October 10-16 has been declared “Support Personnel Week” both across the state of Oklahoma and by our local school board. This week gives us an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the support employees who work in numerous areas at Bartlesville Public Schools. These employees serve in many capacities around the district, such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers, teacher's assistants, administrative assistants, school age care workers, custodial employees or maintenance and grounds workers. BPS support staff consists of several hundred diligent employees who work behind the scenes assuring the success of Bartlesville Public Schools students.

Classified employees have varying schedules, they may work very early mornings or late evenings, they may have split shifts during the day. Many classified employees work part-time throughout the school day in various ways. They may drive a bus in the morning and afternoon, oversee a busy playground at lunchtime, work afternoons in a library or computer lab, or as a crossing guard when school begins and ends for the day. Support employees also work during the evenings or weekends to assisting with extra curricular activities for students and parents.

One of the primary functions of many support staff members is to ensure the safety of our students. For example, bus drivers deliver their precious cargo to and from school and school activities. Maintenance employees provide safe buildings, classrooms, parking lots, and sidewalks as students arrive and spend the majority of their day at school. They oversee the heaters and chillers at our sites to keep our students comfortable. Crossing guards work at many sites, through rain, sun, or snow to protect students walking to school. Playground assistants help ensure that students enjoy recess and free time without injury.

It is not only student safety with which our classified staff members assist, many directly help with the learning of our students at each level of education, from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. Some of these dedicated employees are assigned to specific students, some of which require very intense assistance. Others assist a small group of children, interpret for a hearing-impaired student or provide one-on-one tutoring as needed. These employees are the extra hands our busy teachers need as they strive to teach their daily lessons.

It is through the commitment of the many dedicated classified employees that the Bartlesville Public School district runs so smoothly. Their responsibilities and hours vary, however each provides an important service to the district, and together we all achieve our goal of educating Bartlesville students to the highest level possible. This week has been set aside to recognize their commitment to our students and school district, we want to thank them for the countless ways they contribute to the success of our students as Bartlesville Publics Schools continues Striving for Excellence!