By the Administrative Team at William Byrd High School
Each week the administrative team at William Byrd High School recognizes faculty and staff members for their wonderful contributions to the students and community with the Terrier Spotlight of the Week.
The first Terrier Spotlight of the Week announced on January 29, went to Mrs. Beth Whitehead. Mrs. Whitehead is one of our phenomenal co-teachers and special education case managers here at William Byrd. Her intelligence, professionalism, and attention to detail makes her a joy to work with, as does her dry and witty sense of humor. She also has a way of breaking through with some of the most challenging students. Where others have failed, Mrs. Whitehead has found a way to build those relationships and ultimately get results for students. Outside of school, she enjoys living her best soccer mom life or tucking into a book with a cup of black coffee. Thanks again Mrs. Whitehead for all that you do to support our students!
Next up is another savvy veteran of William Byrd–Mrs. Denise Sartell. Teaching during the pandemic has been challenging, as well as emotionally and spiritually draining on educators, but you would never know by watching Mrs. Sartell enter school each morning. Each day, this talented and charismatic art teacher enters with a smile and positive attitude that inspires those around her. Outside of being a fantastic art and computer graphics teacher, Mrs. Sartell enjoys, you guessed it—making art–as well as spending time outside and snuggling with her doggos. Once again, thank you Mrs. Sartell for all that you do for our students!
The next Terrier Spotlight of the Week is Mrs. Stephanie Taliaferro, one of our wonderful economics and personal finance teachers. She and Mrs. Woods are a well-oiled machine up in room #232. They provide both engaging instruction as well as an inviting atmosphere for students. As if teaching wasn’t physically demanding enough, in her spare time she enjoys kickboxing or attending a spin class. Mrs. Taliaferro, we’d like to say thank you again for being such a great teacher and wonderful colleague.
Our final Spotlight is on Ms. Chloe Scales, everyone’s favorite Latin teacher. Ms. Scales has been with William Byrd High School for the past five school years. During this time, she has overseen significant growth in the Latin program. This should come as no surprise for anyone who has observed her classroom. Ms. Scales is strong instructionally and perhaps, more importantly, she has a wonderful rapport with her students. As any of her students will tell you, Ms. Scales’ room is “chill vibes only.” Whether it’s one of her Latin classes or the Knitting Club that she sponsors after school, Ms. Scales’ room is a place where students can feel accepted, safe, and comfortable. Outside of teaching, Ms. Scales enjoys playing the cello or harp in a band with her husband. Fun fact: the musician couple first met at the Floyd Country Store. Thank you, Ms. Scales, for bringing some of that “running on Floyd time” to William Byrd and for all that you continue to do to support our students.
