The Prince William County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) recently held its fourth annual virtual recognition awards ceremony. During the ceremony, SEPTA recognized outstanding teachers, administrators, school staff, professionals, community members, and students. Among various community involvements, SEPTA members participate in fundraisers and networking events, as well as provide sensory friendly engagement opportunities for students with disabilities.
Congratulations to the following PWCS award winners:
- Outstanding General Education Teacher, Primary: Colleen Lennon, Rosa Parks Elementary School
- Outstanding General Education Teacher, Secondary: Laura Fegley, Woodbridge High School
- Outstanding Special Education Teacher, Primary: Kristina Fassett, Piney Branch Elementary School
- Outstanding Special Education Teacher- Secondary: Brittany Andino, Osbourn High School
- Outstanding Instructional Assistant/Paraprofessional: Falguni Pandya, Piney Branch Elementary School
- Outstanding Administrator: Justin Wilk, Prince William County School Board Member, Potomac Magisterial District
- Outstanding Related Services Provider: Erin Saar, Antietam Elementary School
- Outstanding Student Advocate, Primary: Rhys Gallagher, Dumfries Elementary School
- Outstanding Student Advocate, Secondary: Samuelle (Sam) Baisas, Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School
- Outstanding Student Ally: Sasha Parrish, Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School
- Outstanding Inclusive School-Based Program: Fin Friends, Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School
- Outstanding Inclusive School: Cedar Point Elementary School
- Outstanding Bus Driver: Zachary Hinojosa and Beatrice Sarfo (Aide), PWCS #536 Team
SEPTA also awarded grants to creative, innovative programs that provide educational experiences to students and enhance their physical, social, and emotional abilities.
Congratulations to the following PWCS grant recipients:
- Kathleen Drago, Gainesville Middle School: $100 for therapeutic putty, fidget, and sensory items for the classroom
- LaShonda Black, River Oaks Elementary School: $100 for materials for creative play and crafts
- Kathy Hoback, Brentsville District High School: $300 for a button maker and supplies for a student-run button and sticker business that enhances students’ technical and social skills
- Jasmine Wright, Dumfries Elementary School: $300 for flexible seating
- Tracy Wrighten, Graham Park Middle School: $100 for Standards of Learning (SOL) coach books for students
- Nora Yates, Dumfries Elementary School: $100 for a sensory calm down area