Carol Holt Elementary paraprofessional named November Heartbeat Winner
[November 7, 2008]
John Garcia of Carol Holt Elementary School was named the November 2008 recipient of the MISD Heartbeat Award. District Superintendent District Superintendent Vernon Newsom, along with a few other campus personnel, surprised John with a presentation held outside the special needs aid's classroom.
John Garcia started the 2008-2009 school year as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Carol Holt Elementary. But, after the school year began, he received a different assignment to help a special needs student at Cora Spencer Elementary, who would soon be attending Carol Holt Elementary. For weeks he worked with the student, always smiling, his patience and caring was obvious. He created a wonderful bond with the student who had no communications skills. Living in his own world, the student truly needed help communicating with everyone, and John was determined to help him.
The nominations submitted on behalf of John Garcia painted a picture of selfless giving. Mr. Garcia would take items home that needed repair, just so the student could continue to use them. He brought toys from home that were no longer used by his grandchildren. Day after day, John stuck with this student, trying many strategies and techniques without giving up. By the end of his time there, the student was able to sit in one place, listen, use some sign language, walk down the hall and attend to short tasks. To an outsider these may seem small, but to the staff and the student's parents the gains were huge. Through his hard work, determination and dedication the student made great progress.
John has endeared himself with the staff at Cora Spencer Elementary as well as those now that he is back at Carol Holt Elementary. In fact, Heartbeat nominations were received for John Garcia from both campuses.
When asked about the Heartbeat Award and the work he does for MISD, Garcia stated, “I am so surprised, this is great. I love working with special needs students. It is up to us to continue to reach out to them everyday.”
Garcia will be commended in an upcoming MISD School Board Regular Meeting.
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The Mansfield ISD Heartbeat Team recognizes employees who display heart in their lives and inspires other district employees through their actions. Only district employees are able to nominate Heartbeat members. One winner is selected each month during the school year. Nominations are collected by the MISD Communications Department.
John Garcia of Carol Holt Elementary School was named the November 2008 recipient of the MISD Heartbeat Award. District Superintendent District Superintendent Vernon Newsom, along with a few other campus personnel, surprised John with a presentation held outside the special needs aid's classroom.