Story Category: Local Schools »

A 38-year tradition continued Thursday, Feb. 7 as Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) paid tribute to the system’s employees who have reached major milestones in the education careers. The annual Service Awards, held at the Brooks Administrative and Instructional Center, recognized 130 CCPS employees who have reached 20, 25, 30, 30, 40 or 45 years of service in the education field. Calvert County officials honor the employees, not just for their careers in Calvert, but their entire service to education.

The lone 45-year veteran, Bridget Kluwin, started her education career as a teacher in the Milwaukee, WI public school system. Her husband got a job in the Washington, DC area and during a job search Kluwin found Calvert County. She started her Calvert career as an English and reading teacher at Northern High School (NHS) in 1977. In 2007, Kluwin became a teacher specialist in instruction. Among the positive changes she has witnessed in Calvert during her 36 years with CCPS, Kluwin cited “the common core along with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)” advances within the school curriculum. Kluwin said she sees many of her former students on a regular basis. “A number of them teach in this system,” she said.

When asked how much longer she intended to continue her education career, Kluwin replied, “at least another year.”

Three of the 40-year honorees attended the Feb. 7 ceremony. My Gibson, a past Teacher of the Year, has taught English at both Patuxent and Huntingtown high schools.

Julie Roehm was hired by CCPS in 1973 as a teacher at NHS. She subsequently taught at Northern Middle School and became a guidance counselor. In 1998 she transferred to Windy Hill Middle School, serving as a guidance counselor.

Irene Williams taught special education in Oklahoma City public schools, then St. Mary’s County, prior to beginning her career in Calvert County in August 1980. Williams started as a special education teacher at Appeal Elementary School and 13 years later was assigned to Plum Point Middle School (PPMS). She is currently teaching reading/language arts at PPMS.

Two other 40-year employees—Ramona Crowley and Alta Mitchell—were unable to attend the ceremony.

Each honoree received a gift from the school system provided by Lighthouse Engraving and Signs Inc.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jack Smith praised the employees for their commitment to children. “Teaching them, helping them, comforting them—it’s all part of working in a school building,” said Smith.

“One conversation with a child can make a difference in a lifetime,” said Calvert Board of Education President Dr. Eugene Karol. “There’s no substitute for the experience you bring.”

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com