When Renee Katzman reflects on the rewards of being a District 75 paraprofessional at PS 811/the Connie Lekas School in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, the first thing that comes to mind is seeing the students grow in confidence and ability. “You see them enter school unable to do many things, and a few years later you see them graduate,” said Katzman, who has been at PS 811 for 31 years. “They accomplish so much, physically, emotionally and academically.” Those accomplishments are due in no small part to the work of paraprofessionals such as Katzman, who play an important role in making sure all students, no matter what their physical or emotional challenges are, have an opportunity to learn. She was one of 52 Brooklyn paraprofessionals in District 75 with 25 or more years of service who were honored at an appreciation dinner on Oct. 28 at a Brooklyn restaurant. “It was important to honor paraprofessionals and show them how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication to special needs children,” said Carmen Roldan, a UFT special representative for paraprofessionals. For Katzman, it was an evening of reunions. “I saw people I knew from way back when,” she said. “It was a pleasant surprise.” Harriet Long, a paraprofessional with 37 years on the job, said she was grateful for the recognition. “It was about thanking us for the years we put in. I enjoyed everything about it, especially to be with fellow co-workers,” said Long, a paraprofessional at PS 53 at Spring Creek Community School in Bushwick. Like Katzman, Long takes special joy in seeing her students make important advances in their lives. “Some come back to visit me. Others I see on the street,” Long said. “I just love these children.” 

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