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Westonka Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week
Click on the above image for more pictures from Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6, 2021 — According to one definition, a teacher is one who inspires, guides, enlightens and motivates, making the world a better place. Teacher Appreciation Week is designated during the first week of May as a time to honor the individuals who lend their passion and skills to education. At Westonka, each school celebrated their special teachers and staff members in their own unique way.
“I am continually in awe of the tremendous dedication, creativity, problem solving and care that Westonka’s teachers demonstrate each and every day,” Superintendent Kevin Borg wrote in a thank-you memo to all teachers. “You overcame every single challenge put in front of you this year and earned this community’s trust and confidence along the way.”
At Hilltop Primary School, the PTA amazed staff by adding new furniture to the staff lounge and freshening up necessary supplies and equipment for staff members. A variety of snacks and treats were presented throughout the week, along with a staff lunch on Thursday. The PTA also provided the staff with daily gift card drawings for a little fun and excitement.
Shirley Hills used the opportunity to celebrate the school’s retirees and years of service staff with cake and an informal reception. The PTA provided boxed lunches and sodas for all staff on Tuesday, while paraprofessionals treated teachers to bagels and coffee in the morning on Thursday, followed by a picnic style lunch. In addition, each student received a flower Thursday as they entered the building to present to their teacher.
The Grandview PTO and Student Council teamed up to provide breakfast on Monday, dessert on Tuesday, lunch on Wednesday and ice cream on Thursday. All teachers also received personalized stickers for their computers and water bottles.
Teacher appreciation activities at MWHS were put together by the Friends of MWHS, comprised of parents Jennifer Velarde, Angela Alvig, Candace Carlson, Rachelle Nordstrom and Kathleen Halloran. “Our goal is to provide community at MWHS with staff, students and their families,” explained Velarde. “We focus on service and the needs of everyone at MWHS.”
With the help of parent donations, the group made a week of special treats to celebrate how much each member of the MWHS staff is appreciated. Each day was marked with a theme which included prepackaged treats and goodies. Monday was Snack Attack; Tuesday provided Grab and Go Breakfast; Wednesday was I Scream Day (teachers were told they wouldn’t be judged if they actually did scream for ice cream) and Thursday was Hooray Day, which resulted a plethora of gift card drawings, along with more treats.
“Your love for our students is evident in all that you do,” Borg continued. “I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”