Hello all,

 A couple of weeks ago I was looking at the calendar and hoping this last week of school before the break would be quiet and uneventful.  As we all experienced, Monday and Tuesday were not particularly calm.  I was touched, however, with our maintenance folks who rose up in dramatic ways.  Early, and that would be before 3:00 am, Monday morning the folks from all of our shops were getting in trucks with plows and salt and headed out to clear snow.  When I say “from all of our shops” I mean it.  The plumbing shop, the electrical shop, the paint shop and others – all of these people put down their regular tools (pipe wrenches, lineman’s pliers, brushes, or whatever else) and started clearing snow.  Because the storm hung around for a while, they stayed with those snow-moving tools, frankly, as long as it was legal to stay behind the wheel without a break.  Technically they were not doing their “jobs” or following their job descriptions, but were absolutely committed to their roles in keeping our schools up and running so kids could come there and be safe and learn.  The transportation folks were right with them and the list goes on.  In addition to our district support personnel, school custodians, teachers, administrators, secretaries and others were all there too, because you are all committed to your roles.  I thank you sincerely. 

 I want to take another minute to brag about all of our teachers specifically!  In a very real way, everyone not in a classroom is support personnel for our teachers because teaching and learning is what we are all about and why we exist.  I love that all our district vehicles prominently display that we have “Great Teachers,” Most Options” and “Best Education.”  I hope you’ve seen them driving all over, promoting how I believe our teachers should be acknowledged.  Perhaps you’ve seen the banners off of I-15 with similar messages.  I believe this and am in awe of the dedication and effort our teachers – really all of our educators – demonstrate every day.

 In October our board of education hosted a conference in our district – board members and superintendents from across the country visited many schools and programs in the district.  I was with a group that spent time at Kearns High, Granite Park Jr. and Monroe Elementary.  A board member from St. Charles Parish Louisiana – right outside of New Orleans – pulled me aside and with tears in his eyes told me that while he was born and raised in Louisiana, he had never seen diversity like what we have here and how moved he was by the great efforts of so many people, and how surprised to see everyone, regardless of title, engaged in supporting the focus.  I agree, I can’t overstate how proud I am to work with such wonderful people, all you wonderful people.

 I wish I could know all of you personally, I try to shake as many hands as I can, and to say “thank you” as I visit schools.  I can’t do this enough.  I’m sometimes saddened by things I hear attributed to me, so please know how much I value all of you, how much confidence I have in all of you and, consequently, the hope I have for kids whom we serve because they’re privileged to be taught by you and learn in schools beautified and maintained and staffed by you.

 All of which is to say, my heart is full as I reflect on a calendar year winding down and a new calendar year beginning.  I hope you feel as do I, that our lives are richer and more full because of those with whom we work, and because of those whom we serve through our work.  As I’ve perhaps shared before, in my home we celebrate Christmas and so from my home to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas.  However you celebrate or recognize different celebrations in the next few weeks, I wish you peace and joy in your hearts and between you and your family and friends. 

 Martin