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Sunday, 03 May 2009 |
 by LESLIE MIELKE
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SHELLEY -- Paty Gil has been named Paraprofessional of the Year by the Idaho State Department of Education. Gil has worked the past 11 years at Hobbs Middle School in Shelley. She received $1,000 from this award April 16 in Boise.
Asked what she is going to do with her money, Gil said she is saving it for right now and will probably use some of it for supplies for the Hispanic Awareness Leadership Organization (HALO) at Shelley High School. Gil helps sponsor HALO at the high school.
Raised in a bi-lingual home, Gil worked as a court interpreter for four years before becoming involved in the school district. “It was a 24/7 job since I was called to interpret whenever needed,” Gil said.
“The money was really good,” she said, “but after I started raising my family, I wanted to spend more time with them.”
She began working in the Shelley School District as a parent volunteer in her daughter’s classroom and was encouraged to apply for a paraprofessional position.
“I love what I do,” Gil said. “I love working with the kids, the community and the parents.”
“It’s not ‘I have to be with these kids’ but ‘I get to be with them,’” Gil said.
Gil was nominated for this award by Sheri Schmitt, Shelley School District Federal Programs Director.
“I thought she stood out because she goes above and beyond,” Schmitt said. “Paty is our link to the Hispanic community.”
“She has a true love in her heart for Hispanic students and Hispanic culture,” Schmitt said.
Gil not only re-teaches skills and concepts to help students understand what is expected of them but also helps their parents, Schmitt said. She informs, translates and interprets for parents so they can better understand and be part of the school community.
Gil also helps students make the transition between middle school and high school for both students and parents, Schmitt said. “I don’t know what we would do without her.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 May 2009 )
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