EHPS Shows Thanks During Staff Appreciation Week
Posted on 05/15/2023
Teacher Appreciation Sign

National Teacher Appreciation Week was celebrated May 8 – May 12, 2023 recognizing the hard work and dedication of teachers around the country. At East Hartford Public Schools we take this time every year to celebrate all of our staff members. They’re all educators and each one of them is a critical piece of the puzzle we’re putting together as a we aim to deliver a high-quality learning experience for every child, every day.

We are incredibly fortunate here in East Hartford to have such a talented and committed team of teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, custodians, maintainers, school secretaries, technology staff, nurses, behavior managers, tutors, crossing guards and school administrators. While we don’t believe that thanking our staff should be saved for this one week, we welcome the opportunity to show our sincere gratitude and appreciation.



This year, the joint Town of East Hartford and East Hartford Board of Education Wellness Committee sponsored visits by Eliza’s Energy Source to each of our schools and our Central Office building. They provided chair massages and snacks to help our staff members unwind.

Meanwhile, our school leaders throughout the district, with the help of our parent teacher organizations, student organizations and local businesses, found creative ways to appreciate their staffs all week long.

Here are just a few examples of the ways our schools showed their appreciation:

  • O’Connell Elementary School held its annual Staff Appreciation luncheon, sponsored in part by the PTO, with the theme "Best staff ever! You can bet on it!" Staff members stepped into a casino-themed room and enjoyed a catered lunch and giveaways. They could also spin a wheel for a chance to win an additional prize.

  • East Hartford High School started its week of events by raffling off more than 40 gift baskets and gift cards to its staff. Additional raffles were held throughout the week.

  • Sunset Ridge School included a “Flower Bar” in its week of events where teachers could make their own bouquets of cut flowers to take home.

  • As part of its week of appreciation, Mayberry Elementary offered opportunities for “self care” including recess coverage for staff members and a dress down day.

  • Pitkin Elementary offered several raffles including the chance to win a “Golden Ticket” that allows a staff member to come in one hour past their daily arrival time or leave one hour early.

  • At Norris Elementary “It would be a circus without you!” was the theme for the week. This included a popcorn and pretzels, a concession cart traveling to classrooms, and an “Audience Applause” breakfast provided by Norris families.

  • At Goodwin Elementary, Principal Dan Brodeur cooked and served “walking tacos” for lunch as one of the week’s activities.

  • Even students helped thank their school teams throughout the week. At Connecticut IB Academy, students decorated doors with messages of thanks and appreciation. The East Hartford Middle School Student Council sponsored an ice cream truck visit and the East Hartford High School Student Council sponsored a pizza truck for teachers and staff to enjoy.