School Age Program staff enjoys appreciation day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chris Drzazgowski
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The School Age Program celebrated a staff appreciation day here, Jan. 28.

The appreciation day included a gift presentation and a luncheon, provided by the SAP's Parent Advisory Board and several other parents whose children participate in the program.

Several parents contacted Tiffany Hornbeek, Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support Specialist, to see what they could do to show their appreciation for the SAP's staff.

"The staff here is absolutely phenomenal," said Hornbeek. "They're really warm and welcoming with the children, as well as their parents. They also make sure the kids are engaged. We just wanted to do something nice for them to really show how much we appreciate them."

The parents and the SAP supervisors teamed up to provide lunch including pizzas, a veggie platter and cupcakes for all of the staff members. They also presented them with gift cards to local businesses.

"We all pooled our money together to make sure everyone got something," Hornbeek said.

SAP gives military personnel and Department of Defense civilians peace of mind by providing a constructive and positive atmosphere for their children to engage in before and after school hours.

"The staff really validates the kids," Hornbeek said. "They interact and joke around with them. Every time I go in, they're sitting and playing board games with the kids. They also help them with their homework."

Hornbeek also explained that not every day is perfect and completely fun-filled, but it works out for the better.

"When I see a quality program, I really recognize it, because the staff works with the kids," Hornbeek said. "They help them learn to resolve everyday conflicts."

Hornbeek emphasized the importance of acknowledging the SAP's staff for their consistent efforts.

"I know there are some difficult days the staff goes through at times," Hornbeek said. "I think that just knowing how much they are appreciated really meant a lot to them. I just wanted to highlight what a great group they are and how much we appreciate a staff that high in caliber working with our military kids."

For more information about the School Age Program, parents can call 228-8844.