Minnetonka Schools has been celebrating Paraprofessionals Appreciation Week from January 20-24. Paraprofessionals are part of our school district throughout all of the buildings; our preschool, elementary, middle and high schools all need the services of paraprofessionals to provide the extra help students need throughout all classrooms and for all subjects. They play an important role in supporting our community, from helping teachers in the classroom and supervising lunch, recess and school traffic before and after school to providing additional individualized academic and social-emotional learning.

To celebrate this week, several paraprofessionals from across the District shared their stories and favorite moments from their work.

Lorena Bacon has been a part of the Minnetonka staff team for 22 years, starting out in the district in 2003 as a substitute teacher. When the Immersion program began, she joined the District full-time as a paraprofessional in a Clear Springs Elementary Spanish Immersion classroom, where she’s been making a difference for students and teachers ever since.

“What’s been here for me is the growth I get to see in all the students,” shared Lorena. “It’s a very rewarding experience!”

Molly Keogh is a media paraprofessional at Minnetonka High School. She has more than 25 years of experience in the District and has worked in several Minnetonka Schools buildings during her career, including as a reading and lunchroom paraprofessional at Minnewashta and an academic support para at MME. She is also the parent of four Minnetonka alumni.

“I love the rhythm of a school day, a workday built on a bell schedule, the chaos of passing time followed by the rapt curiosity of learning,” she shared. “It’s a privilege to come to work every day knowing that I may be a spot of brightness in a child’s day or help them grow.”

Lisa Lescarbeau joined the team at Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE in the year 2010 because she wanted to create a caring environment for the students. Starting as a part-time paraprofessional, she’s moved to a full time position for the past several years. She enjoys the opportunity to help students grow and to see them develop throughout the program. "“I love working with our youngest learners! It is so fun to see their natural curiosity and excitement when they learn new things and develop independence," she shared.

She supports a few different 4-year-old classrooms and strives for student wellness and success. "I help prep curriculum materials, work in small groups with students and support social and emotional learning and problem solving," said Lisa. "Sometimes things get heated at the playdough table!"

Kristin Scherwinski has been a part of the Minnetonka staff team for 21 years. Starting as a long-term substitute special education paraprofessional, she quickly found a passion for the work. Dedicated to her students and their progress, she began working in a full-time role at MME, where she currently is a classroom and resource paraprofessional. 

“What I treasure most is when a student feels comfortable enough to share some of their experiences or stories with me,” shared Kristin. “And, when a student says, ‘thank you.’ Sometimes it's with a note, or a drawing, or simply sharing a joke and a laugh.  Those moments make everything worthwhile!”

Thank you, paras, for your dedication to fostering a positive school community, this week and every week! Join us in sharing your gratitude with your paraprofessionals for their incredible dedication to creating positive learning experiences for students around the District.