Minnetonka Schools is celebrating Paraprofessionals Appreciation Week from January 24-31. From helping teachers in the classroom to providing additional support to individual students, paraprofessionals are integral to a student’s day-to-day life at school. Words cannot express how truly grateful our community is for our extraordinary paraprofessionals and the impact the make for Minnetonka Schools! This week, make sure to thank your paraprofessionals for their incredible dedication to creating positive learning experiences for students around the District.

Julie Carlson is a paraprofessional at Groveland Elementary. Having previously worked as a first grade classroom paraprofessional for three years, she recently began her current position as a math paraprofessional this year. Prior to working as a para at Groveland, Julie taught kindergarten and fourth grade for 11 years.

“Julie is truly a godsend!” exclaimed Heidi Hammerback, a teacher at Groveland Elementary. “I am so fortunate to work alongside her each day. She is so positive, caring, thoughtful, understanding, hard-working, organized, resourceful…always thinking ahead, reminding me of all the things I need to remember.”

“My favorite part of my job is working with the kids and seeing their growth throughout the year,” said Carlson. “I enjoy forming connections with the students and helping them feel confident and successful in their learning.” Julie’s role as a math para means she works closely with many students.

“She spends a great amount of her day working with first graders in small groups for math support,” explained Hammerback. “She also helps facilitate third and fourth grade math lessons with me and communicates with teachers about student progress.”

Like many paraprofessionals throughout the district, Julie’s work and dedication have already made a lasting impact on many of her students. 

“[Julie] has such a way with [students], whether it's motivating them, meeting them where they are at, or encouraging them through their struggles,” said Hammback. “I am fortunate to get to witness such a wonderful learning environment that these students have with her, often hearing her calm, encouraging voice as she works with students. I know her students have made great gains and growth this year, not only academically but socially and behaviorally, which is a result of the Fabulous Julie Carlson.”

Minnetonka Schools celebrates our paras and their dedication to fostering a positive school community, this week and every week. They have a truly irreplaceable impact. Thank you, Paras, for all that you do!