Teachers Feel The Love At Oak Knoll Elementary

During these uncertain economic times when many public school districts are forced into issuing pink slips to educators in an effort to cope with the looming threat of large budget deficits, it could be understandable why some teachers feel their hard work is going unrecognized.

But parents and students in Menlo Park are making sure the teachers at school do not feel that way.

It is Teacher Appreciation Week at Oak Knoll, and everyone is chipping in to make sure it is clear how grateful they are for their teachers. The school's Parent Teacher Organization has scheduled a week's worth of events, gifts and services to show thanks for the educators at Oak Knoll Elementary.

Monday was homemade card day and students were encouraged to put their arts and crafts skills to work in making a thank you card that expressed some heartfelt recognition and could be given to their teacher.

Students are asked to pick a flower from their home garden on Tuesday, or purchase a cheap one, and bring it to school where it will be used with the other donated flowers to be made into bouquets for the teachers.

On Wednesday, a coffee cart will be brought to the school and the teachers can request to have their favorite coffee drink delivered to their classroom free of charge.

Toward the end of the week, on Thursday, parent volunteers will come into classrooms and help complete tasks that teachers may not have been able to wrap up on their own. For example, one teacher requested to have their room undergo a deep cleaning, which will be handled by volunteers, according to PTO President Carolyn Bowsher.

Other volunteers could be tasked to help organize, sort book shelves, dust or other similar activities that the teachers request, according to Neela Gentile, who coordinates the volunteer activities.

And on Friday, parents are planning to bring extra treats and services to teachers, such as buying them lunch, coffee or snacks as well as offering additional teacher's aide duties.

"We want to honor our teachers and show them how much we care about them, and show how thankful we are for what they do for our kids everyday," said Bowsher, who has two students attending Oak Knoll.

She said the week is special because it allows both parents and children the opportunity to express their appreciation for teachers.  Bowsher said her son prefers flower day because he doesn't excel in arts and crafts, while her artistically advanced daughter prefers to show her gratitude through homemade card day.

And during economically challenging times, all the events planned for the week allow families to get involved without being forced to spend a lot of money, said Bowsher.

"It seems that the most simple and heartfelt things are more appreciated by teachers," she said.

Gentile said that though teachers are the emphasis of the week, other staff such as specialists, administrators and office assistants will be recognized for their efforts as well.

"We think we have some of the best teachers and staff around and we love to show our appreciation for all their hard work throughout the year," said Gentile.