Nearly every paraprofessional in District 5, Manhattan — 143 out of a total of 150 — turned out for their third annual Paraprofessional Professional Development Day on June 5, held at PS 154. They attended two workshops, one on autism and the other on the Common Core Learning Standards. In one hands-on exercise at the How Common Is the Common Core? workshop, the paras used marshmallows and spaghetti to create structures, an exercise that can be used to meet math, science and engineering learning standards. “The day was action-packed,” said District 5 Representative Dwayne Clark. “Paras in the district want the trainings and were very appreciative. They thanked us for acknowledging them and letting them know that they are important and do have a voice and a role in our schools.” Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña stopped by and received a standing ovation for her support of the work of paraprofessionals.