Commissioner Stewart Thanks School First Responders

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

DOE Press Office
850-245-0413

Commissioner Stewart Thanks School First Responders

Tallahassee, Fla., January 7, 2015 – In honor of Florida First Responder Appreciation Week, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart extends a special thanks to K-12 school nurses, school resource officers and college campus police who are often the first to help students and staff at our schools and universities.

“I am proud to recognize the thousands of men and women across the state who have dedicated their lives to ensuring Florida students attend safe schools where their medical needs are promptly addressed,” said Commissioner Stewart. “These men and women serve as a first line of defense and they deserve to know we appreciate their hard work and commitment.” 

K-12 school nurses, school resource officers and college campus police play an intricate role in the health and safety of our students, and help with array of issues - from helping prevent the spread of a virus to ensuring schools follow protocol in an emergency situation. Because of the vital nature of these roles in our schools, Commissioner Stewart urges parents, teachers and students to send encouragement and gestures of gratitude to their local schools' first responders. There are countless ways student and families can be involved and show support during this week: cards or letters of appreciation; poems or songs that express gratitude; individual drawings of a first responder helping someone; class posters or other art projects that can be given to local first responders.

Keeping the importance of these first responder roles in mind, Commissioner Stewart has asked school leaders to help students and their communities join in Governor Scott’s call to action regarding the newly proclaimed Florida First Responder Week. For additional ideas on what you and your student(s) can do to show appreciation for a first responder visit the Florida Department of Education’s Pinterest page at http://www.pinterest.com/floridadoe/thank-our-first-responders/.