Mai Fairchild, a dedicated lunchroom para at Oak Street Elementary School, plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and positive lunchtime experience for students. With her warm smile and unwavering commitment to the well-being of children, Mai coordinates the traffic flow and provides behavioral supervision during mealtimes while building positive relationships with students each and everyday. Her drive for the work stems from her commitment to keep making a positive impact on students' lives. "It's like a family here," she says. "All the staff are supportive both inside and outside of the school walls. It's a real community." Mai's dedication and enthusiasm are evident in her interactions with students, as she helps them navigate the lunchroom and encourages them to behave respectfully and with kindness towards each other.
In August, Fairchild began her third school year working for USD 265, but her journey within the District started years ago in 2015 when her oldest son was a student at Oak Street. “There was a family culture there right from the beginning, and I’m happy to be a part of it now,” shared Mai. Her positive attitude and strategies supervising the cafeteria over the lunch hours do not go unnoticed, by students and staff both. “She’s always helpful and happy! She helps us by having learning games at lunch, and always asks us how our days are going because she cares,” commented Harrison Howard, Third Grader at Oak Street. “When we’re talking, she respects us. When we’re sad, she wants to know why and help make us happy again,” said Annabeth Ross, a peer of Howard. “She’s just the best lunchroom para! The students love her positive attitude,” included Ashley Miller, Oak Street Principal.
Mai is supported, in part, during the lunchtime hours by Marge Paolucci, a dedicated member of the USD 265 Nutrition Services staff. Marge takes great pride in preparing and serving nutritious meals to Oak Street students every day. Her commitment to providing quality food and exceptional service is evident in her work. "Marge is the ideal employee!" noted Carol Edmisten, Oak Street Kitchen Manager. "She's organized, strategic, and her kindness and care for the students soars and is apparent each and every day." Marge's dedication to her role is a testament to the positive impact she has on Oak Street students, staff and families.
It’s no small feat coordinating the flow of approximately 300 children both in and then out of the cafeteria at Oak Street, in a way that best serves the needs of ALL students. Getting them through the lunch line in a positive and organized fashion, while juggling food inventory and clean dishes stock, isn’t as simple as it might sound. “The logistics that it takes to make this all run smoothly, there’s a lot behind the scenes that you might not think of - practices that are in place to benefit the students and their mealtime routines,” noted Paolucci. “I just love working to serve these students, and making sure they have the fuel they need to conquer their days!”
Together, Mai and Marge form an invaluable team that, together, help ensure the lunchroom at Oak Street Elementary School is a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable space for students. Their commitment to their work is a shining example of the dedication and drive that make Goddard Public Schools a special place for children to learn and grow. A positive attitude can make all the difference in a student’s day, and this amazing duo ensures that they continue to provide that caring and connected environment each and every day.