Reflecting on my time with Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS), I’m reminded of the strong sense of community that sets us apart from larger districts. This unique bond feels familiar and truly makes me feel at home.

Relocating from the U.S. Territory of Guam to Northern Virginia has been a significant transition for my family and me. It’s not just a move from one state to another but an adjustment from island living to life on the East Coast. Living in Guam is deeply rooted in family, culture, values, religion, support systems, and community. In a small island environment, you’re either related to someone you meet through shared lineage or family names or know them through a relative, friend, or colleague. Everyone is welcomed and treated like family, regardless of who you are or where you’re from.

While we may not have the same amenities as larger cities or states, we certainly know how to share great food, celebrate with lively fiestas, and offer warm hospitality. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the generosity and welcoming nature of the locals, as it is a part of our culture. Because of how and where I grew up, a strong sense of belonging, community, and relationship-building is so important to me. Falls Church City Public Schools embody these same values, and they’ve been my “secret sauce” since I started working for FCCPS in July 2021.

As our division’s first official Literacy Coordinator, my initial impression during the interview process was surprise and warmth. I had the unique opportunity to sit down for a one-on-one interview with our Superintendent, Peter Noonan—who does that? FCCPS does! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the experience turned out to be unexpectedly pleasant. Instead of a formal interview, it felt more like a casual conversation, almost as if I were catching up with an old friend. While this may seem like a small detail to others, for me, it was a pivotal moment—the first “secret sauce” that made me feel like I truly belonged in our division.

On my first day at the central office, July 22, 2021, I vividly remember being greeted with warm smiles and friendly welcomes. The most memorable greeting came from Julie Macrina, Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She was warm, approachable, and incredibly thoughtful, presenting me with welcome gifts that made me feel right at home. A few days later, I met Jen Fessenden, the Math Coordinator for our division. Just like Julie, Jen was welcoming and generous with her time, offering to show me around the schools and sharing resources to help me settle into FCCPS and my new role. As I got to know the Curriculum, Instruction, and Achievement Team, I quickly realized that we shared a core value: the importance of family, self-care, and supporting one another. The sense of teamwork and their warmth and generosity reminded me so much of home. This became my second “secret sauce” — a reminder that I had chosen to join FCCPS.

As I settled into my role as Literacy Coordinator and continued to build relationships across the Division, I began to feel more and more at home. The sense of community and support I experience when walking into any school building is truly remarkable. In a small division like ours, there are endless opportunities to connect personally and professionally with others. Although I work at the Central Office, I am fortunate to regularly collaborate with specialists, teachers, staff, administrators, and students. The title, degree, and experience aren’t the focus of this role. What truly matters is being sincere, understanding others, and offering support in all facets of the day. While I serve as the Literacy Coordinator, my role also requires ongoing support from a wide network of colleagues: CIA team members, reading specialists and interventionists, IB coordinators, school administrators, teachers, central office staff, parents, media specialists, school staff, and the broader community. Everyone is willing to lend a hand, especially when supporting students.

Reflecting on the meetings I participate in and the people around the table, I’m in awe of the collaboration and open dialogue. There’s always a shared sense of inclusion, and decision-making is never top-down. Voices are heard, and even when we disagree, the safe space to openly share ideas and opinions is something I truly value. This spirit of connection, collaboration, and support makes FCCPS feel more like a family than just a workplace—my third “secret sauce.”

As I look back on my journey with Falls Church City Public Schools, I am filled with gratitude for the community that has welcomed me and made me feel at home. The values of family, support, and collaboration that I cherish so deeply have been embraced here and woven into the very fabric of our division. From my first day, when I was greeted with warmth and kindness, to the ongoing partnerships I continue to build with colleagues across the division, I’ve experienced firsthand how FCCPS is not just a place of work but a place where relationships are prioritized and where everyone is treated like family.

For me, this sense of belonging and shared purpose makes FCCPS truly special, and it’s what drives me to give my best each day in my role as Literacy Coordinator. Whether in the central office or within the schools, I’ve come to appreciate the unique culture of collaboration and respect that permeates our work. As I continue my journey here, I am excited to see what more we can accomplish together, knowing that the support and community I have found at FCCPS will continue to be my guiding force. Truly, this sense of connection, care, family, and commitment to each other makes FCCPS feel like home. Together, these qualities have shaped my experience here, reinforcing every day that I made the right choice in joining this remarkable community.

About Ann Baleto: With 23 years of experience in education, Ann is the PK-12 Literacy Coordinator for Falls Church City Public Schools. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles, including classroom teacher, instructional coach, district teacher mentor, administrator, gifted and talented educator, and adjunct professor. In her current position, Ann oversees the Reading and Language Arts curriculum, programs, and state literacy initiatives for FCCPS. Beyond her work with the division, she is deeply engaged in the local, state, and national literacy communities. Ann also serves as the President of the Virginia State Literacy Association’s Gifted Committee, a non-profit literacy organization dedicated to promoting literacy in Virginia.