December Spotlight on Support Staff

Donna Rude, Paraprofessional

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. ~ Desmond Tutu

 

Donna Rude is in her second year of her return to Clearbrook-Gonvick School. She previously worked here from 1995 to 2005 as a bus driver,  paraprofessional and truancy tracker. Donna was born and raised to Rhode Island. She lives in the area with her husband of thirty-five years, Ron. They have three children: Tresha (Aref), Ryan (Alisha), and Cody and six grandchildren.

Why did you choose to work at this school? I was retired and bored so I came back to work at the school. I am glad to be back with the kids and the great staff we have here.

What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick?  My non-school jobs include 15 years as an employee for the City of Gonvick, L & M Fleet, and the Gourmet House. 

What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick? The best part of my job is seeing my grandkids everyday and helping other kids. And I love to be around our awesome staff. 

What is the biggest challenge of your job? I guess I can’t say there are any challenges that can’t be managed. We have such a great staff that are always willing to help each other. 

If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why? I would say I love working with kids, so I would have liked to have earned my teaching degree. 

What do you do when you are not working at the school? I love traveling with my husband on the motorcycle, spending time with my family, and playing with my horses, dog, and cat.

If you could go back in time to being school aged, what age/grade you would pick? Why would you pick that age/grade? I enjoyed being in high school. We had classes based on your ability/level of education, not just your grade level.

What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? I love living in the area. I know I wouldn’t move back east. It’s so nice to know you don’t have to fight traffic. There is only one stoplight in the whole county!

 

And now a few words from the staff and students that work with Donna…

“Donna is always friendly.  She greets everyone in the hallways every morning. She also does a wonderful job assisting our students at recess and lunch.  You can tell she is a happy person who loves kids.” “She has a voice like no other....” “I see Donna as "Mom" and "Grandma" for every student here at CG!!!!  She truly cares for the kids and understands the challenges faced by many of them. She always takes time to say hi and visit.  She brings a sense of humor to the students and staff.  She would walk a mile for any of us!!! A spotlight feature well deserved!” “She is uplifting and a great team player and always will to help.” “There’s nothing like starting my day out with Donna’s ‘Good Mownin!’ It makes me smile every time.” “Donna is full of compliments and sure spreads the cheer in the hallways.” “Donna is always willing help out with anything!” “Donna has been an incredible asset in the winter clothing drive! I am very appreciative of her help and her concern over our students staying safe and warm.” “Donna is very helpful in the mornings to make sure everybody is walking nice and she always says ‘Good Morning’. She is very kind to everybody.”