Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

12/21/04

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School Board of Directors Recognize
Sandy Peace, Ilalko Elementary School Library Para

On Monday, December 13, the Auburn School Board of Directors recognized Sandy Peace, Ilalko Elementary School library para-educator, for her excellent service to public schools. Ms. Peace’s involvement with Ilalko Elementary began several years before she became the library para-educator. When her two sons, Jack, 16, and Dan, 14, were Ilalko students, she held several PTA officer positions including that of president. She also volunteered in both sons’ classrooms every week for the entire time they were elementary students. Ms. Peace is currently a PTA member at Ilalko Elementary School and Mt. Baker Middle School. She has also sesrved on various district committees including two Ad Hoc Committees and three boundary committees. She even manages to still find time to enjoy camping and boating with her husband, Dave, and the boys. “When both my sons attended Ilalko, I discovered that Ilalko provided an excellent learning environment. As a staff member, I appreciate the enthusiasm of the learners and the support we are given by their parents,” says Ms. Peace. Prior to being the library para-educator two years ago, she was a para-educator in the school’s reading program for two years as well as a substitute at Ilalko and other district elementaries. “I was thrilled when the position in the Ilalko library became available. In the library, we have the unique opportunity to be able to interact with all the children in the school. Maurene Stapel, the librarian, and I complement each other so well because we both feel that providing resources and reading encouragement to students is very important.” Ms. Stapel remarked, “I couldn’t ask for a better ‘other half’ in the library. Our partnership was instantaneous and is strengthened each day as she shares her experience, knowledge, and good humor with me!”

For more information, contact Superintendent Linda Cowan at (253) 931-4914.