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Written by Greg Alexander, Martin Superintendent of Schools
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With the holiday season upon us it is a fitting time to reflect on what we have, what we are, and what we hope to be. Especially Thanksgiving season is an appropriate time of year for reflection, as it awakens one’s memories of Thanksgivings past that to a certain extent, form the basis for what we as a people are today. It is the time of year to contemplate all those things for which we give thanks.
Our schools and communities give thanks for the many volunteers that give of themselves to ensure the quality education and supervision we all desire for our children. Those volunteers accomplish so much for us all, and do it without pay, and without extrinsic reward of any kind. The spirit of volunteerism is an essential component of ensuring success and achievement for our youth that often goes unrecognized.
Our schools give thanks to those whose work or other significant contributions have been recognized by induction to the “Halls of Fame” that share a favored place in the schools across our country. These folks, many of whom were not professional educators, gave much of themselves to the school districts as volunteers, employees, or patrons, with the mission to further the cause of public education. While their contributions are recognized by induction to a Hall of Fame, that honor does not do justice to the depth of their contribution. Be that as it may, to them we give our thanks.
Our schools give thanks to the parents of our students for their untiring efforts to provide a better quality of life for their children. Parents are, and of right ought to be, the biggest cheerleaders for their kids’ educational experience, giving up so much of themselves. Of all the segments of the educational community, parents and their contributions to education are generally the least recognized, but the most deserving of thanks.
I urge everyone to give thanks for those things for which we are all grateful, and enjoy the holidays. |
