If there was ever a time to be grateful for our teachers, Rosanne Kwiatkowski says, this is it.
The principal of Northside Catholic Assumption Academy in Pittsburgh’s Brighton Heights neighborhood is joining students and parents in expressing thanks during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8).
“Our teachers have really stepped up with distance learning, making sure they reach all students,” Kwiatkowski said. “They’re constantly trying new ideas and making sure parents are getting the support they need.”
Some families at Northside Catholic Assumption Academy didn’t have laptops or internet access. The school and the One Northside neighborhood initiative made sure they had what they needed.
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the school’s Parent-Teacher Guild helped students produce a thank you video,
available here. They also created different themes for each day of the week and suggested activities for students to record for teachers—Musical Monday (songs or dance), Tickle Pink Tuesday (jokes), Artistic Wednesday (artwork), Thoughtful Thursday (school memories) and Feeling Friday (thank you cards).
Kwiatkowski said students are excited when they get a video from their teacher, and parents have expressed appreciation for the guidance they are receiving.
Director of Catholic Schools Michelle Peduto thanked teachers who, she says, “have gone above and beyond to rise to the challenge of providing exceptional educational experiences through distance learning platforms.
“My heart is full of gratitude for everything our teachers put into this most beautiful vocation,” she said. “Teachers are in our prayers every day.”
Bishop David Zubik added his thanks. “I wouldn’t be here today; I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing if it weren’t for the people who are dedicated to helping not only to develop the mind, but also the hearts and the souls of their students,” he said.
Photo: Second grader Vivienne Clark studying hard.