Congratulations to Sixth Grade Teacher Karen Nelson who was recognized at the annual FCPS Honors event as the 2018 Region 5 Outstanding Elementary Teacher and one of five finalists for this year's Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award!

Ms. Nelson creates experiences that stay with kids forever. On a typical day, one group of her students might be using the Washington Post to debate current events, while another team observes capillary action using celery stalks in colored water. Her popular “Passion Projects” even give students a chance to independently explore something they love. “Thanks to Mrs. Nelson,” said one, “I enjoyed learning for the first time in my life.” To help struggling students, Ms. Nelson started the “Buck Block” program, where teachers share current challenges with each other and pool their experience. Meanwhile, her afterschool math boot camp, “Testing for Brainiacs,” has been credited with bringing up SOL scores.

• See Ms. Nelson's page on the FCPS website.

Congratulations also to Student Information Assistant Peggy Van Cleave who was recognized as an Outstanding School-based Support Employee School-level Recipient

Thank you to Amy Dux for all of her hard work with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison.