On March 1, our security guard Gregorio Cruz, know to the students as Mr. Cruz and our junior high school maintenance staff, Kevin Jimenez and Mariano, received a welcome surprise. Each was invited to the lunchroom where a socially distanced grade awaited them. These three assemblies were arranged in order to honor and thank these hard working individuals and express our appreciation for what they do. This year their jobs are especially challenging because in addition to the regular cleaning and maintenance of the JHS building, there are many additional requirements needed to keep the building sanitized and staff and students safe. Though Cruz knows most of the students by face, this year he had to recognize them behind a mask as well; and this is no simple feat.
Under guidance from the ELA department, each grade spent time writing letters of gratitude and appreciation that were printed, bound and presented in a book for them to keep. One student from each class was chosen to read his/her letter in appreciation of these three men and all they do for the JHS. Mr. Cruz said, “I was very surprised it was very heartfelt. I appreciate it with all the students had done,” Kevin said, “Thank you is necessary sometimes to show that people notice. It made me feel really happy.”
This experience was a tremendous lesson in gratitude. The students recognized the essential work that is done on a daily basis for them. The assemblies pulsated with strong positive energy and served as a true Kiddush Hashem.
Julian Schneider, grade 7 said, “when Cruz came down, we gave him a standing ovation for everything he does for us. But Cruz had no clue why we are clapping for him. Then Rabbi Landsman called every class representative up to read their thank you letters to him on behalf of the class that each rep is in. Cruz was so surprised and gave us advice on how to be successful in life, and overall, it was a very nice event.”
Thank You from YCQ Junior High
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