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We would like to nominate Paula Ashcraft from East Midvale Elementary for the KSL Teacher Feature. On the wall of her office she has a sign that reads: "To the world you may only be one person, but to one person you may be the world". This is how Paula lives. Everyone that comes into her office feels like they are important and matter very much. She treats us all with respect and dignity.
Paula is and extraordinary School Psychologist with many talents and abilities that add so much to our school. She goes far beyond what is expected of her and she sincerely cares about every child and teacher. Parents, teachers, children, and principal all come to Paula for guidance and an understanding ear. She's so available and willing to help. Paula treats her responsibilities seriously and is careful about each moment she spends; very aware and how and where it is needed most.
Another parent writes, "Mrs. Ashcraft has been working with my son, most of this year on some confidence and personal health/issues .I have noticed a huge difference in his attitude, since she has started working with him. I am grateful for the time Mrs. Ashcraft takes each day to work with my son as though he is the only one who needs her. I know that she works with so many children who need and demand her attention, but she still manages to make him feel just as important if not more important then the others. I know that she makes each of the children that she works with feel this same way. I can see it in their eyes and the way each of them talk about her. She is loved by all the children she works with."
One more parent shares: "As the parent of a child who had anxieties about school this year, I am so grateful to our school counselor, Mrs. Ashcraft. She helps children with a variety of issues and she does it with gentle firmness and compassion."
Our Principal Sally Sansom also applauds Paula by stating: "Paula has co-authored and implemented a school-wide Bully Blocker program that is being used in our school as well as a variety of schools across the state. She takes the time to make a weekly announcement reminding the students and teachers about the Bully-Blocker skill that the school is focusing on each week. She makes sure each teacher has the lesson plan and all materials necessary to teach the assigned lesson. Paula goes above and beyond in her counseling roll. She has created a variety of "groups" for the diverse needs of our students.
When we asked some of her students what they like about Mrs. "A", one older student said, "When I'm in group, I feel self-confident", and a kindergartener said, "I get hugs!".
We hope you can see that Paula Ashcraft is very deserving of "Teacher Feature" award. We love Paula and hope you can see why.
Sincerely,
Linda Aune (Kindergarten Teacher) and Julie Daye (Paula's aid)
