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Mission View Elementary School recently undertook a unique initiative to celebrate its dedicated staff and their families. Principal Jeff Jaeger and Assistant Principal Donna Limon penned personalized letters to the parents of every staff member, expressing gratitude for their role in shaping the educators who make a difference in students' lives each day.

The letters highlighted the staff members' contributions to the school community, their dedication, and the positive impact they have on students. For Patti Montolvo, an Intervention Specialist/Migrant Bilingual Facilitator and Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher Ely Orozco,  the letters were a touching surprise that left a lasting impression.

Patti was deeply moved by the recognition of her parents' hard work and sacrifices, stating, 

“I remember my parents always telling us that they wanted us to get a higher education and work hard to achieve our goals and attain better jobs than theirs (working in the orchard). This letter highlighted their hard work and dedication in raising me. Because of THEM, I am who I am today.” 

The letter to Ely's mother acknowledged her years of service and dedication to the Mission View team and community. It emphasized that her bilingualism was instrumental in effectively communicating and engaging with families. Furthermore, the letter commended Ely's parents for instilling values that positively influenced her approach to education and interactions within the school community. Ely's mother was deeply moved by the letter, sharing it with loved ones and intending to frame it.

“I can't thank them [Jeff and Donna] enough for doing this for us. It’s clear that family is important to Jeff and Donna, and their commitment to creating a supportive community shines through in everything they do,” explained Ely.

The initiative was a testament to the strong sense of community and family at Mission View Elementary. By acknowledging the vital role that families play in supporting educators, the school leadership demonstrated their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.

The heartfelt letters not only recognized the hard work and dedication of the staff but also served as a reminder of the power of appreciation and gratitude. “I am without words and beyond appreciative of this thoughtful and heartfelt gesture from our administrators… It was genuine and written from the heart. We are so very lucky to have such amazing administrators who look out for not only our students' social and emotional well-being but also their staff and parents! They are 2 in a million, I'll tell ya that!” said Patti.

The initiative was met with overwhelming positive feedback from staff and families alike, and it serves as a shining example of how district school leaders can build strong relationships with their staff and communities.