May 18-31, 2017

ProfilesProfiles ofof 2020 teachersteachers whowho makemake aa differencedifference

Nicole Williams, Varina HS, family and consumer sciences TT2 Top Teachers MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM Krystal Johnson Johnson said it's hard to motivate her JR Tucker HS, science students at times to care about science, but that she never gives up. Krystal Johnson loves shaping the minds “Sometimes it is hard to motivate stu- of the next generation and is always trying dents about learning about science, espe- new things to get her students excited cially my freshmen,” Johnson said. “They about science. just started high school and they don't really see the light at the end of the tunnel so Johnson grew up in nearby Hanover sometimes they don't have as much motiva- County and attended Patrick Henry High tion. But I just keep trying new things and School. She then graduated from Virginia reminding them that science is cool, be- Commonwealth University with a degree in cause it is and science is everywhere.” environmental science. It's always a struggle to get her students Johnson knew she wanted to stay in to pay attention and retain certain things, the Richmond area and this upcoming year Johnson said, especially for her earth sci- will be her 12th year at J.R. Tucker High ence class that has a standardized learning School. Johnson teaches earth science, AP test. environmental science and has taught oceanography in the past. “These kids have a long day at school, so sometimes it's hard to get them to pay at- “I love being a teacher and getting to Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen tention to science,” Johnson said. “I do shape the minds of the next generation,” these weekly pep talks to try to get their and find a common ground. She wants them shows to let them know that they all have Johnson said.“I get to teach them all about spirits up, or I'll have little rewards for my to be able to come to her for help and not something in common and can work to- science and the environment, it's so cool class.” see her just as that “old science teacher.”She gether. and rewarding.” Johnson tries to relate to her students talks to them about music, movies and TV – Ashley Luck

words when referring to The United States Constitution or our government, but that is because most people did Jeannine Chewning not have Jeannine Chewning as a teacher," a nominator wrote of Chewning. "Jeannine is able to make a docu- Hermitage HS, government ment that at first glance seems dry and lifeless come to life. She is able to make teaching government relevant Although her dreams of becoming a Major League and exciting.When students enter her AP Government Baseball player and a detective didn't quite pan out as class, they step into a magical world full of stories, ex- she'd hoped, Jeannine Chewning seems more than con- citing activities, and a teacher who loves and respects tent that another dream – to become a teacher – did. her subject." Now in her 26th year in the classroom – and her Chewning is quick to credit her coworkers and the 16th at Hermitage High School – Chewning has found students of Hermitage, who she said make it a joy to her calling as a government teacher at the school's Cen- come to work each day. ter for the Humanities. "This place is amazing," she said. She enjoys changing the minds of the high school – Tom Lappas students who feel that government is a far-flung entity – Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen and empowering them to get involved. "They think it's very remote and ab- stract," she said, "but I tell them they'll building, like my parents were. I care if [a company] is going to build a try to go above and beyond in Walmart in someone's backyard, or if Jehan Gabrual contacting them." they're going to widen a road in front of Her efforts haven't gone un- your house – now they're interested." Dumbarton ES, second grade noticed among her peers. Chewning approach in the class- Gabrual is "a teacher that em- room is to immerse students in govern- Though she grew up in Henrico County, braces not just the child but the ment – often directly,as she has done for Jehan Gabrual's parents were natives of entire family,” one colleague the past five years through a grant from Egypt who struggled with the English lan- wrote. "She reaches out to fami- the Richmond Justice League. guage when they arrived in this country.As a lies and helps to provide re- That grant provided money for a child, she witnessed the way her teachers at sources that the parents can use human trafficking curriculum, which Crestview Elementary School – particularly to help develop their children so Chewning spends about a month each Cindy Harris and Peggy Hart – supported that they are better prepared for year implementing in class. her family and helped ensure that she ex- school. She is a role model to her celled in class. Two years ago,her students played a students and parents. She is a part role in lobbying the General Assembly to In return, Gabrual found herself anxious of their village.” pass a stand-alone anti-human trafficking to help those teachers in any way. In her classroom, Gabrual law – making Virginia the last state in the "As a child, I always wanted to grade pa- keeps a board on which students nation to do so. (Previously, sex traffick- pers," she said, laughing at the recollection. may, at any time, make notations ers were prosecuted under various other The inspiration to teach only grew when someone has done some- laws because one specifically addressing stronger, and Gabrual graduated from the thing kind or very kind – or when trafficking didn't exist. Virginia had re- University of Richmond with a teaching de- they've shown kindness them- ceived a grade of "F" for its child sex traf- gree, anxious to put it to use helping stu- selves. ficking laws from an anti-trafficking or- dents the same way she had been helped. "If they are able to participate ganization several years prior.) Now in her eleventh year at Dumbarton in kind ways in school, then The experience was eye-opening Elementary School, she feels she is living her maybe it will carry on outside the even for Chewning. classroom," she said. purpose. Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen "This is going to save people’s lives," The school has a number of immigrant As part of the "Dumbarton And even now – well-established in her she remembers thinking. "This is going families – including some from Egypt whose Pays It Forward" program, which Gabrual own right as an elementary school teacher, to put bad guys behind bars." children speak Arabic, as she does. She can chaired for several years, her students have she thinks back to her own days as a stu- As part of the curriculum each year, call upon her childhood experiences when written and delivered letters on a nearly dent. Chewning arranges visits from experts working to build connections – and trust – monthly basis to veterans, nursing home pa- from near and far,including the Henrico with those families and students. tients and others "just so that they know "I always told [Harris] that I wanted to we're out here supporting them," she said. be like her when I grow up," she said of her Police Vice Unit, Henrico Common- "When I have parents who are struggling Crestview teacher, who still teaches at that wealth's Attorney officials, an FBI agent with a language, I try my best to build a "I want children to love learning – that's school. "I still tell her that I want to be just and others. strong relationship, try different ways to my whole motto. If they enjoy learning and like her." "The Constitution, exciting? The U.S. communicate with them," Gabrual said. think learning is fun, then you'll be able to government, interesting? Engaging? "Some may be afraid to come into the school see the successes." – Tom Lappas Maybe most people would not use these MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM Top Teachers TT3

