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Schools

Bowie Thanks Teachers During Appreciation Week

Teachers received food, thank-you notes and massages this week at Bowie schools, elementary through high school.

Students and parents throughout Bowie thanked teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, echoing the sentiments of singer Brad Paisley in "Letter to Me" about a former teacher, in which he says, “And you should really thank Mrs. Brinkman. She spends so much extra time. It’s like she sees the diamond underneath, and she’s polishing you ‘til you shine.” 

The PTA kicked off the week by hosting a continental breakfast for the teachers, said Lori Morrow, president of the PTA. Throughout the week, the teachers’ mailboxes were stuffed with little goddies, such as trail mix and fruit snacks, and students brought in flowers and thank-you notes for their teachers to show their appreciation. The week is scheduled to culminate in a luncheon full of home-made food on Friday.

From new teachers to veterans, all appreciated the small gestures.

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“From Monday morning; being greeted with fresh fruit and sticky buns for breakfast, to each morning finding a special 'treat' in our mailboxes from our principle, the PTA and leadership at Tulip Grove has truly shown how much they appreciate all the hard work we do for their children,” said Christopher Taylor, first-year third grade teacher.

Fifth grade teacher Tina Holmes especially appreciated the thank-you notes from the students.

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One student wrote, “Even though I'll be in middle school next year, I know you'll always be standing right next to me in my heart,” said Holmes, who has been at the school for 10 years.

Teachers at received mini massages, fruits, desserts and a Keurig Coffee Maker, said Erin Chilcote, PTA president.

Third grade teacher Maria Graham said she enjoyed being “surrounded by food” during the week, and because she and most of the other teachers like to walk, she especially appreciated the pedometers each teacher received.

“The PTA really sets us up nicely,” she said.

At and , teachers were also given breakfast and tons of desserts throughout the week.

Academic Dean at Samuel Ogle Glenise Marshall really appreciated the breakfast, which was served at 7:45 Monday morning and complete with fruit and yogurt.

“The PTSO really did a great job of showing its appreciation to the staff,” she said.

Seventh grade teacher David Ellwood said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet with parents when they joined the teachers in their lounge for lunch.

“Knowing the students’ parents is so important,” he said. “It’s almost as important as instruction in the classroom.”

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