Otselic Valley Central School District

It is our privilege to recognize Teacher Appreciation Week for as many reasons as we have students and teachers. Educators' work in the classroom leads students... from unknowing to proficiency, from writing their own name to reading books that take a student through time and across the planet, from 1 + 1 to algebraic formulas, from learning about the Valley to understanding world and US history, from cracking the code when learning to read, to acting in a play, from singing a holiday song to playing a challenging instrument in a band concert, from crayon drawings to submitting artwork to competitions, from kicking a backyard ball to joining a team, from playing in the grass to studying agriculture, from building blocks to robotics, from learning classmates' names to leading student organizations and government, from their First Day of School to Graduation Day. It is not unusual for teachers to arrive before dawn and be among the last to leave at the end of the day. They show up for students in endless ways, starting with encouragement and leading to achievement. There is no end to teachers' positive influence, and we are grateful. Teachers are special people who work with our youth daily to educate, help mold minds, and encourage character. We appreciate our teachers every day of the year, but would like to especially thank our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week for all they do. Teachers, we understand the struggles and sacrifices you each make to be here and educate our children. We know how difficult it has been the last few years, especially with the pandemic. Know we appreciate all you do every day. -- Mrs. Gonzalez National Teacher Appreciation began in 1953 thanks to Eleanor Roosevelt's petitions to Congress that teachers in all states should be recognized. In the 1980s the National Parent Teacher Association and the National Education Association worked to expand the celebration to a week in May, "...for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives."