Teacher Appreciation Week
(Yes, it's kinda long, But we promise you want to read it!)
Have we told you lately that we love you? Because we do! To put it frankly, these times have been difficult to navigate. Yet, you have persevered, both individually and as a team! You have continued to serve the students and Dennis community in a capacity no teacher before you had yet to experience. You have faced one of the most unexpected challenges presented to teachers across the world with fortitude, dependability, grace and style. We applaud your efforts and dedication during this unprecedented and uncertain time. We hate that we can't celebrate in person with you this week. However, we wanted to make sure you knew what PTO is doing and plans to do in honor of you...
- Check Your Inbox: JLD Home Teachers will be receiving an eGiftcard from the PTO this week! They will be sent to your school email address. These electronic giftcards can be redeemed just like a physical giftcard. We are currently working on this and have been told some merchants can take a couple days to finish activating and deliver the eGiftcard to the email address indicated. If you do not see the eGiftcard email by Sunday, please contact jldpto@gmail.com to let us know!
- We still plan to celebrate you! We are crazy grateful to Allison Petty, our beloved Teacher Appreciation Chair, who has graciously offered to return one last time after teachers report back in the Fall for a special "Welcome Back Teachers" treat day in place of the previously scheduled Teacher Appreciation Week events. More details to follow as the date approaches.
- A Special Pick-Me-Up: Teachers from James L Dennis Elementary can drive through Clyde’s Pharmacy (founded and ran by PTO Board Alumni Greg Clyde) to pick up an extra special “Michel Design Works†Shea Butter Soap gift! NICE!! We encourage you swing by, say “Hi!†and get your donated gift anytime in the next 2 weeks. Clyde’s Pharmacy is located at the back end of the office mall behind 7-11 near the school at 7158 NW 112th St. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73162
- Virtual Notes: We hope you get a chance to view the Teacher Appreciation Week Post on Facebook after parents add messages from their students. We will be re-sharing these posts/messages at the PTO sponsored "Welcome Back" day in the Fall.
- End-Of-Year Parties: The $50 PTO usually donates to each class for end-of-year parties can be used to reimburse end-of-year efforts you may be considering/or already doing for your students. (Thus, if you planned to mail certificates, notes/cards, a scholastic book etc. to students in your class for end of year... keep those receipts & submit them to Vicki at jldtreas@gmail.com for reimbursement up to $50. ) Just a reminder: if you haven't used all of the classroom funds that PTO granted your class at the beginning of school year, the amounts WILL roll over to next year.
BONUS: In spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week, we wanted to share one of the answers a current high school senior included in their JLDPTO scholarship application. The scholarship committee is still reviewing applications, so we have left the identity off for the time being. However, the student mentions some teachers by name and the timing seems appropriate. The overall message rings clear:
You have a deep impact on your students, and what makes our school special is YOU!
In sum, we love you and we appreciate you!! THANK YOU for all you do. If you have any questions please reach out. *We are losing a lot of key players and are in dire need of any recommendations/nominations for folks that may be willing to serve on the PTO Board and PTO event Committees next school year. If you have any ideas of parents or grandparents that we could reach out to and guage their interest in helping out, please let us know. ;)
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
- JLD PTO