Teacher of the Year Program

Honors Level Child Development One and Two
Programs at Catonsville High School (CHS) focused on leadership and preparing high school students for college and careers in child development, education, and other training pathways through extensive hands-on training. Through the use of technology and practical application, students in this program are eligible to earn various certifications, including the Maryland State Department of Education Americans with Disabilities Act certification, American Heart Association CPR certification, Maryland State 90-Clock Hour Child Care Services certification, and Implicit Bias in Early Childhood Education certification. Ms. DeSimone showed her commitment to strengthening Family and Consumer Science (FCS) programs across Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) by serving on the Child Development One, Child Development Two, and Preschool Practicum Lab Manual curriculum writing teams. As a group, Ms. DeSimone and her students use the Courageous Conversations Compass protocol to build trust and allow space to engage in tough conversations about race, community, and their effects.

High Quality CTE Hospitality/Culinary Pathway
As part of the school district’s strategic plan, CTE programs were selected for remodeling of facilities. The
pathway provides three years of sequenced coursework leading to ServSafe Certification and work based learning opportunities. The curriculum focus has increased the visibility of the program in the school with the ability to cater events in the building on a regular basis. The addition of professional serving equipment has raised the level of presentation to the level of a professional catering service. The skills developed by the students have provided them the opportunity to compete in culinary competitions, bringing into focus Family & Consumer Sciences programs. Students competed in the Colorado School Lunch Association-One Plate Challenge.

Tools for Building Community
Gretchen teaches several courses that follow the competencies of the National FCS Standards. One such class is Human Growth and Development. Students learn the human growth and development principles as well as the influencing conditions on physical, emotional, social, moral, and cognitive development. Practicing skills with the infant simulators demonstrates the time and efforts needed to meet the basic needs of a child. Participating in ECFE classes allows students to interact with pre-school children (ages 0-5 years) to witness physical, social, and emotional developmental stages.  Another course that supports my goals for students includes Orientation 7 where students have a main focus on engaging as community members and being productive. This 7th grade FCS class focuses on self-management skills so students can establish organizational and study habits, based on best-practices, that will lead to a successful high school journey. Gaining effective interpersonal communication and leadership skills are another component to my goals for students. Additionally with an increased involvement in FCS classes students who give back to their communities through service and educational support, become productive leaders of the next generation and have the greatest impact on society.