School Views: Recognizing those who make up our school district
As we approach November, it seems a good time to give thanks to all those who contribute to the success of our organization.
On Sept. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month began. Obviously, with our diverse demographic in the valley in both our staff and student body, it is important to celebrate the countless contributions that have been made by the more than 60 million Hispanic Americans to our culture and society.
Many of our schools build ofrendas and teach their communities about an important component of Mexican culture, among other celebrations in which they partake during the month. An ofrenda is an altar or offering created to honor deceased loved ones during the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which comes just after Hispanic Heritage Month at the beginning of November.
It’s also important to recognize the staff members who contribute day in and day out to Eagle County School District’s mission. National School Bus Safety Week is celebrated the third full week of October every year. Eagle County School District relies heavily on our bus drivers and entire transportation department to transport our students to and from school and various other activities all around the state. They are an integral part of the Eagle County School District family and I am happy to be able to honor them and celebrate them for their continued efforts. We celebrate the dedication and contributions that school bus drivers, office staff, mechanics, dispatchers, and the director make for our children every day across the district.
Another department that is paramount to the success of our children’s education is our Nutrition Services Department. They also celebrate a week in October for National School Lunch Week and Kitchen Staff Appreciation. The district participates in the National School Lunch Program, a federally-assisted meal program that provides children with nutritionally balanced, no-cost lunches each school day.
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By participating in this program we also are eligible for Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program which provides the additional benefit of breakfast for our students. Well-fed and healthy students make for better learners and we are grateful for the contributions of our Nutrition Services team.
National Custodian Day is also in early October. Our entire facilities crew works tirelessly, usually behind the scenes. Often our unsung heroes, our custodial crew deserve to be celebrated for the dedication and contributions that they along with custodial office staff, trainers, managers, and the facilities director provide for our schools. They work hard to keep our schools and workplaces across the district clean and safe, as well as give students clean and tidy spaces to learn and grow.
While I would never be able to write an all-inclusive column recognizing every “National Day of …,” I do want to be sure to call out our principals as well. October is National Principal Month and the role of the school principal is critical in establishing the trajectory of a school. It is one of the most difficult jobs in our organization and we are fortunate to have a group of experienced principals leading our schools. Many of our principals have been with the district for decades and worked in various capacities prior to stepping into the role of principal. So thank you to all of our principals for the work they do.
Finally, if you do want to plan ahead, National Administrative Professionals Day is April 23, National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9 with National Teacher Appreciation Day falling on May 6, and National School Nurse Day is May 7. Our employees are the foundation of Eagle County School District and the learning that takes place in our classrooms, so let’s be sure to recognize them.
I tip my cap to all district employees who make my job easier and help your children to learn and play throughout our valley. We can truly never celebrate any one of these groups enough but I will continue to remind them that they are what helps make Eagle County School District such a great place to make a career.
Philip Qualman is the superintendent of Eagle County School District. Email him at philip.qualman@eagleschools.net.
