Meet Amy Gunther, Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) senior typist!

What’s your favorite aspect of your job?

I love working for a school district.  At my previous district, I worked in the kitchen, then worked as a monitor and as a 1:1 aide.  Seven years ago, I came to Minisink to work in the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)  Office.  After working in the classroom, I didn’t know much about the clerical side of special education.  What I soon learned was how much care and effort went into creating the education plan for each student.  Even though my part may be small, I feel I’m doing important work.  That, along with being blessed to work with nine of the most amazing women around, is my favorite part!

Why do you believe in and support the work of the Minisink Valley School District and what it does for the community?

I believe community and school go hand in hand.  One must support the other for everyone to succeed.  Minisink Cares, the Back Pack Program, reaching out to our veterans and our senior citizens are just a few examples of the district helping the community.  I’ve been lucky enough to come to know some of the people who work and live in the community.  This is one special community!

How has this pandemic refocused the work you do every day?

Everything was very confusing and scary last March 2020 when everything shut down.  It felt so disturbing not seeing and hearing the students.  Not being able to have everyone in the office at the same time created its own challenges as well.  But we never stopped working.  With the help of technology, we were able to continue with our annual reviews and getting the IEPs out to the parents.  I am so glad that the students are coming back at least four days a week.  It finally feels like life will return to normal again!

What do you want to say directly to the community about the importance of your work?

I want the community to know that I feel my work is very important.  I’m proud to be a part of the team that prepares the educational plans for our students.  We all have the same goal: To see every child succeed.