The final days of the school year are marked with graduations, end-of-year parties, hugs goodbye and the wishes for a great summer.

For teachers, there is relief for an extended break, while at the same time maybe a tear or two about departing students. In return, there is often times a small gift of thanks from the students — or their parents — to the teacher, thanking them for a great year.

But there are those who sometimes fall through the cracks when we show our appreciation, but do no less in helping our children through the year.

For those who run the offices at the schools, the administrative assistants, their interaction with our children is no less important, as they oftentimes are responsible for helping usher them to class, offer an encouraging word in the morning and support the teachers’ efforts in providing a quality education.

For those who clean and maintain the schools, their care, whether it is changing out trash bags or changing out lights, ensures our children are given quality environments in which to learn.

To the security guards, we truly appreciate your help in providing a safe environment for our children to learn and play.

To those who prepare and serve breakfast and lunch to our children, your work is sometimes the only quality meal some children receive in a day.

For our bus drivers, who begin work far too early in the morning and end work in the evening, we thank you for getting our children to school and home safely each day.

And to the countless others who often go unnoticed for their work, their contributions.

As we have said many times, providing an education to our children is among the most important things we as a society can provide and support. And, there are more people involved in that process than just the teachers and administrators.

Educating our children takes a team — a dedicated team — to pull off that job. Thankfully, for the children in our community, we have great people on our team.