Share your gratitude

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to thank each of you for your hard work on behalf of our students. As I visit our schools, and visit other communities, I continue to be amazed and honored to be apart if this incredible school and community. Last Friday night our Blackhawks hosted Trumann in the first round of the state playoffs.

I wanted to share a text message Coach Tony Travis received from the Trumann coach the following day: "Coach, I just wanted to thank you, your staff and community for your hospitality. I came away impressed with your kids and program. You guys do things the way they are supposed to be done."

I'm thankful to say our student body, our school district, and our community is proud of that perception. We are building an organization that lives out our belief that with our help and providing hope, every student can achieve.

Our teachers and principals are on the front lines of this important work, and I know that our students, and our students' parents and families, are thankful for their time and effort. But I also want to thank all those who make what happens in the classroom possible. Across the District, people are meeting the needs of students, updating and keeping technology available, keeping our buildings clean, welcoming and registering new students, engaging our community, educating our parents, and so much more, so that our students can have the best education possible.

This week, I'd ask that you take just a few minutes to recognize someone who has supported you in your work for our students by thanking them. Share in person, on the phone, or in an email your appreciation for their support.

Happy Thanksgiving and God bless.

Respectfully,

Rick Neal, Superintendent, Pea Ridge, Ark., School District

Community on 11/18/2015