Noah Steinberg at Eaton Elementary School
Mr. Steinberg is a wonderful Pre-K teacher at John Eaton. My boys, Alexander and Sebastian, have had an amazing year and have learned so much through their creative and fun-filled days in Mr. Steinberg's colorful classroom.
DCPS parent: Jennifer W.
Teacher Julia Rosen at Key Elementary School
Dear Ms. Rosen,
Thank you for making my child's year so enriching and exciting. We are so grateful for your creativity, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Enjoy the rest of the school year!
DCPS employee: Erin B
Teacher Ashley Mahurin at Key Elementary School
Dear Ms. Mahurin,
I wanted to thank you for making Logan's first year at Key Elementary such a special one. You are a one-of-a-kind teacher and we were so lucky to have had you!!
Enjoy the rest of the year!
DCPS employee: Erin B
Teacher Dan Boyer at Noyes Education Campus
Boyer's level of enthusiasm and care for his students is infectious. I enjoy working beside him in his classroom. I have learned a great deal from him and can't thank him enough for his support of me this school year.
DCPS employee: Leslee C
Teacher Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Barnes,Mr. McAneny, Ms. Bowman at Thomson Elementary School
I have had the privilege to co-teach with these four great and highly effective educators this year. Thank you so much for all the hard work. Our students at Thomson ES are very fortunate to have you as their teacher. Keep up the great work!
DCPS employee: Mark P.
Teacher Betsy Werner at Murch Elementary School
Mrs. Werner is a wonderful teacher - she is the perfect mix of academic smarts and unconditional love. She makes each child in her classroom feel special and noticed. She takes the time to applaud a child for his/her strengths and works to improve his/her weaknesses without making the child feel as if they have a weakness. She is very thorough in her presentations for Parent Teacher conferences, she always has a smile in her voice - she has made first grade an "AWESOME" experience for my child (I am quoting his words).
DCPS parent: Michele C.
Teacher Ms. V. Brown at Houston Elementary School
I would like to say thank to Ms. Brown who being such a wonderful, caring, and loving teacher to my daughter. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to address my concerns.
DCPS parent: Theresa G.
Teacher Ms. Francis at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School
You're the greatest.
I miss you and the kids.
I'll be back.
Community Member: Tom H.
Teacher Mr. William Rope at Hearst Elementary School
Mr. Rope taught my now 7th grader for 3rd grade at Hearst. He was a great teacher who challenged the kids to think and (gently) pushed them beyond what they thought were their limits. He has a wry humor that kids get, and an old school wisdom that greatly benefits parents.
Even after students have moved on from his class, Mr. Rope checks in, keeps in touch by email, writes school recommendations, and responds to any questions or concerns with which he may be able to assist.
Mr. Rope has been a teacher for many years and I hope will stick around long enough for my youngest to be in his class. Happy Teachers Appreciation Week Mr. Rope and all the best to you!
DCPS parent: Michele C.
The Staff of Thomson Elementary School
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Strong John Thomson Elementary School. They have done an outstanding job this year. Their most remarkable contribution is doing the work necessary to become the first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School in DC. Way to go! Keep up the great work!
DCPS employee: Albert D.
Teacher Kyle Evans at Payne Elementary School
Kyle Evans has been a driving force for integrating global education into the curriculum at Payne Elementary, one of DCPS' three World Culture Catalyst Schools. Kyle understands the complexities of teaching and she is committed to providing appropriate classroom support so that teachers have what they need to help their students learn.
Kyle also knows how to maximize external resources by reaching out to Kyle Evans has been a driving force for integrating global education into the curriculum at Payne Elementary, one of DCPS' three World Culture Catalyst Schools. Kyle understands the complexities of teaching and she is committed to providing appropriate classroom support so that teachers have what they need to help their students learn. Kyle also knows how to maximize external resources by reaching out to community organizations and helping them find practical ways to support student learning.
Kyle’s efforts to encourage her colleagues to include Peace Corps' free resources as tools for teaching and learning about the world are remarkable. Kyle is an articulate teacher, an inspiring leader, and an outstanding team player who brings out the best in all who are fortunate to work with her.
Thank you, Kyle, for all the quiet ways that you help Payne's students become aware, curious, and interested in learning about the world and how it works, and, in developmentally appropriate ways, to take action on issues of global importance.
