Teacher Appreciation Letter | SPUSD Superintendent Geoff Yantz

During these times, we realize the important role each of you play in educating the children of South Pasadena.

PHOTO: South Pasadena Unified School District | SouthPasadenan.com News | SPUSD Superintendent, Dr. Geoff Yantz

“Sometimes you don’t realize the weight of something you’ve been carrying until you feel the weight of its release.” Author Unknown

Dear SPUSD Faculty and Staff,

With spring comes the anticipation of the end of the school year, and time seems to move more quickly than usual. We are so happy to see that graduations, promotions, musicals, sporting events, competitions and even testing have returned to their more traditional formats this spring for our students, faculty, and staff.

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Each one of you has carried extra weight this year as we have addressed the academic needs of our students while coping with social-emotional implications of the pandemic. During these times, we realize the important role each of you play in educating the children of South Pasadena.

Teachers have supported all students—keeping them engaged and pushing them to be their best. We greatly appreciate your commitment to growth and adapting to changes that seem to be around every corner. Students are winning awards, discovering and solidifying their post-graduation plans, giving strong classroom performances, and improving themselves in various ways to take on the challenges they will face in their next chapters. Our students’ needs are continuously evolving—requiring you to approach teaching in new, creative ways.

Our classified staff also provides tremendous support to our students and families. Many times you work behind the scenes to ensure that various details are taken care of during the school day. We recognize and appreciate your care for logistics, data entry, cleaning and maintenance, technology, nutrition, and more. From the classroom to the playground, you keep it under control and are a reflection of the value our community holds for our public education institutions. Your work ethic, and the cheer with which you go about your daily tasks, are a continuous source of inspiration.

I thank you all for challenging yourselves and for being an inspiration in our students’ lives. With the hope that COVID-19 remains at bay for the remaining weeks of the school year, please remember to take time for yourselves to relax and replenish. You help shape the character and caliber of our future leaders, and we are grateful for all of your efforts. Wishing you all the best during this month of Classified and Teacher Appreciation.

Thank you,

Geoff Yantz, Ed.D., Superintendent