Several employees from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) have been recognized for their dedication and positive impact on students and colleagues through the FCPS Cares program for March 2026.
Mallory Bonner of Cunningham Park Elementary School was praised by Jennifer Christiansen, also from Cunningham Park ES, who stated: “As a new staff member this year, I am especially grateful for how welcoming and supportive she has been. From the very beginning, she made me feel like part of the team. She is someone I can always count on—whether it’s volunteering to be featured on the school news, helping with an after-school event, or simply stepping in wherever there’s a need. She shows up with a positive attitude and a willingness to help.Mallory is consistently warm, friendly, and open. She creates a positive environment not just for students, but for colleagues as well. It is also clear that she is an excellent educator who truly cares about each and every one of her students. She takes the time to build meaningful relationships with them, understanding who they are as individuals and supporting their growth both academically and personally. Her dedication helps her students feel seen, valued, and capable of becoming their very best.Our school community is stronger because of Mallory Bonner, and I am so thankful to work alongside her.”
Ashley Dunn at Mount Eagle Elementary School received recognition from Skyler Arrington: “Ashley Dunn is a diamond needle in a thousand haystacks. Ashley came to us in October of 2024 as a long-term substitute for a first grade teacher on maternity leave. She made the transition between teachers seamless. She built strong relationships with the students and maintained the structures that were already put in place.When we unexpectedly became teammates at the beginning of year, she and the rest of the first grade team were supportive and helped me navigate the transition to first grade teacher. She helped me understand first grade minds so that I could help them start the school year off on the right foot.As a coach, I have watched Ashley take in new learning with the ECRI phonics program with such care and dedication. When you walk into Ashley’s classroom, you can feel the joy and the calm that she brings to her students every day. She moves through lessons seamlessly even when something doesn’t go quite as planned. Her students are engaged and want to learn. She advocates for the needs of her students but at the same time helps students become more independent learners and build confidence within themselves.”
Fatima Farooq from Coates Elementary School was commended by a parent: “I would like to recognize Ms. Fatima Farooq for the exceptional care and dedication she brings to her work. Her attentiveness and genuine commitment to her students truly set her apart. The impact she has had on Luca has been remarkable; he is now more motivated, focused, and genuinely enjoys being at school and in class. Beyond that, he has become motivated to learn even outside of class and has developed a growing interest in reading. This kind of positive shift speaks volumes about the environment she creates and the care she consistently shows. We are deeply grateful for the difference she has made.”
The front office staff at Colin Powell Elementary School—Shwetha Prabhu, Seojeong James & Regina Johnson—were recognized by another parent: “The front office staff at Colin Powell are truly some of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to meet. Having been inside the front office many times, I can honestly say it is always such a welcoming and positive place. From the moment you walk in, you feel the warmth and kindness that Mrs. James, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Prabhu bring to the space every single day.It is so nice to see them there, always ready with a smile. They are friendly, helpful, and genuinely happy to assist students, parents, and visitors…Mrs. James, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Prabhu make the Colin Powell front office more than just a place to check in — they make it a welcoming space filled with positivity and care…”
These recognitions highlight efforts across various schools within FCPS where staff members contribute positively both inside classrooms as educators or behind-the-scenes providing support.
