SRP Recognition Day acknowledges the contributions of School-Related Professionals in helping to educate the whole student. Officially established as law in 2007, SRP Recognition Day falls on the third Tuesday of each November, often during American Education Week.
Locals across the state went all out this year to recognize and celebrate their SRPs, holding parties and socials, and sending thank you notes and gift cards.
Entries poured in for NYSUT's fifth annual SRP Recognition Day Contest. We're proud to announce the winners:
- First place: Baldwinsville ESPA, led by President Sam Schraven.
The local invited all members to an after-school open house. "We set up tables and distributed information about the New York state Constitutional Convention, teaching assistant certification and the Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association U.S. Supreme Court case," Schraven said. They collected money to donate to the Volunteer Center and raised funds for VOTE-COPE. A raffle also raised money for the annual scholarship the local gives to a member's graduating senior. Each member received a Dunkin' Donuts gift card as a thank you gift.
- Second place: Wayland- Cohocton ESP, led by President Jacquelyn Henty.
"With help from the teachers union, all elementary K-4 students, and a sprinkling of middle and high school students, wrote thank you notes to all WCESP members," Henty said. "The response was wonderful and it was the best gift our members could have received." Teachers at the Cohocton Elementary School surprised their support staff by having breakfast for them. Each member of the union received a gift package of appreciation in their mailbox.
- Third place: Monroe-Woodbury TA, led by President Ray Hodges.
"We celebrated with a theme of ‘We Fall Like Leaves For Our SRPs!'. SRPs are Essential to Education!" Hodges said.
The school has a "post office" and students and staff wrote thank you letters to SRPs on special stationery just for the occasion. More than 800 letters were "mailed."
Students then sorted the letters and delivered them to each SRP. Teachers also invited SRPs to a Delightful Dessert Day.