The Board of Education of Charles County honored five outstanding staff members at its Nov. 10 meeting. Among those honored were Ellen Dobry, registration secretary at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School, Elliot Lopez, science teacher at Westlake High School, Alisha Ortman, a kindergarten instructional assistant at Indian Head Elementary School, I’laina Savoy, the attendance secretary at Billingsley Elementary School and Shelbi Warren, a Theodore G. Davis Middle School instructional assistant.
If Dobry knows Mt. Hope like the back of her hand, there’s good reason. She attended the school as a student and was the Title I Family Liaison before moving into a secretarial position. “Mrs. Dobry is a pillar in our community and assists in any way she can,” Principal Louis D’Ambrosio said. Dobry collects the Federal Impact Aid forms from students and maintains all family contact information for each child. She is always familiar with what is happening in and around the community and provides insight to staff. Dobry monitors the bus radio during and after school ensuring that transportation issues are handled. She watches students enter the school and stays at school until all students have made it home in the afternoon. “Mrs. Dobry is not prideful in any way but she does ensure her job duties are completed daily and she is prepared for the next day’s work,” D’Ambrosio said. She teaches Sunday School, participates in her church’s summer Bible camp and attends mission trips. “Mrs. Dobry is led by her faith, family and heart,” D’Ambrosio said. “We are lucky to have her at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School.”
When Westlake students enter Lopez’s science classroom, they have arrived in an interactive bat cave where they explore scientific concepts in an immersive setting. “Mr. Lopez consistently goes beyond traditional classroom instruction to make science engaging, accessible and experiment,” Dana Smoot, principal, said. Lopez manages the school’s greenhouse, partners with the Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center, coaches the Wolverine baseball team and leads the Environment Club. The club has planned and hosted Westlake’s annual Bird Festival which features family-friendly activities while introducing visitors to environmental issues and hands-on educational activities. “His sustained commitment o environmental education and student involvement enriches learning at Westlake High School,” Smoot said. “Mr. Lopez creates opportunities for students to belong, participate, discover and learn.”
Ortman’s roots with Indian Head run deep. She was the president of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) before becoming an instructional assistant (IA) for kindergarten. In the role as PTO president, she supported school-wide events and collaborated with parents and school staff to plan engaging activities. Those skills benefit her as an IA where she partners with a teacher to oversee a classroom of some of Indian Head’s youngest learners. She has stepped in when her cooperating teacher has to be absent ensuring a continuation of instruction, maintaining established routines and providing a positive and supporting environment for students. “Her willingness to take initiative and assume additional responsibilities reflect her commitment to student success,” Shane Blandford, principal, said. Ortman’s influence extends beyond the kindergarten classroom as students continue to seek her out for support and guidance as they advance through elementary school. Ortman is dedicated to education and was selected to participate in the first cohort of the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, which allows her the opportunity to complete a college degree and pursue her teaching certification. “Her willingness to learn, grow and take on new challenge demonstrates her commitment to the teaching profession and her future as an educator,” Blandford said. “[She] ensures that students remain her highest priority.”
Transitioning to a front office role from building service three years ago, Savoy continues to build strong relationships with Billingsley families as the school’s attendance secretary. She maintains accurate records, displays an enviable attention to detail and demonstrates outstanding customer service. “Ms. Savoy has been a cornerstone of our school community,” Principal Jennifer Pangborn said. “Her impact extends far beyond [monitoring] attendance, as she helps create a welcoming, supportive environment where students and families feel valued each day.” Savoy oversees Billingsley’s School Improvement Program (SIP) with the school recently celebrating the lowest chronic attendance rate of CCPS elementary schools at 13%. She pitches in to help where she’s needed like teaming up with the financial secretary to assist with deposits and substitute assignments. Savoy supports students who are car riders and administrators who organize transportation. She is active with the school’s Relay for Life team and volunteered to be the sponsor for yearbook. “[Ms. Savoy is] embracing new challenges and expanding her contributions to the school community,” Pangborn said. Billingsley benefits from Savoy’s artistic talent as she designs fliers as well as her organizational skills as she ensures operations go smoothly and are streamlined. “Ms. Savoy is truly a gem and an invaluable assist to Billingsley Elementary,” Pangborn said. “By seamlessly blending administrative excellence, creative communication and genuine personal connections with students and families, she fosters a warm, tightly knit school community where everyone feels seen, valued and supported.”
Visitors to Davis will likely find Warren interacting with SOAR students. She has been an IA for the SOAR program for the past five years and is dedicated to the program. “Simply put, she is the heart and soul of the SOAR program at Davis Middle School,” Principal Tammika Little said. If a staff member is absent, Warren is one of the first to step up and temporarily fill the role. “Ms. Warren assures that the students are receiving the best instruction, the need supports and social skills that will lead to success after their time at Davis,” Little said. Warren’s day doesn’t end when the final bell rings. She stays afterhours to help out and is at the school on Saturdays in the winter during practices for Unified basketball. “I cannot count all the many times that she has given up her time to make sure that the students have what they need or that the SOAR class is covered,” Little said. Students return to Davis long after they have moved on to high school and beyond to visit Warren. “The way her face lights up is priceless,” Little said. “They cherish Ms. Warren and all that she has done for them.”
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).