District administrator's cornert

by Loren Glasbrenner,  River Valley School District Administrator  This week is a celebratory week.  It is American Education Week, which happens annually the week prior to the week of Thanksgiving In December of 1921, the American Legion and the National Education Association (NEA) worked together to form the first American Education Week.  In 1922, the U.S. Department of Education became a co-sponsor.  Today, there are 12 co-sponsors: the NEA, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Parent Teacher Association, the American Legion, the American Association of School Administrators, The National School Boards Association, The American Federation of Teachers, the Council of Chief State School Officers, The National School Public Relations Association, the National Association of State Boards of Education, The National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.  We get a chance to pause to send our sincerest gratitude for the many professionals who make the education process possible for the future of our country--our children. Historically speaking, this week was set aside to highlight the incredible work of educators after World War I.  There was a rapid appreciation for education as draftees were being measured for physical fitness and literacy skills.  The quick actualization was that our American schools were doing very hard work in a very hard time in history.  The original resolution looked for “an educational week ... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs.”   It is worth repeating that our public schools are the cornerstone of our communities.  We welcome students to our institutions from all backgrounds, abilities, and incomes.  The word to celebrate is “all.”  We are open for all students.  We each play a role in ensuring our schools are serving all.  During American Education Week, we celebrate public education and show our appreciation for the men and women who make a difference in the lives of all students.  Each and every adult working in and for our schools makes a difference.  And there is quite a list of adults who help to make this difference. We collectively want to recognize and thank: - the bus drivers that transport our students safely - the police officers and crossing guards that assist students with getting to school and home safely - the school secretaries and administrative assistants that organize and communicate carefully for our students - the teacher assistants that tirelessly help with anything and everything daily - the professional educators that facilitate learning for our students - the administrators that lead and oversee the progress of our students - the school psychologists, the school counselors, and the school therapy team for their commitment to students and specialized needs - the technology team for their continued work on hardware and software needs for our schools - the school nurses for their effort and dedication - the school kitchen staff members that serve and nourish our students - the building custodial and maintenance team which keeps our facilities clean and safe - the parents, volunteers, and coaches that schedule and manage activities for our students - the school and foundation board members that oversee our district’s mission and vision - the local businesses and donors that support us in so many ways. The River Valley School District is filled with incredible people doing incredible things for all students.  Please take a moment to celebrate American Education Week and recognize how they are selflessly serving our community.  I tip my cap to their devotion to all kids.