Over the past few years, I have embraced three distinct truths: no matter how much you plan, Christmas sneaks up quickly. No matter how old you are, you make Christmas wishes, and as much as we wish for things to get back to normal, the meaning of normal has changed. During the past two years, education has changed, and teachers are continually reflecting and changing to meet the needs of our new normal. I am always amazed at the dedication teachers have for their art. The amount of time they spend for our kids is unparalleled. I see examples of this daily as a principal. But, I am not just a principal; I am a parent too. I am a parent with a graduating senior. This will be my last year with a child attending UUSD. 

It doesn’t seem long ago I was walking my last child to Kindergarten at Grace Hudson. (Thirteen years went by in a blink of an eye). Over the next six years, my son had a terrific education, learning Spanish and English, and he developed a love of going to school. I thought Grace Hudson was extraordinary because he learned about different cultures and how to be a good person, empathetic, and understanding toward all others. I appreciate the foundation of education the Grace Hudson staff developed for my son. What great teaching! 

Middle school is a hard time for kids. It might be worse when your dad is the principal. But, the teachers at Pomolita were amazing. Sports were a big part of my son’s middle school life, and I appreciate his coaches and am very grateful. Wrestling Coach Brian Thomas was a wonderfully positive influence on my son’s life, teaching him life lessons and wrestling skills. Mike Brazil coached him in club soccer for many years and taught the kids how to work hard and be a team. Many teachers had a positive influence on his middle school education, and all gave him the confidence to be successful in High School. Mrs. Robinson, Ms. Kiely, Mr. Lane, Mrs. Ruiz, Ms. Gibson, to name a few who, from his point of view and mine, were great teachers.

Then it was on to Ukiah High. Transitions are always tricky, but Ms. Palmarin, Mr. Post, Mr. Cawthon, Mr. Bishop, and Mr. Aikman helped my last kid succeed at UHS. In his final year, he has Mrs. McClure, Ms. Bair, Mrs. Raugewitz, and others preparing him for college. There were many other teachers along the way who were terrific. Again, sports have been a big part of his life at UHS. His football coaches, Mr. Dewey, Mr. Gaston, and Mr. Bowers, over the years, have developed a kid into a football player, learning lessons in teamwork and leadership. His wrestling coaches, Mr. Fragoza and Mr. Aikman, continued his development and dedication to a team and sport from the field to the mat. I am very proud of my son as he finishes high school. 

I’m sure I have missed or didn’t name teachers and coaches who have taught my son during his tenure at Ukiah Unified Schools, and for that, I am sorry and forever grateful to all of you. Every year at our first Pomolita staff meeting, I stand before teachers and tell them that parents are giving us their most valuable possession - their kids - for 8 hours a day. That is a huge responsibility. Many times we see their kids more than parents do. Parents entrust us to teach them not only Reading, Science, Social Studies, Writing, and Math, but how to think and get along with others. We must keep them safe and nurture and support them. It is a huge responsibility. 

As a parent, I want to offer my thanks for the years of dedication and hard work you all put in for my son. I wish I could give you a big raise commensurate with the responsibilities you all have. But, all I can give you is my heartfelt gratitude.

Here is my wish for the Holidays… Parents, take time to write a card, make a call or email and say thank you to a teacher or coach. These last two years have been difficult and challenging for teachers, constantly changing to a new normal, always learning, and trying new ways to help our kids learn and be successful. If we can’t pay them for the amount of responsibility they have, we can surely tell them we appreciate their efforts and dedication. Say thank you to a teacher! Happy Holidays!