As this school year winds down and summer beckons, it's time to recognize the incredible efforts of those who have played shepherd to our children through these recent semesters.

Teachers, administrators, bus drivers, crossing guards, cafeteria workers, janitors, substitutes, school board members, PTSA presidents, volunteers and school nurses all deserve a huge "thank you" for all that they do. True, some are remunerated for their efforts involving the education and care of our children. But there's no price tag that can be placed on the hugs, the encouragement and the support that our children are given.

To become an educator takes a very special human being.

The Moorpark Unified School District annually recognizes teachers through the district's Impact Award, given to teachers for initiating activities that have had the most impact on school environments. Teachers Donna Fulgham, Robert Shapiro of Moorpark High School and Andrea Tsakrios of Mesa Verde Middle School have all earned honors for their work above and beyond the rigors of day-to-day classroom work.

Moorpark PTSA's Melissa Houlihan is another wonderful example of those who go above and beyond the call of duty. Houlihan not only participates in leading the annual Boys & Girls Clubs auction, Moorpark Country Days and the Parent Teacher Association Council, but also assists the Mesa Verde Middle School and Peach Hill Academy PTAs. Houlihan is a part of the Moorpark Unified School District's School Site Council and Strategic Planning Team and assists the Moorpark Education Foundation.

Now would be the perfect time to take a moment and write a thank you card to those people who are responsible for the development of your children. It would certainly start their summer on the right note.