The Board of Education of Charles County honored outstanding Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members at its May 12 meeting.

Recognized were Diane Bicknell of the F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, Christina Calacan of Glymont Middle School, Jacquelyn Farmer of the Early Learning Center, Waldorf, Dawn Reney of Thomas Stone High School, Kayla Warren of J.P. Ryon Elementary School and Cynthia Wilson of William A. Diggs Elementary School.

At Gwynn, Bicknell is an assistive technology facilitator. A facilitator determines what specialized learning tools would best work for students to remove barriers to learning. Bicknell has worked for CCPS for 38 years after working for a home health agency. At the time, there were no physical therapists working for CCPS and the then-principal of Gwynn and director of special education asked Bicknell to consider working at the center. “For the last 38 years, Mrs. Bicknell has been based at Gwynn providing services where needed,” Gwynn Principal Todd Wonderling said. “She has served not only students at Gwynn, but also students in the Infants and Toddlers program and most of the schools and centers within CCPS.” Bicknell said she enjoys working with “amazing students and families,” and “outstanding professionals and paraprofessionals.” She said she also likes working with staff in technology and administrators who always come through to support and prioritize meeting the needs of students.

Calacan is the secretary for the guidance department at Glymont where she goes beyond completing her assigned tasks. “She is the glue to the counseling suite,” Glymont Assistant Principal Beth Hancock said. Calacan keeps projects moving forward, manages multiple responsibilities and steps up to provide support wherever she is needed. “Even amid what one colleague described as ‘the chaos that is middle school,’ she consistently brings focus, follow through and optimism to every project,” Hancock said. Calacan infuses warmth and creativity into her work which strengthens school morale. “She is often described as the ‘heart of the counseling suite at Glymont Middle School,’” Hancock said. She assists counselors and administrators with managing and organizing student data, coordination of services and daily support needs. “This ensures no student falls through the cracks,” Hancock said. “Ms. Calacan has an eye for putting things together. She is an invaluable asset to Glymont.”

Exuding positivity, Farmer greets everyone at ELC, Waldorf, with a smile and can find the bright side in nearly every situation. “She is always engaged, asks meaningful questions and often brings up perspectives others may not have considered or may not feel comfortable sharing in a group,” Ashley Valenzuela-Carrington, center coordinator, said. Farmer is a special education teacher and the special education team leader. When the center first opened, Farmer was the only veteran special educator on staff. “She played an important role in getting our program up and running from the very beginning,” Valenzuela-Carrington said, adding that Farmer provides different levels of support to meet the diverse needs of students. Farmer facilitates collaborative planning and serves as a resource to her coworkers. “Ms. Farmer offers suggestions in a nonjudgemental way and always speaks from her own experiences,” Valenzuela-Carrington said.

Reney, a special education teacher at Stone, leads through action. A veteran educator, Reney models professionalism, dependability and care for students while remaining available to assist colleagues and step in to situation that require immediate support. Reney stays focused on meeting the diverse needs of her students and building relationships with families and coworkers. “Her long-term commitment to this work reflects both professional skill and a deep personal investment in the success and well-being of every child she serves,” Shanif Pearl, principal of Stone, said. Reney continues to grow professionally. She has remained open to learning, refining her practice and adjusting her support to meet the evolving needs of students in special education. “Her longevity in the field is matched by a commitment to growth, reflection and doing what is best for students,” Pearl said.

Warren is a third-grade teacher at Ryon where she has spearheaded professional development on the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching. The framework helps with teacher growth while improving student outcomes and creating a positive professional environment. “She fully committed herself to attending all required trainings and went above and beyond by partnering with the administrative team to design and deliver more engaging, meaningful professional development sessions for staff,” Nick Adam, Ryon’s principal, said. Warren began her career as a teacher in a Title I school in Colorado. Since joining Ryon in 2023, she has quickly built meaningful relationships with students, staff and families. She is an effective instructional leader and is a trusted team leader. “She is a driving force behind collaborative planning and high-quality instruction,” Adam said. “Ms. Warren’s dedication, consistency and results-oriented mindset reflect a pattern of excellence that continues to grow year after year.”  As the third-grade team leader, Warren is credited with revitalizing the team’s planning process and strengthening collaboration.

Together with kindergarten teacher Holi Ray, Wilson teaches some of the youngest learners at Diggs as an instructional assistant for kindergarten. “She demonstrates leadership, an incredible work ethic and a desire to help students grow,” Diggs Principal Ben Harrington said. Wilson has built relationships with many students at the school as she doesn’t hesitate to pitch in to substitute in other classes. “She is someone we rely on every day,” Harrington said. Wilson regularly interacts with parents in the car rider line and as she has a tendency to jump in anywhere the school needs her, Wilson is known as a leader at Diggs. “She is a role model and expert on our early childhood team,” Harrington said. “Her passion is what motivates and drives others.”

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).