Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrating love and affection, and it’s a special occasion for couples to show their appreciation for each other. Whether it’s students or teachers, they all want to celebrate the special day with their partner. At our school, we have a few married couples on ACC’s staff!
Did you know that Mr. Randolph and Chef Randolph, Mr. DeRocco and Mrs. DeRocco, Mr. Frazier and Mrs. Frazier, Ms. Monica and Dr. Peppers, and Ms. Fitzgerald & Mr. Batts, are all couples at ACC? Let’s hear what these awesome couples have to say:
The DeRoccos (Frank & Nicole)
How long have you been with your partner?
We met in high school in 9th grade in Señor Caputo’s Italian class. We have been together for over 30 years and happily married for over 20 years.
What’s it like working at the same school?
We worked together at W-L many years ago, but had very different roles (teacher and school counselor), so we rarely had time to interact during the day. Here at ACC, our roles as members of the college and career team do overlap, so it has been fun to work together.
Do you talk about work together?
We do our best not to talk about work at home. We are a busy family, so after leaving school, we focus on our favorite roles as mom and dad.
What’s your secret to a successful school romance?
The secret is having separate offices!!
The Randolphs (Charles & Chef) 
How long have you been with your partner?
Married 25 years.
What’s it like working at the same school?
It’s nice to chat for a few minutes when we run into each other throughout the building from time to time.
Do you talk about work together?
Occasionally, but our focus really is on family, friends, and each other outside of work.
What’s your secret to a successful school romance?
I don’t think we really have a school romance, LOL. However, for us, our individual work responsibilities and interaction are relatively limited. We work in the same building, but we do not work together very often. Also, at work he is Mr. Randolph and I am Chef, and at home he is Charles and I am Renee.
The Fraziers (Anthony & Madeline)
How long have you been with your partner?
We’ve been together for several years and have enjoyed growing both personally and professionally during that time.
What’s it like working at the same school?
It’s rewarding. We understand the demands of education and can support one another while maintaining our own spaces and professional identities.
Do you talk about work together?
Yes, in a healthy way. We share ideas and support each other, then make sure to shift our focus to family, hobbies, and life outside of school.
What’s your secret to a successful school romance?
Mutual respect, clear communication, and keeping professional and personal roles balanced.
Ms. Monica & Dr. Peppers 
How long have you been with your partner?
Our journey began 13 years ago, unfolding in ways that were both surprising and wonderful. We first met professionally at Dr. Peppers’ clinic. The next two years were filled with adventures, traveling to Colombia to meet my big family, playing basketball, dancing, and becoming part of each other’s circles of friends. Ten years ago, we married, weaving our lives and careers together.
What’s it like working at the same school?
Teaching at the same school is a fascinating adventure. Our paths in education have always been distinct: my focus is on DEI, while Dr. Peppers brings his expertise in Physical Therapy and his passion for mentoring and sponsoring the junior-senior cohort. Sometimes our worlds collide when we have students in common, and those moments remind us how our strengths complement each other. Dr. Peppers’ unwavering support for the DEI office, and his genuine care for students, makes our collaboration even more meaningful. We each have our own spaces and routines that we respect, but there’s an underlying sense of teamwork that keeps us connected, both at school and at home.
Do you talk about work together?
Absolutely! We share stories from our day and bounce ideas off each other, just like any colleagues. In many ways, it’s no different from the way we connect with other staff members, except there’s a bit more vulnerability and, sometimes, a lot more laughter. Working together wasn’t something we planned. Dr. Peppers was an active volunteer for Ms. Napala, the former teacher, and when she retired, it just felt natural for him to apply. He is deeply passionate about supporting students and training them in his field, and I knew he’d be amazing in the role. In my role, I have to work with all teachers, and he listens to my expertise to better support our students’ identities and culture. We did have a conversation before he joined the school, and we agreed: home stays at home as much as possible. That boundary is important for both our relationship and our sanity!
What’s your secret to a successful school romance?
Our secret is simple: respect and trust. We respect each other’s expertise and trust that every decision comes from a place of good intention. We celebrate our differences, knowing they make us stronger both as educators and as partners. We also make time for ourselves outside of school, whether it’s a quiet dinner or a weekend walk, so our relationship isn’t defined solely by our jobs. At the end of the day, we’re each other’s biggest supporters, cheering each other on through every lesson, challenge, and new adventure. That’s what keeps our school romance thriving.
Ms. Fitzgerald & Mr. Batts 
How long have you been with your partner?
We’ve been together for 30 years and married for 6. We met in high school, at Wakefield. We have 2 kids, and 2 grandchildren. Our son is in Texas for the army, and our daughter, Jasmine, teaches cosmetology here.
What’s it like working at the same school?
It’s good, traveling is convenient because we can carpool and don’t have to drive to separate locations.
Do you talk about work together?
Yes, even though we work in different departments. I work as a custodian and she works in the cafeteria.
What’s your secret to a successful school romance?
Definitely communication.
Happy Valentine’s Day, ACC!
