Page 18 - Work Force June 2019

‘I love my students’: Dinner funds smiles for students
YONKERS — Fresh out of high school and taking a job as a teacher aide in the Yonkers Public Schools, Raena Krokos hadn’t heard of autism.
Fast forward 16 years and not only is Krokos a seasoned teacher aide whose career has been spent helping children with special needs, she’s also become a passionate advocate for autism awareness.
“I was super nervous when I was first hired,” said Krokos. “Now, I wouldn’t give it up for the world. I love my students. I love seeing their growth and adore just being around them.”
With her students in mind, Krokos approached her principal 10 years ago for permission to fundraise for
autism-related charities.
A decade later, she is the force
behind an annual school event at Westchester Hills School 29 held during April, Autism Awareness Month, that raises money for enrichment activities and other extras that enhance the school experience for students with special needs.
In April, Krokos and her team of volunteers held their 10th annual fundraising spaghetti dinner, an event that has grown each year. Among those supporting the event were State Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, whose district includes Yonkers; the superintendent of schools; members
CSEA members and community supporters help Raena Krokos organize a successful spaghetti dinner fundraiser that raises money to benefit programs for students with autism.
of the district’s Board of Trustees and several CSEA Yonkers School District Unit officers.
“We are able to bring the community together,” said Krokos. “Every year, I reach out to local businesses for support, and they’ve been wonderful making sure we have what we need.
The past
few years,
our Yonkers
firefighters
have been
cooking a
bunch of
food for the
fundraiser.”
a life skill. If I can teach a few people to see people with autism differently and just be more aware, then I’ve done my job.”
CSEA Yonkers School District Unit President Lionel Turner said the growth in this grassroots fundraising over the past decade reflects the
CALL FOR ENTRIES
DNadra Floyd Award for Organizing
o you know a CSEA member, into our union?
committee, local or unit Please read the nomination
that has worked to grow CSEA’s membership by helping CSEA organize a new group of workers
TMembership Achievement Award
he CSEA Membership shop fee payers into members in Achievement Award honors a the private sector.
CSEA member, group of members, committee, unit or local that has done the hard work of signing up newly-hired employees as CSEA members or converting agency
Please read the nomination guidelines found on the official nomination form on CSEA’s website at cseany.org.
Nominations for both awards must be submitted by Aug. 30, 2019, and mailed to:
CSEA Membership Committee
Nadra Floyd Award for Organizing or
c/o CSEA Organizing Department 143 Washington Avenue
Albany, N.Y. 12210
CSEA Membership Committee
Membership Achievement Award
c/o CSEA Organizing Department 143 Washington Avenue
Albany, N.Y. 12210
Learn more and download nomination forms at:
cseany.org/award-nominations
guidelines found on the official nomination form on CSEA’s website at cseany.org.
18 The Work Force
June 2019
Not only is
the fundraiser
a chance
to fund
enrichment
for students
with autism, it
is a place to raise awareness.
“Raising awareness shines a light on the fact that this isn’t easy,” Krokos said, speaking of both students and their families. “Please be patient if you witness a meltdown in public or a child trying to pay at
a register who is trying to be taught
dedication teacher aides such as Krokos and her co-workers bring to the job.
“There’s a connection between the kids and staff that goes beyond the job,” Turner said. “They have a ton
of compassion and go beyond the call of duty. This fundraiser pay
for and reminds us how kindness and patience in our community can benefit both individuals with autism and their families.”
— Jessica Ladlee
Raena Krokos meets with State Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.