School launches paraprofessional appreciation program

Crescent City Junior-Senior High School is honoring Rhonda Jara in a new monthly recognition program for the school’s paraprofessionals.

Honored for the month of August, Jara, a 15-year employee of the Putnam County School District, was presented with balloons and a $25 gift card by school administration Friday.

This is Jara’s first year at Crescent City High. She said she was shocked and inspired Friday. She got into her career path as a parent volunteer so she could be near her children.

“I enjoy working with the kids,” Jara said. “I don’t think of it as a job. I just do it.”

Jara was nicknamed “Bubbles” at an early age and the nickname stuck. Assistant Principal Tina Gilyard and Crescent City High Principal Tim Adams noted Jara’s passion for and strengths in accommodating students.

“I thought maybe my way of dealing with kids, maybe it was a bit much, maybe I need to turn it down a bit,” Jara said. “But I don’t know; I think it works for me. It works for the kids.”

The school has 10 paraprofessionals. Gilyard said the school values them and is excited about the initiative. Gilyard said paraprofessionals have a broad range of duties from caring for individual students to cafeteria and bus duties. 

Gilyard felt Jara fit the bill for the award.

“She is phenomenal and amazing at stretching herself to the high demands of campus needs and attending to our (exceptional student education) population,” Gilyard said.

Gilyard said Jara has a positive attitude and the ability to go anywhere at the drop of the hat.

“She has a true passion for her job,” Gilyard said. “Paraprofessionals are constantly shifting and able to do wherever and whatever.”

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