Brooklyn Center Community Schools issued the following announcement on April 7.
Each staff member in BCCS has a full life outside of school walls. There are forces that drive them and lead them to stand front and center in their lives in many ways. Through this campaign called Beyond BC, we invite staff to showcase their uniqueness and authentic selves.
One of the newest and brightest faces on staff at Brooklyn Center Middle and High School STEAM is Ella Paxton. Paxton started working at BCCS about three years ago when she came on board part-time in a clerical position in the Transportation Department. After moving from Transportation to the LEAP program, she then transitioned to the role of Principal’s Secretary at Brooklyn Center Middle and High School STEAM in January 2022, where she proudly serves today. “It has been a whirlwind, and a lot to learn, but I have enjoyed it so much,” said Paxton. “It has been a true exercise in critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills with the staff, students and families.”
Paxton has loved her time at BCCS, especially working at the high school, which is where her daughter graduated in 2016. “Dr. Baker was the principal when my daughter was here, and I have loved working under her leadership,” said Paxton. “I love working at Brooklyn Center, and I love all of the people here! I have truly not had a negative experience with anyone.”
While Paxton is passionate about her work and the community at BCCS, nothing compares to her passion outside of her work, which starts and ends in the kitchen. “I love food. I love cooking food, I love eating food, I love watching other people cook food on TV…I love it,” said Paxton. Paxton grew up cooking all of the time with her mother, and it sparked a true love for cuisine. “My mom was a fabulous cook, she could cook anything,” said Paxton, “When I was younger I used to be in the kitchen with her a lot and she taught me all about cooking and when you cook you have to do it with love.”
Dishes that Ella has prepared
Love and family is what it all comes down to for Paxton, who cooks dinner every single night and hosts weekly family dinners every Sunday. “My daughter always tells me that cooking is my love language,” she said. Paxton’s favorite dish to prepare is chive and parmesan cheesy grits topped with oxtail, and when she is not actively cooking, she is watching the Food Network and taking notes on recipes and techniques from some of her favorite shows: Chopped, Top Chef and Master Chef. Last year Paxton even took a Gordon Ramsay Master Class on YouTube.
Cooking is a love language for Paxton and also an opportunity to bring her family together. Paxton has one adult daughter and three nephews that she takes care of after her sister tragically passed away a few years ago. “It has been a rocky road, but it is nothing but love when it comes to my family,” said Paxton. “It is so important to have a supportive family, and we have a very close relationship and lift each other up.” In addition to sharing meals with one another, Paxton and her family love getting competitive and playing games together. Some family favorites are UNO, Connect4 and Scrabble.
Paxton’s positive attitude and zeal for life are evident in both her personal life and her work. “I’m just enjoying life and loving work right now,” said Paxton. She has quickly gotten plugged into the staff on her campus and has even joined the prom planning committee for the high school, which is coming up next month. “It has been wonderful getting to know the other teachers I am working with to help with prom and see the excellent leadership here at BCCS,” said Paxton.
Paxton is family-centric, and whether that is her work family or her home family, she gives 100% to those around her.
Original source can be found here.
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