Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students and teachers were recognized virtually Feb. 23 by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education for their accomplishments in gifted education.
Each student will receive a Student Accomplishment in Gifted and Talented Education Award. They are:
Samy Arib, fifth grade, C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School.
Caden States, fifth grade, Berry Elementary School.
Mason Seitz, fifth grade, Dr. James Craik Elementary School.
Aisha Sillah, fifth grade, Craik.
Cailyn Stahl, fifth grade, Craik.
Keely Pham, fifth grade, Mary H. Matula Elementary School.
Lewis Benton, fifth grade, Mary B. Neal Elementary School.
Gavin Manalad, fifth grade, Neal.
Mary Elaine Balancio, eighth grade, Theodore G. Davis Middle School.
Elizabeth Tober, eighth grade, Piccowaxen Middle School.
Madison Scott, eighth grade, Piccowaxen.
Ethan Harris, eighth grade, Piccowaxen.
Donovan Smith, eighth grade, General Smallwood Middle School.
Eliza Freundel, eighth grade, Smallwood.
Carly Newman, eighth grade, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School.
Students were nominated by the learning resource teachers at their schools, who work with students enrolled in enrichment courses. Student criteria for recognition includes academic performance at a high level, being a current recipient of a school system, state or national award, and participation in a gifted education program.
Each teacher will receive an Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education — Teacher as Leader Award. They are:
Kelly Rodriguez, learning resource teacher, J.P. Ryon Elementary School.
James Ryan Thompson, learning resource teacher, Eva Turner Elementary School.
Wendie Newcamp, language arts teacher, Theodore G. Davis Middle School.
Anisah Ansari, language arts teacher, Mattawoman Middle School.
Douglas Cunningham, learning resource teacher, Mattawoman.
Monica Strobel, language arts teacher, Milton M. Somers Middle School.
All award recipients will be recognized in a virtual ceremony Feb. 23 to honor the governor’s proclamation of February as Gifted and Talented Education Month. The ceremony was sponsored by MSDE and the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education. To register to watch the ceremony, click here. A link will be emailed to those who register.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 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).