their academic skills. "He guides them in a way," said one parent, "that makes the student Christian Nolde feel comfortable and successful." Deep Run HS, exceptional education Nolde, who attended Henrico County schools, can name a number of special teach- ers and role models growing up – from Mrs. For Christian Nolde, the chance to be a teacher is a privi- Thomas in first grade to Mrs. McGrath in lege, and he considers himself fortunate to be part of a tenth. But the ultimate inspiration for his ca- community like Deep Run. reer was working at a summer camp for "Every day," he says, "I get to work hard helping kids, young students with disabilities while he was and they make me a more energetic, creative, and compas- in college. "I knew then," he says, "that work- sionate person. ing with kids is what I was going to do the "They also make me laugh all the time!" he adds. rest of my life." For his students and their parents, the feeling is mutu- Keeping things relevant for high school al. students is one of the bigger challenges Nolde faces, and he remembers well that he himself "We are very grateful for Mr. Nolde and all that he has used to get "cranky" if he didn't see the rele- done for our son," said the parents of a student who has vance of what he was learning. Another chal- had Nolde as his counselor for four years and as his collab- lenge is helping students manage the de- orative teacher for math. After attending two leadership mands of high school life, when that life programs for students with disabilities last summer (for (particularly the busy schedules and the social which Nolde recommended him), their son has become media aspects) is so different from what more social and developed a more positive attitude toward teachers and parents experienced. "When I his school work. was their age," Nolde says, "I certainly didn’t "He has taken the initiative with trying out for clubs have as much going on as so many of them do and honor societies," they said. "He has a deeper drive for today." achievement in his classes because he feels he can now ac- But the challenges of teaching are far out- complish his goals of getting better grades." weighed by the rewards, such as seeing a With Nolde's support, their son has been able to over- struggling student grasp a concept or skill – come his challenges with reading comprehension, and he especially when that student "feels so good will head to college "with determination and self-confi- about it that they feel like they have to tell dence, in large part from having a counselor and teacher everybody!" who helped guide him to his successes in high school." Nolde also appreciates hearing from Among other parents who wrote to nominate Nolde grateful parents, and learning from former stu- was one who said that he is also largely responsible for her dents who come back to visit that they are daughter's success. After entering high school a somewhat doing well in college or at work. One of his fa- Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen struggling student, the daughter will graduate with an A/B vorite days of the year is graduation, because grow is probably the most rewarding aspect of my job," average and has been accepted to "the college of her the students and families get a chance to celebrate the re- Nolde says. dreams." sults of all their hard work. "They have brought an incredible richness to my life The parents praised Nolde for his accessibility to the "I work with a lot of students from the time they enter that I couldn’t have dreamed of when I was younger.” students and parents, his caring and patience, and his focus high school till they leave as seniors, and watching them on helping to develop the "whole" student and not simply – Patty Kruszewski

Clark and her co-teacher are always teacher.” the parents what the child did today in seeking new ways to teach their students.At Clark, a mother of two, said she would school, that way things can be reinforced at Katie Clark times they bring in third- and fifth-grade stu- never do something that parents wouldn't home. We want our students to take what Kaechele ES, preschool dent volunteers to be role models and help want for their own child. they learned during class and use it.” Clark's students learn valuable social skills. “I meet with the parents and set specif- During her first year teaching, Clark co- “My students really benefit from it and ic goals for their child.We break down what founded a Special Olympics organization Originally from Gainesville, Katie Clark so do the student volunteers,”Clark said.“I they want for their child,”Clark said.“I really called the “Little Feet Meet.” She had a stu- moved to Henrico to be surrounded dent at the time who was a twin, by all of the locally owned business- and the parents were concerned as es, history and diversity that Henrico one twin couldn't do little league and the Richmond area have to sports like the other could. offer. “Special Olympics starts for kids at She graduated from James Madi- age eight, it teaches them the skills son University and found her calling that come with sports,” Clark said. in early childhood special educa- “Little Feet Meet is now at Freeman tion. She’s spent her 12-year teach- High School, and this year we had ing career entirely in Henrico Coun- over 800 participants as well as peo- ty. ple from all over the states and Clark, or “Ms. Katie,”as students Canada who came to observe and know her, is a preschool special ed- bring it back to where they are ucation teacher at David A. from.The event and organization is Kaechele Elementary and helps chil- changing lives – it's something I'm dren with special needs or learning very passionate about.” disabilities learn essential skills be- One of those who nominated “Ms. fore they advance to kindergarten. Katie,”said that her child is fortunate “My favorite part about being a to have Clark as a teacher. preschool special education “My son is going into kindergarten teacher is seeing progress,” Clark and is so well prepared; he has said.“I've never had a student leave made such great strides this year in my program without making her class,” a nominator wrote. “His progress – I find it very satisfying.” speech, social skills and learning In Clark’s classroom, students have exceeded our goals. We love focus on things like calendars and Ms. Katie and will miss her next colors, as well as communication year, but we know the new kids and social skills. coming in next year are in the best Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen hands possible, as well as the par- “It's very important for children ents. She has greatly impacted our with special needs to learn those communi- had a former student volunteer tell me it family and helped our two sons tremen- cation and social skills as soon as possible, take the time to see what makes the family changed her life; she had never worked dously. I am not sure where we would be as it's harder for them,”Clark said.“We want tick. In order for the child to be successful, with someone with a disability before. Now without her.” to set them up for success when they leave the parents have to be successful. I send she wants to graduate from Freeman High and go to kindergarten.” home a daily communication sheet to tell – Ashley Luck and go to college to be a special education TT4 Top Teachers MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM

