Superintendent’s Corner

November 2007

Mark of Excellence

By Dr. Richard A. DiPatri, Superintendent

            November is a significant month for families. At the October 23 School Board Meeting, our Board proclaimed November as “Family Month.”   Each school in our district is being encouraged to plan activities that reflect why family is so important.  We encourage you to observe this month by spending quality time with your children to strengthen those relationships.

            Family Month ties very closely with the district’s ongoing “Be There” campaign, which is encouraging parents to make ordinary moments special by communicating with their children. These efforts go hand in hand, all resulting in stronger homes and interactions with our children.           This month also marks a significant week: American Education Week from Nov. 11-17, sponsored by the National Educational Association. The theme of this effort is “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.” Great public school systems don’t exist without significant effort and collaboration. Great public school systems, like the one your children attend here in Brevard County, require a commitment from a wide range of individuals, including students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff, Board Members, community partners, business partners, and volunteers. Working together to make our public schools excellent is an endless but exciting task.  

As we approach American Education Week, I encourage you to acknowledge some of the special days during that week. The celebration will spotlight distinguished individuals who are critical in building great public schools for the nation's 50 million K-12 students:

· Sunday, Nov. 11: Student Leaders Day. Hundreds of future teachers will convene in Louisville, Ky., to participate in an American Education Week celebration event.

· Monday, Nov. 12: National Kick-Off Celebration. From national commemorations to local community events such as American Education Week house parties, millions of Americans will celebrate public education nationwide.

· Tuesday, Nov. 13: Invite Parents to School Day. Schools will invite parents into the classroom for a hands-on experience of what the day is like for their child.

· Wednesday, Nov. 14: Education Support Professionals Day. Individuals who provide invaluable services to schools are recognized for their outstanding work.

· Thursday, Nov. 15: Educator for a Day. Community leaders will be invited to serve as educators to get a glimpse at a day in the life of a school employee.

· Friday, Nov. 16: Substitute Educators Day. This day honors the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed teachers.

Given these special activities, November is indeed an appropriate time to recognize the importance of family, strengthen our bonds with our children, and celebrate the strength of our public education system.  It is important to remember the element that is key to the success of any of these efforts: your involvement. Whether making that extra effort at home with your child, or taking time to volunteer at your child’s school, it is your commitment to “be there” that will make the difference. All of us, working together, can insure that our children have the greatest opportunities for future success. Thank you for all that you do.