The Connection

One thing that McLean resident Lynn Bergman likes about Chesterbrook Elementary School principal Robert Fuqua is that she has always been on a first-name basis with him.

“He always knows the parents on a first-name basis which is very nice,” said Bergman who has four children, two of whom are students at Chesterbrook Elementary School. “He helped give me guidance on GT needs with one child, and with discipline needs on the other, so he’s been great.”

New Chesterbrook Elementary School principal Robert Fuqua is a nominee for the 2008 Outstanding First Year Principal, Nancy F. Sprague First Year Administrator Award from the Fairfax County Public Schools. The First Year Administrator award honors Nancy Sprague's leadership in fostering the development of Fairfax County Public Schools administrators. In her honor, this award recognizes outstanding leadership by a beginning principal.

FUQUA has been with Fairfax County Public Schools since 1993 and served as assistant principal at Chesterbrook prior to taking over as principal last year. He was previously a Gifted and Talented (GT) teacher at Belvedere Elementary School, and an adjunct GT Teacher at Haycock Elementary School, West Springfield Elementary School and Rose Hill Elementary School – all Fairfax County Public Schools.

“I’m so privileged that the community thinks enough of me and the job that I have done so far to nominate me for this award,” said Fuqua in a recent press release. “I love being a principal and it is a great honor to be considered for this award.”

Fuqua also gave credit to his teachers.

“My staff has been so supportive of the initiatives that we have undertaken and they have been wonderful about joining our new vision, ” he said. “It is their support that makes our accomplishments as a school possible.”

Fuqua added that “we are excited about offering new programs that help meet the different learning styles of all of our students.”

Fuqua was nominated by parents at Chesterbrook for exhibiting superior administrative skills, his ability to interact exceptionally well with teachers, staff, parents, and other community members, and for his initiatives to provide learning tools to meet every child’s learning needs, whether for special needs, remediation or Gifted and Talented services.

“Especially because last year was his first year as principal, his actions, his compassionate personality and his leadership skills are just amazing,” said Bergman.

A Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) screening committee will send all nominee recommendations to the FCPS Leadership Team and to the Superintendent of Schools for approval. Each nominee will receive a certificate of recognition. The winner will be awarded a plaque and will be recognized by the School Board at the Principal of the Year ceremony in December. The winner will also receive a $1,000 grant to be used towards a professional development opportunity.