April 17, 2009

LANSING – School districts throughout Michigan celebrate Michigan School Support Staff Week from April 20-24, 2009.

Throughout Michigan, school support staff play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of schools and preschools.

“The students, teachers, and communities of Michigan are the real beneficiaries of the competent and professional work of Michigan school support staff,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. 

 School support staff’s role in support of teaching and learning directly affects the morale and performance of students, teachers, and administrators.

“School support staff are an essential complement in the success of students, teachers, administrators, and parents,” said State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus.  “These professionals provide nurturing, caring, learning support, and a safe and appropriate environment.”

Michigan School Support Staff Week serves as a fitting time for schools and communities to appropriately recognize School Support Staff and the vital role they play in the success of the learning community. 

The Michigan Department of Education and the State Board of Education honor an outstanding support staff person with the Michigan School Support Person of the Year (SSPOY) award.   The awardee’s school receives $1,500 from MEEMIC Insurance Company to be used for the advancement of education.  The SSPOY finalists’ schools receive a monetary award from MEEMIC Insurance Company, up to $500 per finalist, for the advancement of education.