Board Recognition Award
The Griswold Community School Board of Education believes it is important to recognize students, staff, and community members for their achievements. Recipients of these awards will be archived here. If you know someone who deserves recognition, please complete the nomination form found on our website. (About Us>>Board of Education>> Board Recognition Award)
January 2026 Recipient: Dayna Potter
Preschool Paraprofessional
Dayna Potter is being recognized for her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to student success. Whether she’s maintaining classroom routines or jumping in to help wherever needed, her “can-do” attitude and genuine passion for students have already made a lasting impact.
This is Dayna’s first year as a paraprofessional, working in Miss Misty’s preschool classroom. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa Western and says the role is a perfect fit—allowing her to work with students while sharing the same school schedule as her own children.
Dayna and her husband, Blake, have been married for nine years and have two daughters, Hayley and Amelia, who both attend Griswold CSD. Outside of school, she loves reading (she read 127 books last year!) and enjoys thrillers with unexpected twists. As a family, they enjoy camping and spending quality time together.
When asked what she enjoys most about working with students, Dayna shared that she loves watching their personalities grow and change throughout the year. “Each child is so unique, and it’s rewarding to have a front-row seat to how much they grow and develop.”
She also notes that working with young students sometimes requires flexibility. “They’re kids—with energy. Sometimes we just have to pivot and meet them where they’re at that day.”
For Dayna, the most rewarding part of the job is hearing students excitedly say, “Miss Dayna, look!” throughout the day. “I love that our students feel comfortable around me and can’t wait to show off what they’re working on.”
Her advice for anyone considering becoming a paraeducator:
“Remember that these students are just kids. The role can be emotionally demanding at times, but it is incredibly fulfilling.”