When we talk about the people who make a difference in our schools, teachers, principals and coaches often get the spotlight. They deserve it. But there’s another group of people who help keep our schools running every day, often without much recognition: the bus drivers getting students to school safely, the cafeteria workers making sure they’re fed, and the front office staff who somehow keep track of everything and everyone.
They may not always be on the front lines of education, but they’re essential to the experience students have every day. And they’re often the people students see first, and sometimes the ones who notice when something isn’t quite right.
Thanksgiving offers school leaders a perfect opportunity to show these employees that their work matters. But instead of sending another all-staff email thanking everyone for their hard work, why not make that appreciation a little more personal?
Here are three things you can do before Thanksgiving break:
1. Make a personal visit. Stop by the bus garage before the morning routes, visit the cafeteria during meal prep, or spend a few minutes with the front office team. Thank people by name. Ask how things are going. Listen. A five-minute conversation can mean more than a paragraph in a districtwide newsletter.
2. Let students do the thanking. Have students write short thank-you notes to their bus drivers, cafeteria workers and office staff. Display some in the cafeteria or staff room, or deliver them personally. A handwritten note from a student can be a powerful reminder that someone notices the difference you make.
3. Recognize the people behind the scenes publicly. Feature a few of these employees in your school newsletter, on social media or during morning announcements. Share what they do, how long they’ve served the district, or a small story that illustrates their impact. Give families a chance to learn the names and faces of people who help make their children’s school day possible.
And don’t stop with a one-time gesture. Make recognition part of your routine. Ask principals and department supervisors to identify opportunities throughout the year to celebrate the employees whose work is easy to take for granted.
There’s a communications lesson here, too. School leaders spend considerable time communicating with employees when something needs to be fixed, changed or improved. Taking the time to communicate appreciation sends a different message: You matter here.
That message can strengthen relationships, build goodwill and remind employees that they’re part of something bigger than their individual job descriptions.
This Thanksgiving, before you head out for the holiday, take a look around your school. Think about the people who rarely make the headlines but help make every school day possible.
Then do something to let them know you noticed.
Because gratitude is worth communicating, too.
