Retiring Tippecanoe Valley Middle School paraprofessional Tina Warren was recognized at the regular Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 20. She currently works with TVMS special education teacher Cathy Olson’s students. From left: TVMS Principal Scott Backus, Warren, Warren’s husband Dan Warren, Warren’s son Josh Warren and Olson. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — A longtime Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. paraprofessional and volunteer is retiring.

Tina Warren, who’s been with TVSC for 22 years, was recognized at the regular TVSC Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 20, at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School. TVMS Principal Scott Backus spoke about her, reading information he’d compiled with TVMS special education teacher Cathy Olson, whose students Warren works with.

“She started out as a parent volunteer for one year at Burket Elementary School. When Burket Elementary School closed as an elementary school, she came to Mentone Elementary, did the extended day kindergarten program,” said Backus. “She (then) became a special needs para for kindergarten through third grade with Cathy Olson.”

“And then five years ago when Cathy transitioned to the middle school, Tina came with her to help develop our life skills program,” said Backus.

“Tina has always had a passion for working with students with special needs. She has been an outstanding paraprofessional for us,” Backus continued. “She can take charge of a room and a situation if Cathy is not present, and in all honesty, according to Cathy, she should have been a teacher herself. She’s the epitome of Valley family. She’s helped families in need in our community and has been … compassionate, kind and loving … for students.”

Backus also read a statement from Warren.

“I’ve loved my time working at Valley. I’ve made a lot of friends with both adults and students and cherished the memories,” said Warren in it.

Warren’s husband is Dan Warren. They have five children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

“She attends Laketon Wesleyan Church and volunteers at the Laketon food pantry,” said Backus.

“Tina’s simply outstanding with our kids and staff at the middle school,” he said. “We hope to find a replacement for her who’s caring and driven like she is, but we know we’ll never replace her.”