Woodland Teachers Reminded of Their Value

Teachers at Woodland Charter Elementary got a heavy dose of love this week.

For Staff Appreciation week, teachers received roses and cards from students, and gifts from the school courtesy of local businesses community groups and parents.

“I send out about 50 letters to parents [saying], ‘It’s that time of year…,’ ” said Baskerville of the support she gets from the community. “If anybody came here with a business card, I stack them all up. I sent a letter to all of them. Sometimes [people] supply you with more than you asked for.”

Every day, groups from such places as Delta Community Credit Union or the Kiwanis Club has come to serve snacks to teachers during their breaks. Today, members from North Springs United Methodist Church will serve gourmet coffee.

During a daily student newscast, Baskerville announces nearly 30 teachers’ names, who then rushed to the school’s atrium to choose from an array of gifts.

The long list of gift items included $25 and $50 gift cards to restaurants and stores; a massage voucher for the YMCA; free spa treatments, and a free home interior design consultation.

Teacher Kaitlin Odess received a $25 gift card to Uncle Julio’s restaurant but says appreciative notes from parents and students are what she enjoys most, she said

“It kind of makes you say, ‘Alright I’m doing a good job,’ “ said Odess. “And even the youngest students get into it. We were having this war today about who loves who more…and they’re like, ‘No, we love you more.’ “

Fifth grade teacher Timi Hunt said students have been just as excited about Staff Appreciation week as the teachers. 

“Today they were like, ‘What are we doing for you tomorrow,’ “ said Hunt.