Gulfport School Surprises 62 School Teachers With Thank You Signs

GULFPORT, FL —Teachers from Gulfport Montessori Elementary woke up to a nice thank you surprise on May 6. Principal Wendy Bryan wanted to show the 62 teachers from school that they are greatly appreciated for their work, especially during these times to overcome the virtual gap since teachers and students have had to shift to online teaching and learning. She assembled a team together during Teacher Appreciation Week, and they drove to areas all over Pinellas County where teachers reside and put signs in their yards hoping they wouldn't get caught.

Donna Jo Reynolds, who teaches there appreciated the effort they put into surprising the teachers. Reynolds said, "The signs took a lot of effort. They had to go all over the county to do this. This was really nice of them."

They were also surprised with Publix gift cards.

"We had to get creative this year to think of ways to celebrate our teachers since they are working from home," Bryan said. "The signs seemed like the best way to let them know that they are special. Our leadership team split up the addresses by zone and delivered at all times of day and night. Some of us got caught but most were delivered quickly and quietly!"

Their teachers are creating ways to keep online learning engaging for students. They're taking virtual field trips, creating projects, lessons and presentations.

Bryan said that teachers need to be celebrated—it is the one profession that creates all other professions.

Editor’s note: Reynolds is the cousin of editor Skyla Luckey.