Despite the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the members of the Ooltewah’s Parent Advisory Council held their 2nd Virtual Teacher’s Appreciation Week Celebration, during the week of May 3-7. Prior to the pandemic, the Parent Advisory Council’s Teacher’s Appreciation Week Celebration included sponsorships of daily lunches, drawings and snacks for Ooltewah’s entire staff.
Community partners donated gift cards, restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets and items to assist the Council in celebrating the teachers at Ooltewah. The prizes included a chance to win two of four admission tickets to Dollywood Park and a one night stay at Home 2 Suites by Hilton in Cumming, Ga. The entire staff had a chance by way of a virtual drawing to win prizes.
On each day during the week of May 3-7, Terry Farris, a teacher in Ooltewah’s Media Department, filmed a member of the Parent Advisory Council and Administration representative draw names for the winners. Social distancing protocols were observed.
Prior to Teacher Appreciation Week, the Parent Advisory Council sponsored a “Lucky to Have You” Day on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. The Council sponsored pre-packaged muffins along with a “Lucky to Have You” card for the entire staff at Ooltewah. Due to COVID-19 protocols, members of the school’s administration had to pass out the treats and cards.
"We give a heartfelt “thank you” to Ooltewah’s principal, Mrs. Angela Cass for her unwavering leadership and consistent support of the Parent Advisory Councils event ideas and programs," said Kimberly Strong, Parent Advisory Council member.
Representatives from the Parent Advisory Council who spearheaded this year’s Ooltewah’s Teacher’s Appreciation Week Celebration and Lucky to Have You Day were: Cathy Troxel, Tyshar Truevillian, Jill O’Donnell and Kimberly Strong who served as chair of this year’s Council.
The community partners for this event included: Davis Wayne’s, Buff City Soap, Owl Cove Boutique, Barn Door Boutique, Tasty Donuts, Southern Squeeze, AutoZone (Ooltewah location), Red Lobster (Hixson location), Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Krispy Kreme, J and K Hall of Fame Services, Chill’s (Gunbarrel location), Dave & Buster’s, Pigeon Forge Public Works Department, Home 2 Suites by Hilton (Cumming, Georgia).