By: Miriam Arias, Meddie Lozano & Guillermina Rodriguez
May 6, 2016

This time often proves to be a stressful one for teachers with major testing going on throughout the school, senior projects, and graduation right around the corner. However, through all the chaos, Phoenix High School was still able to put together a Teacher Appreciation Week. Teacher Appreciation Week is a week dedicated to all the teachers to show them how much their time is appreciated, and this year was a memorable one that started on May 2nd and ended on May 6th.
Students and other staff utilized this week to give thanks to all the hard working teachers we have at PHS. To kick off Teacher Appreciation Week, Principle Jani Hale, put together a lunch from Panda Express for our wonderful teachers as a thank you for everything they have done for us. The District Office tagged along with this by sending cookies to go with a great lunch.

To continue a long tradition that has been here at Phoenix, advisors handed out cards on Monday, May 2nd, to their students, in which students left all sorts of heartfelt messages for their favorite teachers. Throughout the week, teachers will receive these messages from students to show how much they truly are appreciated. Renee Hanson, the French teacher here at Phoenix, reminded her students that she had kept these messages from previous years because they truly made her happy.
Throughout the week, PHS Leadership had also put in a lot of effort to make this week a memorable one, along with the help of Leadership advisor, Jessica Flores. Together, they were able to make cards, brownies, and goodie-filled mason jars for each and every teacher.

On Tuesday, May 3rd, students from Leadership handed each teacher homemade brownies to show how much the students appreciate them through a small treat. Mr.Janousek particularly enjoyed the treat as he hands out brownies to students on Fridays when they stay after school to help him clean the cooking area or by acquiring enough “brownie points.” Many of the teachers accepted the sweet gesture with gratitude and a smile on their face. That Wednesday, students from Leadership passed out thank you cards to teachers along with notes from grateful students. Diane Green, a science teacher, was taken by the card and said “this is something you hang on your fridge” with a huge smile on her face. The following day Leadership handed out mason jars with all kinds of sweet treats from Hershey’s to Jolly Ranchers. Much of the teachers loved the gift and some even mentioned food is what makes them happy. Thursday, the office staff also set up a table of treats in the staff room with things like pretzels, candy, and more.
Throughout the week students from Phoenix opened up to share some messages for their beloved teachers. Jocelyn Stewart, a senior, says she appreciates Randy Shipley for always keeping her on track and being honest. Felipe Villalba gave a shout out to Mr. Shunk for always helping him get through tough times. Sean Kinney also gave a shout out to his favorite teacher, Mr.Jones, because he feels that he learns certain concepts in his classes that can be applied in his everyday life.
Teachers are so important in helping shape our future whether we realize it or not. As this week comes to an end, let teachers know they are appreciated because they do so much for their students. A final thank you to all teachers, not just those at Phoenix – although they are the best – but to all teachers in general: Thank you for helping, caring, and understanding students.