teacher that they love in order to love school,”she said.“I hope that I'm making that impact on my students. If they Carrie Gouldman don’t have a good experience in kindergarten, then they Trevvett ES, kindergarten may not like coming to school [in subsequent years].” To help connect with each of her students individually, Gouldman asks them each to fill a little brown bag with Carrie Gouldman grew up in a family of teachers but was things that they like best and bring it to the second day of determined to follow a different career path herself. class.The students share their favorite items, and Gouldman Oops. takes mental notes about them – then incorporates them whenever possible throughout the year in different les- Although she graduated from Old Dominion University sons, as a way to keep students individually engaged and with a human service counseling degree and went to work excited. in the real estate field, it wasn’t long before she realized something didn’t feel right. “Our daughter has developed a love for learning and reading in her time in Ms. Gouldman's class,”another nom- “I missed being around kids,”she recalled. inator wrote.“She is much more confident in her ability to The pull was too much to overcome, and she decided figure things out and pushes herself to try harder things. to go back to school to earn a master’s degree in teaching. Ms. Gouldman has helped lay a great foundation for her fu- Following a year in Petersburg and four in Caroline teach- ture schooling.” ing kindergarten, she began teaching the same grade level To Gouldman, the key to reaching each child is under- at Trevvett Elementary this school year. standing how each one learns and adapting lessons ac- “She is extremely gifted in getting the best out of the cordingly. children, in focusing them on their work with firmness and “The best part is that at the beginning of the school positivity,”one nominator wrote of Gouldman.“My grand- year they come in not knowing anything, and you can see daughter has blossomed under her teaching and loves to at the end of the school year what they have accom- go to school because of her! We need teachers like her in plished,”she said. our schools.” Having her own son two years ago has changed the Gouldman views her role as a critical one in the future way Gouldman acts in the classroom, she said. of each child’s education. “I give more hugs.” “Every single student has to have a kindergarten – Tom Lappas Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen Lisa Robinson Highland Springs ES, second grade teacher, but after operating a Lisa Robinson was watching some of her child care business for at-risk second-grade students at Highland Springs children in Richmond for sev- Elementary School play with each other one eral years, she realized that she day several years ago, rough-housing a bit could reach more children in and pretending to kick one another. She the classroom. She's taught in asked what they were doing, and they re- Henrico for 13 years now and sponded, "We're playing police!" focuses her efforts on the More recently,when she invited several mind of each child. Henrico Police officers to visit her students "I heard once that we are and talk with them, she recalled her reac- all born with a brain, but a tion when they entered the room. mind is developed," Robinson "I cried," she said, "because these kids said. were ducking and dodging [yelling], 'The In her attempt to develop police! The police! He's gonna lock you up!" young minds, she reaches out Highland Springs Elementary serves the to her community in every most at-risk population in Henrico County – way she knows how. students who in many cases live in poverty "In this community, there and in single-family homes – and that brings are a lot of single-parent its own set of challenges and, at times, un- households," Robinson said. fortunate realities. "Everybody has the same goal But Robinson refuses to accept the sta- – they want the best for their tus quo. She is a woman on a mission to children. But when we are Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen change perceptions – those that her stu- busy from the beginning [of said) and being involved ("helping to create cer" – have him acting as a leader in his dents once held of police officers, for exam- the day] to the end, we just don't always what is going to be done") is a significant class this year. ple, and those that some may hold of those find time to be as involved." one, she said. "She not only dedicates herself to the students and their community. The difference between being engaged To help encourage more involvement, students in her classroom, she dedicates her- Robinson didn't expect to become a ("doing what you ask me to do," Robinson Robinson and several other women founded self to the community around them as well," the Team Change organization several years one nominator wrote of Robinson. "She ago in order to help empower students and knows that it takes a village to fully educate families in the community. The goal: Em- a child. She not only uses the resources she power residents and children to strive for already has, she goes out and finds the re- greatness. sources that are required to reach beyond The organization hosts regular visits what her classroom needs." from police officers, firefighters and other Wrote another: "I have witnessed her community groups. Its volunteers help men- encourage students to believe in their ability tor students not only with academics but to learn and have observed how quickly with life issues, too.The program will begin their frown was replaced with a smile sim- holding classes regularly at the Coventry ply because of her encouragement." apartment complex in the summer and ex- Robinson lives in the Highland Springs pects to expand into Fair Oaks Elementary community herself – a choice she made as a School before long. way to fully immerse herself in it. The model is working already, as evi- "It's not about me," she said of her ef- denced in part, Robinson said, by a third- forts. "It's about what our community will grader who was a student of hers.The child be like if we join hands and create more of had significant behavioral issues two years this." ago but interactions with positive role mod- els – including one he calls "my police offi- – Tom Lappas MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM Top Teachers TT5 in her courses. projects multiple times for any students who seek her help. This year, the school created a separate course specifi- She provides her students with dozens of grading opportu- Maria Mitchell cally for such projects. nities throughout the course, so that they don't suffer from one bad test or project. Moody MS, physical science Mitchell's approach to teaching science – much like her personality – is straightforward. "I get emails from parents saying that 'My child hated science but then took your class and now he loves it,'" Maria Mitchell pulls no punches when she talks to Mitchell said. parents of the seventh-graders who take her physical "Although she may be known as a hard teacher," science course at Moody Middle School. one parent wrote of Mitchell, "in the long run, all of "I tell parents I am one of the hardest teachers at her students thank her for the experience as she Moody," she said,matter-of-factly. truly pushes her students to retain and understand knowledge, better assisting them in proceeding to The hundreds of students who have taken her their future easily and successfully." courses during the past 18 years probably wouldn't disagree – and yet, they heap praise upon her just the "Mrs. Mitchell has impacted my daughter tremen- same. dously," another parent wrote. "She teaches her stu- dents that the more you learn about science, the "She always works with her students to make more fascinating the world around you becomes. sure that we 100 percent understand the challenging Mrs. Mitchell tirelessly continues to encourage until topics she teaches to us," one student wrote in a her students succeed. She has truly made a differ- nomination letter."Also, she makes learning hands on ence in my daughter’s life." and fun for us." Mitchell uses Facebook to keep tabs on many for- Mitchell, a native of the Philippines who came to mer students as they spread out across the country the United States after marrying her husband, a for- and begin their own careers in science. But when mer colonel in the U.S.Air Force, has found a way to her current students try to friend her on the social get students excited about science – no small feat at media site, she isn't having it. the middle school level. "I say,'No, I don't want to be your friend – I'm still "She goes beyond anything that is expected of Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen your teacher,'" she said with a chuckle. "They say I'm her," wrote another student, "from making ice cream mean." in class to demonstrate the temperature of liquid nitrogen to "You learn science by doing science," she said. making our own musical instruments to represent how we So, her students "do." Nearly 60 of them are presenting Though she's been at Moody for nearly two decades manipulate sound." research projects at a Virginia Junior Academy of Science re- now, Mitchell is always adapting her class to keep it fresh and relevant for a new wave of students. When she was hired at Moody in 1999, she recalled ask- search symposium and annual meeting at VCU this week – ing administrators what made the school and its Interna- an event mostly populated otherwise by high school stu- "It's okay to teach for 25 years, but don't teach the same tional Baccalaureate program unique from other similar pro- dents from throughout the state. thing 25 times – things change, so you have to change too," grams. Unsatisfied with the answer, she set out to make the Mitchell keeps long hours at the school, hosting study Mitchell said. science program unique by implementing research projects sessions, offering afterschool help, reviewing papers and – Tom Lappas Nicole Williams Varina HS, family and consumer sciences

