Kintrell Devin, Churchland Academy Elementary School
Ms. Devin is a strong advocate for the students of Churchland Academy. She established the Safety
Patrol team for our school this year which has trained students to be leaders and built relationships
between our upper and lower grade students. Ms. Devin goes above and beyond the security role in
mentoring our students and connecting the community to our school. She serves on our attendance
team, sponsors Anchored 4 Life, and is our Captain of March Madness. She attends many outside
conferences to stay up to date on school safety and is always willing to step up for our school.
Fred Towalid, Churchland Middle
Mr. Fred Towalid’s impactful contributions have been a cornerstone of our success at every turn. Serving
as a Technical Support Specialist, Mr. Towalid sets a commendable example by showcasing essential
skills such as attention to detail and ethical integrity. His exceptional performance has flourished, and he
has proven to be a committed mentor, playing a crucial role in our collective success and the training of
new staff members. Mr. Towalid consistently exhibits a readiness to undertake additional
responsibilities and remains dedicated to the well-being of our students and staff at Portsmouth Public
Schools.
Latesha Young, Churchland Preschool
Ms. Young is truly deserving of the Shining Light Award! As an aspiring early childhood teacher, Ms.
Young has exemplified as a motivated teacher by showing up consistently, inspiring and engaging
students on a daily basis. She stays late on occasion to prepare for instruction, which demonstrates her
exceptional commitment to students and their families. As a motivated educator, she ensured 100%
participation from students and parents in the Class Dojo model, and she works diligently with her
students to show fidelity in the Waterford Program. It is with great honor that she represents
Churchland Preschool as a Shining Light Award recipient!
Patti Fleming, Churchland Primary & Intermediate
Mrs. Fleming is a nurturing, kind and patient Reading Specialist, who has a passion for teaching reading
strategies to our students in grade levels K-6. She models effective instructional strategies that foster
Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency and Comprehension. Students have fun learning the
components of reading during small group instruction with Mrs. Fleming. She has done a phenomenal
job with our Family Literacy Night Events. During these events, she shares research-based strategies
with the parents and gives them pamphlets for engaging successful readers. She is always willing to go
the extra mile to support our students and teachers. She is a team player who inspires students to
develop a mindset for loving to read books. She is an asset to our school and division.
Danielle Brown, Hodges Manor Elementary
Ms. Brown always goes above and beyond for the students and other staff members. She will give the shirt off her back and is more than willing to assist everyone. Not only will she work to help make sure that classes are covered, she also assists the kindergarten classes with students who may need extra support. Ms. Brown is well loved by the students here. She serves as our basketball coach and she led our students, staff, and parents to a victory for the third year in a row. Her beautiful personality radiates throughout the school.
Annette Gatling, Simonsdale Elementary
Annette Gatling is an invaluable member of our school community. She takes great pride in ensuring that our school is clean, safe, and welcoming. Her attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness is evident in every aspect of her work. Her work ethic is admirable. Ms. Gatling is always willing to help with any task and always has the brightest smile! She assists with welcoming our students into the building every morning. Her positive attitude uplifts them and all those around her. Her dedication, hard work, and genuine care for Simonsdale Elementary makes Annette Gatling a shining light.