This is the week each year that we honor all of the parents and family members who do so much for our schools. Each school plans its own activities to celebrate the contributions of parents, and at the district level, we have a special luncheon (paid for by our sponsors – Bumblebee Marketing and Bumblebee Team Sports) to thank our PTA presidents for the work they do in our schools.

The president from each school represents all of the families who work tirelessly to ensure that our kids get great educations. We know that when parents are involved, academic achievement soars. We know that it takes a partnership to reach the high levels we expect of our kids in order to compete in this global society. I have said often that we are truly blessed in Fayette County to have one of the best PTA organizations I have ever seen. The work of the 16th District board, with Jessica Berry as president, is extremely strong.

From helping with homework in the evening, to serving on SBDM committees, to reading with their children or participating in PTA or booster club groups, our families play an integral role in helping our kids succeed. And our PTA, PTSA and SBDM parents cultivate valuable leadership skills that carry them into so many roles in our district. All of our school board members have been very involved as parents, and two members (John Price and Becky Sagan) have served as president of the 16th District PTA organization.

We are so thankful for the support we receive from our families! This past weekend at Tates Creek High School, parent involvement was readily apparent at the first of three districtwide Academic Challenge events set for this school year. The program was conceived by the One Community, One Voice citizens group as a way of replicating the enthusiasm and family involvement for athletics in the academic arena.

The event has grown from 54 kids the first year to more than 1,600 on Saturday as more and more schools have joined and more and more families have gotten involved. The hard work of the One Community, One Voice organization, coupled with support from the Fayette County Public Schools, has helped the Academic Challenge to thrive.

Also this week, we recognize National Education Support Professionals Day. Quoting from the proclamation that our Board of Education members will consider this month, “our education support professionals provide optimal learning conditions for students by keeping schools clean, safe, comfortable and running in good order; work with teachers to help all students achieve to the best of their ability; deliver students safely to school and back home every day; prepare and serve healthy meals so students can focus and learn better; assist visitors, students, families and staff daily and help build positive relationships in our schools; and ensure the smooth operations of the district in personnel, budget, staffing, finance and other essential support areas.” From cafeterias and hallways, to school bus routes and classrooms, to front offices and maintenance jobs, our support professionals do so much to support our students.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to so many – parents, families, volunteers, support staff and countless others. It’s a good thing we have Thanksgiving next week so we can take time to reflect on our many blessings and thank those who work every day to make sure that it’s about kids.