To the students who call her their teacher, there’s just something different about Nicole Williams. "You can trust her with anything you tell her," one wrote in a nomination letter.. "She isn't like any other teacher," wrote another. "She's just the greatest of all time," wrote a third. Williams doesn’t deny that she's not quite a typical teacher, either. “I’m a little extra, and I'm a little random, but that's okay,” she said. “They're going to have to love it, just as they're going to have to love me being different. I sing at pep rallies. I sing in the hallways. [Talking to students] I’m like,‘None of your teachers sing to you? Oh, ok.’” Williams, a family and consumer sciences teacher at Va- rina High School,is passionate about what she does,and she doesn’t leave anyone guessing about that. “I live it and breathe it in every single thing I do, in the interactions I am able to have in the classroom. . . or out of the classroom, in youth sports, church events.” Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen Because she teaches an elective rather than a core sub- Williams is a product of Varina High School herself – but she makes it clear that she's always on their side. ject,Williams finds that her students sometimes are more ex- something that gives her a unique connection to her stu- “They're my babies,”she said.“I tell them that as soon as cited because “they are able to take what they learn and use dents. they walk across my threshold that they are my babies and I it immediately,”she said. “I believe that it's a deeper connection here because I love them – but love is accountability.We work hard from Lessons about culinary arts, relationships, fashion and know this place, I understand their feelings,”she said.“To be the first minute I see them to the last day they see me.A lot other topics tend to resonate with students – even if many from the area, you know what it is – you don't have to of the kids who may not meet other teachers' expectations, didn’t know what they were getting into initially. guess.There is no research that has to be done. It’s almost they work hard for me. cheating to a certain extent. It feels really good to work in a “It's relationships- truly seeing every single kid for the “Kids are excited about taking the course because it's place where you grew up.” an elective, but they have no idea what the course truly en- individual that they are,”she said.“It’s my job just to be as tails,”Williams said.“There are lots of hands-on activities. I Though she sees herself at Varina for some time, different as they are. Differences are great.All year long, no- like to make sure that they see how relevant it is to their Williams has big dreams, too. She is working on her master's body feels out of place because we work so hard to create lifestyles.” degree in educational leadership and hopes one day to start an inviting atmosphere. Because they feel safe, they feel able a pre-K-through-12th grade school of her own (ideally in to be open.” Though she's only in her fourth year of teaching in a Eastern Henrico) that promotes families and education. public school system, Williams has been teaching in one The lessons Williams has imparted to those students form or another since she was just 14, when she led a sum- "The issue is that [some] families don't know how to ed- over the years continue to resonate. mer school class for children just two years younger than ucate our kids," she said. "They're not familiar with the edu- "She is like a mom to me and other students," one herself at a Christian school. cation process." wrote. "She is always there for people whenever you have "I had to learn pretty quickly how to control a class Judging from the nominations submitted in her name to talk about something. She basically taught me right from using genuine respect and tone quality – and love," she re- by nearly 30 students, what truly makes Williams unique is wrong." called of that first opportunity. her ability to form and keep relationships with her students. – Tom Lappas She's not afraid to use a tough-love approach when needed, TT6 Top Teachers MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM

meets monthly. Aparna Harger "Kids are drawn to it because it has a lot to do with food," Harger said. But they stay because they have fun, and Fairfield MS, French because Harger helps them feel appreciated. "She has helped me to understand that even if I have Aparna Harger discovered her love for teaching at the age had the worst day ever, there is still a reason to smile," one of 25 in a tiny French town, thousands of miles from her student wrote. "She is like your adult best friend." home, in a place where she often was unable to communi- "She not only has an educational connection, but she cate the most basic of questions. has a personal connection with most of her students and It wasn't quite where she might have expected to end that truly helps students feel comfortable in school," wrote up. another."She also tries her hardest to make sure that all her students feel welcomed and understand what she is teach- On a law school track in college at Wake Forest Univer- ing us. She makes an effort to get to know us and get to sity, and feeling the need to obtain a high-paying job, there know our personal learning methods." was not much room in her mind to entertain thoughts of teaching. But once she worked in the legal field for awhile, Most students at the school haven't had much cultural she realized something just wasn't right. diversity,Harger said, so teaching about far-away nations can be challenging. So she applied for a position through the French gov- ernment to teach English there and was accepted.The pro- "Most of my students have never left their neighbor- gram sent her to the small countryside town of Moulins, hood, much less the state or their country," she said. "The where almost no one spoke English – except for Harger, idea of France or Canada or Africa. . . seems like this far-away who spoke only a bit of French. fictional place that they'll never really experience or never know.A lot of them are really incredulous about how things "I kind of felt like a zoo animal everywhere I went," she could be difficult anywhere else. I try to bring in my per- recalled of the town, in which most people knew each sonal experience to help bridge that gap, that it is real life." other – and most couldn't fathom why an American would have ventured there. "But it was the best thing for me, be- Harger finds that involving French music engages her cause it had been so long since French was a part of my life. students, who often end up memorizing and singing along It was such a tight-knit community. In a short time, I really with the songs. got very attached." Walk the Fairfield campus, and it's not unusual to see Harger returned from the year-long stint determined to students wearing their French Club t-shirts. teach French – something she's now done for the past five "It's cool to see them take such interest and pride in years at Fairfield Middle School.There, she's left an impres- their own little thing here," Harger said, adding that she sive stamp on the program – and helped make the language can't picture herself anywhere else. cool. "I'll be here awhile." Enrollment in French has tripled since she arrived, and – Tom Lappas nearly 70 students are members of the French Club, which Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen

the school grow from a small private school to a highly regarded jewel in Henrico's West Lynn Zinder End. And she's made her mark on Steward's Steward School, art canvas, too. "Lynn is constantly looking for new in- rt has always been a key element of the A novative ways to introduce new styles and palette that is Lynn Zinder's life. methods in her art class," a nominator As a college student, she expected she wrote. "She enhances the student's curricu- would one day use her love of the craft in a lum with the art projects. One of her main therapeutic way for patients. But a professor passions is teaching the students to be lov- of hers at VCU had other ideas and urged ing people and to give back to their com- her to teach instead. munity." "So I ended up becoming an art teacher That, Zinder said, is one of the things she therapist," she said recently, with a laugh. "I enjoys most about teaching at Steward. feel like I get to do both." "That's just been a calling of mine all Zinder found her comfort zone at the along," she said of working with nonprofits Steward School, where she is in her 23rd and other community-based organizations. year (following several years in public "We try to expose [students] to all sorts of schools) and teaches art to lower school stu- different things." dents. During her time there, she's watched see ZINDER, p. TT8 MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM Top Teachers TT7 Rebekah Goemaat Quioccasin MS, exceptional education

