The Board of Education honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees during the Nov. 11 Board meeting, including Erin Berfield, Danielle Carpenter, Latisha Chase, Melissa Gross and Jane Pilkerton.
Berfield is a music teacher at Malcom Elementary School. She was recognized for consistently delivering quality instruction to her students in music. Berfield’s lessons are well planned and she focuses on matching activities with the developmental levels of her students. She strives to instill the love of music in all children on a daily basis. Outside of her instructional day she takes on numerous assignments, as well as organizes the winter and spring concerts. She is also an active participant with All-County chorus rehearsals and performances. Malcom Principal Wilhelmina Pugh said Berfield demonstrates a high degree of pride in her work and has an exemplary work ethic. “Ms. Berfield is key in modeling a positive and caring environment at Malcolm. She always is one of the first staff members to step in as needed and willingly volunteers her time to assist with projects or schoolwide initiatives,” Pugh wrote in her nomination letter.
Carpenter is a social studies teacher at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School. She creates lessons for her students that are engaging and differentiated so all students are given opportunities to learn. Carpenter always connects her students to the lesson through real world applications and works hard to include their interests in each lesson. Stoddert Principal Kenneth Schroeck said Carpenter is an outstanding role model for her students and peers. “It is obvious that her students are at the center of her instruction in everything she does. Ms. Carpenter is the epitome of hard work, dedication and enthusiasm for her job,” Schroeck wrote in his nomination letter.
Chase is an instructional assistant at St. Charles High School. She has been employed with CCPS for the past five years and demonstrates a positive attitude in all that she does. She provides valuable input, and often seeks out what some consider difficult tasks. Chase mentors students and provides academic interventions to struggling learners. St. Charles Principal Richard Conley said Chase’s leadership and ability to serve as a role model are qualities that make her an outstanding employee. “One of Mrs. Chase’s greatest attributes is her willingness to serve in various capacities in order to improve the school community. She is willing to go the extra mile to better the school,” Conley wrote in his nomination letter.
Gross is the secretary to the principal at J.C. Parks Elementary School. She has worked for CCPS since 1992 and is passionate about and dedicated to her job. Gross has held this position for the last three school years and is known as the go to person at her school. She is always the first to arrive for the school day and the last to leave. Gross is described by her co-workers as a helpful resource for information who always has an answer, suggestion or words of encouragement. As the secretary in charge of financials at the school, Gross has coordinated exemplary audits and meets all deadlines before they are due. Parks Principal Thadine Wright said Gross is a valuable asset to the Parks community. “Mrs. Gross’ attentiveness to details coupled with a clear understanding of her responsibilities, has assisted her with anticipating the needs of staff, and most importantly, the students,” Wright wrote in a nomination letter.
Pilkerton is a reading resource teacher at Dr. James Craik Elementary School where she is a valuable member of the instructional leadership team (ILT). Her expertise and leadership has been a critical factor in the success of the ILT at Craik. Pilkerton works closely with teachers to assist in planning and implementing curriculum. In addition, she has created a school bookroom that houses all of the leveled readers. In her letter of nomination, Craik Principal Debra Calvert describes Pilkerton as a positive and energetic member of her staff. “Her energy and positive attitude are contagious and her work ethic is unparalleled. She is truly an asset to our school and worthy of recognition,” Calvert wrote in a nomination letter.
The Board honors several exemplary employees each month.
Charles County Public Schools provides 26,500 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 36 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, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Pamela K. Murphy, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD. 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
