Several Laurel Ridge staff were recognized as Region 4 November FCPS CARES Award for their exceptional teamwork and support of a Laurel Ridge family. This award, part of the FCPS CARES Program, allows parents, staff, and community members to acknowledge FCPS employees who go above and beyond to support others. Their efforts exemplify the values of collaboration and compassion that make a lasting impact within the school system. Read the comments submitted by the LRES parent recognizing these individuals for their hard work and dedication. This is a testament to the positive impact they are having on students and the community:

"I have two elementary students at Laurel Ridge Elementary School. I am writing to let you know what a phenomenal school Laurel Ridge is and how they have cared for my children and our family for the last six years, especially over the last several months. My 5th-grade daughter was born with a genetic mutation that resulted in a serious heart arrhythmia condition called Long QT Syndrome. It causes sudden cardiac arrests. At 11 days old, she received her first surgery when she received a pacemaker. Due to her size, there were many complications, and we were in the hospital for almost half of her first year of life. When you have a child who could have a cardiac arrest and potentially die or suffer oxygen deprivation at any second, your stress level is high. I don’t know how we lucked out on moving into the Laurel Ridge community, but we are so thankful that we did. The staff at Laurel Ridge began meeting with us before she ever entered Kindergarten. They were quick to set up a 504 and a healthcare plan. They worked with me so that I could prep all her teachers and made accommodations regarding supervision to make sure that there was always someone with her who was well acquainted with her condition. Mrs. Fineskos and Mrs. O’Bryan, her kindergarten teachers, carried her AED bag everywhere with them that first year because it was too heavy for my daughter. They still joke that they miss the workout. Year after year, this continued, even during the pandemic. We regularly had people checking in on us and ensuring she had everything she needed to learn, be comfortable, and be safe. This is especially true in the last several months as my daughter had another surgery for her condition. This was her first major procedure since she was six months old. After all the complications from her first surgeries, my husband and I were fearful that history would repeat itself. Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan. We had originally scheduled for the surgery to occur over the summer, but she got a respiratory infection. This meant we would have to have the surgery at the very beginning of the school year. That included several weeks of missed school, and when she returned, it meant a month of physical restrictions and safety needs. Even my 2nd-grade son missed the first week of school while we were quarantining before the surgery. I would not be able to list all the people at Laurel Ridge who reached out to us to see what we needed and were quick to offer support at school after her surgery. I am going to have a list at the end of this letter, but please know it is more than that. They treated my daughter like she was the most precious cargo due to her physical restrictions of a new device that was implanted. That meant hallway, PE, recess, lunch, arrival, and dismissal precautions. They were better than the Secret Service, especially her teacher, Natalie Schmid. I think what stood out more than anything else was just the emotional support from the school administration. As a working mom, I have a tendency of wondering if I am really doing everything, I am doing justice, especially the parenting part. The team at Laurel Ridge should give national trainings about how to communicate and partner with families positively. They helped us be better parents, if that makes sense. For example, on back-to-school night I saw Principal Counts, and she let me know that there were forms for me in my daughter’s classroom. I began to apologize for not getting them in more promptly. She looked me in the eyes and said, “You do not need to worry about that, we have got it.” She probably doesn’t remember that, but as a parent who was really stressed and generally has a guilt complex, that meant the world to me. I cannot leave Mrs. Wood out. She is so good at her job. She is so smart. I don’t know how else to describe her. In every meeting where we were going over planning and logistics for my child, she was able to see the whole issue or situation. She asked questions and made suggestions, making me feel extraordinarily confident in her education and care at Laurel Ridge. Laurel Ridge is a gem among schools. I am so grateful to them and FCPS."