Congratulations to Principal Mary Duffy who was recognized at the annual FCPS Honors event as the 2019 Region 3 Outstanding New Principal and one of five finalists for this year's Outstanding New Principal Award!

Principal Duffy has been a champion of Bush Hill Elementary from the moment she walked in the door. An advocate for the special education program, Ms. Duffy increased inclusive practices and supported the start of the Special Olympics Unified Team. She worked to create strong relationships and make herself accessible to the entire community, fostering parent involvement in the school. Ms. Duffy is an instructional leader and committed learner. She models for staff the types of things that she expects and has created an environment where staff feel comfortable taking risks. One staff member says, “Ms. Duffy has the heart to have inspired a devoted staff who want to work alongside her to achieve the vision we have collaboratively developed under her leadership.”

• See Ms. Duffy's page on the FCPS website.

Congratulations also to the other Bush Hill Elementary School staff members recognized at FCPS Honors!

Outstanding Leader School-level Recipient

• Denise Goate, Literacy Coach

Outstanding Elementary New Teacher School-level Recipient

• Ambler Goddin, Second Grade Teacher

Outstanding Elementary Teacher School-level Recipient

• Heather Sable, Learning Disabilities Teacher

Outstanding Operational Employee School-level Recipient

• Elizabeth DePalma, Student Information Assistant

Thank you to Jen Spollen for all of her hard work with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison!