Supporting students and teachers when school starts next week will be 13 paraprofessionals.
They include, from L-R, front row: Makenzey Fischer (first year, elementary), Samantha Simonette (first year), Chloe Taber (first year, high school), Marie McCabe (first year, high school) and Kelly Bultman (fourth year, elementary). Middle row: Joanne Starke (23rd year, special ed), Brandi Grandaw (second year), Tomi McCabe (22nd year, high school) and Casey Wipperling (second year, elementary). Back row: Rachel Sohm (sixth year, high school), Dalton Thelen (first year, elementary), Cindy Krenik (third year, elementary, study halls, van driver) and Teresa David (seventh year).
“A paraprofessional’s overall function is to build relationships with students and staff to ensure the student learning process is effective,” said Principal Scott Lusk, who met with the group on Tuesday. “They are an integral part of Cleveland Public School.”
Paras have a wide range of duties in the classroom, Lusk said. Specifically, they support classroom academics. They assist students to complete directions given by the teacher and reinforce lessons by reviewing material with students, both one-on-one and in small groups.
Beyond academics, paras ensure proper behaviors, provide social and emotional support and provide assistance for personal care and other physical needs of students. Paras also supervise students during lunch, recess, between classes and on field trips.
“They are a positive presence and make a real difference in creating successful classrooms,” Lusk said. “They are an essential part of the learning process to help our students be successful as well as help our school run smoothly. We are lucky to have all our dedicated paraprofessionals as a part of our school community.”