Brava! to community organizations and helping them find practical ways to support student learning. Kyle’s efforts to encourage her colleagues to include Peace Corps' free resources as tools for teaching and learning about the world are remarkable. Kyle is an articulate teacher, an inspiring leader, and an outstanding team player who brings out the best in all who are fortunate to work with her.
Thank you, Kyle, for all the quiet ways that you help Payne's students become aware, curious, and interested in learning about the world and how it works, and, in developmentally appropriate ways, to take action on issues of global importance. Brava!
Community Member: Marjorie A.
Teacher Ayinde Spradley at Maury Elementary School
I want to sincerely thank Mr. Spradley for the love and support bestowed upon my son (Taylor) during the 2nd and 3rd grade, as a student at Maury ES. The values and lessons provided by Mr. Spradley contributed to the success of my son, for which this writer is eternally grateful!
Thank you
DCPS employee: J Johnson
Teacher Mrs. Mary Wooden Green at Cleveland Elementary School
Mrs. Green inspires her students and supports them every step of the way. We are grateful for her and what she has instilled in her second graders. Their aptitude has fueled a confidence that will take them to new heights.
Thank you, Mrs. Green.
DCPS parent: Katina W.
Teacher Ms. Legion at Langdon Education Campus
Ms. Legion has been a great influence in my daughter's PreK experience. We moved from Tennessee to DC in October and my daughter (Nyima) had never been in school. She was so far behind the other kids in her class. I really worried about how well she would do with catching up to their level.
Ms. Legion, along with Ms. Wilson, worked with Nyima and did not give up on her. Today, Nyima has shown a great deal of improvement with the help of these wonderful teachers. She went from barely knowing how to spell her name to being able to do simple addition. It is amazing and I want to say
"Thank you".
DCPS parent: LaKissha W.
Teacher Khudija Amjad at Brent Elementary School
Ms. Amjad is a consummate professional: intelligent, creative, punctual, and a wonderful team-player. She has outstanding communication skills--whether she is working with colleagues, parents, or with an adoring room full of first graders. She guides the children with patience and humor--and they listen carefully.
To be in her classroom is to sense the children's boundless creative energy and enthusiasm, contained by their understanding of her clear expectations for excellent behavior. In other words, the children behave in order to learn--not out of fear or obedience--but rather because they understand that by paying attention their curiosity will be rewarded with knowledge.
Thank you to Ms. Amjad for a magical first grade year!!!!
DCPS parent: Tobie M.
Teacher Ms Henderson at Watkins Elementary School
Hey Ms Henderson,
Niamh is having a rollicking time in your care and the successes that Matthew has had since he moved to Stuart Hobson are testament to the grounding you gave him. Thanks for all you do. You have made a real and lasting impact in their lives and ours.
DCPS parent: David N.
Teacher Mr. Geremia at Deal Middle School
Mr. Geremia is a passionate, compassionate and dedicated teacher. Besides his excellent teaching capabilities, I have seen him at every after school event I have attended and seems to always be there for the Alice Deal community. He is a strong communicator and ensures his "home group" is well informed and prepared. He is a true professional.
DCPS parent: Colette M.
Teacher Mr. Leonard at Shepherd Elementary School
To Mr. Leonard for providing a caring and welcoming environment to my son during the 5th grade, from which a life long friendship was established with continued support for Taylor through his academic and social development. Words cannot express our feelings, regarding your assistance in providing Taylor with the foundation for ACHIEVEMENT!
We are eternally grateful
Sincerely, The Johnson family
DCPS employee: Jack J.
Teacher Nina Harris at Stuart-Hobson Middle School
Thank you Ms. Harris for making learning fun. My son is now excited about astronomy, science and math, thanks to you. It is clear that you teach because you love it and don't view it as just a job you have to do. THANK YOU MS. HARRIS!
DCPS parent: Nicole B.
Teacher Michelle O'Rourke at Brent Elementary School
Thank you for being such a caring and dedicated teacher. Sophia and all of the children in your class are most fortunate to have you as their teacher. You are making a difference in the lives of all the children you teach. Thank you. Angela, Ben and Sophia
DCPS parent: Angela P.
Teacher Steve Dingledine at Stoddert Elementary School
I would like to thank Mr. Dingledine for being a great teacher! Through his efforts his students get to experience things that many of us will never get to experience. His class has been visited by the Kids Post, the Swiss Embassy and the staff of Tudor Place. Mr. D keeps parents abreast of what's going on in the class and what's coming up. He is very dedicated to preparing his 5th graders for middle school and beyond!
