On the “to do” list for November: Thank a teacher!
November 11, 2005
A Message from Dr, Don Helmstetter, Superintendent
November is the month in which we celebrate American Education Week, and I’m always pleased to recognize and honor the people who make such a difference for our students and our community.
Most of you have heard the story about the young man on the beach during the low tide, throwing stranded starfish back into the sea. A stranger approached the young man and scoffed, “Why are you wasting your time. You can’t possibly make a difference. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of stranded starfish and only one of you!” The young man turned away, picked up another starfish from the beach and threw it back into the sea. Then he replied, “I made a difference for that one.”
That’s the attitude among educators. Each day they come to work with a lesson plan, and each day there are events and circumstances that cause them to have to change that plan. Each day, however, they once again reinforce to the students, and often to their parents, how much they care, and, through it all, they help each student to learn and grow.
I am continually proud and amazed at the professionalism and demeanor of the District 16 staff. They are a steady, reassuring force in this educational community, which, as I have emphasized before, is rapidly changing. I have observed them in action during crisis situations. I have also observed the formal and informal interactions between staff and our students, and it is a reflection of an extended family.
As the population increases, and as our school community changes its demographic make up, what has been our school district’s traditional culture is changing as well. Our staff and students have reached out to our new students in both a formal and informal manner, welcoming them and quietly assisting them as they become a part of the larger whole.
And, like all families, it isn’t always smooth and it isn’t always painless. Once again, it’s the steady, reassuring, and professional caring voice --and actions -- of our professional educators who show the way and who continue to highlight our district’s purpose: High expectations. High achievement for all. No excuses.
Recently, the School District released its Annual Report, which cites the many improvements and achievements over the previous school year. It also recognizes the challenges facing the district, which we will meet with determination and persistence.
An educator’s job is to make an investment today for dividends that are anticipated well into in the future. The dividends: educated young adults that are reaching their full potential and contributing to society.
The bumper sticker on a car reads: “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I couldn’t agree more.
November is a great month to take the time to thank a teacher—your child’s teacher or even one that you once had, regardless of how long ago. Theirs is an investment from which all of society benefits.
