By Sarah Ostergaard
November is a season we are reminded to count our blessings and express gratitude. There are so many people who enrich our community through their efforts in education.
Behind every student’s success stands a network of educators: teachers, aides, school secretaries, counselors, custodians, librarians, coaches, nurses, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, volunteers, and many more roles in education. Teachers build curiosity and confidence by teaching the South Carolina standards and supporting students through all sorts of learning triumphs and challenges. They are joined by a team that keeps schools running and learning on track. Instructional and academic coaches help teachers strengthen their practice. Aides support classrooms to ensure every student gets the help they need. Secretaries manage daily operations and welcome families. Custodians maintain clean, safer learning environments. School nurses provide care and expertise. Librarians and media specialists connect students with books and resources that expand their knowledge. Athletic and academic coaches teach resilience, teamwork, and discipline. Bus drivers ensure students travel safely to and from school each day. District staff work behind the scenes also to support.
Thank you, also, to our multitude of volunteers and community supporters who fundraise, raise spirits, fill seats, and generally lift our schools even higher. Volunteers who help at events, mentors who guide students, and booster clubs that raise funds for programs all play essential roles in strengthening the broader notion of education. Thank you, also, to those who show their support from the stands, the auditorium, and the sidelines. Every cheer at a Friday night game, every round of applause at a concert or play, every encouraging word to a student performer or athlete matters. When family and community members show up to celebrate our students’ hard work, whether in academics, athletics, or the arts, they send a powerful message: “Your community believes in you.”
Seasons of thankfulness remind us that gratitude doesn’t have to be over-the-top to have meaning. A handwritten note, a kind email, or a simple “thank you” with a smile can brighten someone’s day and demonstrate that their efforts are appreciated.
Our schools are a reflection of who we are as a community. So this November, as we reflect on what we’re thankful for in our lives, let’s include everyone who pours their time, energy, and heart into supporting education because when we lift up our schools, we lift up our future.
And thank you for reading.
