The week of Feb. 5 through Feb. 11 is Principal Appreciation Week.

I would ask that everyone, especially parents, take time to encourage and recognize school principals. They are the school instructional leaders, a resource to teachers and parents, and a friend and encourager to each and every student. They work to obtain the resources and support that teachers and school support staff need.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has designated the week of Feb. 5 through Feb. 11 as Principal Appreciation Week.

In a recent superintendent's memo, Patricia I. Wright, superintendent of public instruction for the commonwealth, described the role of the principal as "the instructional leader of the school" and called this role "critically important to ensuring students are provided the opportunity to learn."

There is no doubt that the principals in Franklin County are focused and committed to doing whatever it takes to provide learning opportunities that increase students' academic successes. They are masterful at scheduling, budgeting, planning and ensuring the implementation of strategies to improve student achievement.