A common love and commitment to children are the ties that bind the Duquesne City School District staff together.  

That commitment, too, is the common thread between October’s Employees of the Month: Tamara Gentry and Jen Kraus. Gentry is the K-8 office secretary, while Kraus is a middle school paraprofessional. Both play instrumental roles in the school district, and are driven to do all they can to help their coworkers and the district’s students thrive.  

“(She) goes above and beyond for the middle school students,” said one of Kraus’ coworkers. “She is always willing to help out wherever needed.”  

“She has positive relationships with our students,” said one of Gentry’s coworkers. “She tries to find the resources that teachers need.”  

Kraus has worked in the district for 13 years, cultivating a reputation as a hard-working, passionate employee. She chips in wherever she can and takes on additional responsibilities, whether it’s coaching the volleyball team or helping spearhead Ron Clark Academy activities for middle school students. A Duquesne City graduate, Kraus is proud to give back to the district.  

“It feels good, being able to help the children be successful in the place you grew up in,” Kraus said.  

Coworkers cite Kraus’ ability to develop strong relationships with students as one of her strong suits. For Kraus, relationship building comes from constantly talking to and looking out for her students.

“I talk to them like they’re my children at home, and I care for them like they’re my children at home,” said Kraus. “I love to help them achieve the goals they need to move forward.”  

Similarly, Gentry, who’s been with the district for three years, thrives on building relationships. Beyond her normal duties, Gentry values being another level of support for students.  

“I like to talk to the kids and connect with the kids,” said Gentry. “I’ve always been passionate about helping kids. It’s important for them to know they have another person to come to.”  

Coworkers appreciate Gentry's willingness to help them out, too. Gentry describes herself as a team player, a person who’s always looking for ways to fill in the gaps and take some burden off of her coworkers.

“I make sure they have whatever they need,” said Gentry. ”If it’s something they don’t have, I try to get it for them. I like to help out in whatever way I can.”