A Virtual Toast to Teachers, Educators, Bus Drivers and Staff

I’d like to propose a virtual toast. 

So you, my virtual friends, no matter where you are this Sunday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m., no matter the contents of your glass—please join me in toasting just a few of the people who make a difference if the lives of our children. 

Despite what you read in the Hotlines, the people who spend the majority of the day with our children arrive early, stay late, buy supplies with their own money, and can’t help but take their work home with them.  I’m sure it is a vocal minority who believe that teachers (and other school district employees) have jobs that are stress-free and filled with perks, but really, that key to the staff restroom is not such a hot commodity.  We expect these humans to stimulate, educate, and motivate all children to achieve and succeed in a world that is vastly different than the one we entered out of high school.  We expect teachers today to be miracle workers.  And it isn’t fair that we stand outside the looking-glass, judging. 

So it is this time of year that I find myself, as a mother, overcome with gratitude and emotion for all of the people who help shape the emotional, social, spiritual, and academic lives of my children.  I never think that my personal thank-yous are enough.  Thus this public list, that I hope you will add to as you see fit:

 A toast:

1. To those who cross or transport (and those working behind the scenes) our children safely to school every day.  We wave from the house or the car or the road, and in that wave we hope you detect our gratitude for carrying our most precious cargo.
2. To the aides in the schools, diligently supervising the latchkeys and playgrounds and lunchrooms and hallways. Your kindness and greetings make our children feel safe, loved, and welcomed.
3. To the parking monitors and attendants, who watch the flow of traffic and keep a watchful eye on our children in the hectic before and after school rush.
4. To the meal-makers in the kitchens, who help our kids make healthy food choices.
5. To the librarians, counselors, and para pros, who find the children who need one-on-one time.
6. To the custodians, who keep our buildings in working order and pick up the things we leave behind. 
7. To the technology people, principals, and other administration, who organize and oversee, and try to do the most they can with ever-dwindling resources.
8. To all the volunteers—parents or otherwise—who come into the schools with an attitude to help and serve. I have met some exceptional PTO parents over the years who give an extraordinary amount of time and resources doing great things for all our kids.  A special shout-out to you all…I hope you know who you are.
9. To the office staff every school—a personal message: You have comforted my kids through bloody noses, fevers, hurt feelings, lost teeth, and boo-boos.  Your job description does not include the word “love,” yet you dish it out in healthy doses for every child who comes through your doors. I would double your hours if I could, because you are an invaluable part of my children’s lives.  (Kathleen and Sue…I hope you know I refer specifically to you.)

10.  And last but not least, to the teachers.  You are on the front lines, working with more students than you should with fewer resources than you need.  I have loved every teacher each of my children has ever had. Thank you for lovingly teaching our children and creating safe, nurturing classrooms where our children feel comfortable asking questions and exploring.  You do a job that many people will not, cannot, or should not do.  We drop our kids off to you as we go about our lives, sometimes forgetting that you, too, have lives outside the school walls. 

My list is certainly not exhaustive.  I know I will hit the “send” button and realize that I have inadvertently left someone out.  Please let me know, and I promise I will devote an entire post to you.

After our virtual toast at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, I also propose we say a very real prayer for everyone mentioned above, and for our children as we send them off for a new school year.  Include your children, and reinforce the message that we are the proverbial village, working together. 

I wish you all a happy, safe, and productive year.

Cheers.