THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Being in two schools and multiple classrooms this week has been a sobering reminder of just how demanding the job of teaching has become. Don't get me wrong...it has always been one of the most difficult occupations anyone could choose, but with it also came joy and many rewards. There are no words to describe a child learning to read for the first time, or a 

student understanding a new concept. As I walked the halls of the schools, I saw colorful displays of student work and adult bulletin boards that make our schools a more inviting environment for our students--and it brought a smile to my face. This week was teacher appreciation week. I want the teachers across Knox County to know that while we may be #onebigteam you all are the all-stars!

As Thank a Teacher week comes to an end for 2015, your important work continues on. Stay the course! I sincerely hope the remainder of your year is the best it can be.
I have had the privilege to travel  to all parts of the county this week: east to Vine Middle School on Monday; south to South Doyle High on Thursday; north to Halls and Copper Ridge Elementary and west to West Valley Middle on Friday.  What a great week! Thanks to Great Schools Partnership and Buzz Thomas for initiating this each fall.

• Monday:  privileged to serve breakfast provided by Great Schools Partnership @ Vine to teachers from Beaumont, Green, Sarah Moore Green and Lonsdale.
• Wednesday:  privileged to congratulate Mr. Leonard @ Copper Ridge who was one of three KCS teachers recognized by Dr. McIntyre 
• Thursday:  served at Halls Elementary School and Copper Ridge; relieved teachers at South Doyle High School
• Friday: tour of West Valley Middle with principal Renee Kelly