Congratulations to Ms. Karizma Glenn on her recognition as the December 2023/January 2024 FCPS CARES Region 4 Recipient of the Month, presented by the FCPS Department of Human Resources.

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story below, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.

Below is the write-up submitted by Ms. Jennifer Kiehlmeier, a colleague at Bull Run Elementary.

Ms. Glenn is a rare and unparalleled treasure in the educational field. In November, our grade level took a field trip to the National Zoo. What was just another normal day for Ms. Glenn will forever hold a special memory for me. Ms. Glenn works as an aid to a student with Cerebral Palsy and neurological disorders. Being nonverbal and restricted to limited mobility, this student often relies on Ms. Glenn for support in daily tasks, monitoring physical and emotional health, and engaging in daily activities with their peers. On this particular day, I watched Ms. Glenn shine in these areas that come so naturally to her. Of course, what was supposed to be a nice, sunny day outdoors turned into a day with nothing but rain. Ms. Glenn did not hesitate to do her best to ensure the student was kept as dry as possible. Constantly adjusting layers from falling off of their wheelchair, giving them gloves, and even holding an umbrella over their head while pushing them from one habitat exhibit to the next. Sure, one may say those actions are part of her job, but I saw something more. I saw the genuine care and worry she had that this student would become sick from the cold and rain. On this same trip, our class encountered several moments where Ms. Glenn shined to give this specific student the same equal opportunity/experience as every other student of the class. In one indoor exhibit, the handicapped observation spot was overtaken by adults, other school groups, and families attempting to give their toddlers a better view. When many other people would just be irritated or defeated, Ms. Glenn did not hesitate to give our student the same opportunity to experience the animal habitat as everyone else. She simply assisted this student out of their wheelchair, moved gradually through the crowd, and together found a spot on the floor to sit near the observation glass. I watched her as she pointed out the animals, and I watched this student’s face light up with pure joy. I observed her love for him and his love for her as they created a memory together. Ms. Glenn constantly influences the entire class to do better and be better. She is a role model to them, and they truly look up to her. She has never hesitated to help anyone who needs it and has never asked for anything in return. A short paragraph will never do her justice, but Ms. Glenn is truly a person who models what an FCPS CARES representative should be.

• View Ms. Glenn's recognition on the FCPS website!
• Recognize an employee with an FCPS CARES!