Mrs. Layman is an integral part of our school. She is a warm smile in the morning, a kind word at the lunch register, and is always available to help out a student in any way.
Who is your most memorable student and why
Jacob Sweazy - He attended our afterschool programs in elementary as a little boy and I worked in Special Ed with him until he graduated in 2010. He built me a birdhouse in woodshop, just because. I still have it.
- How long have you worked at White Pass?
I started working at White Pass School District in 1999
- What college did you attend?
I did not attend college. I am just a high school graduate from James Madison High School in San Diego., California
- What do you value most?
I value my faith in Jesus, my family ( 3 kids and 3 granddaughters), my friendships ( lots of great people I work with), and my husband
- What is your best memory at White Pass
I have so many memories! I love laughing and we have laughed till we have cried. So many students who have made an impact on my heart!
- Why/how did you become a para
I ran a licensed daycare for 12 years so I could stay home with my kids. When my last daycare baby started kindergarten(Nancy Flecha), I started as a para in Special Ed in the elementary school. I got bumped from my position at Randle Elementary and had to work at Packwood Elementary as a para. I made so many friendships in both schools and it prepared me for my next position with the school district.
- How long have you been a para
I have been a para for 23 years. It's the longest I have ever stayed with a job.
- What is the best part of your job
The best part of my job is the last week before school gets out. The seniors put on their caps and gowns and take their walk over to the elementary. We congratulate them and take pictures with them. It is the proudest moment in this job!
- What are the difference rolls you’ve had at White Pass
I have had many roles at White Pass. I started as a sub and then went to being a para for a one-on-one student in Special Ed at Randle Elementary. I got bumped from that position and went to Packwood Elementary as a para there. A new grant was written for 21st Century Afterschool Programs for White Pass School District. I interviewed for the position and coordinated afterschool programs for the 3 elementary schools and high schools in our district. We had 6 on our team and we also provided summer programs and brought Missoula Children's Theater each summer to put on productions with our students for the community. I did that job for 12 years until the funding ran out. I also helped coordinate The Discovery Team for the school district. I have been helping with that program for 16 years. I worked for another grant, called Readiness to Learn, where we helped students with school supplies and held Strengthening Families classes in the evenings. In 2010 all the grant funding ran out and I returned to being a para in Special Ed in the high school. I have been working there for 12 years now.
- What is the funniest thing that has happened since you’ve worked here
I have been so blessed to work with the funniest people. I love the staff and students that I work with. We laugh all the time and that's what makes the best memories!