Celebrating Outstanding Bearcat Staff at the September Board Meeting

Staff members from Fairview Elementary, Piner Middle School and Fred Douglass Early Childhood Center were among those honored.

Courtney Dunlap, SPED Teacher at Fairview Elementary School, is the Elementary Teacher of the Month! Over the summer, she took on the enormous task of creating Fairview’s entire special education schedule and cross-referenced the special education student list with enrollment records to ensure that every student was accounted for and receiving the services and support they need. She co-leads Boys Town interventions on campus and helped train the entire staff on Tier 1 behavioral interventions. Additionally, she serves as a mentor teacher to a first-year teacher on campus. Fairview is a stronger campus because of her dedication; she doesn't just go above and beyond—she makes going above and beyond look like the standard.

Amanda Barnes, Math Teacher and Tennis Coach at Piner Middle School, is the Secondary Teacher of the Month! Amanda Barnes has taken on an expanded role this year by teaching both on-level Math and 6th grade Math Resource while also serving students as a tennis coach. Regardless of the setting, Amanda approaches every student and athlete as an individual, working to understand where they are, what they need, and how she can help them grow. Her work with both on-level and special education students demonstrates her belief that all students can learn and make meaningful academic progress when provided with the right support, instruction, and encouragement. She willingly shares her time, knowledge, and expertise and consistently volunteers to help wherever there is a need on campus.

The Employee of the Month is Valeria Porras, Office Manager and Principal’s Secretary at Fred Douglass Early Childhood Center! Valeria Porras is an exceptional asset to Fred Douglass and consistently demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of her. During the first two weeks of school, Mrs. Washington was unexpectedly absent due to a personal emergency. Without hesitation, she stepped up to help lead and support campus operations, ensuring that teachers had the support they needed and helping maintain continuity across the campus. She creates a welcoming first impression for parents and represents Fred Douglass with pride and care. Her colleagues are incredibly grateful for the way she shows up for the Fred Douglass campus when she is needed most.

The Volunteer of the Month is Gwen Walker at Fred Douglass Early Childhood Center!  Gwen Walker has been a dedicated volunteer at Fred Douglass for several years. She is always at the forefront of finding ways to support Fred Douglass teachers, students, staff, and campus leadership. She has rallied members of her church community to assist with important campus events, including helping the campus prepare for Parent Orientation and welcoming families during Back-to-School Night. She regularly blesses staff with back-to-school treats and encouragement and is always looking for meaningful ways to support the campus. Her unwavering commitment, reliability, and servant-hearted leadership have made a lasting difference in campus climate and culture.