Once a Dragon, always a Dragon

The halls of Holyoke Elementary School aren’t new to Kathi Stanley, who grew up in Holyoke. But instead of being there as a student, she’s finishing her first year as an educational paraprofessional and is the recipient of the first ever Rookie of the Year award — the newest honor in Holyoke School District’s Emerald Awards program.

“Kathi Stanley — need I say more? Not usually. Just the mention of her name has people singing her praises. From her personality to her drive, her work ethic to her flexibility — Mrs. Stanley rocks!” said kindergarten teacher Cyndi Bahler in her nomination letter for Stanley.

After graduating from Holyoke High School in 1990, Stanley spent three decades in the early childhood education field and only recently moved back to her hometown. She applied for Holyoke Elementary’s new educational paraprofessional position and hit the ground running.

“From day one, she has proven to be an invaluable asset to our elementary school. Kathi fulfills her role, and then some, and does so with enthusiasm and dedication,” said nominator Lynn Schneider, a reading specialist at the elementary school.

Stanley’s job primarily includes working with students one on one or in small groups for reading in grades K-6 and for math in grades 4-6.

However, she often wears several hats throughout the day, including substitute teacher/paraprofessional when needed, library assistant, recess/cafeteria monitor, bulletin board creator, and testing coordinator for K-3 reading and math. Oh, and she’s also on the Sunshine Committee, which helps encourage staff members throughout the year. And don’t forget Stanley’s unforgettable energetic appearance on a staff dodgeball team last fall.

“Kathi also looks for any way she can help out and is one of the first to step up when something needs to be done,” said Schneider.

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