Congratulations to Sixth Grade Teacher Elogien I. Ali on her recognition as the FCPS 2023 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher at this year's FCPS Honors event, held at George Mason University Center for the Arts on June 14th.

From the first day of school, Elogien begins a relationship with each student. As a community, they come up with expectations together, so each student is held accountable to these expectations the entire year. Elogien has high expectations for each of her students, giving them the tools and skills needed to succeed in sixth grade and transition into middle school. She offers students autonomy through student-led conferences and goal setting. Elogien provides an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates each student. She makes it a goal that everyone sees themselves in her classroom. Elogien has a passion for family engagement and is a founder of the Family Ambassadors Program at Saratoga that is working to create a Family Resource Center.

• View Ms. Ali's recognition on the FCPS website.

Congratulations to the following Saratoga Elementary School staff members who were also recognized at this year's FCPS Honors Ceremony!

Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee School and Pyramid-Level Recipient

• Jayme Calix Fuentes, Public Health Training Assistant

Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee School-Level Recipient

• Beth Polansky, Advanced Academic Program Coach

Outstanding School-Based Leader School and Pyramid-Level Recipient

• Abigail Lower, Assistant Principal 

Outstanding Elementary School Teacher School and Pyramid-Level Recipient

• Heather Simpson, Fourth Grade Teacher

Outstanding New Principal Nominee

• Erica Loesch

Thank you to Starr Arnett for all of their hard work with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison.