36 JUNE 2023 By Rachael Bouley Early May marked Teacher Appreciation Week, and Arcadia area schools showed their support with special activities to honor educators and their dedicated efforts in and out of the classroom. Take a look at what the schools got up to for a big week of staff appreciation. Arcadia High The Titans celebrated their teachers, staff, and administrators with a food bar theme featuring plenty of sweet treats. Coffee and donuts on a Monday got the week started right, while teachers found candy bars in their mailboxes on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they had a popcorn bar with tasty toppings, a power bar on Thursday with healthy snacks and energy drinks, and a sweet and salty bar on Friday. PTO president Kim Kleski was pleased to see the school come together to highlight teachers and support staff who contribute to their community. “It really does take a village. The teachers at Arcadia work tirelessly and wear so many hats,” Kleski said. “Arcadia teaching professionals inspire their students, nudge them when needed, and see them for who they are in a very formative time of their life.” Biltmore Prep Biltmore Prep appreciates its hardworking, dedicated teachers and staff throughout the school year and Teacher Appreciation Week is a time where they are showered with love and appreciation for all they do. Each day of the week, the PTO and leadership team had special things in place to show appreciation. “We have the best teachers at Biltmore Prep and we know our school is an A+ School of Excellence because of the dedication and quality of our teaching and support staff. I want our teachers to know they are loved and appreciated every day and that bringing their best to our A+ School is what makes our community so special,” Principal De Mar said. On Monday, as teachers and staff arrived on campus, Creative Cappuccino was set up in the staff lounge to thank teachers “for all they brew!” Tuesday, staff was treated to a popcorn and candy bar. Wednesday was special for VI-Teachers as they were treated to a custom swag bag, including Bespoke Bookmarks which featured why students think each teacher is amazing. Thursday hosted a Breakfast Bar as parents said “Thanks a brunch for all you do” with treats and office supplies. Teacher Appreciation Week wrapped up with a special lunch provided by PTO and Sacks Sandwiches for a “Picture Perfect Year” and teachers selected an inspirational quote and frame as a daily reminder of the hard work they do and how much they are loved. Echo Canyon The Parent Teacher Organization rolled out the red carpet for teachers with an Academy Award themed Teacher Appreciation Week this year. Teachers and staff won daily cash prizes along with Oscar themed statuettes. Students announced Best Actor/Actress in a Lead Role and Best Supporting Actor/Actress during morning announcements. Teachers and staff were also treated to breakfast, lunches and snacks all week long. The PTO would like to give a shout out to Arcadia businesses The Spot and Little O’s, who donated food to help them indulge Echo Canyon’s teachers and staff. Little O’s Cookie Monster donut and The Spot’s brisket flatbread were fan faves! Hopi HOPIWOOD rolled out the red carpet, bringing the star treatment to hardworking teachers and staff. Colorful balloons and a VIP stage door set the scene for a fun week, with staff receiving catering and tokens of appreciation each day. The festivities kicked off with Door Day and pizza lunch from Mr. Moto on Monday, then an all-staff gift on Tuesday as students brought in flowers, handmade cards, and snacks. On Wednesday, educators were greeted with flowers and a taco lunch; Thursday was homemade gifts and cards with lunch from O.H.S.O., and the conclusion of Appreciation Week kicked off with a staff breakfast and “teacher’s favorite” gifts brought in by students. Staff Appreciation Committee Chairs Joey Ghelfi, Carlie Garcia, and Summer Warrender enjoyed putting HOPIWOOD together and encouraging students to get involved. “Hopi teachers and staff members go above and beyond for their students each and every day,” Ghelfi said. “We always look forward to the opportunity to express our gratitude for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that often go unnoticed. We truly cannot thank them enough for all they do.” Ingleside Ingleside Student Council got into the teacher appreciation spirit by planning daily themes with snacks and door decorations for every staff member. PTO, admin, and outside supporters prepared breakfast and lunch for staff to enjoy all week. Principal Dr. Junior Michael was proud to see the school come together to support educators who worked countless hours to provide a welcoming learning environment. “The professionals who work to make these positive educational outcomes a reality deserve all the world’s recognition and appreciation,” Dr. Michael said. Tavan “Tavan Teachers are PUNtastic” was the theme of Teacher Appreciation Week for the Wildcats, and it was a big hit with staff and students alike. The school’s Sunshine Committee got local restaurants on board, with Flower Child and Chick- fil-A donating catered lunches. The week started with an “un-be-LEAF- able” Monday as kids brought flowers for their teachers, followed by “thanks a latte” drinks and gift cards on Tuesday. Students wrote notes for the “sharpest teacher in the box” on Wednesday and earned brownie points on Thursday with special treats. Friday was full of favorites for PURR- fect teachers, who were treated to a fun gathering at O.H.S.O. to end the week. “Teachers are incredible people. They inspire our kids, help their growth and support them,” PTO Secretary Carrie Diekmann said. “It takes a very special person to be a teacher. They deserve thanks daily, so it’s the least we can do to make this week extra special for them.” Veritas Prep The Veritas Parent Service Organization showered faculty and staff during the week with breakfasts, lunches, snacks and coffee. “What makes Veritas unique is the genuine love and support from our community,” Joshua Rognstad, Senior Humane Letters teacher, said. Honoring educators for Teacher Appreciation Week Arcadia staff were treated to yummy snack bars. Hopi’s librarian showing off her door decor. Ingleside students decorated staff doors. Tavan staff enjoyed catered lunches.