Dear Colleagues:

It has been an extraordinary year of learning for the more than 13,200 students who attend our schools!

When I visited classrooms this year, I saw young people building and sustaining creativity, engaging in critical thinking, working collaboratively, and communicating effectively, acquiring learning competencies that will serve them for a lifetime.

The breadth of these student experiences is beyond remarkable.  It only was possible through your contributions—in every department, at every grade level, and within every work area that serves young people.

Every adult counted.

It’s not a coincidence that when our County Student Council solicited “We Notice” recognition nominations, we received hundreds of responses from students. They celebrated teachers and cafeteria staff, custodians and teaching assistants, nurses and office staff, bus drivers, coaches, and administrators.

They reminded us of something we already knew. Our “behind the scenes” professionals made a difference every day in the lives of our students and families and deserved to be spotlighted.

Technology and building services staffs often worked long after everyone left our buildings—making sure repairs were made, upgrades occurred, and the power worked. Cafeteria workers were in place early, accepting deliveries, sanitizing work areas, and preparing food for the day. In transportation, staff members serviced buses, ordered parts, scheduled routes, and updated parents about buses unavoidably late. They also retrieved “lost” items, reassured parents about school being opened—or school being closed—on bad weather days.

In the classroom, it was inspiring to see young people engaged in the practical application of their learning, moving far beyond simply memorizing information for state tests. Across content areas and grade levels, I saw young people eagerly demonstrating that when teachers engage and empower them, learning accelerates.

Students experienced learning at its highest levels because teachers created multiple pathways to knowledge and discovery. During the year, students:

• constructed and launched rockets;
• choreographed dance routines;
• scripted and created award-winning videos;
• programmed and 3-D printed innovative technology solutions to support handicapped classmates;
• researched, designed and secured funding and built outdoor learning gardens, a wetlands discovery area, and a wildlife center;
• recycled cardboard into marble roller coasters and demonstrated how changing slope changes speed;
• participated in mock United Nations and Model Congress activities;
• performed complex musical pieces, dramatic performances, scientific and historical research, competing at the top level of state and national championships; and
• volunteered thousands of community service hours to support schools, community organizations, and service facilities.

We know success in life demands far more than a proficient score on an SOL test, a high SAT or AP score, or even a superior grade point average. It also requires the ability to solve problems, create products, debate answers to challenging questions, work effectively with diverse peers, and persuasively communicate face-to-face and in multiple media.

This road to success opens as soon as children enter our doors, some with all the resources a family might dream of providing their children and others with far less. Yet every one of the high school, middle school, and elementary school graduates who walked across our stages were the beneficiaries of the work of an extraordinarily dedicated and skilled team of professionals … professionals with many different titles and responsibilities, work locations, and backgrounds.

Thank you for doing such an important job and doing it so incredibly well.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Pam