This week, teachers and other staff members are receiving hundreds of thank you cards, video messages and more from appreciative students and families, as they join Bend-La Pine Schools to celebrate staff members as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7.

This year, Bend-La Pine Schools invited community members to send staff members a thank you card, using a district-created form. To date, students and parents have shared more than 325 notes of appreciation with staff members through the form, including examples:

• From a student at Summit High School: Mrs. Warsaw has been the best, amazing, caring and outstanding teacher and advisor a student could ask for. She has been there for me when I had a hard day and she also constantly uplifts her students’ ideas and is open to everything!
• From a parent at Bear Creek Elementary School: I can't thank her enough for encouraging the love of school in (my son’s) heart. It is such an important age for the students to find that love and what a hard time to do it in. He came home from school the first day and said, ‘Mom, I have 18 new friends.’ I know that was because Sra Rodgers made all those students feel like a family and they were there in the class all with friends.

“Our teachers and other staff members have given their all to provide consistency and support for our students to help them navigate this school year, which has been filled with uncertainty and challenges. Seeing this outpouring of love and appreciation for our staff is truly heartwarming,” said Interim Superintendent Lora Nordquist.

Families who wish to send a Bend-La Pine Schools’ thank you note can do so through the end of the day Wednesday, May 5. Send a note of thanks: bls.fyi/staffappreciation