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December 2, 2018

Jackie M. Toops
4973 Stewart Ct.
Fort Meade, MD 20755

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with true pleasure that I recommend Mrs. Erin Troast for the role of Assistant
Principal/Administration.

I have had the opportunity to work closely and communicate with Mrs.Troast this school
year, as my son is in her third-grade class. As the parent of a special-needs child,
knowing that his educator is an engaging, dedicated, and determined advocate, has
brought immense peace of mind to me, and progress for my son.

Mrs. Troast has gone above and beyond by providing my son with additional strategies
not outlined in his IEP. For example, Mrs. Troast noted that he sometimes found it
difficult to sit still for long periods of time, so she took the initiative. She implemented a
band that wrapped around the legs of his chair so that he could bounce his feet while
staying seated. She also took notice of what motivated him, and created blank books for
him to write graphic novels as an incentive for completing his work.

For this additional effort, I didn’t have to ask, and my son didn’t have to ask -- Mrs.
Troast was simply proactive, engaged, and creative in her approach. She successfully
accommodated my son for success, and provided the innovation, compassion, and
leadership required to ensure that my son and his classmates learn to their fullest
abilities.

Going beyond the classroom, Mrs. Troast has been innovative in community activities
as well. After attending a grade-level field trip to the Heifer Global Village, her class
organized a school-wide fundraiser called “Sleepover for Sheep.” As a result, students
across Manor View Elementary paid to wear pajamas and bring a stuffed animal, all
with the intention of raising enough money to buy a sheep for an impoverished family.

Additionally, Mrs. Troast planned and managed the school’s entire Math Carnival for the
2017-2018 academic year. My family attended and enjoyed the event, which combined
learning games with fun and prizes.
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My mother was an elementary music teacher for several years, and I learned just how
much goes into educating tomorrow’s future. I am also aware of how much occurs
behind-the-scenes without recognition. It is with this same, tireless effort that I see Mrs.
Troast demonstrating the qualities and traits that make the difference in our children's’
lives, and it is an honor to recognize her work.

Add this to her educational background, complete with professional certifications and an
M.Ed degree in Administration and Supervision, and it is clear why I believe that Mrs.
Troast is an ideal candidate for this promotion.

Her dedication to personal development, her students, parents, school, and community,
sets the bar for anyone seeking to work in the field of education. I’d love to see more
hardworking, disciplined, caring advocates like Mrs. Troast in administration positions to
oversee and implement continued progress.

Thank you for your consideration, and I invite you to reach out to me if you have any
questions.

Warm regards,

Jackie Toops