Making sure your children are in the best hands when they come to school is a top priority for the entire district. And at Kensington Road Elementary School, it’s caring faculty and staff like Kindergarten and First Grade Teaching Assistant Diane Rougeau who make that goal a reality.
“I love this job because I get to spend each day with these students,” says Mrs. Rougeau. “It’s unique because I get to work where my own kids attend school.
I’m able to be involved in their school community, and I can tell they have a greater appreciation for Kensington Road Elementary because of it.”
Her involvement with every aspect of the learning experience is something Principal Jen Hayes feels makes Mrs. Rougeau indispensable. “Diane is wonderful with students and staff here at Kensington. She’s an active member of the PTA, and she’s taken charge of the KRS Talent Show, which is never an easy task.”
While she likes being involved in all areas of the school, she takes the greatest pride in the success of the students she gets to work with on a daily basis. “I feel like I can help students and teachers be successful by providing support wherever it’s needed. Whether it’s working one on one with a student, or teaching a lesson to the whole class, or helping the cafeteria run smoothly, it’s important to share positivity and encouragement to everyone I come across throughout the day.”
When in the classroom, Mrs. Rougeau is deeply committed to getting the very best out of her students. She’s equally as committed to making sure students can share their passions outside the classroom with their peers through her work with the school talent show.
“I always look forward to helping with the talent show. It’s so exciting to see students on stage showing a different side of themselves that they may not get to show during the school day.”
When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Mrs. Rougeau outside, where she is just as likely to be in the garden as she is skiing, running, or biking with her entire family.
Teaching new students every year is the gift that keeps on giving. “The most rewarding part of my job is getting to be involved in so many different classrooms every day. I really get to know all the students at Kensington Road personally, and I enjoy watching them grow and excel from year to year.”
That attitude and leadership is something that doesn’t go unnoticed by those who work with her on a daily basis. “Diane is truly invested in the Kensington Road community,” says Mrs. Hayes. “She is dependable, organized, and caring, and we are very lucky to have her.”