Volunteers & Partners of the Month

Ashlawn Elementary School has introduced a wonderful new initiative in collaboration with Sunrise Senior Living called “Grandfriends – Building Bonds Between Seniors and Students.” This program brings generations together through the shared love of reading.

Each week, residents from Sunrise Senior Living, many of whom are retired educators, visit Ashlawn’s kindergarten classrooms to share stories, laughter, and their lifelong passion for learning. This partnership not only supports early literacy development but also creates meaningful connections with seniors who are eager to give back and continue exploring new opportunities.

When asked about the most rewarding part of volunteering, one participant shared: “I love seeing a young student’s eyes light up when they understand a word or can sound something out correctly. I never thought I would get the opportunity to be back in a classroom setting again. Helping the students grow as readers fills my heart.”

Our November 2025 Partner of the Month is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. They are a dedicated group of women who continuously make a positive impact on the Gunston Middle School community. Under the leadership of VaShawn Veal and Cecilia West, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, has been an exceptional partner by demonstrating ongoing commitment and service to Gunston’s students and staff.

The sorority members have generously volunteered their time and talents to support several key school events, including:

• First Day of School
• Back to School Night
• Annual Staff Breakfast

In addition to these events, the organization provides a monthly mentoring program that focuses on leadership development and skill-building for Gunston students. Through engaging, hands-on sessions, students have participated in:

• Creating vision boards
• Making friendship bracelets
• Self-reflection journaling
• College and career planning
• Yoga and mindfulness activities
• Nutrition and wellness workshops

The sorority also organized the “Crowning Confidence” Hair Products Drive, supporting women healing from domestic violence in partnership with the local shelter Doorways. Gunston Middle School is proud to honor Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, as the November Partner of the Month for their dedication, mentorship, and continued positive impact on the school community.

Our Volunteer of the Month is Dr. Morris L. Aizenman—affectionately known as Dr. A—who has been a dedicated volunteer at Taylor Elementary for the past 14 years.

A retired astrophysicist, Dr. A leads “Q&A with Dr. A” lunch sessions three times a week, engaging groups of students from kindergarten through fifth grade in informal science discussions.

While most questions are about space and dinosaurs, students are encouraged to ask anything they want about science. Dr. A says the conversations have ranged across many fields—from astronomy, biology, and chemistry to mathematics and physics. Occasionally, even this seasoned astrophysicist is surprised. He recalls one memorable moment when a second grader said he hoped to ask a question Dr. A didn’t know the answer to—so they could both learn something new.

Dr. A holds a doctorate in astronomy and astrophysics and spent his career researching the evolution and stability of stars at the National Science Foundation (NSF). During his time there, he served in a number of roles, including Program Director for various fields of astronomical research. Before retiring in 2012, he held the position of Senior Scientist for the Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Dr. A came to Taylor through a program run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which places retired STEM professionals in schools across the DC metro area.

One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering at Taylor, says Aizenman, is getting to know students across all grade levels and watching them grow from year to year. “I find myself being welcomed back by the children I’ve met in earlier years with the question, ‘Will you be doing Q&A Lunch Bunch this year, and when does it start?’”

Dr. A’s influence extends beyond the school day. He recalls a parent sharing that, thanks to the lunch Q&A sessions, dinner table conversations at home had changed. Another parent told him that their daughter had come home and announced that, because of her lunch bunch meeting with Dr. A, she had decided to become a scientist.

Congratulations to Dr. A and the entire Taylor community!