Paraprofessionals Providing a Helping Hand at Fair Grove Elementary

Fair Grove Elementary School has a warm and loving environment that would never be the same without the paraprofessionals that make Fair Grove hospitable for everyone. 

Colleen Wingo has been working at Fair Grove for three years. Her favorite thing about working here is seeing her students meet their goals and succeed. She also loves the friendships she has made with her co-workers. A typical day for her is very busy. She goes with different kids to their specials and sits with them in their classrooms. Wingo shared, “I help them transition and work with them academically.” 

The bonds formed between these students and employees are not only shown in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well. Wingo stated, “I have so many great memories from working here. There are too many to mention them all. I think the one that stands out the most is seeing one of my main kiddos at an event outside of school and seeing the biggest grin on her face after we haven’t seen each other in a few weeks.” 

Lydia McCormack, a third year employee, works one-on-one with her student. She travels everywhere with her student to assist with tasks and activities. She voiced, “Some paraprofessionals only need to guide their students, but mine needs me to be hands-on to assist with writing, coloring, cutting, etc. Therefore, I attend every activity with my student.” 

McCormack’s favorite memories are when her students (current and past) meet their goals that they have been working to achieve. She revealed, “The pride and joy I feel in seeing them achieving their goals makes everyday worth the work.” 

“My favorite part of my job is the same as my favorite memory. My students have to work much harder than others to meet their goals that may seem small. However, to their teachers and family members, these goals are everything,” shared McCormack. The paraprofessionals in the elementary school help students build confidence in their abilities and do things at their own rate. 

McCormack added, “Our priority in the SPED program is to help each student be able to navigate through school, and life, with as little support as possible. We want them to eventually be independent. Sometimes each step towards that goal seems like an inch rather than an actual step, but it is movement in the right direction. The more my students can achieve independently, the happier I am.”

Fair Grove Elementary has many amazing paraprofessionals including: Helen McDowell, Kari Bethurem, Shawna DuPont, Colleen Wingo, Sarah Emert, Lydia McCormack, and Cristine Stanley.