Falls Church City Public Schools representatives gain valuable insights to support student success and four staff members receive prestigious HOPE Honors Medal
A delegation of Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) staff members recently participated in the Kids at Hope regional conference held in Tysons, Virginia. The team—comprising Central Office administrators, school-based educators, and Operations staff—joined educational leaders from across the region to explore this powerful cultural framework focused on student success.
The conference was especially meaningful for FCCPS as four staff members were awarded the prestigious HOPE Honors Medal during a special ceremony on May 9th at the Mid-Atlantic Kids at Hope Seminar.
"The conference provided an excellent opportunity for our team to deepen our understanding of the Kids at Hope philosophy and bring back practical strategies to implement across our division," said Dr. William Bates, FCCPS Chief Academic Officer. "What makes this approach so powerful is its emphasis on possibility rather than limitation."
FCCPS Staff Recognized with HOPE Honors Medal
The HOPE Honors Medal, presented by Kids at HOPE founder, Rick Miller (far left) recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the Kids at Hope movement by keeping hope alive through action and commitment, while advancing the framework's three universal truths: believing, connecting, and time traveling.
This year's FCCPS honorees include (l to r):
Steve Knight, Coordinator of Education Technology, was recognized for harnessing instructional technology to expand access and opportunity for all learners. As a dedicated Robotics coach, he invests his time beyond the classroom, affirming through every action his belief that all children are capable of success—no exceptions.
Julie Macrina, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, received the medal for her passionate commitment to nurturing each student's potential. Colleagues describe Julie as a kind, caring educator who consistently models her belief that all children are capable of success, fostering an environment of inclusivity and genuine hope
Miriam Schimmoller, 3rd Grade Teacher, was recognized for her exceptional dedication to students. Recently honored as both the Falls Church Teacher of the Year and the 2025 Washington Post Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Schimmoller creates a classroom environment where all children feel valued and empowered. Her deep kindness and unwavering belief in every child's potential has been transformative for countless students and families..
Jennifer Santiago, Director of Equity and Excellence, was honored for her steadfast commitment to equity and her tireless advocacy for all learners. Never giving up on a student, Jennifer inspires colleagues to maintain high expectations while ensuring every child receives the support needed to thrive.
A Culture of Possibility
Kids at Hope represents a paradigm shift in how we view and support young people. Rather than categorizing children as "at risk," the framework encourages adults to see all youth as "at hope"—capable of success without exception.
" I gained practical strategies to continue to build stronger, more hopeful connections with my second graders... even though it is the end of the year," said Mount Daniel teacher Gail Bodner. "This program has made a positive impact on their confidence and engagement."
This research-based approach isn't simply a program to implement but a cultural transformation that influences how educators, families, and community members interact with and support children.
"The best part of the Kids at Hope conference was being surrounded by people who shared the same belief that kids should be recognized and celebrated for their strengths and not their limitations," said Christine Stillwagoner. "I believe that every student I encounter at Mount Daniel is capable of success, no exceptions."
Three Universal Practices
Conference sessions explored the three universal practices that activate hope in young people:
Believing in children unconditionally and authentically
Connecting with them through meaningful relationships and mentorship
Teaching them to time travel by visualizing and planning for success in four destinations:
Home and family
Education and career
Community and service
Hobbies and recreation
Neuroscience research shared at the conference confirmed that hope itself is actionable—requiring clear goals, identified pathways to achieve those goals, and the agency to follow through with commitment.
Bringing It Back to Falls Church
The FCCPS team participated in collaborative workshops, strategic planning sessions, and networking opportunities throughout the conference. These experiences provided valuable insights into how other schools and divisions are implementing the Kids at Hope framework and achieving positive results.
"It's so important to connect with other educators who are 'treasure hunters,'" added Miriam Schimmoller, Third Grade Teacher. "I left the conference ready to put some new ideas into action!"
In the coming months, conference attendees will share key learnings with colleagues across the division through professional development sessions and collaborative planning opportunities. The goal is to integrate the Kids at Hope mindset throughout FCCPS, reinforcing our commitment to seeing possibilities in every child.