Dear friends:

This week marks National Teachers Appreciation Week, and we have a lot to thank our teachers for! For many of us who have to now home-school our children due to the Coronavirus, our school day may just be coming to an end, but a teacher's job is never done. We need to celebrate and appreciate that fact.

This school year in particular, we have to commend our educators for their determination, flexibility and compassion. Every year, teachers work incredibly hard to give children the skills and education they need to be successful in life. This year, teachers have had to overcome an unprecedented challenge - scrambling to get students the materials they need, transitioning to online learning, and teaching children from behind a computer screen - and yet, the education professionals and school workers across New York State have met the challenge head on, with the support of our partners in labor at the UFT and Local 372/DC 37.

I began my career in public service as a member of the school board and eventually was elected to be President of Community School Board 29. I saw first hand the difficulties our educators faced and it helped fuel policy decisions I made as a Member of the New York City Council and decisions I make now as a State Senator. Today, and every day, teachers deserve our respect, gratitude, support, and thanks. I salute teachers in New York and throughout the the great Borough of Queens who give of themselves every day for our children. If we have learned one thing for certain throughout the course of the COVID-19 public health crisis, it's that we owe our teachers an incredible debt of gratitude.

And yes, parents, since the kids have been home, we now know, sometimes it is our baby that is acting out in class. 😂😂😂

Seriously, with school buildings remaining closed for the rest of the school year, as advised by Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio, we must provide teachers and students with the tools they need to continue learning this year, next year and into the future.

My commitment is to continue to fight for our students, our parents and all of the educators, administrators, coaches, volunteers, and personnel who make up our school community. We can only educate properly if the village continues to be vibrant, active and work collectively.

I hope you all stay healthy and safe, and that we can thank our teachers in person again soon.

Yours in service,

Leroy Comrie

District 14 | Queens

P.S. if you have school based issues or questions please feel free to contact my office. We are working remotely but are available by phone, e-mail and zoom or other platform for meetings. Reach out to us at 718-765-6359 or at info@leroycomrie.org. Thank you for your understanding.