Posted on November 7, 2007


* Nardos King, principal at Mount Vernon High School, has been awarded the Nancy F. Sprague First-Year Administrator Award and has been named the 2008 Outstanding First-Year Principal by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

“I’ve been privileged to work with Nardos through her roles as teacher, ticket manager, SGA sponsor, intern, subschool principal, and now principal,” says nominator Karen Hertel, health and physical education department chair at Mount Vernon. “Her work ethic is unmatched….You don’t work for Mrs. King; you work with her.”

Praised for her ability to motivate students, King is cited for leading by example. “She will never ask of others that which she is not willing to do herself,” adds Hertel. “No one works harder than Nardos. She is always the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

When she was named principal, King set several goals: to have Mount Vernon become a positive focal point in the community; to reach out to Hispanic parents who were underrepresented at the school; to improve instruction; and to find a way to forge relationships among students and staff members. She met with community members and parents and challenged them to become ambassadors for the school; reached out to Hispanic parents, with the help of a neighborhood church, and ultimately established a Hispanic Parent Council; and adjusted the bell schedule to facilitate student enrichment, mediation, and mentoring. (view press release)




* Linda White, music teacher at Haycock, has been named to the All-USA Teacher Team by USA Today. White was the only teacher from Virginia named to the 2007 team. 

White was named to the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2006 and was named 2006 General Music Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Music Educators Association. She has taught music in Fairfax County Public Schools since 1989 and has been at Haycock for the past eight years. White also teaches a music class for FCPS music teachers.

Teachers in grades K-12 are eligible for the team; each winner receives a $500 prize and $2,000 for his or her school. The All-USA Teacher Team was selected by a panel of judges from across the country. Teachers were nominated by administrators, students, parents, colleagues, and family members.




* Zella Davidson, food service worker at Chantilly High, was surprised by a visit from Superintendent Jack Dale, deputy superintendent Rich Moniuszko, and assistant superintendent of human resources Kevin North at a reception to celebrate her 45 years of excellent service to FCPS. According to her supervisor, Janet Thompson, Davidson is as sharp as a tack and has a wonderful sense of humor. As manager of the deli counter, Zella regularly interacts with students, and many of them view her as a grandmother figure and a mentor. Zella has a strong work ethic, great attitude, and enthusiasm for her job.

Davidson’s coworkers, Chantilly High staff members, former supervisors, and family members were on hand to celebrate her amazing service. Dr. Dale presented her with a special certificate in honor of her many contributions to FCPS.

* Mamiya Sahara Worland, teacher in the Japanese partial-immersion program at Great Falls, has been named the 2007 Teacher of the Year for grades K-12 by the National Council of Japanese Language Teachers. Selection is based not only on outstanding teaching skills, but also on the use of innovative teaching styles, inspiration to students, leadership, and contributions to the local community. 

Worland was instrumental in establishing the ten-year sister school relationship between Great Falls Elementary and Kake Educational Institute in Fukuyama, Japan. The relationship allows students to experience each other’s cultures and foster new friendships across the globe. 

Worland will accept her award at a ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, on November 17.

* Dede Bailer, director of psychology and preventive services, received the Academy Leadership Award for Distinguished Service to the Profession from the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists at its annual conference in October. Bailer is a former president of the organization and is currently serving as the Virginia state delegate to the National Association of School Psychologists.

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