Honoring the Heart of our Classrooms with Paraprofessional Day

District 123 celebrated Paraprofessional Day this week, our support staff who play a crucial role in the daily success of students and classrooms. From supporting small group instruction and providing one-on-one assistance, to managing classroom routines and helping children with special needs, paraprofessionals are the behind-the-scenes heroes that keep our schools running smoothly.

Our teachers had some heartfelt words to share about the amazing paraprofessionals in their classrooms.

“Jen and Beatriz are the most important asset I have in my classroom. Without them, our classroom would not run so smoothly. They are fabulous!” - Ms. Karen, Room 1

“Amy gives her all to our students and is always willing to go the extra mile for the people she works with as well as her students. She is always supporting our students in literacy development. Keighley goes above and beyond, is kind, patient and a fun teacher for our students. She is always lifting our littles spirits each day. I'm very lucky to work alongside them and I thank them every single day for all they do!” - Ms. Heather, Room 2

“Laura and Giselle are flexible and are always willing to learn new skills that help our students succeed in the classroom. They are encouraging and notice the little things, like when a student needs a break or a hug, and sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most.” - Ms. Martinez, Room 3

“Cheryl and Maria are the best team!! They work so well together and truly complement one another. They support each other as well as myself and all of the students in our classroom. I would be lost without them and I feel so lucky to share my classroom and my crazy self with them each day!” - Ms. Jamie, Room 4

“Kari is always offering up creative ideas to enhance learning for the students and she has this really neat gift of always finding little treasures to bring to the classroom and the kids just love them. She is our classroom chef and the kids cook with her and love that. Marta is our classroom artist. She really loves working individually with the kids and they just gravitate towards her. The kids also love to set up snacktime with her. Together, they just really balance our classroom and the kids are so lucky to have them.” - Ms. Franke, Room 5

“Alyssa and Crystal are the best paras ever! They are so amazing with everything that they do with the kids. They always have amazing ideas and bring so much to the table and I wouldn't be able to get through the day without them. Love you girls!” - Ms. Mia, Room 6

“Liliana and Mercedes are always finding new things for the classroom and are always looking to make it as beautiful as possible, especially related to what unit of study we are learning about.   They always have great ideas for art and have great interactions with the kids and are just the best!”  - Ms. Annie, Room 7

“Amina is very creative and is passionate about what she does. She brings a positive attitude and is ready to take on each day. Rachida strives for student success and is always determined and pushing for positive student relationships.” - Ms. Mansour, Room 8

“Alaina and Therese… Creative. Selfless. Over-Achievers. Willing to go the extra mile.” - Ms. Carolyn, Room 9

“I am so grateful for my two paras Ms. Annmarie and Ms. Colleen because they are just amazing! They come in early, they do things at home and they are just amazing with the children. They're always kind, and just so helpful I couldn't accomplish what we accomplish in our room without them.” - Ms. Sharon, Room 10

This day is more than just a recognition, but a reminder of how teamwork and heart fuel every child’s education. Thank you, paraprofessionals, for all that you do, today, and EVERY day!