SchoolTalk
FPS e-Newsletter Special Edition
- SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR -
Jefferson Elementary School Administrative Assistant Sarrah Gustafson has been named the 2024 Fargo Public Schools Support Staff of the Year. FPS Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi made the surprise announcement today at Jefferson during an all school assembly.
Gustafson is described as “the face of Jefferson.” She is the first person that each student, staff, parent, or community member sees when they enter the school. And she greets every person who enters the building with a smile and is helpful and kind.
Her nominators say she is selfless, putting others before herself at all times, and willing to help whenever she can. She cares deeply about all members of the staff, often asking coworkers about their day and how she can help when she notices they are stressed or in need of assistance. She is quick to offer words of encouragement or provide any other support to staff who may need it. “She wants everyone to be their best so that the kids can be their best and the school as a whole can function as a team,” a colleague said.
Gustafson is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure Jefferson’s students know she cares. Once, when a student ripped a beloved sweatshirt that they wore nearly every day, she offered to take it home and sew it herself. She wears many hats throughout the school, happily stepping in wherever she is needed. She is known to cover for coworkers when they are out, taking on their workload to ensure Jefferson operates efficiently.
Gustafson began as the administrative assistant at Jefferson in 2021 and previously worked for Fargo Public Schools as a health aide at Washington Elementary School from 2020-21. She worked outside of education prior to starting with FPS. Gustafson holds an associate degree in health sciences nursing/surgical technology from Rasmussen College.
Gustafson follows Arati Heath, administrative assistant for the English Learner and Summer School programs at Agassiz, as the Support Staff of the Year honoree. The Fargo Public Schools Support Staff of the Year award has been presented within the District since 2014. The honor is an award regularly bestowed as part of the District’s annual Staff Recognition Program. The District also annually recognizes a Teacher of the Year and an Administrator of the Year.
Fargo Public Schools - SchoolTalk
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