Albuquerque Public Schools
Grateful for all of You
In her weekly message, Superintendent Blakey lists the many things for which she's thankful.
Thanksgiving is days away, and that has me thinking about the many blessings in my life.
I’m typically not a sentimental person, but this time of year, I like to reflect on the things and people for which I’m grateful. It keeps me grounded and gives me something to latch onto on tough days.
I’m grateful to live in New Mexico, a beautiful state brimming with genuine people who care about one another. I’m grateful for the Albuquerque community, which supports us time and time again. Our community cares about our kids and comes together for them. I’m thankful that they’re with us on this journey.
I’m grateful for our beautiful, diverse students. Whether they’re participating in a national panel in Dallas, collecting food for those in need, or creating things in their metal fabrication class, our students are incredible.
I’m grateful to all of our teachers, aides, counselors, principals, secretaries, custodians and the many others at the school level who work day in and day out to help students succeed academically, socially and emotionally. I’m also grateful to the army of bus drivers, maintenance workers, school safety aides and police officers, accountants, human resources folks, administrators and every other APS worker laying the groundwork for our students’ success.
I’m grateful to the APS Board of Education for its unflinching commitment to improving the lives of our students and for giving me the opportunity to lead the effort. We’re gaining momentum as we work to achieve the goals the board set for us.
I love being superintendent of this district because it’s an opportunity to give back to the community that nurtured me.
Over the last few months, I’ve visited dozens of schools and met many of our students and staff. Speaking with them has been one of the highlights of my new job, and I’m thankful to all of them for the gracious welcome they gave me.
I’m particularly grateful for the opportunity to serve as a role model for girls at APS. I attended APS schools, worked hard and am now leading one of the largest school districts in the country. Through my story, I hope they know they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to. It’s great to see our students make that connection. Living up to that is a big responsibility that I take seriously.
Finally, I’m grateful for my husband, Paul, who has been incredibly supportive as I’ve immersed myself in my new job, and to my parents, my brother, sister, and nephews and nieces who have always been there for me. Oh, and I’m grateful for my sweet dogs, Goby and Luna, who can be a handful at times but who I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!