Fletcher paraprofessionals make a daily difference
Sarah Mudge, who has spent all 21 of her years with Jamestown Public Schools at Fletcher Elementary School, supports students during classroom learning. “The thing I enjoy most about working with students is building rapport and connections with them, while celebrating their successes,” she said.
Fletcher Elementary School paraprofessional Angel Phanco works with a kindergarten student. “Sometimes the most important thing I can do is simply be there, listen, and remind a student that they can do it,” she said.
Sarah Mudge, who has spent all 21 of her years with Jamestown Public Schools at Fletcher Elementary School, supports students during classroom learning. “The thing I enjoy most about working with students is building rapport and connections with them, while celebrating their successes,” she said.
Fletcher Elementary School paraprofessional Angel Phanco works with a kindergarten student. “Sometimes the most important thing I can do is simply be there, listen, and remind a student that they can do it,” she said.
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For Angel Phanco, it can be a child's proud declaration: "I did it!"
For Sarah Mudge, it can be a former student returning for a visit and a hug -- or becoming a colleague.
These moments help illustrate the lasting impact of paraprofessionals at Fletcher Elementary School, where their work supports students throughout the school day. As Fletcher Principal Amanda Sischo noted, "Our building could not run without the dedication of our paraprofessionals."
"From welcoming students at drop-off to supporting classroom learning and keeping our cafeteria safe and welcoming, Fletcher's paraprofessionals bring dedication and care to everything they do. We are so grateful for their work," she said.
"Our paraprofessionals take the time to get to know our students and understand what helps them succeed," said Megan Brown, Fletcher's assistant principal. "Whether they're helping a child work through a challenge or encouraging them to try something on their own, they build relationships that help our students feel supported and grow more confident."
Phanco and Mudge bring different levels of experience to their work, but share a commitment to building relationships and helping students succeed. Their roles require patience, flexibility and close collaboration with teachers and staff.
"Sometimes the most important thing I can do is simply be there, listen, and remind a student that they can do it," Phanco said.
Phanco has worked in Jamestown Public Schools for two years, including one year at Fletcher. She primarily supports kindergarten, but works with students from UPK through fourth grade, stepping into different classrooms wherever help is needed.
Her decision to become a paraprofessional grew from a passion for working with children and helping them grow.
"I love being able to make a difference in a child's day, whether it is helping them learn a new skill, encouraging them when something feels difficult, or simply being someone they can count on," Phanco said.
That support takes many forms. A typical day might include helping students academically, guiding them through routines and transitions, supporting their social-emotional needs and working alongside teachers. As students' needs change, so does the work.
"Teamwork is a huge part of being a paraprofessional," Phanco said. "I work closely with teachers and staff by communicating, listening to their needs, sharing observations, and being willing to step in wherever I can help."
For Mudge, that willingness to adapt has been a constant throughout 21 years with JPS, all spent at Fletcher.
She initially pursued the role as a single parent looking for a work schedule that aligned with her school-aged son's. Having worked with children outside a public school setting, she saw the opportunity as a new beginning.
"I thought it would be an exciting new chapter in my life, and it did not disappoint!" Mudge said.
This year, Mudge primarily supports third grade, though her responsibilities can take her elsewhere in the building. She helps cover for teachers, fellow paraprofessionals and, when needed, secretarial staff.
"A typical day for me isn't very typical, and is different each and every day," Mudge said. "I enjoy challenges as well as learning and doing new things."
She describes flexibility, reliability and friendliness as essential to working with colleagues and keeping the school day running smoothly. But the connections with students are what make the work especially meaningful.
"The thing I enjoy most about working with students is building rapport and connections with them, while celebrating their successes," Mudge said. "My all-time favorite moments are when former students come back to visit with me or give me a hug!"
One connection has come full circle.
"I also work with a former Fletcher Falcon now, which is all the proof I need to tell me that my work matters," she said.
For Phanco, the daily victories can be just as powerful: a student gaining confidence, making a friend or accomplishing something that once seemed out of reach.
"Some of my favorite moments are actually the smallest ones -- a child who walks in with a smile because they are excited to see you, a student who finally accomplishes something they have been working hard on, or a child who looks at you with pride and says, 'I did it!'" Phanco said.
Those experiences reflect a larger purpose shared by Fletcher's paraprofessional team.
"We celebrate the little victories, we help students through the difficult moments, and we build relationships that help children feel like they belong," Phanco said.
Both encourage others who enjoy working with children to consider becoming a paraprofessional, while acknowledging the patience and commitment the role requires.
"You may not always realize the impact you are having in the moment, but the relationships you build with students can stay with them -- and with you -- for years," Phanco said.
After more than two decades at Fletcher, Mudge offered a similar message.
"The advice I would give to someone considering work as a paraprofessional is that although our work is busy, and occasionally hard, it is always very rewarding," she said.
Jamestown Public Schools is always seeking paraprofessionals and accepts applications on a rolling basis. Interested in becoming a paraprofessional? Visit jpsny.org/jobs to apply or call (716) 483-4346 for more information.