Chinook Schools Commemorate Teacher Appreciation Week

Not only across the country but also in area schools, people celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-10. In a proclamation on Friday, May 3, President Joe Biden said: “Teachers are the heart and soul of our Nation. They care for our Nation’s students, pass on knowledge to rising generations, and inspire our children to dream up new possibilities for their futures.”

The idea for a week to honor teachers began more than 70 years ago with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who urged Congress in 1953 to designate a day to thank teachers. The day was originally celebrated on March 7 but was moved to May in 1984. Since 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association has dedicated the first full week of May “as a special time to honor the individuals who lend their passion and skills to educating our children.”

When reporting to school on Monday morning, teachers and staff were met with signs that indicated a show of both appreciation and gratitude. All week, the high school office offered treats. A box of grain themed snacks—popcorn, chips, corn nuts, and crackers—arrived from Columbia Grain on Tuesday, a tray of cookies and bars came from the Chinook Alliance Church, and a delivery of pizza from Frank and Angie Billmayer showed up on Thursday. Adding to this spread, the school district purchased a fruit tray, caramel rolls, cookies, donuts, miniature muffins, and coffee bar items.

In addition, the Chinook High School Student Council cooked and served breakfast for school district teachers and staff on Wednesday, May 8. Held in the Lloyd D. Sweet Auditorium, the Teacher Appreciation event featured pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice, and coffee. A drawing for a bouquet of flowers purchased by the Student Council and arranged by Shores Floral was also given away to lucky winner Trevor Reid.

“We want to show our appreciation for all you do for the school, our community, and the futures of our students. Considering everything you do, we honestly could not imagine a successful world without you. Your profession brings opportunities to everyone from every background, and that is something to be admired,” stated a memo shared and signed by council members: Quentin Edwards (President), Aislinn Handy (Vice President) Mya Berreth (Secretary), Brockton Elliot (Parliamentarian), Dentin DePriest (Treasurer), Isaiah Gillett, Jackson Nordboe, Hallie Neibauer, Kaden Green, Hannah Schoen, Sami Malsam, Ben Hofeldt, Landen Beck, Bailey Billmayer, Ayden Alisch, Britt Powell, Falyn Cecrle, Walter Schoen, Ryan Bell, Jameson Nordboe, and Amyerah Kelly.