Teacher Appreciation Week is a week that was set aside in 1985 by the National Education Association (NEA) to honor teachers’ dedication around the country. This week of appreciation occurs every May, and is a great way for students and faculty to acknowledge the hard work of teachers.

The main day of nationwide celebration was May 8, which was labeled “National Teacher Day,” according to the NEA website. Another significant day for teachers in the Stamford Public Schools was May 10. That afternoon, the teachers who won Spotlight Special Recognition awards were celebrated at UCONN Stamford. The teachers from Westhill that have been given this award are social studies teacher Maria Miraballes, science teacher Danielle Jefferies, English teachers Mike von Wahlde, Jennifer Laughlin, and Christine Wheeler, and special education teacher Mary Nichols. At this ceremony, Stephen Fancher, music teacher at Julia A. Stark Elementary School, received the “Teacher of the Year” award. Two years ago, Westhill English teacher Danielle Waring won this award.

“Teacher Appreciation Week is a good thing, and comes at a good time of the year,” Principal Camille Figluizzi said. “Teacher Appreciation Week gives [teachers] the energy they need to finish off the school year. I think it’s a good thing to celebrate everything that our teachers do.”

For the whole week, the Westhill Parent Teacher Student Organization (WPTSO) provided breakfast for teachers in the main office. This service is mainly to provide a convenience for the teachers, and to show them how grateful the community is to have them.

“Our teachers are very hardworking people,” sophomore Isaac Chevron said. “They are constantly working and their jobs don’t just end after school. When they leave, they have to be on top of grading and creating lesson plans for us. Their efforts really help us to be better students.”

Photo by Elisabeth Manetta, Photographer