By Terra Avilla
I wanted to sit down to write about some people who make our schools (and county) truly special, and I am so filled with gratitude and admiration for them. I am talking about the many wonderful paraprofessionals we have here in Lassen County.
These incredible individuals are the unsung heroes of our educational system, working tirelessly behind the scenes to support not just our teachers, but most importantly, our children.
Paraprofessionals, or “paras” as they’re affectionately known, are the backbone of our classrooms. They assist teachers in managing the day-to-day, provide one-on-one support to students who need it most, help with lesson planning, and sometimes even handle administrative tasks.
But their role goes far beyond just helping out; they often are another set of eyes on a struggling student, and extra set arms for a warm hug when a kiddo needs it most, and extra source of compassion, patience and instruction for kids to thrive.
Paras are often the ones that make the biggest difference in a child’s educational journey. For students with special needs, they offer tailored support that can be life changing. They’re also the bridge between teachers and parents, keeping everyone informed and involved in a child’s progress.
My daughters have both been blessed to have these amazing paraprofessionals in her life.
Pearl lights up when she talks about how her them, and often when I am frustrated with her homework…because what the heck is a ten group math mountain, she simply says, “Don’t worry mom, I’ll just ask Ms. Jaso, or Ms. Allyssa… etc.”
They have helped her with her lessons, made her feel included, and provided her with the extra support she needs. As a parent, it’s comforting to see her grow and flourish in such a supportive environment. I’m deeply grateful for the love, care, and dedication these paraprofessionals bring to their work every day.
During my time as a school officer at Lassen High School, I had a front-row seat to the magic that paraprofessionals bring to the classroom. I often turned to them to help me de-escalate students, and or gather information.
Paraprofessionals in Lassen County schools are more than just support staff – they’re rockstars of our educational system. Their work is invaluable, and their impact on students like Pearl is immeasurable.
Thank you to all the paraprofessionals in Lassen County for your tireless dedication and love for our students. You truly make this place a better place for all of us and are one of the reasons I love where we live.
