Dorchester Lunch Monitor Inspires School Community Through Care and Creativity

As the end of the school year approached, Yolanda Caban found herself less enthusiastic than most, wondering, "What will I do during the summer months?" Her affection for the students she fondly calls "my babies" will keep her longing for September to reconnect.

Serving as a lunch monitor, or "lunch mom," at Kenny Elementary School in Dorchester, Yolanda extends her role beyond its part-time nature by participating in the school’s before-school program. Often, she transforms unkempt hair into neat styles, such as ponytails or braids, a task she relishes as it also assists the students' mothers. Yolanda describes herself simply as someone who enjoys doing her own hair and teaching others.

Building a Supportive Breakfast and Birthday Program

Yolanda has initiated a Friday Breakfast Club and leads a birthday recognition initiative. Additionally, she's behind the creation of a school store, where students can exchange earned 'Lunch Squad Paws'—tokens of commendable behavior—for items like snacks, stuffed toys, and socks. Reflecting on her childhood, Yolanda notes her drive to address the inequities some students may face, stressing the importance of making all children feel valued and included.

Principal Shereka King commends Yolanda's impact, attributing it to her creative spirit and the love she infuses into the school community, setting a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Approaching her fourth year at the Kenny School, Yolanda appears seamlessly integrated, much like a longtime staff member, although she initially harbored apprehensions about adapting to the school's environment and the responsibilities ahead.

Overcoming Health Challenges to Find Her Calling

Before joining the school, Yolanda experienced significant health issues, including a grand mal seizure, which uncovered a survived brain aneurysm and stroke. Advised to reduce her stress levels, she found a suitable position as a lunch monitor within Boston Public Schools, quickly realizing it was her ideal role. "I fit right in, sharing my joy and love with the children," she noted.

One poignant example of Yolanda’s influence is Abigail Curran, who transitioned from a small Catholic school to Kenny Elementary. Initially, Abigail felt isolated, a fact evident in her schoolwork. Yolanda's attentive care transformed Abigail's experience by encouraging inclusivity and friendship, much to the relief of Abigail’s mother.

Acknowledging Yolanda's Invaluable Contributions

Yolanda used simple yet effective methods to connect with students like Abigail, offering companionship and crafting bonds through activities like music and dance on the playground. As a result, Abigail became part of a larger community while Yolanda became a pivotal figure in her life, exemplifying an often unacknowledged hero within the school.

From childhood, Yolanda has been a natural caregiver, looking after her disabled brother at a young age, and working from 14. Caring for others is intrinsic to her nature, and she remains dedicated to nurturing happiness within her school.