Dear Parents,

The dates of May 8^th through May 12^th mark Teacher Appreciation Week for Brevard Public Schools. During Teacher Appreciation Week, it is appropriate to pause and reflect upon the outstanding educators who teach for Brevard Public Schools. Our dedicated professionals work hard everyday to fulfill our mission of “serving every student with excellence as the standard.”

At its meeting on April 25, 2006, the School Board adopted a resolution honoring our teachers. One part of the resolution stated that “teachers should be accorded high public esteem, reflecting the value the community places on public education”…because “teachers continue to influence us long after our school days are only memories.”

We have great schools in Brevard, but they are only great because of the people who toil daily on behalf of our children. Our results speak volumes about our success, and it is due in large part to our wonderful teaching staff of over 5,000.

Janet Eastman, Vice President of the Brevard Federation of Teachers, mentioned at a previous School Board meeting that “there are heroes among us, and there are far too many to count in this district.” This is true of so many of our teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty everyday to educate and nurture our students’ minds. They work with all ability levels and help each student rise to their best individual performance.

I hope you will join me in thanking your child’s teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week. The best way you can show your appreciation is by sending a note to your child’s teacher about the impact they have on your child’s learning. These written words will serve as an excellent motivational tool to keep our teachers’ spirits high. For most teachers, working with students is a passion; not only an occupation. Your comments will be powerful statements to let them know that we hold them in “high esteem” and appreciate their efforts on behalf of our children.

I sincerely appreciate all that our teachers do for the children of Brevard County.

Teachers profoundly affect the future, and the future looks bright based on the results our students have demonstrated. Teachers impact students’ lives in ways they will never understand. Twenty years from now, as our students achieve many of their dreams; it will be the collective result of all the wonderful teachers that helped them along the way.

Sincerely,

Richard A. DiPatri, Ed. D.

Superintendent