Julissa Gracias is the current LAPA Chairperson for AASU.
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My name is Julissa Gracias and I have served as an educator for the past 28 years. I have served in numerous leadership capacities: Middle and High School Teacher, BTSA provider, Resource Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Middle School Principal. I am currently working as an assistant principal at my alma mater, Hilltop High School. From each one of these experiences, I have learned that leadership is a calling. As an Educational Leader I have a responsibility to create systems that empower students to feel included and safe and that allow the attainment of their highest potential.
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I am very honored to serve as the Legislative and Political Affairs Chairperson of the Administrators Association Sweetwater Union. In this role, I am dedicated to assisting the President and the AASU Board of Directors in the work of the union.
The Deans of Educational Administration is a recognition announced annually by the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP) to honor leaders who have dedicated 30 or more years to administration in an educational setting. First begun in 2000, the Deans of Educational Administration who have been recognized are listed below.
Two Montgomery County Public Schools were named as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools: Congratulations Woodfield Elementary School and Bells Mill Elementary School:
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is proud to announce that Bells Mill Elementary School and Woodfield Elementary School have been recognized as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious honor marks the 44th and 45th MCPS schools to receive this distinction.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps. These two schools join a select group of 356 schools nationwide and 10 in Maryland to receive this recognition.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Bells Mill and Woodfield Elementary Schools," said Superintendent Thomas Taylor. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, staff, parents, and community members who have created exceptional learning environments."
Woodfield Elementary School:
Woodfield Elementary School serves over 300 students from diverse backgrounds. The school's focus on fostering a sense of community and belonging has created a positive and inclusive learning environment. Students participate in various school activities, including a student garden, leadership programs and peer mentoring.
Bells Mill Elementary School:
Located in Potomac, Bells Mill Elementary School serves approximately 610 students. The school's commitment to academic excellence, respect, and inclusivity has fostered a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. Students benefit from rigorous curriculum, effective teaching and a collaborative learning environment.
We congratulate Bells Mill and Woodfield Elementary Schools on this well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations to Our very own Zadia Gadsden, principal of Takoma Park Elementary, is The Washington Post’s 2024 Principal of the Year.
The Edye Miller Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize and express appreciation to MCAAP/MCBOA members who have effectively provided distinguished service to MCAAP over time and made exemplary contributions to the association. It is also designed to inspire other members to actively support MCAAP and the professional growth of all members.
The Edye Miller Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize and express appreciation to MCAAP/MCBOA members who have effectively provided distinguished service to MCAAP over time and made exemplary contributions to the association. It is also designed to inspire other members to actively support MCAAP and the professional growth of all members.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 AWARD WINNER DR. KECIA ADDISON ------------------
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 AWARD WINNER: ------------------------------------
The Edye Miller Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize and express appreciation to MCAAP/MCBOA members who have effectively provided distinguished service to MCAAP over time and made exemplary contributions to the association. It is also designed to inspire other members to actively support MCAAP and the professional growth of all members.
The Edye Miller Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize and express appreciation to MCAAP/MCBOA members who have effectively provided distinguished service to MCAAP over time and made exemplary contributions to the association. It is also designed to inspire other members to actively support MCAAP and the professional growth of all members.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 AWARD WINNER DR. KECIA ADDISON[]
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 AWARD WINNER DR. KECIA ADDISON ------------------
The Edye Miller Award seeks to recognize individuals who selflessly devote their time and energy to furthering the mission of MCAAP, inspiring their peers, and fostering professional growth among its members. Dr. Addison exemplifies these qualities through her steadfast commitment and outstanding contributions to the association.
The Edye Miller Award seeks to recognize individuals who selflessly devote their time and energy to furthering the mission of MCAAP, inspiring their peers, and fostering professional growth among its members. Dr. Addison exemplifies these qualities through her steadfast commitment and outstanding contributions to the association.
The Edye Miller Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize and express appreciation to MCAAP/MCBOA members who have effectively provided distinguished service to MCAAP over time and made exemplary contributions to the association. It is also designed to inspire other members to actively support MCAAP and the professional growth of all members.
Congratulations to Our 2024 Award Winner:
Dr. Kecia Addison
The Edye Miller Award seeks to recognize individuals who selflessly devote their time and energy to furthering the mission of MCAAP, inspiring their peers, and fostering professional growth among its members. Dr. Addison exemplifies these qualities through her steadfast commitment and outstanding contributions to the association.
Dr. Addison's involvement with MCAAP spans over a decade, during which she has consistently shown herself to be a visible, vocal, and supportive leader. Her roles have included serving as the MCAAP Central Service (CS) Cabinet Assistant Chair from 2018 to 2022 and being elected and serving as the Central Services Vice President (Chair) since 2022. Her leadership has been instrumental in increasing participation in the CS PLCs to unprecedented levels and facilitating direct communication between MCPS executive leaders and PLC members.
The Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision is given annually by the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP), to recognize an outstanding administrator or supervisor of Montgomery County Public Schools. Eligible candidates include principals, assistant principals, school business administrators, directors, supervisors and other administrator and supervisory positions within the MCAAP/MCBOA unit. The award is presented by the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP), with the support of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).
Congratulations to the 2024 winner of the Dr. Edward Shirley Award : Margarita Bohórquez
Margarita Bohórquez, director of International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE), is this year’s winner of the Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision.
This prestigious award, given by the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP), is presented annually to an administrator or supervisor who exemplifies outstanding leadership and accomplishments in purposeful leadership, instructional or systemwide leadership, human resources development, resource management, interpersonal skills, professional involvement, and community and stakeholder involvement.
Bohórquez’s MCPS career began in 1998 where she started as an ESOL teacher. She has spent the last 26 years serving families and students of English language learners in schools and central office. In 2017, she was appointed supervisor of IAE and, in 2023, she was appointed to her current position where her work continues to grow. This year, IAE is serving more than 4,000 students.
Bohórquez is known for her resourcefulness and passion for students and families who are navigating a new school system, and oftentimes, a new culture. She works...
On November 21, 2024, MCAAP hosted their valued members at Sports & Social Bethesda, for not only a night of OFFICIAL Union Business but a well-deserved moment to gather and unwind with fellow Administrators and Principals'. The meeting brought a huge wave of renewed spirit from our members thanks to their President Dr. Christine Handy; Dr. Handy took the time to remind each member that their voices matter, and every day she and her Executive Leadership team continue to engage in the fight to negotiate better benefits and working environment for our school leaders inside and outside of the school.
Save the Date Spring Membership Meeting - May 22, 2025 At Pinstripes
MCAAP Summer Leadership Conference June 18, 2025 Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel & Conference Center