When people walk into Encino Park Elementary School, they may notice the wall honoring dozens of veterans or the smell of enchiladas cooking in the cafeteria, but the one thing people can’t miss is Mrs. Shannon!
Her smile, her laugh, her singing and her jokes make visitors feel at home.
Receptionist Shannon LaFavers has been greeting visitors at Encino Park for 21 years now.
“Same seat. Different chair. I just love my little window to the world.”
LaFavers first came to Encino Park as a parent in 2004. She would volunteer with the ladies in the office and help sign parents in. LaFavers was their obvious choice when they had an office opening. And it’s easy to see why.
Over the past 21 years, LaFavers has developed relationships with thousands of parents and their kids from that seat. She’s known to many as their “second mom.” She’s always ready to help students who need to call their mom when they forget their lunch or homework. She will comfort them when they are waiting for a parent or guardian to pick them up when they don’t feel well.
And for parents, she’s a lifesaver. LaFavers makes sure visitors show their IDs to be let in and that students are ready to go when they have a doctor or dentist appointment. When a student or parent is in a pinch, LaFavers is there. She’s always got a smile, a joke and her infectious laugh for all who arrive.
“These parents are entrusting us with their kids and that means a lot to me. I was one of those parents, so I treat these kids like my own.”
From her seat framed by a large window and vistor sign-in sheets, LaFavers is making a difference in the lives of students, families and her community. She loves her job, although she will admit that the last day of school is her least favorite day of every year, knowing that those fifth graders she’s spent years greeting and caring for are growing up. But that makes the return visit during their senior year that much sweeter.
“I just love it here. I love the kids here. I love the parents here. I love the staff here. That’s why I keep coming back. I tell the kids, ‘I will leave when I am old and grey.’ The grey is here; I just haven’t gotten old yet.”
Is there an NEISD educator who has impacted you and your family? Send them a Staff Shout Out to let them know with how much of an impact they are making.
And if you want to join our team, view our job opportunities to make an impact in your community!
