Congratulations to Parent Liaison Jo Wechselblatt who was recognized at the annual FCPS Honors event as the FCPS 2018 Region 1 Outstanding Hourly Employee and one of five finalists for this year's Outstanding School-based Hourly Employee Award!

As a parent liaison, Ms. Wechselblatt works tirelessly to support the large population of students and families at Hunter Woods Elementary who need assistance. A long-time PTA member, she’s a problem-solver known for her willingness to listen and provide help. “Her natural tendency to advocate for students is unmatched,” says a coworker. Indeed, Ms. Wechselblatt makes sure every child gets access to field trips and has partnered with local businesses to obtain school supplies, food donations, and scholarship support for students. She also runs an annual coat drive and keeps an assortment of clothes in her office, she told a colleague, to loan kids who “might need a little more variety in their wardrobe.”

• See Ms. Wechselblatt's page on the FCPS website.

Congratulations also to the other Hunters Woods Elementary School staff members recognized at FCPS Honors!

Outstanding Elementary New Teacher School and Pyramid-level Recipient

• Vanessa Beverage, First Grade Teacher

Outstanding Elementary Teacher School-level Recipient

• Christine Plagata-Neubauer, Sixth Grade Gifted Education Center Teacher

Outstanding School-based Support Employee School-level Recipient

• Connie Hernandez, Office Assistant

Outstanding School-based Leader School-level Recipient

• Laura King, School-Based Technology Specialist

Outstanding Principal Nominee

• Emily Cope

Thank you to Laura King for all of her hard work with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison.