In Windsor, our Building Paraeducators of the Year serve as ambassadors for their schools. The process begins with a blind nomination call. Those nominated can select to continue on in the process by submitting an application for review by their building committees. Once identified as a Building Para of the Year, they then have the chance to apply for District Para Educator of the Year where they will participate in an interview with the district committee in March. The District Para of the Year serves as a voice for all ParaEducators and their students in the coming year and will be the Windsor Public Schools nomination to the state of CT Para of the Year.
Join us in congratulating the winners for our 2024 School Year!
Clover Street School:
Congratulations to Lacresha Barnes!
Lacresha Barnes embarked on her paraeducator journey 7 years ago, igniting her passion for supporting students. Transitioning to Windsor Public Schools in 2019, she recalls her interview vividly, facing a packed round table with determination. Now, 5 years later, Lacresha thrives at Clover Street School, enriching the lives of elementary students with diverse needs. Diligently prioritizing student safety and advocating for individualized services, she exemplifies dedication and compassion daily. Lacresha's genuine enthusiasm, coupled with her exceptional communication and collaboration skills, fosters a positive environment for student growth. Building strong relationships with students and colleagues, she values honesty, respect, and transparency in her interactions. Committed to ongoing professional growth, Lacresha aims to continue making a difference in students' educational journeys while expanding her skills as a paraeducator.
John F. Kennedy School:
Congratulations Sue Lyons!
Sue Lyons, epitomizes dedication and compassion in her 22 years at Windsor Public Schools. Her enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond for her colleagues and students shine through her commitment to supporting the school community. Sue's involvement in extracurricular activities and her dedication to raising awareness about disabilities demonstrate her unwavering advocacy for inclusivity and support. Sue's personal connection with her students, exemplified by her dedication to attending their extracurricular events and celebrating their achievements, fosters a sense of trust and empowerment in her students. One remarkable example of her impact is her dedication to a student named Michaela Ellington, whom she helped transition from a wheelchair to walking across the stage at graduation. Sue's expertise extends to supporting students with behavioral challenges and those on the autism spectrum, where her guidance and encouragement have helped countless students thrive and become more independent. Sue's commitment to training and supporting other paraeducators underscores her dedication to the broader school community. With over 100 students touched by her care, Sue's impact is immeasurable, and her ongoing dedication continues to make a profound difference in the lives of her students. We are honored to celebrate Sue Lyons as JFK's paraeducator of the year, a true beacon of inspiration and support in Windsor Public Schools.
Oliver Ellsworth:
Congratulations to Jenn Shufelt!
Jenn Shufelt embodies the spirit of flexibility and unwavering dedication to Oliver Ellsworth students. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of our youngest learners, Jenn embraces the opportunity to serve in various para positions throughout the school building. Her commitment to our students shines through her continuous efforts to contribute and achieve meaningful accomplishments year after year. Whether it's providing support in the classroom, assisting with special programs, or lending a helping hand wherever needed, Jenn's focus remains steadfastly on the well-being and growth of our children. Her selfless attitude and devotion to the cause serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that every effort made is ultimately for the betterment of our students. We are honored to recognize Jenn Shufelt as the OE paraeducator of the year, a shining example of dedication and compassion in Windsor Public Schools.
Poquonock School
Congratulations to Hien Tran!
Hien Tran, our esteemed paraeducator of the year from Poquonock School, stands out for her exceptional adaptability and personalized approach to supporting students. With a keen understanding that every child learns differently, Hien adeptly tailors her methods to meet the unique needs of each student and classroom. This year, she has taken on various roles within the school, including stepping in as a substitute for fellow paraprofessionals and fearlessly tackling challenging cases. Hien's greatest accomplishment this year lies in her dedication to a student who was struggling to attend school due to parental concerns. Through her unwavering commitment and genuine care, she not only gained the trust of the student's family but also successfully integrated the student into the general education classroom. Hien's passion and patience have led to remarkable achievements throughout her four years at Poquonock, making her nomination for this award a well-deserved honor. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Hien Tran for her outstanding contributions to our school community.
Sage Park Middle School
Congratulations Marcus Manson!
Marcus Manson, our exceptional paraeducator of the year at Sage Park Middle School, epitomizes the transformative power of empathy and compassion in education. With unwavering dedication, Marcus fosters a culture of kindness and understanding within his students, exemplified by his daily ritual of exchanging hugs and "I love yous." Through his patient and consistent approach, Marcus has guided a student through challenging behavior episodes, instilling in him a newfound sense of empathy and positivity. Marcus's commitment to promoting inclusivity extends beyond the classroom as he challenges stereotypes and biases, educating students on the importance of empathy and understanding in an increasingly diverse world. His efforts not only impact individual students but also contribute to a more compassionate and tolerant school community. We applaud Marcus Manson for his outstanding contributions to Sage Park Middle School.
Windsor High School
Congratulations Natalie Luiso!
Natalie Luiso, the 2024 paraeducator of the year at Windsor High School, stands out for her profound dedication and genuine care for our students. Beyond the routine tasks, Natalie's true contribution lies in her unwavering commitment to being there for our kids every single day. For her, showing up means more than mere presence—it's about setting aside personal concerns and actively engaging with students, listening to their stories, and treating each one with the same level of compassion as her own child. Her ability to connect with students, especially those facing challenges, is remarkable, reflecting her belief in the unique potential of every individual. Natalie's leadership roles within the paraeducator staff union and the PDEC committee demonstrate her reliability and trustworthiness in our district. Above all, her greatest fulfillment comes from witnessing the success of students she has supported throughout their high school journey. We celebrate Natalie Luiso for her unwavering dedication and profound impact on the Windsor High School community.