If Rebekah Goemaat seems to bring the perspective of a social worker inside her classroom at Quioccasin Middle School, there's a good reason for it. She once was one. She also was a foster parent and Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer, so you might say she had a particular affinity for working with children. So it wasn't shocking, then, when after moving to the Richmond area, she began contemplat- ing a career as a teacher – specifically in the realm of ex- ceptional education. After transitioning to the field, she's been a public school teacher for the past decade, the last six years in Hen- rico (all at Quioccasin, formerly Byrd Middle). There, she teaches English and math to students with in- tellectual, physical and health disabilities and loves every- thing about it. "It's the students," she said, describing what makes the job so rewarding. "They're an amazing group of people of individuals, because middle school isn't easy for anyone. They take their challenges and do amazing things with Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen those challenges in environments that are sometimes invit- ing and sometimes are not. the state.The league, modeled on a Special Olympics pro- players enjoying the chance to compete as well, she said. "We work – and these students work – every day to gram and implemented with that organization's support, "It was fantastic," one parent wrote in a nomination letter. kind of earn their inclusion." pairs disabled and able-bodied students together on teams "That's leadership, caring, compassion, understanding – de- Goemaat strives to build connections with each of her that compete on the court. veloping the children outside of the classroom – all in one. students by finding their passions and learning what is most "The idea is that everybody learns and plays and plays Said Goemaat: "These are moments that students with- important to them. to the best of their abilities," Goemaat said. "One of the re- out disabilities take for granted. Having these [disabled] stu- "Someone told me once that kids want to be enjoyed," ally cool things that I like about their model was that they dents just being able to experience just normal middle she said. "When students find a teacher who enjoys who focused not only on the game but on having it be competi- school moments, that's kind of the most heartwarming for they are – that may mean laughing at their jokes. . . or show- tive." me." ing an interest in their hobbies and things that they're good That prevents the type of unintentionally patronizing The plan is for eight Henrico middle schools to field at – . . . then it builds a connection." situations that occur when teams attempt to involved dis- teams next school year.Goemaat praised the principals and Recently, Goemaat took that mindset to new heights abled athletes for a play or two but simply let them score, staff members at each participating school for figuring out when she organized a unified basketball league for intellec- Goemaat said. how to implement the league and its games into regular tually disabled students at Quioccasin and three other Hen- The league was a tremendous success, with some dis- school days. rico middle schools – the first such middle school league in abled players becoming stars on the court and able-bodied – Tom Lappas Congratulations, Henrico’s Top Teachers!

Henrico County @HenricoSchools Public Schools TT8 Top Teachers MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM Rita Yarema Virginia Randolph Education Center, exceptional education

Rita Yarema seemed likely to become a teacher anyway – her father, aunt, grandmother and cousin all were or are – but when her young sis- ter suffered a massive stroke that paralyzed her,the decision solidified it- self in her mind. Yarema saw how her sister's special education teachers worked with her diligently to help her re-learn how to do almost everything she'd been able to do previously.The experience convinced her that she, too, wanted to work with special needs students as a teacher. Her teaching career began in New York, where she spent 13 years working in early intervention, primarily with autistic students.When she and her husband moved to the Richmond area in 2015, a job at the Vir- ginia Randolph Education Center caught her attention, though she was initially somewhat hesitant. “But I called my aunt, who is a retired special education teacher,and my cousin, who is a special education teacher in New York, and they said ‘Give it a year – you’re going to love it and never want to go back to anything else,’” Yarema recalled.“Virginia Randolph is definitely that change I was looking for.” Many of the eight first-grade students Yarema works with have been unsuccessful in their home schools because of behavioral problems. So Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen she works to implement routine-driven schedules for them and practice rules with them. Working with families is key to Yarema’s ap- the county or the school; she pulled upon personal “The goal is for these kids to get in, to learn the coping skills and proach. connections to help this child and the family in order strategies they need, and then to get back to their home schools,” Yare- “All the families I work with, they genuinely want to provide assistance when needed,” the nominator ma said. to help their children but they don't know how,”she wrote. “Rita balances and attends to the varying needs of each student in said. Wrote another colleague of Yarema’s style:“She is their level of transition," a colleague wrote of Yarema. "She is restorative Yarema is willing to go above and beyond her firm, but gentle in her approach with students. She in communication with students, taking the time to process behavioral teaching responsibilities to help students and their does an incredible job of balancing the immense emo- challenges with students and reinforcing positive behaviors. Rita is open families however possible.When she learned one fam- tional, social, and educational needs of our students. and collaborative with families, talking to parents weekly and sometimes ily might soon lose its housing, she took action. She makes learning fun and accessible and is a true daily to ensure that home and school are speaking the same language asset to our campus family." “Rita did not stop at what could be provided by and brainstorming how to handle issues that may arise." – Tom Lappas

