Administrative Professionals Week (April 22-28, 2007) and Administrative Professionals Day (Wednesday, April 25) attract wide participation throughout the world.  This occasion recognizes the contributions and the value of our administrative support staff.  The 2007 Theme, "Shaping the Future," seems appropriate as our Administrative Professionals are the cornerstone of success in our schools and offices.

This annual event was originally organized in 1952 as "National Secretaries Week" by the National Secretaries Association, known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals.  It was established in an effort to recognize secretaries for their contributions in the workplace, and to attract people to secretarial/administrative careers.

In the year 2000, the names were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today’s administrative workforce.

Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances.  In DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam the contributions of administrative assistants and secretaries are an essential ingredient for our continued success.  Their dedication, tireless efforts, and commitment to our mission remain the foundation of support throughout 45 schools, four districts, and the Pacific Director’s Office.

It is with sincere appreciation that I extend to all administrative professionals a special thank you for the outstanding services you provide to our students, parents, educators, and community members.  You are the unsung heroes supporting all the DDESS-Guam and DoDDS-Pacific teachers, administrators, and students.  You always manage to get the impossible done and specialize in making our lives a little better each school day.
 
Please join me in honoring and celebrating our Administrative Professionals on April 25 and throughout the week.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam