Community Service Reflection

Ashley Stricherz

After a 20-hour layover in Shanghai, the last journey home to America became one filled

with a mixture of emotions. I knew I wanted to continue on the journey of working with

students. With several stepping stones in between, I became part of the McKinley Elementary

family and took on a role as a paraprofessional. In February of 2020, I accepted a position with

the Watertown School District at McKinley Elementary.

I was hired on as a special education paraprofessional. My schedule consists of working

with special needs children on an IEP. Throughout my time at McKinley, I’ve had several

opportunities to work with various ages of students. This year, I work more with the kindergarten

through second grade.

Throughout the day, I have several small groups assigned to me where I facilitate reading

lessons to improve their skill. I also have the privilege of teaching social skills to a couple groups

of kindergarteners and 2nd graders. There are also times where I work with students one-on-one

to enhance and develop their reading skills through a variety of methods. Not only do I meet with

small groups, but I also ensure the safety of students in the lunchroom and on the playground

during lunch recess.

While working in this position, I made significant gains in several areas. First, my desire

to be organized has been improved. With teaching several groups throughout the day, I have to

be organized. I make it a point to have my lessons clearly written out and placed in the same spot

every day for easy access. This is also important in case I would to ever need a sub at the last

minute.
 Second, I have grown in my ability to be able to read escalated situations. I am CPI

certified and now have tools in my toolbox that I can try to help calm a situation. This includes

asking questions and talking through the situation, offering arm squeezes, a sensory tool,

allowing the student to have some quiet time if needed, and taking students on a break.

Third, I have gained a tremendous amount of empathy for these kids. McKinley is

working towards becoming a trauma informed school. When I started, I didn’t really know the

ins and outs of trauma. I’m still learning and it’s a journey, but my understanding has expanded

and so has my heart for the students. I grew up in a very supportive family. Many of the students

at McKinley have experienced things that no child should ever have to worry about.

Finally, I have made tremendous improvement in my own confidence. One of my biggest

weaknesses is overthinking situations and dwelling on whether or not I did or said the right

thing. I’m learning to let go and am working on believing that it’s okay if I make mistakes. This

is how we learn and grow.

The blend of growth and improvement has furthered my development as an educator and

my desire to be the best I can be. These gains were made through observing the amazing staff

that I’ve worked through and learning from them. My goal in life is to love others and help

people. The staff at McKinley have been excellent examples and models in loving their students.

During one of our days of professional development, we heard from a former McKinley

student. He shared how he was the “problem child,” and he didn’t know how his teacher could

ever love him when he felt like no one else did. He was in first grade when he ended up moving

away. Later on in life he ran with the wrong crowd and got into trouble with the law. One more

incidence and he knew he would end up in jail. He was walking down the road late at night and
he was reminded of his first grade teacher at McKinley. Something that she had once spoken to

him came back to him in that moment. It completely turned his life around and was the

motivation he needed to get out of his situation. He now is back in Watertown serving with a

local ministry.

We don’t know the full impact we have on our students. Many times I ask the question if

I’m making a difference. But giving my all in kindness, love, and compassion in a world that

seems so dark might just be the light that someone needs.