I want to take a few minutes to recognize someone who has quietly made a significant difference in our district for many years. Linda Cox.
Linda has served as a paraprofessional in our district since January of 2012, and when we include her BOCES years, she has been supporting students for nearly 18 years. A 1979 graduate of Rangely High School, Linda’s roots run deep. She and Wade were married in July of 1979, and together they have been a strong and steady part of the Rangely community ever since. They have four beautiful grandchildren whom they adore and love following around in their various sports and activities. Her sons graduated from Rangely, one even serving on our school board, and now her granddaughters have grown up in our schools as well, with one currently in high school.
Over the years, Linda has worked in preschool, kindergarten, speech, and special education, as well as at multiple elementary grade levels. While she has served in many roles, one thing is clear. Her heart is with the littles.
“I absolutely love the littles,” she told me. “Love, love them.”
Linda thrives in one-on-one settings, especially with students who need extra support. She talked about the joy of seeing the light come on when a child finally understands something. She believes a paraprofessional brings another set of eyes into the classroom, someone who can notice the quiet student, encourage the struggling learner, and help each child feel like they belong.
Patience, she says, is the most important quality in her role. And she models it daily.
When I asked what motivates her on the hard days, she shared a story about a former student who wrote her years later to say that coming to school was easier because Miss Linda cared. That letter has stayed with her.
She later shared this with me. “My life goal has been to make a positive impact in someone’s life. I absolutely love what I do and love the littles.”
That is who Linda is.
She is steady. She is compassionate. She believes every child deserves to feel like they are someone’s favorite. And she shows up every day ready to make a difference.
We are fortunate to have Linda serving our students and our community.
Thank you, Linda, for all you do.