Simsbury Paraeducator of the Year Also Honored with Statewide Award

An announcement from Simsbury Public Schools:

Geri Lavallee, Simsbury’s Paraeducator of the Year, has been honored with the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year award.

The Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council established the program to recognize the important role of the paraeducator in supporting student achievement.

The program honors one paraeducator who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of his/her job.

Lavallee has been with the district for 18 years and has served as a Special Education paraeducator at both Tootin’ Hills and Squadron Line schools. She currently serves as a Behavior Coach at Squadron Line Elementary School.

Squadron Line School Principal Meg Evans noted that Lavallee brings a positive attitude and calm demeanor no matter what behavior challenges a student might be experiencing.

She “knows the names of nearly all of our 620 students,” said Evans. “Students feel valued and supported during their greatest time of need.”

Lavallee sees herself as “the eyes” of the team of teachers and other staff who communicate with each other and work together so that the students can be successful both socially and academically.

Said Lavallee, “[A]ll children are innately wonderful and may experience struggles which should not define them.”

A ceremony honoring all of the state nominees will take place on November 6, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell.