Congratulations to Principal Ben Nowak who was recognized at the annual FCPS Honors event as the 2019 Region 2 Outstanding New Principal and one of five finalists for this year's Outstanding New Principal Award!

Principal Nowak is a culture-builder. He listens with careful reflection to students, parents, and teachers and in doing so has created a community that trusts the direction he sets. From the very first day, Mr. Nowak's focus has been student learning. After being at Falls Church for a short time, he noticed a chronic tardiness problem that was regularly interrupting instruction. He assembled a team of teacher leaders, empowered them to seek potential solutions, and then implemented our successful “Jaguar Start On Time” program. He has a singular, unwavering focus on revitalizing our Professional Learning Community, using the precious resources of time and money to build teacher leaders across our school. According to one teacher, “He has brought a new hope and enthusiasm for the future of our school.”

• See Mrs. Nowak's page on the FCPS website.

Congratulations also to the other Falls Church High School staff members recognized at FCPS Honors!

Outstanding Leader School and Pyramid-level Recipient

• Jessica Grenfell, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Secondary New Teacher School and Pyramid-level Recipient

• Paul Naanou, Mathematics Teacher

Outstanding Operational Employee School-level Recipient

• Carolina Dotel, Parent Liaison

Outstanding Secondary Teacher School and Pyramid-level Recipient

• Ryan Michael Healy, Health & Physical Education Teacher 

Thank you to Day Leary for all of the hard work associated with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison!