KES Appreciation Day

Today we celebrated Staff Appreciation Day. Our teachers were treated to an Italian lunch that was cooked by Dr. Jordan (lasagna), Ms. Bachman (salad), Ms. Sears (desserts, lots of them!), and myself. I really enjoy cooking and it was nice to be able to treat the wonderful people that work so hard each day to prepare these kids for life. What a blessing it was for me to see them smile when they came through the office to get their food. I know how it feels as a teacher when you are only a few days away from the CRCT. You feel like all the pressure is on you to make sure every standard has been taught, retaught, and then taught again. You feel like you need to make sure that you are reminding them to get a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast, drink plenty of water, and be at school on time with a sharpened number 2 pencil that does not go outside the bubble. It is crazy, hectic!!!
I don't like that our schools, teachers, and students are judged as successful or not successful in a one-week snapshot. I know that the students at KES are being taught the standards and are working hard to meet and exceed them. I also know that the students at KES are being taught to be Ready, Respectful, and Responsible, to have character, and to take pride in themselves and their school and country! (All things that will never show up on a standardized test, but will take you much farther in life!) I know this because I see the dedication and hard work of these teachers, assistants, media specialist, counselor, custodians, office staff, instructional facilitator, and assistant principal each and every day. I see how they plan to meet needs of the students; I see how they take their lunch to work extra with a struggling child; I see how they bring clothes and materials from home to give to those that don't have them. I see how they love and care for these kids each day! I see how they are dedicated to making sure that all kids are believed in. I see the success each day!
I don't like it and have stated why, but I also understand that it is the ONE hoop that we must jump through in the education business. That is why I push our students and teachers to not just do what I stated above, but to have them ready for the test. We have taken over 6,000 practice tests as a school. We have spent hours on classworks getting extra help on the standards. We have worked before, after, and even during school to provide extra help for those who are still struggling. They have done this with no extra pay (furloughs even) and have done it because they feel that it is their opportunity to invest in our future! That is why I appreciate them!!! Lasagna and salad can not say it enough (Those desserts were pretty close though!)but I really do appreciate all the teachers and staff do at KES!!