Scotts Valley Teachers Are Welcomed Back With Breakfast

Scotts Valley educators received a warm welcome back on Tuesday when teachers from all four district schools gathered for a breakfast and a little down time the day before students returned to the classrooms.

New teachers were welcomed, trustees spoke, new Superintendent Penny Weaver gave words of encouragement and checks were passed out to get the year off to a good start.

The Rotary Club of Scotts Valley, which sponsored the event, donated $1,000 each to Scotts Valley middle and high schools and Vine Hill and Brook Knoll elementary schools for each principal to use as they see fit for their individual schools.

“Scotts Valley educators are really jewels in the community,” Rotary President Randy Klein said as he handed out the checks.

Along with Rotary Club members, other city leaders, including Mayor Dene Bustichi, Councilman Jim Reed and Scotts Valley Police Chief John Weiss, showed up to give their support to the teachers for the upcoming year.

“Education is not a solitary process, and we’re so grateful and honored to have the support of the council and all the local groups who have or may have had children in our schools,” Weaver said.

The teachers had the opportunity to hear from the high school’s Interact Club members on their plans for the upcoming year, including a school beautification project, a speech contest, beach clean-up days, and 1,500 hours of community service. The students in the club, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club, are also planning a Teacher Focus month in April when members will reach out to teachers to help make their jobs a little easier.

As they prepare for the new school year, the teachers were also reminded of why they were there and the importance of what they do each year, despite there sometimes being hard roads ahead.

“You get a whole new set of students each year, with fresh minds and hopeful expectations," said Michael Shulman, school board trustee. "And this year is extra special, because we have a new superintendent. We do come back this year in the midst of a deep financial crisis; we’re returning this year missing some dear colleagues—but this is a real pivot point for our district. Our students are it. And all of you love to teach and all of us love to learn, so please do what you love.”