February Spotlight on Support Staff

February Spotlight

 on Support Staff: 

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. ~Harry S. Truman

 

Jennifer Mathison is in her second year back  as a paraprofessional at Clearbrook-Gonvick Public school. She and her husband, Lyle,  have two children: Brennan (6) and Isabelle (4). Jennifer grew up in Clearbrook and attended the Clearbrook-Gonvick School beginning in kindergarten until graduating from High School in 2003.

She began volunteering in class when her youngest siblings, Erick and Emily, were in early elementary school. They had the same teachers that Jennifer had when she was their age. Mrs. Nielsen and Mrs. Nordlund suggested that she become a para at the school. She subbed and eventually took a full time para position here until she and her husband were married and relocated for his job.

 

Why did you choose to work at a school?  I think that education is important and I want to help the students become successful.

What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick?  I stayed at home with my children. I also graduated from NTC in Bemidji with a Certificate to be a Community Health Worker. 

What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick? I love the people here! The students are great and my coworkers are amazing. 

What is the biggest challenge of your job? The biggest challenge is watching the students repeat my mistakes! I definitely felt like I needed to apologize to all of my former teachers for all the time I spent talking in class! 

If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why?  I’d love to be a Nature/ Wildlife Photographer who traveled around the United States.

What do you do when you are not working at the school? If I’m not at work, I am spending time with my family. We enjoy spending time outside, going to the movies, visiting the library, and swimming. This year, I have had so much fun with my Mom, Dad, and my sisters traveling around to cheer on Erick and the boys while  playing their final year of football and basketball 

February is kindness month. What is something you do to achieve the “Kindness Challenge” during this month? I’ve been saying hello to new people at school every day.

What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? The Clearbrook- Gonvick Community has always been “home” to me. The people in this community are welcoming, kind, and supportive. I loved growing up going to different events. I am lucky to be able to now bring my children to experience the outpouring of community spirit. We look forward to going to Pumpkin Days and Santa Claus Day every year. 

 

And now a few words about Jennifer from the people that would with her...

“I had the privilege of having Jenny in my room last year.  She developed positive relationships with all of our students.  She truly cares for all! Thank you for being a part of our district, Jenny!” “I  would say that Jenny always has a positive attitude. I always run into her in the hallways and she seems like she loves her job.” “It is great to have Jennifer at Clearbrook-Gonvick! She is always pleasant to be around and willing to help students or teachers with whatever they need.” “Jenny is a kind and sweet person, she is great with the students and also a wonderful asset to our school! :)” “I got to know Jennifer last year, she greeted me at the end of each day as I brought my students to the bus!” “I always looked forward to seeing her rays of sunshine - her warm smile and happy heart always had something positive to say.  She extended her friendship to me as a newcomer and took time to visit with me. She is dedicated to bringing out the best in people, whether it is her students or her fellow staff members! She is very much a role model of what I think is true and sincere kindness and what a gift she is to our school!” “She always has a smile on her face and greets you in the hallway. She throws out positive vibes and I really enjoy working with her.” “Jenny is a day brightener with her waves and smiles every time I see her! You can see how much she loves working with the students in the way she communicates with them. She shows a genuine interest in everything they have to say. She is always upbeat and filled with laughter! Such a fun person!” “Jenny is always smiling when you see her in the halls.  She is warm and caring towards staff and students alike. Her heart is in the job and it is easy to see she how much she loves the kids & they love her.”