Arlington Public Schools has recognized five staff members as December 2025 APS All Stars for their contributions to the school community. The honorees include Zoe Hu from Swanson Middle School, Dr. Kimberly Jackson from Langston, Jessica Dvorak from Long Branch Elementary, Kay Miller from Montessori Public School of Arlington, and Kerm Towler from Facilities.
Zoe Hu was acknowledged for her supportive approach in the classroom. According to a student nomination, “Ms. Hu was the reason I didn’t mind going to school because she was so kind and understanding of my social anxiety and made her class very welcoming and supportive. She also advocated for me to be able to go to her homeroom on certain days because my homeroom was causing a lot of anxiety. In addition, she made sure every student in class could complete work and made her classroom a no judgement zone, always offering support if students were struggling in class or at home.”
Dr. Kimberly Jackson was commended for her leadership at Langston. A statement noted, “Dr. Jackson is a caring, dedicated leader. Under her leadership, the students at Langston thrive, with an over 90% graduation rate. Most students are moving on to colleges and careers. You can find her in the hallways, in classrooms, and mentoring students. Her all hands-on deck and loving approach is a testament to the culture she has created for her students.”
Jessica Dvorak of Long Branch Elementary received praise for creating an inclusive learning environment: “Ms. Dvorak embodies what it means to be an exceptional educator. She goes above and beyond to create a classroom that is welcoming, friendly, and full of joy. She takes the extra time to learn each child’s personality and learning style, helping them feel confident, seen, and celebrated.”
Kay Miller serves as librarian at Montessori Public School of Arlington (MPSA). She was recognized with the following: “Our school librarian, Kay Miller, has created a space and a culture that is the heart of MPSA. She knows all 500+ of her readers, she picks books for the collection that bring delight to all ages.”
Kerm Towler oversees custodial operations for APS facilities and was cited for his commitment through various challenges: “Kerm Towler has guided custodial operations for a lengthy career at APS. With a positive spirit, he has dealt with Pest Infestations, Covid, Wildlife, Police and Fire issues, Food Service complications, many custodial problems and more HR concerns that one would care to think about.”
The APS All Stars program highlights staff who contribute positively beyond their immediate roles by fostering supportive environments throughout Arlington Public Schools.
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