By: Kendra Danielson

     As the end of the school year approaches, we spend time celebrating the teachers here at Eisenhower for their hard work, and dedication to our students with teacher appreciation week.

     Teacher appreciation week first started when First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, proposed to Congress to create a day to acknowledge teachers and educators. The National Parent Teacher Association later expanded it from one day to a whole week to further honor teachers. This week is now celebrated annually the first full week of May.

     To celebrate our teachers at Eisenhower, Student Council took it upon themselves to plan a week full of fun. This year the theme was Hawaiian, as they started Monday, May 6 with breakfast for the staff in the faculty room. Tuesday, May 7, was a free advisory period as requested by the teachers, while the students spent time in either the gym or auditorium. Following that, Wednesday, May 8, the teachers enjoyed a Hawaiian themed ice cream bar set up in the faculty room. Thursday, May 9, Student Council sent out appreciation letters written by students to the staff, along with a lei for festivity. The final day of teacher appreciation week was celebrated with a “Tiki Bar” cart of fun games and snacks. This week full of exciting surprises was a successful way to show our appreciation to our teachers.

     Teacher appreciation week is so significant because it gives the teachers the credit and recognition they deserve. This week is a good reminder for teachers to remember they are important, valued, and appreciated by our students and community. The Squire spoke to the president of Student Council, Callan Gigliotti, on what teacher appreciation week means to her, and she shared, “I believe it is important to have an entire week dedicated to the teachers because often times their hard work is overlooked, so the student body as a whole can dedicate one week to them to show how much we truly do value our educators.” Student Council dedicates so much time and hard work into preparing for this week because it is important for students to show the teachers that we care and appreciate all they do. Along with that, this week is the only time throughout the school year that teachers truly get the recognition they deserve.

     Remember to always be kind and respectful to your teachers and take the time to make them feel appreciated. Gigliotti explained, “Students can simply smile at a teacher and ask them how their day has been. It really is the little things that will make someone’s day.”