THE GRINSTEAD FAMILY

AWARD

So, I was nominated and won an award. I. I attended a banquet that honored me, retirees of the CF district and some others. Here is a copy of the amazing speech that Jim Young, the teacher I work with every single day, gave. I was moved to tears and had to share the nice things my friend had to say about me.



Maggie Grinstead
CFEA Education Support Professional Award
April 15, 2011

I am privileged tonight to honor Maggie Grinstead as our CFEA Education Support Professional for 2011. I knew from the first week of school that I’d nominate Maggie for her work, and every day since, my students and I continue to be blessed by her presence in our classroom.

I tried to write about Maggie in a regular type of speech, but it was getting too wordy.. (who would ever guess that from me? )) so finally I came up with the idea to come up with an alphabet list to describe Maggie. (which is still probably too wordy.)

A- advocating for children is her number one priority. She is looking for accommodations that will allow students to show what they know and build their skills.

B- Busy.. she likes to have things to do.

C – caring and compassionate; the kids know that Maggie is a person they can go to for help, she will answer their questions, give a well-deserved compliment, and always a friendly smile.

D – doer .. she is always willing to do something to help anyone out. She is dedicated to doing her very best!

E – extraordinary and exemplary in every way!

F- family is very important to her. She’s a great mom. She and her husband Scott have two kids - Jacob and Allie; Maggie is close to her parents, sisters and brother, and her broader family.

G – goals for her students –she comes up with modifications and accommodations to meet their academic, social, and behavioral goals and needs

H –heat.. something she’s not had much in my classroom.. it is always cold.. this winter she’s usually had several layers on and even her cuddle duds..

I – intuitive .. impressive, and takes initiative,

J- jobs around the school.. she is willing to help out other paras and do things for others.. if something needs to be done, she can do it

K – kid oriented: She will often say, “This is what I would want for my son and daughter.”

L –love you.. this is a daily ritual her kids have as they leave to go to the playground.. However, Maggie and I have learned to be careful about our conversations being taken out of context…we were walking down the hall one day, Maggie was telling me the story about catching her son Jacob running in the hall.. when he saw her, he said “love you” thinking that would be a way to soften her reminder of school rules.. Well … another associate heard the “Love you” part of that story.. she came to Maggie to ask what was the reason she said “love you” to me!

M – mentor to other ESPs in our building- She has helped compile a check list of items to go over with new staff members regarding the contract, a tour of the building, how to access email , and to make sure that they feel welcome and knowledgeable about their new position. Their hope in turn, is to have less turnover and better morale among the paraeducators at Hansen. She serves as a familiar face to go to with questions and concerns.

N – neat and organized.., she has put up with my messy desk and piles.. at times it is my sense of organization..

0 –observant of students – she keeps an eye on every student and notices things that help explain changes in students’ behaviors. Her observations are perfect in gathering data for IEP and GEI students…. She’s great about giving those “I noticed” compliments to the students too!

P – PTA –she has done a lot for Hansen’s PTA as carnival co- chair, secretary, the fundraising queen for our school playground; talent show committee, the giving tree, and she’s a fantastic room mom according to Laurie Wyckoff.

Q – quiet and unassuming.. she doesn’t like fussing about her

R – Robert – a young man that she’s worked with now for several years; she’s watched him grow in his skills, shared in his humor, tolerates his changing moods, but most important… he knows he always has her!

S – Shawtez – another young man she supports; she is always trying to teach him manners and encouraging him to make good choices; a real tribute to what she’s done for him.. he’s asked her if she could be his mom.. I owe her some adult beverages!

T – treats.. Maggie is a great cook.. She is always baking and making goodies for staff gatherings. the recipe is usually posted on email soon afterwards.

U – understanding of the role of the Association. Her mom has been a member of the “union” in her hometown. Maggie remembers growing up and seeing her mom be part of the negotiations team. Maggie is the CFESP treasurer – it is what she can do right now as busy as she is with her kids and other activities.

V – valued volunteer

W – Wonderful; willing to do whatever .. she’s done all the putzy tasks for my grade level and me like counting out lots of print orders, filing, taking notes, googling information for me while we’re discussing things in class.. and a zillion other things

XYZ.. like etc.. there is so much more about Maggie I could share.

Maggie, I respect the work you do.. You are truly an extraordinary and exceptional professional. I have tried to make sure I’ve said thank you every day for everything you’ve done for my students and me.

Tonight, with great appreciation for your contributions to our school and the lives of children, CFEA is honored to present you with the 2011 CFEA Education Support Professional Award!