February is Have-a-Heart Month for the California School Employees Association (CSEA). CSEA has programs to assist our members affected by disasters. The Dorothy Bjork Assistance Fund is one of these programs and is disbursed in The Emergency Assistance Program and the Humanitarian Assistance Program.
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 also our students? Kindness increases serotonin, which plays an important part 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.
School districts have two primary categories of employees, certificated and classified. Certificated team members are teachers and positions that require certification from the State. Classified staff are practically everyone else. I would like to recognize the classified staff 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 really care about the students and how their positions 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 Crossing Guards. If you see any of these extraordinary people, 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 recognizing classified staff. A random act of kindness like this goes a long way, actually knowing someone recognizes one’s hard work and dedication. When we are at school doing our jobs, and students hear another adult thank someone, they experience a great example of how to interact with others. As they become productive members of our society, they will also show gratitude.