The Board of Education of Charles County at its Oct. 10 meeting honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members for their commitment to the school system and student success. Each month, the Board honors staff members chosen by their school principals for recognition who demonstrate their dedication to teaching and learning.
Honored were Jennifer Gibala of Mary H. Matula Elementary School, Heather Hartman-Jansen of Milton M. Somers Middle School, Joanna Hobbs, Ph.D., of Maurice J. McDonough High School, Cornelia “Connie” Jerman-Webb of Gale-Bailey Elementary School and Katrina Spriggs of Arthur Middleton Elementary School.
A fourth-grade teacher at Matula, Gibala exudes a strong work ethic and professionalism. She is a master teacher who opens her classroom for observation by colleagues at Matula and around the school system. Despite her experience, Gibala continues to seek out opportunities to sharpen her skill set as an educator, Carrie Richardson, Matula’s principal, said. “Jenny is also comfortable asking questions to ensure her own level of understanding,” Richardson added. During her time at Matula, Gibala has served as the fourth-grade team leader, math team coach and a captain for the school’s Relay for Life team. This year, she accepted a position on Matula’s professional learning team, which will provide another opportunity for her to share her expertise.
Hartman-Jansen has been a school librarian since 2005 and has been at Somers for 10 years. She keeps her skills sharp through continuing learning opportunities. “She is always taking class and workshops through professional organizations to keep up on the latest library news and book news,” Somers Principal Sandra Taylor said. Hartman-Jansen belongs to the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL), the American Association of School Librarians and the American Library Association. Hartman-Jansen was recognized in 2021 as part of the School Librarians of the Year cohort by the MASL. She also serves on MASL’s Black-Eyed Susan Committee for Grades 6 to 8. Outside of the school library, Hartman-Jansen is filling in as the school’s test coordinator while the learning resource teacher is on leave.
Hobbs is surely familiar with Hartman-Jansen’s corner of a school building as Hobbs is the school librarian at McDonough. “She is an amazing library specialist who partners well with classroom teachers to ensure they are supported in their instructional practice,” McDonough Principal Darnell Russell said. “She is a leader amongst the staff.” In between helping sponsor the school’s award winning It’s Academic team, sponsoring the school’s Key Club and sponsoring celebrations for students, Hobbs earned her doctorate in higher education leadership from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She serves as a Praxis teacher mentor and tutors students at school and on weekends. Hobbs “leads the charge” on coordinating events and aligning the library catalogue to various commemorations or celebrations. “She works until the job is done and goes above and beyond to ensure our school and students are taken care of,” Russell said. “Dr. Hobbs’ community events have a positive impact on our students and families making them feel valued and appreciated.”
At Gale-Bailey, Jerman-Webb is one of the first staff members who many students see each morning. “Ms. Webb is in charge of the car rider line,” Tangie Scales, Gale-Bailey principal, said. “Every morning she greets our students as they get out of their cars. Every year, I receive emails showing gratitude to the service she provides.” As a special education instructional assistant, Jerman-Webb often goes out of her way and beyond her job description to assist students and staff. “She is always where you need her, when we need her,” Scales said. “She is a problem solver and often thinks of ways to be productive and active.” Jerman-Webb is a stalwart of the Gale-Bailey community, having worked at the school for the past 25 years. She plans and prepares the school’s “We Got Talent” show which is usually standing room only. “She is a staple of our community,” Scales said. “She is well loved.”
Spriggs, the school counselor at Middleton, is often found working on a project that will benefit students and staff. She helps run the school’s Holiday Connection that has provided more than 100 students and their families with food, clothes and toys during the winter holidays. She works with community organizations throughout the school year to provide food for families in need. Spriggs knows the name of each of Middleton’s 600 students with staff randomly testing her knowledge of names. She has spearheaded other activities at the school, such as the Boo Thru trunk-or-treat event and a Go Getters teacher group. Spriggs participates in professional development, most recently with the American School Counselor Association. “Mrs. Spriggs is always willing to help CCPS in any way to support our counselors and our school system,” Middleton Principal Nicole Hawkins said. “As a product of CCPS, she takes great pride in seeing the county grow.”
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 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 Kathy Kiessling, 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).