Crofton Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Communities across the nation will be honoring their local educators and acknowledging the crucial role teachers play in making sure every student receives a quality education. As the school year is beginning to wind down, Teacher Appreciation Week is a wonderful time to recognize and thank all the teachers.

Lisa Hogan, Vice-President, says the PTA is working closely with room parents and other volunteers in planning an exciting week.

“We will kick off the week with a grab n' go breakfast on Monday and wrap up on Friday with an afternoon snack from the "sweet cart." We, of course, have several surprises planned for the other days,” says Hogan, the mother of three CES students.

“We are so grateful for the dedicated teachers and staff at CES and we look forward to next week and the opportunity to say "Thank You" for all they do,” says Hogan. 

“The gifts that have meant the most to me are cards of appreciation given by my students themselves and their parents,” says Kindergarten teacher Laurie Bailey.

The teacher says over her career she has enjoyed receiving plants, gift cards, home baked goodies, and luncheons from the principal or PTA. “It’s hard to pick one item that is my favorite. I like and enjoy any way a student or parent has showed their appreciation,” says Bailey. 

Bailey says that the gift that surprised her the most was from the PTA at Tracey’s Landing Elementary. “One year the PTA had a massage therapist visit the school. We were given a message during our break in the teacher’s lounge…how relaxing!” say Bailey.

CMES PTA President Diosa Woods says the PTA greatly appreciates its teachers. “We plan on showing our appreciation to them on Teacher Appreciation Day, not only as individuals, but as a PTA staff as well,” says Woods.  She explains that they have used a portion of the PTA funds to purchase personal travel mugs and a gift basket of goodies (coffees, teas, hot chocolate, etc.) for the teachers. “On a personal level, I plan on bringing something sweet, and perhaps a lovely potted plant to my children’s teachers, along with a hand-written thank you note, saying something along the lines of, "thank you for planting your seeds of wisdom and for helping my child grow," says Woods.  

Latisha Bryon, a Crofton Meadows Elementary fifth grade parent, says she will be sending in a gift this week with her son Caden. “He will be giving her flowers, a box of mints wrapped in paper that says ‘You Were MINT To Teach!’ and a card expressing our thankfulness.

Last year we gave his teacher a box of tea with a note that said ‘You Are TEA-Riffic!’ says Bryon.  She goes on to say that Caden’s teacher puts in many hours of work after school and deserves a week to be recognized. “All the staff at CMES work so hard to give our children the best. This is just one week a year we can give back to them for a change."   

Whether you're a student or a parent chances are there's a teacher in your life who you'd like thank. Take the time to appreciate them this week. “It is just wonderful...very nice to be appreciated! I love teaching and it's a humbling experience to receive gifts and cards from students and their parents,” says Bailey.