The Smoky Valley Education Association and Smoky Valley Schools recognize

members of the community who are making a positive impact on our students and

schools. This month, we would like to recognize all of our teachers and staff working

throughout this pandemic.

When you look, it does not take long to see the great things happening all around us.

We look into the SVHS kitchen and see committed staff preparing meals for our

students with masks and gloves in place, but you can still see the smiles on their faces.

At noon in Marquette, Roxberry, Smolan, and Lindsborg we see volunteers, spending

time away from their families, to serve our children - giving greetings, sharing stories,

and safely distributing meals.

In student driveways we see teachers who just dropped off a treat, a resource, or just a

kind note, hoping to get an in-person glimpse of the students they miss.

During Office Hours, we see teachers chatting with students, having a much needed

conversation about how they are doing, or patiently listening to whatever random story

the student may be telling.

We see administrators collaborating daily to talk about what is coming, how to handle

this situation with student best interest in mind, and how best to support our teachers.

We see principals making personal phone calls to parents and families to check in and

ensure everything will be OK.

At the high school, we see teachers of seniors walking alongside students up until the

minute of graduation.

At all grade levels we see teachers keeping students' emotional well being as the top

priority through fun Zooms where they go on scavenger hunts, pack bags for an

imaginary trip, play trivia games and share stories.

We see so many more out of the ordinary, yet impactful things happening all across the

district, but if we list them all, we would see our board members needing an

intermission this evening.

We see a strong community.

We see a strong family.

And we are Smoky Valley Blessed.