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APS is excited to announce the December 2022 APS All Stars, selected out of several hundred outstanding staff nominees! These individuals demonstrate excellence in collaboration, equity, inclusivity, integrity, innovation and stewardship. They are members of the APS team who are the first to pitch in, bring a positive attitude to their work and go above and beyond to serve students. Congratulations to these individuals!
Beronica Salas, Glebe Elementary School
Beronica Salas helps our entire community
Ms. Salas helps the entire school community. She helps students with academics and ensures their families have food and holidays. She helps the teachers by translating and making connections in the community. She helps PTA by translating and inviting all our Hispanic families to each PTA and helps them be more involved in the PTA and community. She is the definition of an APS All Star and deserves to be celebrated for her work and dedication and which goes well beyond the classroom.
Erika Drummond, Langston Continuation High School
Compassionate, Team-leader, Insightful, Mentor, Passionate.
Ms. Drummond cares deeply about her students and teaching. She is constantly adapting her lessons to make the material accessible to all learners. She can adapt for students at the AP level, and adapt for students who are not yet fluent in English, and adapt for students with learning differences. She loves history and has a unique ability to bring it alive through storytelling that reaches even the most reluctant student. As lead teacher at Langston, Ms. Drummond has an incredible ability to work well with all staff members, find common ground, and give everyone the sense that they are heard and their opinions matter. She mentors new teachers with humor and wisdom. Six years ago, I was that new teacher and she gave me the support I needed to be successful. She gave me needed advice on how to improve, but also let me know what I was doing well, giving me the affirmation, I needed. For Ms. Drummond, students come first. She gladly gives up her classroom for SOL testing or when another teacher needs the space. She has a closet full of clothes for when a student needs a dress shirt for an interview or a warm jacket in winter, and her desk has snacks for when a student is hungry. There is no greater champion for the Whole Child than Ms. Drummond.
Meghan Barlow, Taylor Elementary School
Kind, positive, engaging, on top of things, motivating
Ms. Barlow is my son’s 5th-grade teacher and we are new to the Taylor community. As a recently retired military family, our kids had their fair share of new schools and new teachers. Ms. Barlow went above and beyond this past quarter to help our son integrate into her classroom. She has been in constant communication with us, telling us about the initiatives and ideas she uses to make sure our son feels comfortable and happy. After a rough start, our son seems happy to go to school now, has made nice friends and is thriving academically. Her efforts have not been unnoticed by us and we are so grateful.
Nadia Vasquez, Claremont Elementary School
Collaboration, equity, inclusivity, integrity, innovation
Ms. Vasquez officially serves as the School Registrar and Substitute Support Coordinator in the front office, but unofficially serves as the cheerleader of the school and champion for students. Ms. Vasquez arrives every day with the extra energy to burn, ready to make sure every classroom has coverage for students, and all office tasks will be completed in collaboration with her colleagues. She is the first person families get to know as they register their child in Kindergarten, and the person they thank when their fifth grader moves to middle school for always keeping an eye out on their child. Children, families, and staff always check in with “Ms. Nadia” because she will know the answer – and if she doesn’t, she will get it to you. Often, Ms. Vasquez is found after-hours here at Claremont Immersion volunteering her time with the PTA, whether to support the Giving Tree project which provides coats and other needed items to families, or to assist with a community event such as International Night or Movie night. We want to thank Ms. Vasquez for her enthusiasm and energy for students and staff!
Stella Martinez, Syphax Education Center
English-Spanish Translator who works tirelessly to meet tough deadlines
Ms. Martinez goes above and beyond and exceeds expectations to meet impossible deadlines with professionalism, empathy, and an impeccable work ethic. This is one member of the staff who has truly demonstrated excellence in collaboration, equity, inclusivity, integrity, innovation and stewardship over the years, for the betterment of the organization, and she has done so with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Her work ethics and performance are commendable. We are so fortunate to have Ms. Martinez as part of the APS team and family and true value her efforts as an APS All Star.
