WCPS Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee-SECAC

🍪 SECAC Community Partner Spotlight 🍪

SECAC would like to extend our sincere gratitude to another incredible partner who helped make this year such a success: the Marshall Street School Job Development Program.

Through the Job Development Program, students gain valuable hands-on experiences that help build vocational, employment, and life skills while fostering independence and confidence. The program provides meaningful opportunities for students to learn workplace expectations, customer service, teamwork, and job readiness skills that will support them long after they leave school.

Throughout the year, the Job Development Program proudly prepared and supplied the delicious cookies enjoyed at our SECAC meetings. These treats were more than just a snack—they represented the hard work, dedication, and growing skills of students who are preparing for future employment opportunities.

We are grateful for the partnership, commitment, and pride that the students and staff bring to everything they do.

👏 Thank you to the students and staff of the Marshall Street School Job Development Program for sharing your talents with SECAC and helping make our meetings a little sweeter all year long!

💙 Your hard work matters, and we are proud to celebrate your success.

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🍽️ SECAC Community Partner Spotlight 🍽️

SECAC would like to extend our sincere gratitude to one of the many partners who helped make this year such a success.

A special thank you to the Culinary Arts Program at North Hagerstown High School and Chef Kat for their generosity and support throughout the year.

The Culinary Arts Program provides students with opportunities to develop and apply skills essential to the hospitality industry while preparing for employment and advancement in hospitality, food service, and management careers. Students also complete 400 hours of industry-mentored, paid work-based learning experiences.

Each month, the students and staff provided delicious catered meals for our SECAC meetings, helping create a welcoming environment for families, staff, and community members.

We are grateful for your partnership, professionalism, and dedication to both your craft and our community.

👏 Thank you, North Hagerstown High School Culinary Arts students and Chef Kat, for all you do!

🎉 What a wonderful year it has been for SECAC!

This year was filled with advocacy, partnerships, friendships, school visits, and countless opportunities to learn and grow together. We have been inspired by the dedication of our educators, community members, students, and families who work every day to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.

While the school year may be coming to a close, we still have so much to celebrate and highlight throughout the summer. We are incredibly proud of all that has been accomplished and excited for what lies ahead.

To everyone who showed up, worked hard, advocated, supported others, and simply did their best this year, thank you.

We wish you a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer! ☀️💙🧡



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🌟 SECAC Ambassador Shout Out 🌟

Melissa Ealey
Private Duty Nurse
Hickory Elementary School

The Washington County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee is proud to recognize Melissa Ealey as a SECAC Ambassador.

As a private duty nurse, Melissa’s role extends far beyond meeting medical needs. She serves as a trusted advocate, ensuring her student has the support necessary to safely access educational opportunities while fully participating in the school community.

Melissa seamlessly balances complex medical care with the daily experiences of childhood. She works collaboratively with school staff, supports classroom participation, and helps create opportunities for her student to build confidence, develop skills, and increase independence. Her presence provides reassurance not only to the student she serves, but also to families and educators working together toward shared goals.

Through her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication, Melissa demonstrates that quality nursing care and meaningful inclusion go hand in hand. She helps make it possible for students with significant medical needs to learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers.

Thank you, Melissa, for the extraordinary difference you make each day. Your advocacy, commitment, and heart exemplify what it means to be a SECAC Ambassador. 💙

🎉 Congratulations, Dr. Gary Willow! 🎉

The Washington County Public Schools Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Gary Willow on his appointment as Superintendent of Washington County Public Schools, effective July 1st.

As advocates for students with disabilities and their families, we appreciate Dr. Willow’s commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and student success. We look forward to continuing our partnership to strengthen special education services and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

We wish Dr. Willow much success in this new role and are excited for the future of WCPS under his leadership.

💙 Congratulations, Dr. Willow, and thank you for your dedication to all students and families. 💙

🌟 Celebrating WCPS Student London Foster, Recipient of the Principal Citizenship Award at Marshall Street School 🌟

The Principal Citizenship Award recognizes a student who consistently demonstrates kindness, respect, responsibility, and leadership while setting a positive example for others through strong character and a commitment to making their school and community a better place.

The Washington County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee is incredibly proud to celebrate London Foster for receiving the 5th Grade Principal Citizenship Award at Marshall Street School. This achievement reflects not only London’s outstanding character, but also the inclusive spirit of a school community that recognizes excellence in all its forms.

Congratulations, London! Thank you for showing us all what kindness, leadership, and good citizenship look like. Your Marshall Street family and the Washington County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee are celebrating right alongside you. ❤️

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🌟 WCPS SECAC Ambassador Shout-Out 🌟

Candi French
Marshall Street School

Some people have a special gift for connecting with children, and Nurse Candi French is one of those people.

From the moment she walks into a room, she brings warmth, laughter, and a sense of comfort that puts students at ease. She has an incredible ability to meet each child exactly where they are, understanding that every student has unique needs, personalities, and challenges. Whether she is providing medical care, offering reassurance, sharing a smile, or celebrating a student’s accomplishments, Candi does it all with compassion and joy.

What makes Nurse Candi so special is that she doesn’t just care for students—she truly knows them. She builds meaningful relationships, learns what makes them smile, and creates an environment where they feel safe, valued, and loved. Her playful spirit and kind heart make even the toughest days a little brighter.

Students gravitate toward her because they know she genuinely cares. Families appreciate her because they trust her. Staff admire her because she consistently goes above and beyond for every child she serves.

Nurse Candi reminds us that nursing is about so much more than medical care. It is about connection, kindness, encouragement, and showing up every day with a heart full of love for children.

We are incredibly grateful for the joy, compassion, and dedication she brings to Marshall Street School. Thank you, Nurse Candi, for making such a beautiful difference in the lives of our students and their families! 💙💛

She sounds like the kind of nurse every parent hopes their child has in their corner. 💙

🌟 WCPS SECAC Ambassador Shout-Out 🌟

Ashley Shifflett
Marshall Street School / Job Development Program

Ms. Shifflett makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students every single day by creating a safe, welcoming environment where each child feels seen, supported, and valued. She takes the time to understand every student’s unique strengths, needs, and learning style, thoughtfully adapting her approach to help each one experience success.

What stands out most about Ms. Shifflett is her genuine care for the students she serves. Whether celebrating a milestone or helping a student navigate a challenge, she is patient, encouraging, and consistently present. Watching her interact with students, it is easy to see the heart she brings to her work and the deep connections she builds with those around her.

Ms. Shifflett makes it clear that every child matters. She listens, encourages, advocates, and never gives up on a student’s potential. Through her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication, she helps students build confidence, develop trust, and feel truly understood.

We just love Ms. Shifflett and are grateful for the impact she has on the students, families, and staff at Marshall Street School and the Job Development Program. Thank you for being such an extraordinary ambassador for special education! 💙💛