The strength of Parsons USD 503 public schools lies in the dedicated individuals who serve our students and community each day.
While classrooms are often the most visible part of education, the district’s success is made possible by a broad team of professionals whose work supports learning in countless ways.
Our educational support staff—including food service workers, custodians, maintenance personnel, paraprofessionals, Title staff, bus drivers, nurses, clerical and secretarial professionals, information technology (IT) personnel, school resource officers, counselors, district office staff, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and many others—play an essential role in creating safe, welcoming, and effective learning environments. Through their expertise, reliability, and commitment to students, they help ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Much of this important work happens behind the scenes and often without public recognition. However, these contributions are vital to the district’s mission and to the daily operations of our schools.
To honor and celebrate the meaningful impact of these team members, Parsons USD 503 has established the “You Make a Difference” Award. Each month, nominations will be accepted to recognize two outstanding educational support staff members whose service and dedication exemplify excellence. Nominations may be submitted by any district employee, ensuring that colleagues across all roles have the opportunity to highlight those who make a difference every day.
The March recipients of this award are Parsons High School Paraeducator Brenda Jones and Lincoln/Parsons Middle School Food Service worker Cheryl McClenning.
Jones was nominated by PHS Science Teacher Paul Duroni, who had this to say about her:
“Brenda is a veteran educator here at PHS, and has been helping students succeed for decades. She works with all kinds of students at all levels, and has been primarily utilized in the science department. She incentivizes certain assignments and motivates her students to achieve beyond what they feel like they can achieve. Her dedication and professionalism have helped maintain the high standards that we have in the science department here at Parsons High School.”
McClenning was nominated by USD 503 Food Service Director Marla Kirkpatrick, who offered these thoughts about McClenning:
"Cheryl is a dependable, hard worker, and good with the kids at Lincoln. She goes above and beyond to make sure the kids have what they need. She always has a smile and a hug for the kids that need it.”
We congratulate these two ladies for their commitment to excellence that truly embodies the core values of Parsons USD 503. They exemplify what it means to be a team member.