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Dr. David Hopson |
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January 8, 2007 We are asking volunteers to save the date and time—Friday, February 9th, open seating from 5 to 7 p.m.—for the annual volunteer recognition dinner to be held in the cafeteria at the Gateway Middle/High School Complex. This dinner is held to recognize the many volunteers whose contributions help make the Gateway Regional School District successful. This dinner is open to all volunteers who have served in the district for any amount of time and in any capacity. For the third year in a row, the dinner is being sponsored and organized by the Friends of Gateway and will feature district employees in various essential roles (kitchen help, servers, set-up and clean-up crews, decorating help, etc) so that the volunteers get to relax and enjoy a free meal—including live music. ‘Volunteer’ is defined as one who enters into or offers himself for a service of his own free will—as one who renders a service or takes part in a transaction while having no legal concern or interest (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary). Volunteers in the Gateway Regional School District play a critical role in many of our daily activities throughout our schools while meeting the definition, i.e., they don’t expect any return on their investment of time except through expanded student opportunities. As we begin the new calendar year I thank each volunteer for his or her dedicated service to the students in our district. We know that our volunteers do not expect personal return and that a dinner doesn’t begin to cover the time, energy, and talents donated by our volunteers. However, it is important for all of us to acknowledge and recognize the integral role that volunteerism plays in our district and take time out of our hectic schedules to celebrate the successes of our volunteers. From assisting in the classrooms, through chaperoning field trips, providing resources and doing a 101 other things—our volunteers make a difference. They are parents, community members, and people from outside our immediate area, businesses, and even students. All of them are willing to donate their time in order to improve our schools. From Booster Field to playgrounds; classrooms to offices; students to staff; inside and outside; formally and informally; occasionally to daily—our volunteers make things happen in a positive manner. Hours upon hours of time and innumerable other resources are given to this district by volunteers, who help us stretch our limited resources in ways that could not be duplicated through the application of money alone. Once again, on behalf of the students and staff, I thank each volunteer for making our days brighter, increasing opportunities, and giving to the future. Please join us for dinner at the Middle/High School complex on February 9th to celebrate the successes that volunteers help make possible and to help us recognize your roles in ensuring student success. ### |
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