Formerly known as Secretary's Week, this special week represents a time to recognize the incredible support we receive from the secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals who keep our schools and offices going. This year’s theme “Forward Moving" denotes how career-minded our administrative professionals are as they position themselves for success in today's ever-changing business environment by mastering advanced office technology and forging collaborative relationships with managers, coworkers, and teachers.  Today’s support personnel take charge of their own careers and career advancement.

Millions of people around the world work in offices, and appreciate that administrative professionals are the key components in maintaining a well run organization.  In our schools and district offices, these energetic, highly skilled, multifunctional individuals ensure that excellence is not the exception, but the standard mode of operation, from greeting visitors to working with children, teachers, and educational leadership.

Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, secretarial and administrative assistant jobs are among the largest occupations in the U.S economy, employing  more than 4.2 million workers in 2006. The Labor Department predicts another 362,000 administrative jobs will be added by 2016.

The support from administrative assistants and secretaries remains an essential ingredient in the success of DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam allowing us to fulfill our mission.

It is with sincere appreciation that I extend to all administrative professionals a special thank you for the exceptional services you provide to our students, parents, educators, and community members.  Through your extraordinary work, you are a cornerstone of our success.  Your tireless spirit remains at the heart of our achievement, getting the impossible accomplished and specializing in making our lives a little brighter each and every day.
 
To all of us in DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam, take a moment to thank the people who work in our offices for the support they provide to our school system.  Please join me in honoring and celebrating our Administrative Professionals on April 23rd and throughout the week.