Who’s more valuable than leading quarterback Tom Brady?
Whose skills in the field exceed those of Lionel Messi?
And whose personal style could possibly compete with Serena Williams or the fun-tastic Andre Agassi of the 1980’s.
Our children’s teachers! That’s who! Monday, May 3rd, through Friday, May 7th was teacher Appreciation Week, and Pine Tree Elementary School’s PTA was ready.
With a little help from the outside, they took to the halls (and the sidewalks), to serve up creative expressions of gratitude, so the everyday MVP’s who help our students thrive could know how truly valuable they are.
“We wanted it to be extra special this year.” said Eva Sefer, Co-Vice President of the PTA. “It’s been a really tough year for everyone.” Eva was of course referring to a school year laced with the challenges that only a global pandemic can deliver. Challenges like remote learning, which have forced Pine Tree teachers to adapt to new technology, working from home at times, and finding creative methods to keep their young students engaged and inspired. It’s been a whole new playing field for everyone. And Pine Tree teachers and staff have certainly risen to the challenge of their fiercest competitor yet: Covid-19. They deserved a week of heart-felt appreciation, and thanks to a hard working and dedicated PTA, that’s exactly what they got.”
On the Sunday leading up to teacher Appreciation Week, the Pine Tree PTA summoned the help of willing parents and students, asking them to put their artistic skills to use. So fueled by giddy delight, and clutching buckets of chalk, they arrived. Tirelessly they worked their magic, transforming the school’s sidewalks into a welcome matt of vibrant color that featured one of a kind drawings and from-the-heart messages aimed at honoring and uplifting teachers and staff. When educators arrived Monday morning, they found a field full of bright and cheery “We Love Our Teachers” signs. Then they strode across a joyful array of images on their way to the front door. Hearts, rainbows, music notes, a tree that grew heart shaped apples; even a giant alien riding a jet-powered skateboard were the whimsical foundation of this “Colorful Kick Off.”
But this was just the beginning.
Teachers were asked to check their emails for an outline of the week’s festivities. It offered only clues. “Let us Caffeinate Your Day” was Tuesday’s theme; an obvious hint towards a welcome cup o’ joe. But what teachers were surprised to discover, was the gift of two brand new Keurig machines in the teacher’s lounge, complete with enough K-Cups to caffeinate the entire staff, and then some. Wednesday was a fun and exciting opportunity for teachers to dress like students while their student dressed like them. And it also brought free lunch: tasty subs and wraps from Jay’s Deli in Highland Mills. And in response to Thursday’s “Wait and See What’s Popping,” teachers found a healthy pop-corn snack waiting in their mail slots.
Perhaps the sweetest surprise of all was Friday’s special delivery from Harriman’s “The Cake Lady.” Every wing of the school hosted a table, heaped with delicious cupcakes. Adorned with colorful flowers and butterflies, they symbolized hope and new beginnings. What a sweet reminder that nothing lasts forever. So as another Teacher Appreciation Week drifts into the past, as even COVID is destined to do, let us never forget the MVP’s that truly matter in the lives of our children. May their futures be as bright as they are. May they wallow in the light of their most adoring fans. And may their days forever be loaded with cupcakes. Lots and lots of cupcakes.