FCPS Community Bulletin Board
It’s hard to believe we are already nearing the end of another great school year! I’d like to take a moment to highlight just a few of the outstanding individuals who make our school district such a special place to learn and grow.
Last week, I had the distinct honor of celebrating two exceptional educators. ALonna Soward, a dedicated fourth-grade teacher at Monocacy Elementary School, was named the 2025 FCPS Teacher of the Year. Her passion for student success and deep connection to her school community truly exemplify the heart of our mission at FCPS.
We also proudly recognized Lydia Kowalski of Brunswick High School, the recipient of the 2025 FCPS Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award, sponsored by Hood College. Ms. Kowalski’s tireless support for her students' academic and personal growth are deeply inspiring.
In late April, we celebrated more excellent staff within our district. AnnaClaire Ballard-Ayoub of Brunswick Elementary was honored as our nominee for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year, and Dr. Stephanie Ware, principal of Walkersville High School, was named a finalist for the Washington Post Principal of the Year award. Their leadership and innovation continue to elevate the standards of excellence across FCPS.
At our next Board of Education of Frederick County meeting on May 21, we look forward to celebrating the FCPS Support Employees of the Year in six categories, recognizing the vital roles they play in supporting our students, staff, and schools each day. We look forward to announcing the overall Support Employee of the Year at that meeting.
Please join me in congratulating them and celebrating the positive impact they make in the lives of our students and families.
This week is also Teacher Appreciation Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the heart and soul of our district—our dedicated teachers. Each day, you bring passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our classrooms, shaping the minds and futures of our students. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and your impact reaches far beyond the walls of our schools. On behalf of the entire district, thank you for all you do. This week and every week we celebrate you.
Dr. Dyson
Monocacy Elementary’s ALonna Soward named 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year
ALonna Soward, a charismatic fourth grade teacher at Monocacy Elementary and a proud FCPS graduate, is the 2025-26 Frederick County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
Soward was surprised with the news at a ceremony held at Monocacy Elementary attended by students, teachers, administrators, and county and system leaders. Soward is the first Monocacy Elementary teacher to earn FCPS Teacher of the Year. She will serve as the FCPS representative in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.
“I am so thrilled to celebrate ALonna Soward as the 2025-26 FCPS Teacher of the Year,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “She enthusiastically supports her students, and she cares deeply about the success of everyone in her classroom.”
Soward has served as a teacher at Monocacy Elementary, where she also completed an internship while in college, since 2019. She is the fourth grade team leader and an active member of the School Improvement Team, STEM Team, and Systemic Blueprint Team. Soward is a mentor to novice teachers. She is well known at Monocacy Elementary for her innovative, fun lessons.
Soward holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from Hood College in Frederick, where she also earned a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership. She chose to attend college in her hometown. She is a proud Frederick High graduate and also attended West Frederick Middle, Spring Ridge Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary as a student.
“She speaks with great passion and excitement about the progress of her students and the work being done within the classroom,” wrote Monocacy Elementary Principal Troy Barnes in his Teacher of the Year recommendation. “Her excitement for education is contagious across her team and the entire school.”
Principals kick off the Teacher of the Year selection process by nominating outstanding educators. From there, selection committees at each level, comprised of FCPS leaders, teachers and community members, play a crucial role in the evaluation process.
FCPS is appreciative of partners Dynamic Automotive, Education Systems Federal Credit Union, and Ferko Maryland Federal Credit Union for providing cash gifts and to Brewer’s Alley, Curious Iguana, Frederick Coffee Company & Cafe, and Madrones for providing gift certificates.
FCPS Teacher of the Year has been given annually since 1998. A complete list of past winners can be found here.
The Department of Special Education and Student Services wants to hear your feedback!
The MSDE Parental Involvement Survey creates opportunities for feedback and engagement. This is your chance to share feedback regarding Special Education Services for your child!
Please share how we can better support your family and child with Special Education services. You can complete the short survey at www.mdparentsurvey.com.
The survey will be available through May 30, 2025.
Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and ideas! Together, we can continue to improve Special Education Services and Programs in FCPS.
The 5-Star Service Award is for community use in recognizing FCPS employees who show excellence in one of the 5 FCPS goals. Community members are welcome to nominate any worthy FCPS employee.
This award is designed to provide recognition by community members to employees for excellence in one of the 5 FCPS goals.
Community members are encouraged to nominate any worthy FCPS employee.
Nominations will be reviewed on the 15th and 30th of each month by staff in the Offices of the Chief of Staff, Human Resources, and Public Affairs.
More information on the selection timeline and next steps can be found on the 5-Star Service Award nomination form.
