Lulú Fetzer-Muñoz, an ESOL counselor at Northwood and Springbrook high schools, was named “Educator of the Year” at the Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala on Sept. 10. The gala, which kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month, brought together volunteer stakeholders and organizations committed to helping Hispanic youth succeed in academics. Also during the event, $150,000 in scholarships was awarded to 77 former MCPS students, who are now enrolled in college.
MCPS Teacher Wins Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence
James Schafer, a Montgomery Blair High School physics teacher for 13 years, has been selected as a recipient of the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. He is among 108 winners from across the nation. Schafer will receive a citation signed by President Obama and a $10,000 award.
Schafer, the 2010–2011 MCPS Teacher of the Year, is one of two teachers in the state of Maryland to receive the national award this year. He currently teaches magnet freshman physics, advanced placement physics and Quantum physics. Schafer has developed, modified and updated curriculum for unique courses such as Thermodynamics and Quantum physics. He also sponsors the school’s physics and quiz bowl teams and is a founding member and organizer of Puzzlepalooza, an annual puzzle competition.
Neelsville Science Teacher Brings Green Boot Camp Lessons Back to Classroom
Marilyn Hoobler, a science teacher at Neelsville Middle School spent a week this summer learning with 50 other teachers from around the world at the 2015 Green Boot Camp in San Diego. Honeywell’s Green Boot Camp teaches middle school teachers the latest methods of hands-on, interactive instruction on green and sustainable topics. Hoobler joined teachers from 12 countries and 30 other states for a total of 50 participants.
In Memoriam
- Young Chee, building service worker at Cabin John Middle School, died on July 11. He had more than 13 years of service with MCPS.
- Paul Greenfield, bus operator for the Randolph Depot, died on July 16. He had been with MCPS for more than eight years.
- Edward Grenning, special education teacher at Seneca Valley High School, died on Aug. 11. He had 15 years of service with MCPS.
- Oscar A. Lopez, bus operator for the West Farm Depot, died on Aug. 18. He had more than 10 years of service with MCPS.
- Christian O. Madoo, teacher at Robert Frost Middle School, died on June 7. He had been with MCPS for almost 10 years.
- Josephine M. Racanelli, school secretary at Rock Terrace School, died on May 25. She had more than 21 years of service with MCPS.
- Kristine K. Ramaekers, special education paraeducator at Rock Creek Valley Elementary School, died on June 22. She had nearly 18 years of service with MCPS.
- Crucita Reynoso, special education bus attendant at the Shady Grove North Depot, died on June 11. She had been with MCPS for more than eight years.
Shout Outs
A big thank you to the great staff of the Employee and Retiree Service Center who make sure employees and retirees are assisted with all their business—benefits, pay, retirement, leave, etc.
—Sue DeGraba, Chief Financial Officer
Marlene Teigen is a special education paraeducator at Oakland Terrace ES. Marlene is always going above and beyond for the students and staff. Thanks Marlene for all you do for the Oakland Terrace community.
—Catherine Donohue, administrative secretary, Oakland Terrace Elementary School
Thanks to the hard working building service team for getting the campus and building ready for the opening of school and for hosting the media event. Thank you for all you do.
—Anthony Murray, building service manager, Wheaton Woods Elementary School
