Since 1985, Americans have shown their appreciation for teachers by officially dedicating the first full week of May to thanking educators for all the work they do to help students. At LZHS, that tradition is carried out with ice cream, gift cards, and other treats for the teachers who help us.

“[Teacher Appreciation Week] is near the end of the year, and I think it helps boost our morale a little bit in a crazy-hard time of year,” Linda Watson, history teacher, said.

Common events in the past have included gift card competitions and other teacher-led activities.

The school and parent organizations also work together to treat teachers with massages and food.

“On Friday, we do ice cream sundaes, and those are probably my favorite,” said Watson.

The staff spirit squad, run by Leah Link, Spanish teacher, works to make sure Teacher Appreciation Week runs as smoothly as possible. This year, in honor of Bob Knuth’s retirement, Teacher Appreciation Week will feature dress up days, which Link, is in charge of deciding. Knuth, history teacher, has been teaching at LZ for over 20 years and Link believes this would be a great way to honor him.

According to Link, the simple things can have the largest impact. For example, she appreciates it when students thank her for clarifying information after class.

While the first week of May is officially dedicated to appreciating teachers, students can show their appreciation in smaller ways and show that appreciation year round.