Mmmmm … what’s that delightful scent wafting down the hall? It must be muffin Friday, with goodies coming out of the oven in High School room 108, under the leadership of Teaching Assistant Kristine Trevett-Jones! She is today’s honoree for Education Support Professionals Week.
“The most unique thing I do is spearhead the cooking lessons for our students,” Kristine says. “For the past two and a half years, we have been making muffins from scratch for students to sell on the Coffee Cart on Fridays. It is an activity that most of them really enjoy.” And with flavors like strawberry cheesecake, double chocolate chip, and today’s mouth-watering pumpkin crumb, most of the office staff really enjoy muffin Fridays too!
Mrs. Trevett-Jones has been a Teaching Assistant at the High School for the past 9 years in an exceptional learner classroom. This is her 16th year with the district. “I started as an aide in a Kindergarten class at Sanford Street in 2009,” she notes. “I have worked at the elementary, middle, and high school level in my years here.” Every day, she collaborates with teachers and other staff members to provide both educational and emotional support to the students in her class.
“Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Kristine speaks immediately about her kindness,” says principal Kevin Warren. “Her patience is endless, and she always talks softly and nicely to every student she works with. She always jumps in to help around the High School, whether that’s covering the front desk during her free periods or filling in for a long-term teaching absence. She makes GF Nation a better place!”
“The most rewarding part of my job is feeling that I make a difference in students’ lives,” Kristine says. “The students in this program are here for several years so I really form bonds with them. I appreciate that I am a trusted, calm and stable adult in their lives.”
She says she’s always learning something new with the students, and sometimes it’s the students teaching her! “When I first started, I remember the kindergarteners knew more about how to use a Smartboard than I did,” Kristine recalls. And as education evolves, she adapts her methods and strategies to help students meet their full potential.
Mrs. Trevett-Jones graduated from Hudson Falls in 1987, and then from SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in Psychology. She worked for several years at CWI before taking time off to raise her daughter and son. When she re-entered the workforce, she was a preschool teacher for 5 years until starting her career here. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Throughout the week, Nov. 18-22, we are highlighting our “school superheroes” whose various careers touch the lives of our students and pave the way for success! Education Support Professionals—our teacher aides, teaching assistants, secretaries, custodians, and many other team members—play a crucial role in every school building, every day. Check back every day this week to read about our superhero team members who are being honored during ESP Week 2024!