I have had the wonderful opportunity this year, to help out at my triplets elementary school, Sunset Ridge. It has been such a terrrific experience getting to know the other classmates and "who's who" when they come home and talk about their day. What a great group of kids! 170 in all and they mean so well!
In addition to the kids, the PTA and the front office staff have gone above and beyond, letting all of the parents know just how special and appreciative they are to support the school. Food galore, special take home notes, and mini pamper sessions have all been apart of this past parent, teacher, volunteer week. My favorite "thank you" gift was this water bottle filled with a variety of odd goodies that all had special meaning, being a teaching and assisting at the school.
I would like to share with you what it said...
The front of the bottle reads, "Behind Every Great School, is a Great Staff. Your commitment to education, and always doing your best, plays an important role at our school and helps us achieve success!"
I look inside and find this note explaining the odd, but interesting goodies...
TOOTHPICK - reminds us to look for the good qualities in our students. You may be the only person who says something positive to them that day.
RUBBER BAND - reminds the educator that they have to be flexible. Things don't always go the way we plan, but flexibility will help to work it out.
BAND AID - reminds the educator that sometimes we do more than teach, that we help heal hurt feelings, broken dreams and lend an ear to a problem.
PENCIL - reminds us to be thankful and we should list our blessings daily, but also encourage our students to list their blessings and to be proud of their accomplishments.
ERASER - reminds us to allow students to know we are human and make mistakes just like they do, and it's ok. We must all be able to learn from our mistakes.
CHEWING GUM - reminds us to stick with it and encourage our students to do like wise. Even the impossible task or assignment can be accomplished by sticking to it.
MINT - reminds us and our students, we are worth a mint. (We may not be paid a mint, but are worth one.)
CANDY KISS - reminds us that everyone needs a hug, kiss or warm fuzzy everyday. (All teachers, students, parents, and even administrators)
TEA BAG - reminds us we need time to relax, go over our blessing, and take time for others. Family, husbands, wives, friends, children need quality time together.
An educator MUST BE WILLING to show their students how much they CARE!!!
I think you'll agree, why this water bottle, filled with odd goodies is my favorite. It pretty much summed it up and I thank you for the opportunity to assist with our education system.
Lisa_SchneiderCipriano is a discussion leader in the North, North very tip of Phoenix for arizonamoms.com. She has 6 year old triplets.
I don't think our educators
I don't think our educators or personal in the schools get enough credit these days. It's really cool that you were able to have a good experience. I hope someday maybe I can have the opportunity to work in a school.
Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette
That's really awesome and so
That's really awesome and so deserved. My first child goes to school next year, so thanks for the idea. I'll have to file it away.
Brooke Romney is an unbalanced mom of three young boys who constantly has too much to do, and too little time. She writes the Mom Beat column for The Gilbert Republic.