Paraprofessionals make the school go ‘round and were recognized for their hard work at the School Committee meeting Wednesday, which fell on National Education Support Professionals Day.

“Paraprofessionals are some of the most dedicated people you will ever meet,” said Deanna Semple, vice president of the Wareham Education Association, at the meeting. “It is absolutely clear that each and every one of them plays a vital role in the education of our students.”

Semple said paraprofessionals are the first ones to greet students when they get off the bus, they assist with breakfast, serve as a link between parent, teacher and student and set a positive tone for the day.

Many of the paraprofessionals who work in the school district could find a higher paying position, Semple said.

“They choose to stay because they love the work they are performing and are just as excited as the students are to come to school every day,” Semple said. “Schools can’t operate without them, teachers can’t teach without them and students can’t succeed without them.”

The principals of each school will be holding events recognizing and thanking paraprofessionals this week, with the theme “Because of them, we teach in para-dise.”