CA PRIDE - ADELINA VAIRO

I first met Adelina Vairo when she enrolled her older son in our preschool. She quickly became an active parent volunteer who preferred doing more of the behind the scenes projects. One of our former teachers, Mrs. Morgan, depended on her to help create an annual display long after her children were not in her class. As you might expect it was not long until teachers began suggesting that Mrs. Vairo become a substitute teacher. She rapidly became a favorite sub because the teachers knew that she would do a great job teaching the plans they had left for their class.

When I added a teaching assistant position for second grade in 2007, teachers immediately told me that Mrs. Vairo was the best person for the job. I was certainly pleased when she readily agreed to become a member of our staff. In addition to assisting in the second grade classroom during language arts and math instruction, Mrs. Vairo is the technology instructor for second grade in the computer lab. She is enjoying helping our students explore and use new technology resources this year.

Mrs. Vairo is a quiet, calm presence in the classroom. She is a careful listener and observer of all the activity among her students . This is important, of course, so that our second grade students get extra assistance when needed to master skills and to be guided to stay on task. But it is also very important when a child is just not quite him or herself or there is a social disagreement among students. Mrs. Vairo supervises second grade lunch daily and gets to know her second grade students very well. She is likely the first one to notice when something is not quite right with a child whether it due to not feeling well or having a problem with a friend. I greatly value Mrs. Vairo's perspective and observations when I need to talk with second grade students about a problem.

Our second grade students could not have a better role model for their approach to doing their school work and being good school citizens. Each day they see Mrs. Vairo carrying out her tasks conscientiously and effectively. She is well organized and helps them become better organized. She is helpful and kind. Her words of encouragement and support mean a lot when a child needs it the most. And, of course, when they are successful, she is quick with a smile and a word of praise. Now that is what I call fostering a love of learning.