The Board of Education of Charles County honored eight employees at its April 8 meeting. Those recognized included Amy Adams, a behavior specialist at the F.B. Gwynn Educational Center; Shevonne Butler, special education teacher at Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School; Dana Claassen, secretary at J.P. Ryon Elementary School; Dianne Claggett, an instructional assistant at Thomas Stone High School; Tiana Dukes, a special education teacher at General Smallwood Middle School; Sandra Hoover, the principal’s secretary at William A. Diggs Elementary School; Paula Letto, the building service manager at the Early Learning, Center, Waldorf; and Heather Yake, a language arts teacher at Matthew Henson Middle School.

Adams began her career as a special education teacher 13 years ago at J.C. Parks Elementary School. After a year at Parks, Adams moved to Gwynn where she became a teacher in the SOAR program. For the past three years, she has been a behavior specialist at the center while supporting the Early Learning Center, La Plata, and Phoenix International School of the Arts (PISOTA). As a behavior specialist, Adams studies and analyzes data to create plans and make recommendations to improve student behavior. “She monitors the behavior interventions plans for many students in multiple buildings,” Todd Wonderling, Gwynn principal, said. “Mrs. Adams not only has an impact on the buildings she serves, but she also has an impact across the county.” She is a county trainer in crisis prevention intervention, Ukeru, a behavioral healthcare training, and of those working with children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Adams also provides support to new teachers and instructional assistants. “She builds meaningful relationships with peers, students and families,” Wonderling said. “The one thing to know about Amy is she would never ask or recommend anything that she hasn’t done or won’t do.”

Butler is a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience in the field. Now a special education teacher at Jenifer, Butler spent previous years teaching adults and students in general education. She has been a lead teacher for the past four years mentoring, tutoring and advocating for her students and for more community engagement. “She provides a clear vision for student success,” Jenifer Principal Kevin Jackson Sr. said. “She shows empathy by building and fostering relationships with students and families.” Butler engages in professional learning and leads workshops for staff on individualized education plans (IEPs), student behaviors and modifications while exploring new teaching strategies. “Ms. Butler instills responsibility in students while enhancing learning opportunities and increasing access to education,” Jackson said.

At Ryon, Claassen’s is usually the first voice visitors hear and the first face they see when they visit the school. A front office secretary, Claassen arrives to work each day to ensure the school is a welcoming space for students and staff. “She juggles the constant flow of daily demands with grace and somehow manages to prioritize the additional tasks I often ask of her,” Ryon Principal Nick Adam said. Claassen is credited with “completely overhauling” the front office. She introduced a new layout and procedures to make the space more efficient. She positioned the flow of traffic, so visitors reach her first. She puts student safety at the forefront during arrival and dismissal while keeping a cool head during emergencies and unforeseen situations that can crop up. Claassen isn’t one to leave a colleague in a lurch. While off for the summer, Claassen stopped by the school to drop off her child for a summer program. When she saw the front office staff needed an extra hand, she didn’t hesitate to step in to help. “Four hours later, when every student was safely on their way home, Dana finally ended her impromptu day,” Adam said. “She once again proved her dependability and commitment.”

At Thomas Stone, Claggett not only enriches the lives of students, but also inspires colleagues. She is considered a pillar in the special education department where she assists students in the SOAR program. “Her patience, adaptability and deep understanding of each student’s unique needs have made a lasting impact,” Stone’s Principal Shanif Pearl said. “She helps them grow academically, socially and emotionally.” Pearl pointed out a situation where Claggett helped a student build confidence and essential communication skills. “By introducing visual aids, sensory tools and structured routines tailored to the student’s needs, Ms. Claggett fostered an environment where the student felt safe and empowered to thrive,” Pearl said. Over time, the student not only improved academically but began participating in more school activities. “This success story is just one of many that reflect Ms. Claggett’s extraordinary dedication and ability to unlock the potential within every student she serves.” 

Dukes’ contributions to Smallwood’s special education program “have been nothing short of transformative,” Orlena Whatley, the school’s principal, said. “From the moment Ms. Dukes joined our team, it was clear that her dedication to her students and colleagues was exceptional.” Dukes is described as profoundly caring. “She is so reliable, trustworthy and caring,” Chanelle Wilson, a special education instructional assistant (IA), said. “This past year, under Ms. Dukes’ leadership, our department has witnessed remarkable growth.” Her addition to the team has been a boon. “We found out this year that she was everything we needed for this department and then some,” Coretta Brown, a special education teacher, said. Dukes’ insights helped clarify complex processes but also inspired her colleagues to elevate their practices to ensure students’ needs are being met with the utmost care and precision, Brown said.

Hoover has worked at Diggs as the principal’s secretary for the past four years. “Ms. Hoover keeps William A. Diggs Elementary School running and covers many of the behind-the-scenes areas no one knows about,” Diggs Principal Ben Harrington said. Hoover is the “go to” person for staff needs, supplies and payroll. She just knows where everything is, Harrington said. Hoover operates as a “teacher first” secretary who is also a resource for other staff members. When CCPS transitioned to using Oracle software, Hoover became proficient in using it and helping others navigate the platform. She can always be counted on to assist others. “She unofficially mentors others and never wants to earn credit for it,” Harrington said. “She continues to contribute to the school, ensuring parents, staff and students are supported.”

As the building service manager at the ELC, Waldorf, Letto ensures the building is clean and safe for students and staff. “Mrs. Letto stays on top of her responsibility,” Ashley Valenzuela-Carrington, ELC, Waldorf, coordinator, said. Letto has trained building service staff and created visuals, checklists and other resources to help them be successful. She never asks a staff member to do a job she wouldn’t do herself. “There is nothing she asks them to do that she won’t do alongside them,” Valenzuela-Carrington said. Letto takes on additional responsibilities at the center, including helping with car rider duty each day. “Through this unofficial duty, she has built relationships with our families,” Valenzuela-Carrington said. Letto knows every student by name, and it is not uncommon to see her walking a student to class or encouraging them to follow the center’s expectations.

For much of her 20-year career in education, Yake has taught English/language arts at Henson. “She left Henson briefly to teach elementary school, but thankfully has found her way back,” Henson Principal Christina Caballero said. Yake is building a journalism curriculum at Henson bringing in professional journalists to speak with students who are engaged in conducting interviews, crafting stories and creating a newsletter and podcast. Yake is an anchor mentor and devotes hours to mentoring, advising and planning with new teachers. Caballero considers Yake an expert in English/language arts and can be counted on to step in when needed. “During a time when Henson was unable to fill a vacancy, Ms. Yake often volunteered her time to cover the class regularly,” Caballero said.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 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).