Daniel Flores named 2015-2016 Paraeducator of the Year
By Editor at May 20, 2024 | 8:30 am | Print
With over 500 people in attendance during Public Recognition Night on May 9,
Sharon Beloin-Saavedra, president of the New Britain Board of Education, announced that Mr. Daniel Flores, Paraeducator at Pulaski Middle School, has been named the 2015-2016 Pareducator of the Year.
“As a parent of children with special needs and an 11-year member of the BOE, I have experienced firsthand the valuable contributions made to our school system and our children by paraeducators,” said Beloin-Saavedra. “Paras are the frontline support working directly with our neediest children in concert with our teachers to help special needs students to reach their full potential. On behalf of the BOE, I congratulate Mr. Flores on being named our Paraeducator of the Year and applaud his contributions to our students.”
Flores has been a paraeducator in the Consolidated School District of New Britain since 2010. In addition to Pulaski, he has also worked at Gaffney and Holmes Elementary Schools. His experience covers a wide area, including ELD students, special education and behavioral students, students with autism, multiple physical handicap, down-syndrome and more. Besides his duties in the classroom, he is the vice-president for Local Union 2047.
“This award means that the principles I stand by – ‘a commitment to excellence’ and ‘if you’re not moving then you’re not growing” - exemplifies my progress this school year,” said Flores. “Winning the award is prestigious. It demonstrates the level of dedication, commitment and due diligence I display on a daily basis in everything I do.”
Ms. Nancy Sarra, Superintendent of Schools, called Daniel a true professional and is grateful to have him as part of the Consolidated School District of New Britain.
“Daniel is someone who understands the importance of building the capacity of staff. He is committed to the New Britain students as well as the New Britain staff. He is a strong member of our CSDNB team.”
Ms. Wanda Lickwar, Principal of Pulaski Middle School, described Flores as one who goes above and beyond what is expected of him.
“Mr. Flores is a compassionate and dedicated professional who is passionate about working with children and has quickly become a vital member of the Pulaski family. He approaches the work day with enthusiasm and dedicates countless hours to our after school activities. Mr. Flores is flexible and is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. He understands adolescent children and supports students academically and emotionally. We are extremely fortunate to have him at our school!”
Dr. E. Ann Carabillo, Chief Academic Officer, said that it is no easy task narrowing down this award to just one person. However, the qualities that Flores possesses and displays each day made him an excellent choice for this award.
“Every year, it is a challenge to choose between the outstanding educators and paraeducators who have been honored by their peers to be New Britain’s Paraeducator of the Year. Mr. Flores is a compassionate professional who develops respectful and supportive relationships with students. He goes out of his way to ensure that students know there is always a caring adult who is willing to listen and help with challenges. On a daily basis, he demonstrates his dedication, pride and commitment to our students and community.”
Each principal selected a paraeducator to represent their school as Paraeducator of the Year, which is as follows: Daniel Michaud (Chamberlain); Lillian Polanco (DiLoreto); Marlaine Torres (Gaffney); Ivonne Febo (Holmes); Theresa Staranchak (Jefferson); Rosemary Cook (Lincoln); Jenny Jimenez-Sullivan (New Britain High School); Queen Newton (Northend); Alicia Henriquez Rosado (Slade); Vivian Gustafson (Smalley); Carmen Martinez (Smith); Janet Rivera (Vance).
