To the editor:

May 5 through 9 is National PTA Staff Appreciation Week. It’s a time designated to honor a large spectrum of people who are presented with an important challenge: taking care of America’s youth.

These adults teach our children valuable life skills — and not just inside of a classroom. Our kids learn social behaviors and safety from adult guidance on the school bus, in the lunchroom and on the playground. Their minds are enhanced with knowledge from specialists in music, physical education, reading, speech, art and athletics. The classroom teacher provides a stimulating, safe environment where our kids learn about subject matter and life. They learn about expectations, attitudes and self-esteem.

When I pause and think about the positive people associated with all of our schools, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I live in a community such as South Whidbey. I am thankful for the adults around me who have chosen to be employees of the South Whidbey School District.

While there are several organized appreciation events happening in our school buildings this week, there is a simple way to let employees know that you appreciate them: Tell them. Send a note in your child’s backpack. Mail a letter to them. Call them. E-mail them. Teach your child to do the same.

Someone once said about teachers, and I think it applies to all school employees: “Teachers appreciate being appreciated, for teacher appreciation is their highest reward.”

Karyle Kramer

Langley