Every year in May, the teachers are given a week of appreciation, and the Student Council takes the lead in organizing some fun activities for the staff. This year, Teacher Appreciation Week ran from May 5-9. For a couple of years now, Student Council has had many of the same activities, like Teacher Trivia, Teacher Scavenger Hunt, and dress-up days.

“My favorite thing about Teacher Appreciation Week is the dress-up days. Especially the dress in blue collar clothes day. I enjoy getting a break from wearing business professional clothes,” tech and engineering teacher Bryan Evans said.

While they still organized these other activities, Student Council added a new one this year, Teacher Pick a Duck. In this activity, the teacher got to pick a plastic duck out of a bucket, and on it was a number. Then, later on during Teacher Appreciation Week, in homeroom and the beginning of sixth hour, a Student Council member picks one of their numbers. The teacher with that number on their duck gets a prize. Each day, there were five teachers picked in total, with two in homeroom and three in sixth hour. They either won a small prize of a candy bar or a big prize of a gift card. One of these teachers was Evans.  

“Shepard’s is a family favorite in our house. I am thankful to win the grand prize and be able to share it with my family,” Evans said. 

Although the week celebrates teachers and what they do, not all teachers find it necessary.  The benefits they reap from their job is celebration enough to them.

“I feel as though a teacher appreciation week is not necessary. I love what I do, and seeing the students learn and progress is enough of a compliment to me! But, that being said, the treats and activities during this week are fun!” Evans said.