HR216: Commending Kelly Sheers.

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 216

Offered March 10, 2022
Commending Kelly Sheers.
Patron-- Tran

WHEREAS, Kelly Sheers, principal of West Springfield Elementary School, was selected as the Outstanding Principal for Region 4 by Fairfax County Public Schools for her exceptional leadership and contributions to students; and

WHEREAS, before joining West Springfield Elementary School, Kelly Sheers served as principal of Haycock Elementary School in McLean; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Sheers is committed to ensuring that students have a safe and supportive classroom environment in which to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and she seeks out professional development opportunities for teachers and fellow administrators; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Sheers has fostered strong collaborative partnerships with community organizations and local families while setting an outstanding example as a lifelong learner and empowering her teachers to become community leaders themselves; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Sheers has helped West Springfield Elementary School fulfill its mission to “support the whole child by inspiring all students to achieve high academic and social standards while becoming responsible and innovative citizens in the community”; and

WHEREAS, West Springfield Elementary School celebrates different cultures, values diversity, and promotes knowledgeable and respectful interactions among a variety of cultural groups to support student learning and the school’s core values; Kelly Sheers supports open dialogue about race, diversity, and inclusion in the school community and has hosted discussions between subject experts and students and families; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Sheers fosters a strong sense of community at West Springfield Elementary School and has worked to ensure that students and their families know her door is always open; and

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly Sheers maintained good communication with faculty members, students, and parents through virtual office hours and building school spirit by hosting virtual events like a monthly birthday bingo game; and

WHEREAS, prior to a return to full in-person learning at West Springfield Elementary School, Kelly Sheers took the time to visit students still attending classes virtually, including kindergarten students that had not yet attended in-person classes at West Springfield Elementary School; the home visits gave parents and children the opportunity to ask questions and helped them feel comfortable with the return to in-person learning; and

WHEREAS, Kelly Sheers has been called the heartbeat of the school for her kindness, compassion, and commitment to ensuring that every child has a positive experience; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Kelly Sheers hereby be commended on her selection as the Region 4 Outstanding Principal by Fairfax County Public Schools; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kelly Sheers as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for her achievements on behalf of young people.