TJ Aide Named 2008 Support Staff Employee of the Year
POSTED: 5:55 p.m. EDT, March 26, 2008
By: FCCPS Communications
 Students greet her each day like she’s a celebrity, and today, Kathy Poff officially attained celebrity status by being named the 2008 Falls Church City Public Schools Support Staff Employee of the Year. The Thomas Jefferson Elementary School general aide was surprised when Superintendent Lois Berlin delivered the good news along with a giant bouquet of congratulatory balloons. Poff thanked a group of cheering students who wrote letters on her behalf.
“This is so great,” Poff said. “Thank you so much. I couldn’t have done it without all those wonderful letters. You guys are great and being here with you is a lot of fun.”
Dozens of faculty members, students and parents wrote letters of support to select Poff as this year’s winner. The veteran support staff employee is credited with helping create the TJ science lab, assisting with classroom duties, managing the school store in conjunction with a 4th grade math unit, and managing the school playground.
“Mrs. Poff provides playground duties during lunch time, dispensing warnings for bad choices made, encouragement to those seeking to follow the rules and TLC when hurt feelings need hugs and comfort,” TJ Principal Trudy Taylor wrote.
Many nomination letters noted Poff’s extraordinary organizational skills, her ability to manage multiple responsibilities and her ability to connect with students, staff and parents.
“She has a gift in finding ways to organize and get the most out of a little,” the second grade team wrote.
“Her interactions with the children are always marked by patience and kindness,” teacher Heidi Lang wrote.
“She has been known to jump into the TJ Tiger costume and dance all over the gym during an assembly,” teacher Carey Gray wrote. “She always participates in the Dr. Seuss skit during Read Across America week.”
Students wrote about the ways Poff has made an impression on them.
“She talks to you and has good conversations with you, and she watches us to make us feel safe,” student Rachel Skomra wrote.
“Mrs. Poff is also very funny – at appropriate times – and nice,” student Andrew Connelly wrote.
Poff was one of five employees who were nominated for this year’s award. All of them will be recognized by the school board at a reception in May.
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