Hilltop Primary School teachers received embroidered sweatshirts from the PTA.
Click on the above image for more photos of Staff Appreciation Week.
May 14, 2025 — 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.
The Hilltop Primary School PTA went above and beyond to celebrate their teachers and staff to feel special and appreciated! The overall theme was “Great School Staff Are Like Books – They Change Us Forever!” With each day tied to a specific book, staff members were treated to chalk art and decorations, coffee bar, catered taco lunch, flower sales, morning treats, donut and yogurt bar breakfast, and popcorn and trail mix bar. In addition, teachers received embroidered sweatshirts and handwritten notes from students and staff.
“Our PTA works so hard to support our students all year and make Hilltop such a wonderful place to learn, but this week, their efforts were on making the staff feel loved...and it was a success!” said John Wardlow, dean of students. “As the end of the year creeps in with so many field trips, class activities, beautiful weather, summer excitement, and general business as we get to the end of year, it was so nice for the staff to take a step back, take a deep breath, and feel special each day!”
Shirley Hills Primary School teachers were treated to a taco bar by the school’s paraprofessionals. Flowers were provided for the teachers to take home, and the kindergarten team made an adorable video of students thanking teachers for everything they do, which was shared with staff. “In addition, our wonderful PTA provided breakfast for staff on Friday to wrap up a great week,” said Beth Hausladen, dean of students.
The Grandview Middle School PTO and Student Council “spoiled our staff!” according to Principal Christy Zachow. Festivities included breakfast, sundaes, and a burrito bar during the week. A dress-up day inspired students to dress like staff and vice versa. Zachow was disappointed to learn that her sweatsuit “eats.”
The MWHS varsity softball team recognized each student’s favorite teacher as part of their home game, including some Grandview staff. “I thought that was a cool and unique way to show appreciation through extracurricular activities,” said Zachow.
Teacher appreciation activities at Mound Westonka High School were put together by the Friends of MWHS, led by parent Jennifer Velarde and other parents. “We are incredibly thankful not only to have amazing teachers and staff, but also for the support of MWHS families,” said Velarde. Friends of MWHS, with the help of many donations from parents, had a week-long celebration of the school’s amazing staff. The week started with a popcorn buffet, followed by decadent desserts, a breakfast bar and a nacho bar. Prize drawings were held to wrap up the week.
“We are deeply grateful to the parent group, Friends of Westonka, for providing the generous food, snacks and gift cards for our staff during the week,” said Dean of Students Jen Bormes. "Their kindness nourishes not just our bodies, but our spirits as well. Thank you to all the contributors who support us here at MWHS!”
Thank you to all of Westonka’s hard-working staff members!