Molly Guerrant ZINDER, from p. TT6 For a decade, Zinder served on the Ashe ES, guidance counselor school's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day commit- tee, which annually plans a day of service on cause he knew he ecause she has always loved children, King's birthday, during which students and B had a safe place to faculty members visit nonprofits, public Molly Guerrant grew up knowing her ca- go, and that place reer would involve working with kids. schools and other groups to help beautify was my office." them or perform other needed work.The stu- At first, she assumed that she would Guerrant also dents have visited homeless shelters, assisted become a classroom teacher. But while cherishes a long the James River Foundation and done work she was student teaching, Guerrant dis- thank-you letter for public safety officials, among many other covered that what she liked best was talk- she received from groups. ing with students, encouraging them, and the student who helping them with problems. "Lynn works tirelessly to ensure her stu- had been suicidal, dents have a wonderful, enriching, and learn- Today, after two years as school coun- after she moved Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen ing environment in art," the nominator wrote. selor at Arthur Ashe, Guerrant says, "I can- on to middle to mothering her "Ashe children," Guer- "She is constantly researching new possibili- not imagine doing anything else. . . I not school. "She was able to find a more posi- rant is foster mother to a young girl. An- ties for her art students to accomplish. She is only have the awesome privilege of caring tive perspective in an unfavorable home other program she initiated is "Leader of loving, giving, talented, tireless, committed, for these children, I also benefit from environment," Guerrant says, "and discov- the Month," which recognizes a student passionate, and an all around wonderful per- them.They teach me how to be a better er life was worth living." along with family members at a breakfast son.” person." An admirer who wrote to nominate at the school. She has also implemented a At Steward, Zinder also is thankful for Guerrant is the first to tell you that the Guerrant marveled that at 27 years old yoga program with "mindful" minutes to small classes (usually about a dozen students job is not without its challenges. Being a and in only two years at Ashe, the coun- help the students develop control of their or so) and the opportunity to have them in Title One school, Arthur Ashe has many selor has transformed the school. Partner- emotions. class twice a week. children who come to school hungry,and ing with Feedmore, she implemented a "I love getting to be creative and im- "We have a state-of-the-art school with are "pre-occupied with where their next program that allows students who lack a plementing new programs and ideas," says great art rooms," she said. "Fifteen years ago, meal is coming from." Other children are consistent home food supply to take back- Guerrant, who is quick to credit "the un- we got to design a new building for the art struggling with relationships or difficult packs with them on Friday containing wavering support" of the school's princi- program [the Paul Cramer Center for the Arts] home lives, or are dealing with the death nourishment for the weekend. pal, family advocate, fellow teachers and the way we wanted it to be.This school is so of a family member. One student she To help the children who have trou- school community for the success of vari- supportive of the arts. I always say we're in counseled was fighting the urge to harm ble concentrating on schoolwork due to ous initiatives. It is that community sup- the Taj Mahal.Anything I ever want, I can get, herself or even take her own life. hunger,Guerrant began an open-door food port that allows Guerrant to pursue what for us and the children." pantry in her office. Students know that "There are many times I wish I could she sees as her calling: "to unmask the tal- Although Zinder has incorporated tech- when in need of food, they can go to the take their pain away," Guerrant says. ents in every child – especially those who nology into her art lessons – a current class is pantry and take canned food, tuna packs, "Being a school counselor can be emo- might fall through the cracks. creating a quilt, square by square, with em- tionally draining – but it is oh so reward- granola bars and fruit – no questions "I can say without any hesitation," bedded LED lights operated by circuits stu- ing." asked. Just before Christmas, she also Guerrant continues, "that I love my job dents created themselves – she hasn't lost One of her more rewarding moments rounded up food and small gifts for fami- sight of the primary functions and founda- lies in need and delivered them. and enjoy coming to work every day pri- occurred after she counseled a student marily because of the children. I feed off tions of the craft. who felt isolated and was having prob- Her nominator notes that while the their energy and love them all as if they "We still have to have art for art's sake," lems connecting with his peers. The stu- school and Feedmore help with funds for were my own." she said. "I hope art will continue as it is." dent eventually told Guerrant that he now food programs, Guerrant often contributes felt comfortable coming to school – "be- her own money,and adds that in addition – Patty Kruszewski – Tom Lappas MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM Top Teachers TT9

dismissal), Nicholas is never too busy for stu- Danny Nicholas dents, the nominator says. He always has time Wilder MS, history to help them with prob- lems both personal and Danny Nicholas was about the same age academic, and often as his current middle school students – and gives students a hug or having a rough go of it – when he experi- pat on the back for a job enced first-hand the positive impact that a well done. caring teacher can have on a troubled ado- Nicholas calls be- lescent. coming a teacher "one of "My parents had just gotten divorced," the best decisions I have Nicholas recalls, "and I had a lot of anger is- ever made concerning sues that resulted from so many new myself and my life" – changes." even if, like most teach- ers, he is never truly Although he was failing many of his away from the job. classes, his English teacher reached out to him, helping him see that he was capable of "Teachers are teach- doing the work. His grades improved that ers 100 percent of the year, he says, largely because of Ms. Bryant. time, not just from 8:00 "She really made me believe that I could to 3:30," he says. "They achieve anything, and that nothing was are constantly planning, wrong with me but my confidence." thinking about the kids they teach, looking for At the end of the year, the teacher gave new ideas to bring to him one of his favorite books from the the class, and worrying Choose Your Own Adventure series. It was about the ones they feel inscribed with the words, “To my little ge- they can’t reach." nius." Anyone going into "That really affected me," Nicholas says. the profession, Nicholas Today, a big part of his job is encourag- believes, should accept ing students just as Ms. Bryant encouraged that it can be all-consum- him. His biggest challenge in the classroom, ing – because "a true Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen he says, is getting students "to realize their teacher touches every own potential, and believe they can shape a part of a young person’s life, not just the his- about Nicholas and his class long after mid- world that at times seems so big." tory or math part." dle school – and that the experience in- spired him to major in history. A nominator wrote that Nicholas is pas- After 13 years at Wilder, Nicholas occa- sionate about his belief that every student sionally hears from students he has touched, "He loved how much fun we had learn- can learn, and notes that his students' ac- and enjoys getting hugs, smiles and updates ing new facts and concepts about the complishments are a testament to the fact from WMS students who have gone on to world, and decided he wanted to do the that he goes "above and beyond" in his college. Last year,he had an especially mem- same. work. orable encounter while at Kings Dominion "That," says Nicholas, "made me feel on Despite his many duties (in addition to with some eighth graders. He was hailed by top of the world." teaching, he assists in bus administration, a student he had taught and coached seven – Patty Kruszewski and has worked to streamline afternoon bus years ago, who told him that he'd thought

