Five exemplary Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees were honored by the Board of Education on October 9. Honored were Nina Ogasawara, Tracy Bell, Shirley Turner, Crystal Holm and Jason Bursick.

Ogasawara is a school counselor at Gale-Bailey Elementary School. She was nominated for recognition for displaying excellence in her position and for her successful implementation of a behavior management program at the school. Ogasawara is the chairperson for ROAR, which is the school's positive behavior program. Students are rewarded for positive behavior and personal responsibility. The program has helped support the school's vision of supporting student achievement while providing children with a safe and orderly learning environment. Gale-Bailey Principal Carrie Richardson said that Ogasawara is a genuine and unassuming individual. "Nina's tireless commitment and dedication to the entire Gale-Bailey school community has resulted in tremendous positive growth worthy of recognition," Richardson wrote in a nomination letter.

Bell is a third-grade teacher at Mary H. Matula Elementary School. She was nominated for recognition for demonstrating a high degree of pride in her work and for her work ethic. She is the leader of the third-grade team and serves as the cosponsor of the schools Destination Imagination (DI) teams. Bell displays a high level of commitment and excellence in her work and works tirelessly to help students and staff in any way possible. Matula Principal Timothy Rosin said Bell serves as an invaluable support to teachers and school staff. "She maintains a positive, professional 'can-do' attitude in her interactions with students, colleagues, and parents," Rosin wrote in a nomination letter.

Turner is a first-grade teacher at Arthur Middleton Elementary School. She was nominated for recognition for her strong passion for technology in the classroom and for life-long learning. Turner has innovative teaching ideas, and shares them with her colleagues. She takes on leadership roles and is an effective communicator with the Middleton community. To better communicate with her ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students, Turner seeks out various resources to help learn their native language. Middleton Principal Sabrina Robinson-Taylor said that Turner is a valuable staff member. "She is hard-working, consistent, effective and dedicated to her profession," Robinson-Taylor wrote in a nomination letter.

Holm is a mathematics teacher at Milton M. Somers Middle School. She was nominated for recognition for her high level of expertise and professionalism in the classroom. Holm works with her students to make sure their abilities and needs are met. She is responsible and highly accountable for the performance levels of each of her students, and accepts responsibility in a competent and professional manner. She cosponsors Somers' Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA), LEGO robotics and Sea Perch teams, as well as the spirit squad and faculty step team. Somers Principal Stephanie Wesolowski said Holm is the perfect example of an excellent teacher. "Ms. Holm exhibits the personal and professional traits that any teacher worthy of 'outstanding' recognition should have," Wesolowski wrote in a nomination letter.

Bursick is the athletic director at Maurice J. McDonough High School. He was nominated for recognition for volunteering his time this past summer to enhance student-athlete participation and their overall experiences at McDonough. Bursick also coordinated and facilitated the reconstruction of the team locker rooms on the stadium fields. He works with students, parents, and coaches to ensure maximum student participation and hosts coaching clinics throughout each season. He ensures that all student athletes are successful in the classroom and receive grades to support athletic participation. He was also recently recognized by Erie Insurance Group for his dedication and service to McDonough student athletes and the community. "Bursick works hard to make our athletic department all that it can be," Snow wrote in a nomination letter.

The Board honors several exemplary employees each month.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.