While the first week in May always promises to be incredibly busy in the field of education, it is also a very important week.  We choose the first full week in may each school year to honor and say thank you to educators around the country.  While many would point out that you are very appreciated throughout the year, the first week in May seems to have coincidentally, really nice timing.  You have worked incredibly hard throughout the spring, helping students to reach their academic goals.  You have worked with families to support their organization so that children may succeed.  You have prepared students to perform well on state assessments.  You have spent long hours preparing to talk with families about how students are growing both academically and socially.  To say fatigue didn't set in this time of year would be a bit Pollyanna.  So having a week where students, families, community and leadership reminds you how much you are appreciated, how much you are respected and what an incredible difference you make for kids each year, is well timed.  

I too want to take a moment and thank you for all you do for the students and families you serve in the Newberg School District.  Every day I read through articles from Ed. Week, ASCD, Edutopia and various other sources I enjoy following.  They do a nice job balancing the dynamic, motivating stories of student and teacher success with those following challenging trends nationally in education.  We all know that our job is challenging and accountability for results higher than they have been in five decades. 

But the work we do still is more rewarding and more engaging than any profession I can think of.  I can reflect back on school visits I have been on in the past 4 months and I recall students designing force and motion experiments, students working with 3D printers, students writing for authentic audiences, students experimenting with materials to address oil spills, students building structures for animals, students cleaning up and restoring sections of a local creek, students using apps to build an understanding of basic code, students playing sports to work on hand-eye coordination, students planning to talk with elected officials about topics of concern to them, students mentoring younger students in their school.  I could go on and on about all the learning that takes place and the ways you motivate students to learn every day. 

I want to personally thank you for keeping balance in our education system.  Thank you for keeping your focus on what students need to know and be able to do, thank you for helping students understand why they are learning what they are learning.  Thank you for motivating them to succeed and for helping them find the joy in learning.  Thank you for being an advocate for not only your content but your students as well.  

Thank you for making a difference!  Thank you for looking out for all students and ensuring that ALL means ALL.  One week could never be enough time to honor you as educators, but hopefully this week can be just special enough to give you a glimpse of how much people appreciate you and your work all year long!  
Kym