The RWE

🌟 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. 💙

Congratulations to two outstanding Rockland Woods educators on being recognized with SECAC Awards! 🎉

Ms. Keyton (Connections) and Mrs. Deckert (1st Grade), were honored for their commitment to supporting all learners and creating inclusive, engaging educational experiences for students.

We are grateful for their passion, advocacy, and the positive impact they make every day at RWE. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!

WCPS Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee-SECAC

Rockland Woods Elementary School proudly celebrated a Tree Planting Ceremony on May 27, honoring 5th grader Yohan Kagheni, who earned 2nd place in the 2026 Maryland Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest sponsored by the Maryland Forest Service.

Yohan’s artwork, inspired by the theme “Trees are Terrific … And Color Our World!”, was recognized among entries from across Maryland — an incredible accomplishment! As part of this honor, Rockland Woods received 10 trees to plant on campus.

Our entire 5th-grade class joined together to plant the trees and help beautify our school grounds. Congratulations, Yohan, on this outstanding achievement and for representing Rockland Woods so well!

📣 Washington County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee Ambassador Shout Out 📣

✨ Emily Nicholson
📍 Rockland Woods Elementary School

Emily Nicholson is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to students with disabilities and their families. Through every interaction, she leads with compassion, professionalism, and a strong spirit of advocacy that helps create a more inclusive and supportive school community.

Emily works thoughtfully alongside staff, families, and service providers to ensure students receive meaningful support and equitable access to educational opportunities. Her collaborative approach and genuine care for students help build strong relationships rooted in trust, respect, and teamwork.

Rockland Woods Elementary is fortunate to have someone so dedicated to helping every child feel supported, valued, and successful. We are proud to celebrate Emily and the incredible impact she continues to make each day. 💙🧡

📣 Washington County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee Ambassador Shout Out 📣

✨ Carly Kollman
📍 Rockland Woods Elementary School

Carly Kollman is a true advocate for students with disabilities and a shining example of what inclusive education looks like in action. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every child is supported academically, socially, and emotionally while creating an environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.

Carly also understands the importance of strong family partnerships. She works to ensure families feel heard, respected, and included as important members of the educational team, helping build trust and collaboration that benefits students every day.

Her compassion, dedication, and commitment to inclusion make a meaningful impact throughout the Rockland Woods community. We are proud to recognize Carly for the difference she makes in the lives of students and families. 💙🧡

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee Ambassador Shout Out

🌟 Regan Thomas
📍 Rockland Woods Elementary School

Nurse Regan is an exceptional school nurse who consistently demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and unwavering advocacy for students and families. She goes above and beyond to support students’ medical, emotional, and individual needs, ensuring every child feels safe, cared for, and fully supported in accessing their educational experience.

Her calm presence, collaborative spirit, and dedication to student well-being make her an invaluable part of the Rockland Woods community. WCPS is truly fortunate to have someone who leads with both heart and excellence.

Congratulations, Nurse Regan, on being recognized with the WCPS SECAC Ambassador Award! 💙🧡

🌟 WCPS SECAC Ambassador Shout Out 🌟

🎉 Julianna Passarelli
📍 Rockland Woods Elementary School

Ms. Passarelli is an extraordinary educator whose flexibility, reliability, and dedication help strengthen both student learning and the overall climate of Rockland Woods Elementary School. She consistently provides high-quality instruction aligned to student goals while skillfully adapting supports across classrooms and learning environments.

Through her intentional instructional practices, ability to foster independence, and commitment to creating a safe and structured environment, Ms. Passarelli positively impacts students and staff alike. Her strong relationships, collaborative spirit, and willingness to step in wherever needed make her an invaluable part of the school community.

The Washington County Public Schools Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee is proud to recognize Ms. Passarelli as a SECAC Ambassador for her outstanding commitment to students, families, and inclusive educational excellence. 💙🧡

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee Ambassador Shout Out

🌟 Dhanapriga Immade
📍 Rockland Woods Elementary School

Dhanapriga is a remarkable specialized program paraprofessional whose unwavering dedication and compassion have made a profound impact on students with significant and diverse needs. She consistently creates a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where students are celebrated for their strengths and supported in achieving meaningful growth and independence.

Her patience, kindness, and commitment to student success shine through in every interaction. Through her steady support and caring presence, she helps students feel valued, capable, and empowered each day. Rockland Woods is truly fortunate to have her as part of their school community.

Congratulations, Dhanapriga, on being recognized with the WCPS SECAC Ambassador Award! 💙🧡

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee Ambassador Award Shout Out

🌟 Sarah Benson
📍 Rockland Woods Elementary School

Ms. Benson is an exceptional first-grade teacher whose compassion, patience, and dedication help create a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. She consistently goes above and beyond to meet the individual needs of each child, ensuring every student feels valued, capable, and successful.

Through her collaboration with families and staff, along with her unwavering advocacy for students, Ms. Benson exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and purpose. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom walls, and Rockland Woods is fortunate to have her.

Congratulations, Ms. Benson, on being recognized with the WCPS SECAC Ambassador Award! 💙🧡