It is a common phrase that is takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village of adults to keep a school district going. I am in a small district, but years ago a mentor teacher gave me some good advice. " Look around you and realize all the people it takes to make that school a special place. It is not just the teachers and the principal." I walked in the shoes of the custodians during summers in college when I was on the summer crew to help clean the buildings. I have been vigilant about watching chewed gum under tables/desks and garbage on the floor since I first began teaching. The transportation director and bus drivers work close to my room presently so I understand the difficulty of their job with the weather conditions, children getting on the wrong bus, or an overactive child riding home after school. I have always tried to recognize the worth with all the staff in buildings where I have worked whether it is a first year teacher, a clerk, or a paraeducator. It does take a village.Today I learned our custodian likes cookies and I know he loves coffee. It was a simple gesture to bake chocolate chip cookies tonight. JEJ got some warm cookies and milk, I can give a small gift of gratitude to a very hard working guy tomorrow and... okay.... I did manage to have a few cookies also. Like I always say when I bake for people," I have to sample them to make sure they are fit to give away!!"
It is a simple thank you to one person for keeping our village running smoothly.