Mr. Wade, Ms. Barnes Named 2017 FCPS Outsanding Employees
Mr. Spicer, Ms. Goetchius, Mr. Mason also recognized at FCPS Honors
Congratulations to Building Supervisor Russel Wade who was recognized at the annual FCPS Honors event as the 2017 Outstanding School-based Support Employee
When there was a water main break recently at West Springfield, Mr. Wade ran around the school delivering bottles of drinking water and hauling buckets of water to flush the toilets. To Mr. Wade, who has a reputation as a problem solver who doesn’t mind getting dirty, this was just part of the job. Colleagues describe the air force veteran as a professional who’s been a calming influence since he came to the school five years ago. He’s currently dealing with a major renovation, which involved relocating 70 classrooms, but coworkers aren’t worried. “With his leadership skills,” said one, “there’s no question Mr. Wade will provide an environment for teachers to educate and students to learn, no matter what the challenges are during the school’s transformation.”
Congratulations to Math teacher Rebecca Barnes who was recognized at the annual FCPS Honors event as the 2017 Outstanding School-based Support Employee
Ms. Barnes has a reputation for knowing her students and making math fun. “She creates classes that engage students from bell to bell,” said a colleague. “It’s easy to see how her 88-minute classes fly by.” But Ms. Barnes will be the first to admit it wasn’t always so. When she began teaching in 2014, she says, her classes were “dull.” To fix this she attended academy courses and led a team of six math teachers in restructuring the math curriculum. She now teaches geometry using a workshop model, in which students control their learning and mastery of topics. What hasn’t changed is Ms. Barnes's involvement with the students in the school; she still runs the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and coaches Powder Puff football. “I want them to know I care about them as people,” she says, “not just math students.”
Congratulations to parent liaison Aleida Goetchius who was named the 2017 Region 4 Outstanding Hourly Employee and one of five finalists for this year's Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award.
Ms. Goetchius is West Springfield’s bridge to its Spanish speaking families. She hosts the school’s quarterly Hablemos meetings, ensuring students and their families are aware of school events and programs. Ms. Goetchius invites alumni from her programs to speak to the families and inspire students to strive for success and pursue their post-secondary dreams. She is also a reliable resource for families in need or experiencing crises. “For many of our families, she provides stability, an ear to listen, and the skills to help provide support,” says one colleague. Her dedication and care make Ms. Goetchius an integral member of the West Springfield community. It’s no wonder she was named FCPS Family and School Partnership Liaison of the Month in 2015.
Congratulations to Mr. Spicer and Mr. Mason who were also recognized FCPS Honors.
Outstanding Secondary Teacher School-level Recipient
- Timothy Spicer (Social Studies Teacher)
Outstanding School-based Leader School-level Recipient
- Jerry Mason (Technology Support Specialist)
Thank you to Kim Nelson for all of her hard work with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison! West Springfield was the most decorated school at the 2017 event!