Shout Out to Education Support Professionals Districtwide!

🩵It's the final day of our Education Support Professionals Week celebration! Staff members submitted these photos and words of gratitude. Today, we're sharing appreciation from and for employees who work at more than one building or who aren't specific to one school. If you missed our posts on the past two days, we featured words of thanks for elementary, middle and high school support staff members. Thank you, ISD Education Support Professionals! 🏫

From Alaina Sivadasan, Executive Director of Equity, Belonging and Family Partnerships:
🔷 Family Partnership Liaisons (Wenli, Liliana, and Lina): Family partnership liaisons are the bridge-builders who connect families to our school community. Through their dedication, compassion, and cultural fluency, they transform barriers into gateways, ensuring every family—regardless of language or background—can fully participate in their child's educational journey. Their work doesn't just support students; it enriches our entire district by bringing diverse perspectives and traditions into our shared experience. In their hands, differences become strengths, and every family finds not just a voice, but a home within our schools.
🔷 Susie Yamane: Behind every smoothly running department is an administrative assistant whose dedication transforms chaos into harmony. Susie wears so many hats, is the solver of all the problems, and is the heart of our department. Without fail, she anticipates needs before they arise, creating order from disorder and doing it all with a grace that makes the impossible seem effortless. Her presence reminds us daily that true excellence isn't just about what gets done but how it touches everyone around them.
🔷 Nathalia Sanchez and Tina Weber (Voice mentor program specialists): Tina and Nathalia are simply amazing. They work tirelessly behind the scenes—listening deeply to each student's unique story, recognizing hidden talents, and carefully matching them with mentors who can nurture their specific gifts. Their dedication transforms the abstract concept of 'support' into personalized relationships that change lives. In their hands, the art of matchmaking becomes nothing less than the architecture of future success stories.
🔷 Stacey Slyke: With remarkable attention to detail and systemic thinking, Stacey transforms complex challenges into pathways of possibility. Her grace in navigating tough conversations creates space for honest dialogue when it matters most. Day after day, she weaves together the practical and the personal—organizing systems that function flawlessly while providing compassionate support that reaches families exactly where they need it. In her hands, our organization becomes more than a service; it becomes a safe place where families find both solutions and understanding.

From Stephanie King, Director of Special Services Specialized Programs:
🔷 “A huge thank you to the support professionals in Special Services! This amazing group of folks makes sure the department runs smoothly and on time. And all with positive, student-centered mindset. You all make the department a great place to work! Thank you!”

From Brian Olson, Director of Food Service:
🔷 “I can’t thank my whole team enough for the passion and dedication they display while providing upwards of 9,000 meals each school day in our district. Each member of the Food Service department works tirelessly to accommodate diverse dietary needs, maintain high standards of food safety, and create a positive, welcoming environment during meal service periods. Their dedication to supporting food security and adapting to challenges is essential in helping students thrive both academically and personally.”

From Coleen Xaudaro, Director of Transportation
🔷 “I want to take a moment during Education Support Professionals Week to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible team of school bus drivers, office staff, and mechanics. Each one of you plays a vital role in ensuring that our students have a safe, reliable, and supportive transportation experience. Our bus drivers navigate the roads with care, our office staff create a welcoming and organized environment, and our mechanics work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our buses running smoothly. Your dedication, professionalism, and hard work are truly appreciated. Thank you for everything you do to support our students and make our school community stronger!”

Thank you to all those who helped make our Education Support Professionals feel valued and appreciated this week! 🫶