FCPS School Board Highlights

We're excited to share with you regular updates on the important work being done by our School Board. We know how vital it is to stay connected to the decisions that shape our schools, and this newsletter aims to offer an overview of recent Board meetings.

At the March 18 School Board meeting, the School Board approved three new administrative appointments, recognized student and staff achievements, approved contracts brought forward through the Finance Committee and discussed proposed amendments to Policy 304P.

Ms. Kristen Anderson transitions from the Assistant Director of Finance to the Executive Director of Finance. Prior to her role of Assistant Director of Finance, Anderson was a Budget Supervisor with FCPS for twelve years and a Financial Analyst and Accountant for Fisher Scientific for 4 years. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University and a Master of Business Administration from Shenandoah University. Anderson is also a Certified Administrator of School Finance and is certified in Virginia School Business through the Virginia Association of School Business Officials.

Ms. Bethany Crouse moves into the role of Assistant Principal at Apple Pie Elementary School from her position as an Intervention Resource Teacher (IRT) that she has held since 2021. Prior to her role as an IRT, Crouse was a kindergarten teacher at Apple Pie Ridge for 11 years. She holds a Bachelor in Education (PK-6th) from Shepherd University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from James Madison University.

Mr. Jay Campbell will move into the role of Program Administrator from his position as Assistant Program Administrator of NREP that he has held since 2022. Prior to his role as the Assistant Program Administrator, Campbell was the Senior Lead Teacher at NREP for one year and Lead Teacher and Behavior Specialist at NREP for 17 years. Campbell has also served as a teacher at NREP and the Dowell J. Howard Center for 21 years and was a Pod Officer at Northwestern Regional Juvenile Detention Center for two years. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Shenandoah University, a Master of Arts in Special Education from University of Mary Washington and a Certificate in Educational Leadership from James Madison University.

At the March 18 School Board meeting we had the opportunity to recognize students and staff for their outstanding achievements.

VHSL Class 4 State Indoor Track and Field Championships

Sherando High School student Noah Harris participated in the VHSL Class 4 State Indoor Track and Field Championships at Liberty University. Noah won the VHSL Class 4 State Track Championship in the High Jump event. Noah’s coach is Megan Roberts.

VHSL Class 4 State Swim Championships
Sherando High School student Toby Winston is the VHSL State Champion in the 100 Meter Freestyle. Toby is coached by Christine Welch and Alexa White.

VHSL Class 4 State Wrestling Championships

Students from James Wood and Sherando high schools participated in the VHSL Class 4 State Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach. The results are as follows:

James Wood High School student Hayden Black won the State Championship in the 106-pound weight class. We’d also like to recognize the coaches, Head Coach Cory Crenshaw and Assistant Coach Cody Crenshaw.

Sherando High School student Anthony Luchianni won the State Championship in the 138-pound weight class. Anthony has won the VHSL Class 4 State Wrestling Championship for four consecutive years! We’d also like to recognize his coach, Brian Kibler. Congratulations!

Apple Award
The Apple Award is given to a teacher who achieved something which significantly contributes to their school and community; uses creative or innovative instructional techniques; or goes above and beyond for the student.

The Apple Award this month goes to Mrs. Rebecca Dellinger, Armel Elementary School Music Teacher. A parent shared an email recognizing her extraordinary dedication in preparing students for the VOKE Children's Choral Festival held in January. By sacrificing personal family time for after-school rehearsals, Mrs. Dellinger enabled students to excel, pushing them to grow musically and develop perseverance.

Inspiration Award
The Inspiration Award is given to a staff member who did something inspirational for the students, staff, parents, or community as a whole.

The recipient of this month’s Inspiration Award is Ms. Alayna Bryant, Administrative Assistant and Registrar at James Wood Middle School. Ms. Bryant was nominated by a staff member who shared that Alayna Bryant is an absolute champion for our school and truly embodies what it means to be a Bulldog. Alayna on paper is just our registrar, but does so much more. Not only does she make registration a breeze - she is the glue that holds our front office together. Alayna is the epitome of what it means to be a servant leader - and she does it all with a smile on her face. We would truly be lost without Alayna - she is an invaluable asset dedicated to supporting the entire school community.