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Commending Samina Z. Butt.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Samina Z. Butt, an instructional assistant at Washington Irving Middle School known for her kindness, compassion, and commitment to uplifting her students, was selected as a finalist for the 2025 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Award by Fairfax County Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, the Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Award recognizes operational employees who have made unique and exceptional contributions to their schools and fostered cooperative relationships with their colleagues, students, and members of the community; and
WHEREAS, Samina Butt consistently models generosity, humility, empathy, patience, and a team-first mindset, strengthening the Washington Irving Middle School community; and
WHEREAS, Samina Butt strives to create an inclusive environment in which diversity is respected, valued, and reflected in equitable access to opportunities and resources; and
WHEREAS, Samina Butt fosters a strong sense of belonging by ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and included in school activities, and she regularly highlights students' strengths and achievements; and
WHEREAS, Samina Butt adapts support to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and communication needs of all learners, and she builds strong relationships with students, especially those with complex or nonverbal communication needs; and
WHEREAS, Samina Butt recognizes that every student learns differently and even subtle progress can often hold great significance, and she tailors lessons around achievable goals aligned with each student's unique abilities, helping students with disabilities achieve meaningful academic progress; and
WHEREAS, Samina Butt provides leadership and support to her fellow staff members, including assisting substitutes, mentoring new team members, offering help during challenging situations, and celebrating colleagues' contributions; and
WHEREAS, Samina Butt maintains strong collaboration with teachers through daily communication about student behavior, progress, and support needs; and
WHEREAS, Samina Butt extends her care beyond the classroom by checking on students during medical absences, maintaining strong family connections, and demonstrating a strong spirit of service through community involvement and acts of kindness beyond the school setting; and
WHEREAS, through her outstanding achievements, Samina Butt has helped Washington Irving Middle School fulfill its mission to help students grow and achieve academic excellence and develop a strong foundation to become lifelong learners and engaged global citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Samina Z. Butt hereby be commended on the occasion of her selection as a finalist for the 2025 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee Award by Fairfax County Public Schools; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Samina Z. Butt as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her legacy of achievements as an educator.