February is Have-a-Heart Month for the California School Employees Association (CSEA). During this time, CSEA focuses on providing support and assistance to its members who have been affected by disasters.

The organization has various programs in place to help its members during these tough times, one of which is the Dorothy Bjork Assistance Fund. This fund is disbursed through two different programs, the Emergency Assistance Program and the Humanitarian Assistance Program.

The Emergency Assistance Program provides financial assistance to members who are in immediate need due to an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster or unexpected illness. The Humanitarian Assistance Program, on the other hand, provides support to members who need long-term assistance due to a disaster. These programs are designed to help CSEA members during their time of need and are a testament to the organization's commitment to the well-being of its members.

One of the most important things we can model for our students is kindness, and the CSEA Dorothy Bjork Assistance Fund does just that. Acts of kindness, no matter when or why they happen, are a great way to teach our children that kindness is crucial in life. Why is kindness so important to not only us but our students? Kindness increases serotonin, which is essential in learning, memory, mood, sleep, health, and digestion. Kindness is a key ingredient that helps children feel good. Having a positive outlook allows them to have longer attention spans and enables more creative thinking, which produces better results at school.

I would like to recognize all of our classified staff here at Ukiah Unified School District for their hard work and dedication, always ensuring our students are learning in a safe and healthy environment. Ukiah Unified School District has the best-classified employees anywhere! Our members care about the students and what their positions can do to support learning. The classified unit consists of Secretarial, Technology, Custodial, Maintenance, Transportation, Food Service, Paraeducators, Grounds, Community Liaisons, Payroll Specialists, Student Information Specialists, Library, Delivery, and our Crossing Guards. If you see any of these extraordinary people, be sure to thank them for their continued service to our students and our community. 

Not only during Have-a-Heart Month but any time you get the chance, I urge everyone to write a note, send an email, or give just a simple verbal thank you to recognize our classified staff members. A random act of kindness like this goes a long way in knowing someone actually recognizes our hard work and dedication. When we are at a school site doing our jobs, and students hear another adult stop to thank someone, this is an excellent example of how to interact with others. As they grow into productive members of our society, they will also show this kind of gratitude to others.