Middletown’s Ms. Kelli Is The Kind Of Educator Every Kid Deserves

Middletown, NJ — Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Middletown is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.

From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schools. To recognize their many contributions — big and small — Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to salute the unsung heroes of back-to-school.

This submission comes from Michelle Czlapinski, who nominated Kelli Harris of Ocean Avenue School.

What is the school hero’s name?

Kelli Harris

Where does this school hero work?

Ocean Avenue School

Please describe why this individual is a hero at your school.

Ms. Kelli is a paraprofessional at our school. She routinely gets the most emotionally fragile students we have. She forges a close bond with these students and sonetimes is the only person in the building who can comfort them. She's able to bring them back to a calm, regulated state so they are available to learn. Ms. Kelli goes above aand beyond in the classroom as well. She is always asking how she can help and diligently completes any tasks given to her. She is the hardest worker also. She works three jobs and not once has she let anyone see how tired she must be. All the students love her, even the students she doesn't work with. She is always smiling and brings a positive vobe to our room every day. I couldn't ask for a better paraprofessional.

How do you know the school hero you’re nominating?

I'm a classroom teacher.

What should your community know about this person?

Ms. Kelli is the most hard-working, helpful paraprofessional. She forms warm connections with students and staff. She is kind, caring and patient with the students she is assigned to. She goes out of her way to make sure everyone is available to learn. The kids flock to her whether she works with them or not. She always asks what she can do to help out the teachers, on top of her own duties. She supports everyone. Ms. Kelli brings warmth and positivity to our classroom everyday.

What three words best describe the school hero?

Kind, diligent, patience

If you know a school hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

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