Jefferson Parish Schools named its Outstanding School Support Employees of the Year. The 2018-19 winners are Boudreaux Elementary paraprofessional Sara Mencia, Riverdale Middle paraprofessional Toni Rosas, and Bonnabel Magnet Academy High assistant principal secretary Edna Young.
“Our dedicated support staff are the backbone of our school system,” said JP Schools Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “The bring immense value to our schools.”
The Outstanding School Support Employee Awards Program is run by the Louisiana Department of Education and provides an opportunity to honor an outstanding employee at the elementary, middle/junior high, and high school level who supports and provides leadership in the operation of non-instructional activities within the school year.
Boudreaux Elementary paraprofessional Sara Mencia
Boudreaux Elementary paraprofessional Sara Mencia works with ESL students to ensure their academic growth. Along with helping her students understand English in the classroom, she can be found on duty every morning welcoming and translating for parents.
“She builds strong connections with parents during open houses and community events,” said Boudreaux Elementary Principal Kiplyn Pereira. “Ms. Mencia is an asset to our school, our families, and most of all our students.”
Riverdale Middle paraprofessional Toni Rosas
Riverdale Middle paraprofessional Toni Rosas takes a special interest in students who are in need of extra motivation academically or socially. She builds relationships of trust with her students and families.
“She is well known in the community to take the time to talk with students and parents to provide assistance,” said Riverdale Middle Principal Celest Cunningham. “Parents often times request to speak to “Ms. Toni,” as she is affectionately called at Riverdale Middle.”
Bonnabel Magnet Academy High assistant principal secretary Edna Young
Bonnabel Magnet Academy High assistant principal secretary Edna Young gets to work early every day just to make sure teachers can spend their time where it matters most.
“She wants to make sure teachers’ classes are covered so they can lend a helping hand to work with students on their planning period,” said Bonnabel Magnet Academy High Principal Dawn Kalb.
Jefferson Parish Schools is the largest and most diverse public school system in Louisiana and the 98th largest in the nation. Our system of 85 schools serve around 50,000 students on both sides of the Mississippi River. With approximately 7,000 employees, JP Schools is one of the largest employers in Jefferson Parish. Our district exists to provide the education our students deserve to succeed in life and make our world a better place.