The Board of Education of Charles County at its Jan. 13 meeting honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees for their commitment to teaching and learning.

Recognized were Amy Durst, a third-grade teacher at Malcolm Elementary School, Meagan Fox, a fifth-grade teacher at Dr. James Craik Elementary School, J.C. Parks Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jamie Hall, Jill Killby, the media specialist at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and classroom facilitator Anneliese Sonon of St. Charles High School.

Durst is a team leader and member of the Professional Learning Team (PLT) at Malcolm who collaborates with colleagues across grade levels to analyze student performance, share best practices and contribute to the school’s instructional goals. “Mrs. Durst is one of the first people to enter the building each day,” Scott Hangey, Malcolm’s principal, said. “She collaborates with teachers of every subject area including special areas and special education.” As a third-grade teacher, Durst is dedicated to her students. “She cares for each student as if they are members of her own family,” Hangey said. Her students have made gains in math leading Hangey to proclaim Durst “works wonders,” in her classroom. She boosts staff morale through her committee work and takes part in staff meetings. As a team leader, Durst guided grade-level planning, facilitated data-driven discussions and supported colleagues in aligning instruction to meet the diverse needs of Malcolm students.

Fox has been a teacher for the past 12 years, the last 10 dedicated to teaching in inclusion settings where she showcases a strong commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all learners. She spent nine years teaching at Arthur Middleton Elementary School before coming to Craik where she’s been for the past three years. “In both settings, her impact has been evident across classrooms and grade levels through her inclusive practices, collaboration with colleagues and advocacy for student success,” Craik Principal Jason Deihl said. Fox is a member of the PLT at Craik and is the fifth-grade team leader. In the roles, she collaborates with colleagues to analyze student data, develop instructional strategies and implement best practices across grade levels. “Her leadership fosters a culture of teamwork, shared accountability and continuous improvement,” Deihl said. She is also a Framework for Teaching trainer through the Danielson Group, which provides a foundation for instructional practice. Fox is the coordinator for Craik’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program and has been an Anchor mentor.

At Parks, Hall teaches some of the school’s youngest learners. As a kindergarten teacher, Hall advocates for all her students, but has her eye on the data related to her students who have Individualized Education Program (IEP). “She provides detailed notes, charts and data charts which have been critical for her students to begin receiving supports needed for them to be successful,” Hughes Valmond, principal of Parks, said. Most importantly, “Mrs. Hall consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student in her classroom feels safe, loved and valued,” he added. Her classroom culture is rooted in family, belonging and cooperation where she fosters motivation, engagement and confidence. Hall takes part in professional learning opportunities to strengthen instructional practices and recently earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from McDaniel College. The mother of two Parks students herself, Hall is active in extracurricular activities at the school, including starting a K-Kids Club. She’s led tutoring groups and teaches Summer Boost classes. “Her impact extends far beyond her classroom,” Valmond said. “She creates lifelong connections with students and families, fosters confidence and self-esteem in young learners and plays a vital role in shaping the positive culture of J.C. Parks Elementary School.”

In most schools, the library can be found near the high-trafficked middle, a hub where learning, research and collaboration takes place. At Stoddert, Killby is in charge of it as the media specialist. Since coming to Stoddert in 2020, she has championed and spearheaded successful endeavors to enhance instruction and broaden the interests of students. Author visits and workshops, and reading challenges are among the programs hosted at Stoddert. “She partners easily with school staff,” Stoddert Principal Marquelle Peavy said. Killby has initiated door decorating contests and celebrations of diversity among staff and students. She also takes feedback from students. When a group showed intertest in starting a Bible club, Killby made it happen, providing space and support for club members to meet before school. She serves as the school’s public relations liaison, sharing good news about what students and staff are up to at the school. Killby came to the media specialist role after teaching social studies at Matthew Henson Middle School. At Stoddert, she is the sponsor of the National Junior Honor Society and helps members coordinate service projects. “Mrs. Killby is an active part of most events and activities at Stoddert,” Peavy said.

When Sonon noticed some students struggling with content offered in an online class, she started Saturday homework sessions to give them some extra help. Her assistance extends to colleagues, as well. “She is a leader in the building of St. Charles,” Tammika Little, the school’s principal, said. Sonon is a mentor to other classroom facilitators at St. Charles and other CCPS schools. “She has given up time to help with the grade book, Canvas and classroom management strategies,” Little said. Sonon participates in Relay for Life at St. Charles, works at the concession stand during athletic events, serves as an assistant coach for several sports and is active in American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME). “Ms. Sonon [gives] her time outside of the school day to support students, colleagues and school activities,” Little said. “She demonstrates professionalism, dedication and prides in all aspects of her work.”

The Board honors outstanding students and staff each month during its monthly meeting. To read about students honored at the Jan. 13 meeting, click here.

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).