On Behalf of Our Children & Community, Let's Pull Together Once More

Superintendent Winston Brooks reminds employees how their contribution to the United Way makes a big difference, particularly in the lives of our own children.

September 27, 2012

I grew up in a small town, a place where neighbors matter and can always be counted on when things are tough.

That’s one of the reasons I love Albuquerque and APS so much: In so many ways, I think we are the biggest small town in the country.

Let me explain. When APS employees pull together, it’s an awesome sight. I’ve seen it already this school year, as we opened more than 140 schools almost without a single glitch and got 89,000 wonderful kids off to a great start.

It’s that trait that leads me to write to you today. You recently received pledge forms from the United Way of Central New Mexico, as part of the APS Employees United Way campaign.

On behalf of our children and community, I’m asking you to pull together once more. Together, we can make a difference in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, particularly with our own children.

The district’s United Way campaign is run by the APS Education Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that raises public support for four major programs: Fine Arts, Literacy, Mid/High School Activities and Science/Technology/Engineering/Math (STEM). Every dollar donated to the Foundation goes to the Horizon Awards, a competitive grant program that directly benefits APS classrooms.

But the truth is, you may also designate to your favorite charity, or even your own school. I ask you to consider giving, though I am deeply aware of the financial situations faced by many of our own employees.

But here’s the thing: Every single day in APS schools and work sites, I witness amazing acts of giving. I have witnessed employees working in the cold or heat to make sure our kids are comfortable in school. I’ve watched teachers and principals spend countless hours beyond the work day – all to help a student get one step closer to success. I’ve seen folks pull out their wallets and give to the Horizon Campaign to help our most innovative teachers get their students ahead.

I am asking for that shared sense of community again in the 2012 United Way Campaign. Your generosity is one of the many reasons I am proud to be your colleague.

Winston Brooks