George W. Gibbs, Jr Elementary Independent Schoo! District #535, 5525 56th Street NW + Rochester, Minnesota 55801 Telephone (507) 328-4100 Sane 5, 2011 To whom it may concem, Joanna Vaughan worked as a paraprofessional in my Kindergarten classroom for most of our school year. During this time, she efficiently completed the wide array of tasks that are essential to assuring the classroom is run effectively. Joanna helped to prepare classroom materials including laminating, labeling, preparing intervention activities, and compiling student information, She showed strong knowledge of technology in that she was able to take attendance using our Skyward system, enter student names and data into a Microsoft Exeel Spreadsheet, and supervise groups of students in the computer lab. Joanna also worked with a diverse group of kindergartners and performed activities including: conducting assessments in reading and math, organizing intervention groups to practice skills that students were struggling with, and ‘managing students in small group activities. Joanna arrived promptly, ready to complete whatever tasks I needed done each day. She was able to complete the tasks in a timely fashion and with little guidance. Joanna was able to take action ‘when she saw situations that needed support which frequently happens in the Kindergarten classroom! She professionally gave suggestions that would allow for student success. Joanna was able to manage groups of students and create positive relationships with students of various backgrounds and needs. My students are alway’ eager to see Joanna and area eager to work with her! Joanna is the first adult my students see each morning and she always starts their day off with a cheerful greeting, Joanna’s positive attitude, calm demeanor, and work ethic helped to foster a positive sense of community and make the needs of the classroom less stressful for me. Joanna is able to work well with my students with any task is needed. Due to her technology skills, her ability to quickly and effectively manage tasks, and her skills of managing children, she is also sought after by my colleagues. Joanna always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude even when she has put in a long day or had a hectic schedule, Joanna has formed long lasting relationships with myself, my colleagues, and my students. She will be greatly missed! I strongly recommend Joanna Vaughn for the position that she is seeking, I believe you will find her to be a professional, hard-working, contributing team member! Sincerely, Vaden uh Katherine Heil Kindergarten Teacher Gibbs Elementary School ‘An Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer