If you see a Board of Education member this week, say thank you.

The New York State School Boards Association has designated October 12-16 as School Board Recognition Week. This annual event was created to honor local school board members for their commitment and service to students, public schools, and local communities.

In the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District, the Board of Education – President Anne Lawless, Vice President Gabe O’Connell, and members Aaron Falk, Kristen O’Dell, Trish Kinney, Monique Wolf and Trevor Rhodes – were celebrated early, at the board’s meeting on October 1.

“Thank you to our Board of Education members for their time, commitment and dedication,” Superintendent of Schools Michael McElduff started the presentation with. He noted that this is his 11th year in the HF-FMCSD and he has “never not felt supported by the board”.

He and his fellow administrators – instead of the typical flowers or candy – decided to purchase a brick recognizing the board that will be placed in a soon-to-be-created brick walkway in front of the school. “We wanted to do something permanent,” the superintendent said, showing them a framed picture of what the brick will look like. “Your contributions will remain a permanent part of our school district, recognizing the important role you play.”

The proceeds of that walkway benefit O’Neill High School’s Reading Buddies program, a high school-elementary school program which partners older and younger children to read together. That step toward increased literacy efforts delighted the board members as much as the actual brick did.

McElduff’s presentation wasn’t the final one, though. From the high school, Principal Dr. Michael Curtin gave each board member a wrapped piece of pottery created by students in Art Teacher Cierra McGuire’s classes.

“On a personal note,” Curtain said, “I’m appreciative of how much work that goes into a job – work that really isn’t seen by the community. And, I also want to say how much I appreciate the warm welcome you have all given to me.”

From the Highland Falls Intermediate School, Principal Charles Femia showed the board a video of students thanking the board – in English, Spanish, American Sign Language, and even a few other languages – and also directed them to hand-written letters and posters around the room offering thanks from students. “Thank you for supporting all types of learning,” he said.

And from the Fort Montgomery Elementary School, Principal Alex Hansen also showed a video, showing “the many small moments that we are able to enjoy everyday thanks to your support”. The video featured singing and rhyming from students, created with the assistance of Teacher Kristen Magyar.

“We couldn’t do all that we do all across the district without you,” McElduff said as the presentations wrapped up.