Though she has no immediate family of her own, Robinson could count generations former and current stu- Alice Robinson dents as her children. Mehfoud ES, resource teacher "She has committed her whole life to making school a better place for students and in turn sending out students who will make the world a better place," a colleague You might say that Alice Robinson lives for this. wrote of Robinson. "Groups of students are impacted by For 47 years, she has awakened early, often arriving at her each day.We send 90 percent of our students to third Mehfoud Elementary School before the sun does, fre- grade reading on grade level. Mrs. Robinson is a big part of quently remaining until there’s almost no one left in the this success." building. One former student became a principal in Northern During her nearly half-century as a teacher at this Virginia.Another is a district attorney in Maryland.Another small Varina school, Robinson has thoughtfully and dili- works at the United Nations.The list could go on indefi- gently helped thousands of students learn how to read – nitely. These are the reasons Robinson continues to em- and perhaps more importantly – how to become good brace her passion for teaching into her seventies. people. "The rewards are not in the paycheck," she said. "The "I believe that every child can be transformed into a rewards are the people." It’s not by accident that she has masterpiece," she said. remained for nearly 50 years at Mehfoud – the only school There’s little that Robinson (now a resource teacher at in the county that serves only kindergarten, first- and sec- the school who works as a reading specialist) has not seen ond-graders (students move to nearby Varina Elementary during her lengthy career.While much has changed – tech- for third through fifth grades). It’s an ideal fit for her,with a nology and family structure are the two most evident dif- structure that provides a comfort level for young minds, ferences to her – much remains the same as when she she believes, that may not exist elsewhere. began her career teaching fifth grade in Caroline County as Because students today are so influenced by technolo- a 19-year-old graduate of Virginia Union University. gy and the speed at which it travels, Robinson seeks to de- She imparts to her own students the same sense of liver information to them in an attractive, direct way that love and care that one of her first teachers – Mrs. Burnett – keeps their attention. She's taken courses at six additional provided her as a seven-year-old in a one-room school- universities through the years to sharpen her skills. She Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen house in the backwoods of Spotsylvania County. It was uses one- and three-minute fluency “packets” of words to then that Robinson felt her calling. help young readers master them and strengthen their read- "She greets them, loves them and helps them believe ing abilities.And she makes sure they know how much she Burnett “cared for me as a person first,”she recalled. in themselves," her colleague wrote. "She has high expec- herself loves to read. It’s a lesson she never forgot and one that she shares daily tations for each student and never lets them get by with at Mehfoud. "If I ask them to read, they see me reading," she said. less. She is at school before anyone else and leaves late. "The best teaching you can do comes through modeling." She works all summer using the data from the previous “The things I remember most as a student were not year to prepare for the students the following fall. the academics – they were how my teachers made me What is most evident to those who come in contact feel, my dreams that they fed into, how they supported with Robinson is her selfless devotion and tireless efforts "She is truly the heart of Mehfoud Elementary." me,”Robinson said. on behalf of Mehfoud students. – Tom Lappas TT10 Top Teachers MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM Stephanie Poxon Henrico HS, CFA director

Dr. Stephanie Poxon wears a lot of hats as director for the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School. First and foremost, she’s a director and administrator,but she’s also a teacher, cheerleader, coach, the staff pianist, the stage pro- duction manager and even sometimes the nurse and jani- tor. The Florida native got her Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen bachelor’s degree in musical educa- visual arts, two vocal music and two instrumental kids that tion from the University of Central can apply.At the Center for the Arts, we have a plethora of Florida, master’s degree in music talented students, we can only pick two so we first do a from the University of Florida and round of in house auditions at the center.Then I work with doctorate in musicology from the the 10 candidates we choose on their applications issued Catholic University of America. from the state. Before her combined 10 years “I also run the county wide meeting along with the at Henrico High School and the gifted coordinator in December for all of the kids from the Center for the Arts, Poxon was an county high schools and I walk all of them through the ap- adjunct professor teaching music plication process.Then I go with the kids to the regional theory at Virginia Commonwealth auditions at Christopher Newport University in early Janu- University, Randolph-Macon Col- ary. I spend the whole day with my kids and other kids lege, Reynolds Community College from the county there to help, calm and soothe them.We and the University of Central Flori- have an extremely high success rate of students from the da. Poxon also worked nearly Center of the Arts who get into the Governor’s School, so seven years at the Library of Con- I’m very proud of that.” gress in its music division and on its Those who nominated Poxon said she is always there education outreach team. ples' lives and further their education.This center prepares people for the next level, and you find that you're so far to help a student or parent regardless of her busy sched- As director for the Center for the Arts with four pro- ahead coming out of the gate, when you get to college or ule. grams, Poxon (pictured upper right with CFA students) is the workforce.We are all about setting students up for suc- “She is an amazing leader, Dr. Poxon knows all of the always looking for creative and innovative ways to further cess.” more than 250 students in the center by name,”the nomi- the center’s artistic approach. Poxon said she tries to tell nator wrote.“She is at every event that goes on during and the students just how lucky they are to have a Center for Another thing Poxon does to help her students is after hours, including Fall Showcase, Spring Showcase, field the Arts where they live. working with them on their applications and perfecting their routines and talents for tryouts for the Governor’s trips, etc.All of this is on top of her administrative duties at “I tell the students, I didn't have such a center at my School. the center, which means she is on the go all of the time, high school in Florida,”Poxon said.“I'm so passionate about but she is never too busy to help a student or a parent.” what I do here, to serve them, the teachers and the com- “Each high school from Henrico can let two students – Ashley Luck munity.I believe in the arts and the power it has to lift peo- apply,”Poxon said.“So, there’s two dance, two theater, two MAY 18-31, 2017 • HENRICOCITIZEN.COM Top Teachers TT11 others make, for example, then you can of a car with his mother) after his mother avoid making them yourself.” died unexpectedly. Christine Guise Several nominators praised Guise for Marsha Grahek “She took him into her home that Rolfe MS, English her creativity and devotion to her students. Tuckahoe MS, Christmas and shared the love of her fami- ly with him,” the colleague wrote. “He "She keeps in touch with her students exceptional education went on to high school, into foster care, Encouraging middle-schoolers to become long after they have left her," one wrote. was finally adopted and relocated out of enthralled with English can be about as sim- "She is amazing and well loved by all of her town. He asked his new adoptive mother ple as teaching a family pet how to manage students." Marsha Grahek knows how to treat bul- mutual funds. lies. to invite Mrs. Grahek to the adoption cer- Guise makes it a point to keep in touch emony because the adoptive mother re- But Christine Guise takes a simplistic with former students for a simple reason. With compassion. minded him of Mrs. Grahek, he said. approach to engaging her sixth-grade Eng- “It’s the whole relationship thing,” she Grahek, an exceptional education “Without the nurturing Marsha gave lish students at John Rolfe Middle School. said.“It’s not enough for a child to be told teacher at Tuckahoe Middle School, has to this student when she did, I seriously “We read, we think about what we're that they are valued – they have to feel val- seen it all in her career as a social worker doubt there would be the happy ending reading, and then we write about what ued.When you turn anything – knowledge, and exceptional education teacher. The to the story.” we're thinking," she said. relationships – into a long-term thing, that's students who act tough and try to intimi- date classmates or teachers aren’t fooling Such examples are logical, given the Many students lack true inspira- her. compassion that Grahek has shown peo- tion, she said, but reading can help ple she doesn’t even know. Years ago, a provide that in spades. "The ones who try to intimidate are pastor introduced her to a Kenyan man in “We talk about what connec- the ones who are hurting the most," she Richmond who was nearly destitute but said, explaining how she approaches such tions they can make between the refused to accept do- stories that they are reading and nations of food be- their own stories,”she said.“We all cause his family in have stories to tell – you just have Kenya was suffering. to know how to tell it and be brave “He said, I cannot enough to tell it.” eat while my family is Guise, herself a product of Hen- dying,” Grahek re- rico’s public school system (with called. So she pulled two years at a private high school out the money in her mixed in), felt a calling to work pocket, wired it to his with students who might need family and thus began some extra support.The fit at Rolfe, a relationship that whose student body includes some continues today. It led at-risk children, has been ideal dur- her to create Project ing her five years there. Respect, a nonprofit organization that has “The fewer people that stu- raised money for the dents have in their lives to help man’s village for some them get turned in the right direc- 15 years. It currently tion, the more difficult it is for Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen supports 200 people them,”she said.“If I can be that per- with its annual dona- son, then sometimes that's all they students.“I say,‘I’ve seen you helping an- need.“ other person, you're just trying to act big tions. This year, as a way to help con- and bad – I know the game you're play- Grahek traveled to the village several nect a love of reading and writing ing.’ Sometimes then they'll start smiling. years ago and was overcome with the joy not only to her students but to their I'll say,‘You know what you're doing – I'm and excitement the villagers showed her. families as well, Guise has imple- not scared of you. I care about you, I want More recently, the organization mented a parent book club that the best for you.’” sought to help those in need in this coun- meets monthly at the Varina Area Li- Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen Her approach has worked wonders try and has partnered with an organiza- brary to discuss some of the same books for numerous students at the school, ac- tion in the Appalachian town of Calf Creek her students are reading. when kids learn what is valuable.” cording to colleagues. Hollow, Kentucky, to provide food, basic Because of Guise’s involvement and necessities, Christmas presents, school “These students don’t just need the “Ms. Grahek is a special education support of a teacher,” she said,“they need dedication in the classroom, “I feel that I teacher who helps students who are strug- supplies – and next month a weeklong can make the world a better place for summer camp for needy children there. the support of a community. I started the gling to succeed,” a colleague wrote in a book club so that the parents would be everybody,”one of her students wrote in a nomination letter.“She shows great sym- "We wanted to help people that no- reading some of the same things their stu- nomination letter. pathy towards these students and refuses body else was helping,”Grahek said. dents would be reading, to help give them “Mrs. Guise is a rare jewel,” another to give up on them.” Several of her fellow teachers will be insight into how to talk to their kids. nominator wrote.“She is dedicated to teach- Frequently, the colleague wrote, Gra- joining her for the trip in June. “We've loved it – you never know ing, she cares greatly for the students and it hek works with students who are not part “Marsha is a leader in planning, imple- which direction the conversation is going shows she enjoys her job. She is commit- of her daily caseload. mentation, and evaluation by means of in- to go in.” ted to teaching the children and making sure they actually understand and can prop- Another colleague cited Grahek’s struction that is student-centered,” a col- Guise has attempted to dispel the no- erly apply what they have learned. It's evi- compassion and willingness to help stu- league wrote. “Her innovative means of tion held by many students that books can dent she surpasses a teacher going through dents however possible – even outside of teaching opens doors that could other- only make them book-smart. the motions of completing her lesson school. In one case, she assisted an eighth- wise remain closed.” “Books make you street-smart,”she said. plans.” grader (who was homeless and living out – Tom Lappas “If you can read about the mistakes that – Tom Lappas

