For this month, we decided to center our newsletter on gratitude. Gratitude has the power to reduce stress, increase resilience, and improve our overall well-being. Gratitude is a lens through which we can appreciate everything that surrounds us, even in challenging times. This practice not only cultivates a positive outlook, but also fosters deeper connections with others as we express our appreciation.
For this edition, we asked the MESD Cabinet to share what they are grateful for:
"I am grateful for the School Improvement and Climate and Culture teams, who are supporting MESD’s component districts to meet their Integrated Guidance goals. This adaptive work requires them to be proactive and responsive, to collaborate across many different teams, and use many different types of data to inform their work. I appreciate their dedication and leadership that they provide to our region."
Angela Hubbs, Director Curriculum & Instruction
"My gratitude is to the Human Resources team. During the month of September, Human Resources hired and onboarded 86 new employees. HR Team, your tireless efforts in cultivating a positive workplace culture have not gone unnoticed.”
Dr. Deon Logan, Director of Human Resources
“I also want to thank the Human Resources, Payroll, and Multnomah Educator Rising teams for being a catalyst for positivity and unity. Your meticulous handling of employees ensures everything runs smoothly. Your attention to detail and customer service is truly appreciated."
Dr. Deon Logan, Director of Human Resources
"I want to express gratitude to the Facilities and Technology Services Teams. The work you do helps all of us do our jobs better. Your positive attitudes and willingness to take on any task are part of what makes MESD an amazing place to work. We all try to plan ahead, but sometimes last minute things happen and these two teams are flexible and patient and for that I am so grateful."
Heather Severns, Executive Assistant/Board Secretary | District Assessment Coordinator
“I am grateful for our certified, classified and leadership teams at each of our schools and programs who fully support our students through high quality daily instruction and providing a caring, student centric and compassionate learning environment. The daily work, passion for the job, compassion for students and your professionalism does not go unnoticed. You provide excellence in learning, teaching, instruction and interventions to meet the individual needs of those who are most important . . . our students. Thank you.”
Todd Greaves, Director of Student Services
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all our health professionals in School Health Services including our Nurses, School Health Assistants, Supervisors and all support staff for their dedication and passionate work of providing excellence in health care support to students to ensure healthy students, student well-being and student care within our internal schools and our component school districts. As health professionals who work within an educational system, you directly support student learning, academic success and assist schools to meet performance goals. Thank you for promoting a coordinated school health program that impacts student’s readiness and ability to learn, supporting the learning environment and assisting families and school communities to participate in learning are vital to ensuring student success. Combining your expertise with that of educators and health care colleagues results in more effective systems, programs and services to meet the needs of students and their families. Thank you.”
Todd Greaves, Director of Student Services
“Thank you to the MESD custodial staff who, along with ensuring our buildings are clean and bathrooms refreshed, provide recycling bins and do so with attention to detail, humility and grace. Thanks for the very important work you do!”
Dr. Reiko Williams, Director of Regional Equity Initiatives and Partnerships
“Thank you to Mary at the front desk who sets the tone for a welcoming environment at the Ainsworth building by smiling and greeting guests each morning and afternoon!”
Dr. Reiko Williams, Director of Regional Equity Initiatives and Partnerships
“Thank you to our administrative assistants, who quietly keep so many of our programs and services running smoothly. I appreciate all of your knowledge and calm approach to the inevitable challenges that arise!”
Sascha Perrins, Assistant Superintendent
“I’m grateful to our Outdoor School staff who manage a very large, complex program with many moving parts. Thousands of students each year get a joyful outdoor learning experience, unlike any other!”
Sascha Perrins, Assistant Superintendent
"I am grateful for the opportunity to join the MESD team! Special thanks to Tessa and Celine for believing in the vision for our department. I love working with you <3"
Marifer Sager, Director, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
"I want to express my gratitude to the Facilities team and the Technology team for your continuous support and partnership. To Melinee and Heather for all you do for the district!"
Marifer Sager, Director, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
“Thank you to the Business Services team for being the great family that you are and for allowing me to “turn off” work for a long birthday weekend. I could rest easy knowing everything would be taken care of and we can handle whatever comes our way. - from the ‘Boss Lady.’”
Doana Anderson, SFO, MESD Director, Business and Operations
“Thank you to all the staff that provide direct service to students. You are the teachers, guides, cheerers, sounding boards, limit setters, healers, helpers, friends, and family that all children deserve.”
Doana Anderson, SFO, MESD Director, Business and Operations
“Thank you to all the staff that support and advocate for our students, employees, and districts; often behind the scenes with limited resources. You are my heroes and I am proud to work alongside you.”
Doana Anderson, SFO, MESD Director, Business and Operations
