As we’ve reached the end of the school year, I want to give a shout-out to the many classified school employees who are the “glue” that makes Milpitas Unified School District strong. These folks don’t always get as much recognition as teachers, but they, just like the Golden State Warriors’ bench players, are actually what makes the team awesome. The classified staff are the nutrition services staff, custodians, building maintenance workers, clerical and secretarial staff, teacher aides, and others in support roles.
Every day, these folks make an impact on students, from giving a simple hello in the morning, to feeding them breakfast and lunch, to ensuring that their learning environment is a clean and safe one. Some of them are also teaching students life skills, mentoring students about good choices, helping to guide them on college choices, or just providing a supportive ear. They make a huge impact on students while ensuring that the school and district run smoothly.
And also, they work throughout the year, not just when school is in session. The maintenance staff works during the summer to make key repairs and upgrades, ensuring that the facilities are ready for the next school year. The secretarial staff comes in early, before the school year starts, to prepare communications for the year to come. Our testing staff, meanwhile, analyzes data to help identify where the district needs to improve as the years advance.
The nutrition staff works during the summer to provide children with healthy lunches and snacks at no charge, to make sure that Milpitas kids are fed when school is out. Any child under 18 is welcome; there are no applications or registrations, and food is given on a first come, first serve basis. The program starts June 17 and runs through July. It is at three locations: Randall Elementary School, Weller Elementary School, and the Milpitas Sports Center.
On May 22, MUSD recognized and honored these classified staff members for their valuable contributions. The California Legislature has named the third full week of May “Classified School Employee Week,” as well. Even so, the Milpitas community isn’t fully aware. Many of these people are our neighbors and friends. They serve as scout leaders, sports coaches, and local volunteers, helping to make Milpitas a community of which we’re proud. They work tirelessly to ensure that the district is running as efficiently as possible. So, join me in giving these folks a huge Thank You for all the work they do! It is their work, which they carry out so quietly, that helps to strengthen not only our school district, but our community.