Thanks Mr. D!
DCPS parent: Ebony W.
Teacher Ms. Plenty at Simon Elementary School
I would like to give my gratitude to two teachers Ms. Plenty & Ms. Manigult. Both teachers have inspired by son to do the best he can. They always have the attitude that no child will ever be left behind if they have anything to do with it. They have helped me with getting my son where he needs to be and trying very hard to keep him ahead.
My son has grown so much that words can not express. I give my deepest gratitude to the two of them for allowing him to shine. Where you come from and where you been does not matter to them. They treat all students the same and expect nothing less than the best from each and everyone of them.
They strive for excellence and work very hard to have 100% participation from the parents, but as you know there are some battles you can win and some you lose and that has never stopped them from trying. If this has never been said before I appreciate the teachers at Abraham Simon Elementary. They are genuinely there for the children.
DCPS parent: Daniyel B.
Teacher Kia Gilliam at Whittier Education Campus
I would like to share gratitude for Ms. Kia Gilliam, a kindergarten teacher at Whittier. Ms. Gilliam is an excellent teacher who is a total team player and takes initiative to be a high performing educator. She does a fantastic job integrating curriculum through our STEM program and is always willing to do "whatever it takes" to get the job done. Hats off to you Ms. Gilliam for being a shining example at Whittier.
DCPS employee: Nicole C.
Teacher Mr. Lee at Hardy Middle School
To one who provides before and after school tutoring,ethics,encouragement,and moral support during my son's middle school experience illustrates why many think they can teach, while only a few really care! Mr.Lee I cannot begin to find adequate expressions of how much your efforts have truly helped Taylor realize the true meaning of an extended family, of which your continued display of achievement reflect the values of a dedicated educator!
Thank you for everything
Sincerely
The Johnson family
DCPS employee: Jack J.
Teacher Dominique Holsey at Tyler Elementary School
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the great impact Mr. Holsey has had on my son Joshua. This was Joshua's first year as a fulltime student in an inclusion classroom, and as a child with autism he requires a very dedicated teacher to capture his attention.
Mr. Holsey has taught Joshua to not only be a great student but to also be a great role model in his classroom. Joshua loves his teacher and is always eager to please him. Thank you, Mr. Holsey!
DCPS parent: Claudia S.
Teacher Mrs. Broady at Nalle Elementary School
I would like to nominate Mrs. Broady for being an excellent teacher. She was my first graders kindergarten teacher and she is wonderful. She reminds me of how my teachers were when I was in elementary which is surprising because she is so young. She had great structure in her class and the kind of no nonsense attitude these kids need. She also has a wonderful teachers aid. Mr. Moore. I want my head start student to be in her class next year.
DCPS parent: Candace D.
Teacher Ms. Tetreault at Hamilton Center
I have worked with Ms. Tetreault for a short time. She is a very excellent teacher, she loves what she does and she loves the children. Ms. Tetreault is creative and have opened up some new things to the children. I am grateful to have worked with her.
DCPS employee: Chanitta P.
Teacher Daniel Assael at Deal Middle School
Mr. Assael ALWAYS finds time for his math students and makes difficult subjects (like high-school level algebra in 7th grade) fun. He also makes himself available to parents in any and all ways (cell phone, emails, impromptu meetings). Keep up the great work Mr. Assael - we appreciate it!
DCPS parent: Michele C.
Teacher Regina Rutledge at Janney Elementary School
My son Cesar is in first grade in the Miss Rutledge's class. He is french and when he arrived last summer, he didn't know a word of English. Miss Rutledge is a wonderful teacher. She wants him to succeed and she gives him a lot of her time and attention. She is demanding and knows how to deal wit him. My son likes her very much. And so do we!
DCPS parent Alix B.
Teacher Mr. Thurston at Lafayette Elementary School
Perhaps because I'm a woman and my school valued academics over sports, I never thought a coach would make a big difference in my children's lives. However, you Mr. T. have given both my boys a sense of confidence that helps them every day in and out of school. With your words and example, you have instilled in my children good habits-eating right, making sports part of your daily schedule- and excellent values-team work, fair play. So thank you for your excellent coaching and for making the Lafayette Track Team the jewel that it is.
First in for early Math Team, last out after track practice. Who says teachers have it easy?
Go Mr. Thurston, go Lafayette!
PS: You are not bad at teaching math either :)
DCPS parent: Cristina S.
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