Baldwin Elementary School computer lab and PE parapro Amanda Anderson is this month’s recipient of the Habersham County School System’s Service Above Self Award. The award is sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary Club and recognizes classified school employees who go “above and beyond” their job responsibilities. In nominating Anderson, Alexandria Noggle wrote:
“Amanda is such a team player and wants to be as supportive as possible for teachers, students, and staff. Her official job is paraprofessional, but we regard her as a TEACHER in the computer lab during specials classes. The rest of the time, between classes, and after school she runs progress and data reports for every teacher, is the contact person between teachers and Pearson, has been involved in research to support the implementation of SuccessMaker, and is the tech support person when either lab has a problem.
She is generally ALWAYS available. You can text her questions, e-mail her, grab her in the hall, whatever. She is here at 7:30 and will stay as long as needed often volunteering to help with fundraisers, PTO, Parent Involvement, as well as getting donations, arranging deliveries or going to pick up supplies. She’s a “go-to” person when we need something.
Not only does Amanda volunteer for so many “extra” tasks that benefit the school after hours, she is a huge contributor within her lab. She comes in during preplanning to decorate and set up goals and expectations for the students. Each year she has changed the theme. This year’s theme is space, and she has created and cut out a space ship for EVERY student in our school.
She stores students personal ear buds for both labs, keeps the room clean by wiping down computers with Lysol and vacuuming as needed. She’ll teach a mini-lesson if students are consistently struggling on one skill.
She looks at the student records each week and awards students for numerous goals throughout the week. She rewards students with special treats as they meet and exceed expectations as well as giving them certificates when they reach specific goals.
She’s the teacher that is not paid to be a teacher.
Outside of computer lab, she is the back-up PE teacher, classroom monitor when a teacher has an emergency, she is the “deliverer” of parents during special afterschool events, she LEAD a Parent Involvement night! This year and every year she has “adopted” a child for the Christmas season and spends generously on a paraprofessional salary.
We are so grateful to have her and so honored that she will go above and beyond what is expected of her. Sometimes I feel like she doesn’t feel appreciated for all that she does, and WE want her to know that she is RESPECTED, LOVED, and VALUED at our school.”
It’s people such as Anderson who, through their service and dedication, remind us of just how many hard-working, conscientious and compassionate employees we have working in our local school system. Thank you, Amanda Anderson, for reminding us of that and for supporting our students and educators through your valuable work.
You are making a positive difference in our schools and in our community. We thank you and congratulate you on a job well done!
