Alyssa Stark, Green Acres Elementary

“Alyssa works in our Life Skills Unit here at Green Acres Elementary. Her classroom is a short distance from mine. I hear her speak to these precious children everyday in such a calm and loving way. I see her interact with them throughout the day and can only say I am extremely impressed with her patience as they run out to f the classroom, scream at the top of their lungs and for certain try her patience! They hit her in the back of the head, spit on her, have ripped several of her shirts, pulled her hair, and even thrown things that have hit her. She never raises her voice or says unkind words to them. She waits it out while encouraging positive behavior! She is known to be seen walking the halls with them as they require a break. She takes them by the hand and gently and slowly walks with them. She has also been seen sitting next to them on the floor while they have a complete melt down waiting for it to subside!
Alyssa has been one of the only aides in this unit to stick with these difficult children over the past four years. They have had a new head teachef each year for the last four years. The turn over is ridiculous. It’s too hard for most!! She runs the class when needed with great organizational skills and takes a day off! She is genuinely concerned for the well being of every child in her class and is an incredible advocate for their individual needs!
I just can’t say enough good about this woman! She is one in a million! The kids love her and they know she loves them.
They ask for her often and are always happy to see her! She deserves to be recognized for the difference she is making in our school and in the lives of these difficult but precious children! I’m a better person by witnessing her wonderful example!”

Submitted by: Lisa DeFriez

“Alyssa is the most patient, kind teacher. She works in the behavioral unit and not many could do what she does. She truly loves the kids in her class. She never gets upset after continual hitting, biting, spitting, kicking toward her. She goes to work even with constant migraines. She knows she needs to be there for the kids. I hope she can be honored as she deserves. Her unit has a high teacher turn over rate, but she is sticking through it all. The way she gets down to the kids level and takes them by the hand. You can see the true compassion in her and the way she treats each student. We need more teachers like her.”

Submitted by: Amee

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