Superintendent of Schools Joseph Erardi, Jr, announced during the Board of Education's meeting on Tuesday, June 3, that Marlene Bucci, a paraprofessional at Middle Gate Elementary School, has been chosen as the district's 2014-15 Paraprofessional of the Year.

Mrs Bucci is now a nominee for the 2015 State of Connecticut Paraprofessional of the Year with the Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council.

"It is a great honor to be recognized by the Newtown Public Schools as the Paraprofessional of the Year and to represent Newtown as the nominee for the State of Connecticut 2015 Anne Marie Murphy Paraprofessional of the Year Award," Mrs Bucci said this week. "My contribution is a small part of a collaborative effort put forth by all my colleagues to ensure the success of the students within the school system."

In a press release issued last week, Dr Erardi wrote, "Mrs Bucci has worked for the Newtown Public Schools as a paraprofessional since January 17, 2006 at Middle Gate Elementary School. Her assignment has been as a kindergarten paraprofessional. Mrs Bucci has consistently demonstrated her dedication and leadership to her position, school and district.

"In addition to assisting with lessons, small group instruction and individual student needs, [Mrs Bucci] is also an integral member of the school's Emergency Response Team, an active member of the district's security committee and also Newtown Educational Assistants Association Union President," Dr Erardi continued.

Mrs Bucci thanked Dr Erardi, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Linda Gejda, Newtown's Director of Pupil Services Julie Haggard, and Middle Gate Principal Chris Geissler for the honor and their support.

Mr Geissler said Mrs Bucci is a "key contributor" in the building who also fulfills roles across the school district.

"I'm delighted that [Mrs Bucci's] contributions are being recognized in this manner," said Mr Geissler. "We're fortunate to have a number of very skilled paraeducators in the district and [Mrs Bucci's] leadership stood out to me."

At June 3 school board meeting, Dr Erardi also announced that Mrs Bucci will be honored for her accomplishment at the school board's first meeting in September.