This spring, public school students across the nation will celebrate a significant milestone in their academic careers. Many will be crossing the stage to receive their high school diplomas as they prepare to enter the workforce, college, trade school or the military. Others will be moving from pre-kindergarten to elementary school, elementary school to middle school or from one grade level to the next. 

As school communicators well know, graduation and grade promotions are more than just milestones. They offer an opportunity for us to celebrate our kids, their hard work and their accomplishments. They are a culmination of a collective effort to ensure every child feels accepted, believes they can succeed and builds the critical skills they need to succeed in a diverse and ever-changing world. 

Now is also a time to reflect on the incredible importance of public education to our communities, our nation, and our society. 

At NSPRA, we are proud to join with the Learning First Alliance and our partners across the country as part of the #WeAre2023 initiative to recognize the students moving to the next phase of their academic career. At the same time, we will spotlight the amazing work of educators to prepare students for the future. 

Celebrating teachers and school staff at graduation time is a great way to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication they have put in throughout the academic year. We can also encourage current students and soon-to-be graduates to consider education as a potential career path.

There are many ways you can support this effort:

• Reach out to a teacher or school staff member to thank them for their work. 
• Congratulate those who are reaching the next milestone in their lives. 
• Share your kids or students’ stories on social media, using the hashtag #WeAre2023. 

Kids thrive when their schools, educators and school professionals have the support and resources they need to be successful.

Visit Graduation and Grade Promotion Campaign - Learning First to learn more about how you can support the #WeAre2023 intiative.