District 32 celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, is National Teacher Day. Thank a teacher for making public schools great!

Teachers in Perryville and in communities across the nation will be in the spotlight on National Teacher Day, as students, parents, school administrators and the community all learn how teachers are making great public schools for every student.

"Few other professionals change the lives of as many people as teachers do," said Superintendent Kevin Dunn of Perry County School District 32, the largest school system serving Perry County.

"National Teacher Day is a good time to learn about the contributions educators make to our community every day. At District 32, we recognize we are role models. That brings satisfaction. It also brings responsibility. We want to take it to the next step.

"We believe we all have to work together to make our schools even better," Dunn said. "That means everyone in the community. Parents, business owners, retirees and other workers, local government, and yes, even our students. Public schools are at the heart of any community. When there are problems, we address them. When there are kudos, we share them.

"Community involvement brings learning to life," he said. "This is an opportunity for all of us to reach out to each other. I ask the community to learn about how we advocate for high standards for students, fair and meaningful evaluations of their work, and resources that go directly to the classroom. Better than an apple or a thank you card, a community's active support of the work we mutually do to teach and care for the community's students would be ample reward for all of us."

Visit National Teacher Day at http://www.nea.org/grants/1359.htm to learn more about the issues educators are facing as they do their work and meet the requirements of many laws and regulations.

Among the local events planned for National Teacher Day are Spirit Week activities each day. Monday was We've Hit A Home Run with our Teachers and Staff Day and school staff wore baseball apparel. Tuesday's theme is Our School Shines Bright with Our Teachers and Staff and everyone is wearing sunglasses. On Wednesday, staff will wear mismatched shoes for Our Teachers and Staff Make a Difference Every Step of the Way Day. On Thursday, Perry County Teachers Association will provide Hawaiian leis for the staff for Our Teachers and Staff Lay the Foundation for Success Day. And Friday, the campus will be a sea of Green and White as the staff shows its Perryville Pirate Pride for Our Teachers and Staff Play an Important Role on Our Team Day.

In addition, the PCTA prize patrol will be on the road during Teacher Appreciation Week. "We will be draw names of PCTA from each building daily," said Cheryl Ray-Layton, president of PCTA. "Those winners who are participating in that day's spirit activity will win a prize."

In addition, each building plans a special event or treat for its teachers and staff. At Perryville Elementary School, Principal Jennifer Streiler said the Parents Involved in Education (PIE) group brought baked goods for staff and teachers on Monday, and will provide another snack on Friday. The Early Childhood and Special Services building kicked the week off with a luncheon on Monday and teachers will receive treats throughout the week.

At Perryville High School, Principal Lee Gattis said a staff luncheon is planned for Wednesday. Principal Velda Haertling said Perry County Middle School will present a gift to each teacher on Tuesday, and a meal is planned for Thursday. Students will also present notes of appreciation to their teachers.

The community is invited to learn more about Perry County School District 32 and its great teachers at www.perryville.k12.mo.us.