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cerned about me. I just thought,Wow,I want to be a car- make them feel really important and special that they Wendy Gilmartin ing teacher just like her.” have this role.We work on recycling things in our cafe- Gilmartin, along with one of her fellow teachers, teria and all of our classrooms have recycling bins that Echo Lake ES, third grade leads Echo Lake’s “Green Team,”which is a group of stu- our “Green Team” members are responsible for and they dents who promote recycling on school grounds. make sure that they are put in the hallway to be collect- ed.” As a third-grade teacher, Wendy Gilmartin focuses on “We have a school garden that we work on where community and wants her students to leave each day kids are planting different vegetables and getting the Gilmartin makes it a priority and goes the extra mile wanting to come back the to start each school year with next. creating a sense of community in Gilmartin, a local native and her classroom. Virginia Tech alumna, has been “Every summer my family teaching in the region for a goes to Maine and we stay near total of 28 years – 17 in Pebble Beach. I always gather Hanover and the most recent huge rocks and it takes me about 11 in Henrico. a week to carry four to five rocks Her favorite thing about from the beach because they are teaching third-graders is their pretty big. I bring them back to continued interest in learning my set of 25 students and each new things. of us will paint a positive mes- sage on a rock for the hope gar- “The kids at this age are still den that we have at our school. excited about learning, they Just little things like that; and we still have that love for coming start the year off by talking about to school and they love their how we are a team,.We work to- teachers,” Gilmartin said. “The gether and we want each other kids are still like sponges, to do really well.” which is great; they love to learn and go to school.” Those who nominated Gilmartin said she is her stu- Gilmartin said she always dents’ biggest advocate and knew she wanted to be a makes sure to give each student teacher when she was what they need to be successful. younger. “Wendy Gilmartin has im- “When I was in elementary Tom Lappas/Henrico Citizen pacted so many students school I loved school so much I throughout her career,”a nomina- would line up my stuffed ani- tor wrote.“The guidance and mentorship she offers to mals on my bed and teach them stuff,” Gilmartin said. chance to see how they grow,”Gilmartin said.“The stu- her kids throughout the day, in addition to her students “One teacher I had in particular inspired me; I was out of dents that are chosen for ‘Green Team’ are students that in her 'Green Team' after school program each month, is school for two weeks due to an illness and when I came might not always be chosen for other things or have admirable.” back she had everything ready for me and had been con- leadership roles. So, we hope that the ‘Green Team’ will – Ashley Luck