Oct 10, Monday

Teacher Luncheons

 

You want to show someone a little love, prepare them a beautiful meal, right? 


Well, that is what a stalwart team of PTO volunteers does every month: prepares a luncheon for the entire staff of Chickering school as a way to say, "thank you!" and to show them how much the community appreciates them.  If the quality and persistence of this gesture is any indication, we obviously love them a whole lot. 


The group that organizes this is the Staff Appreciation Committee, which is chaired by Heather Tourtellotte and Patricia Marks-Martinovich and includes Marisa Chiaruttini, Martha DePaola, and Kathy Sveen.  Formerly known as "the Hospitality Committee," they coordinate monthly luncheons for the 50 people who work at Chickering.  Luncheons are always on a short Wednesday which, by the way, is not "short" for our teachers; it is when they schedule professional meetings. 


Each month has a special theme and is handled by the Room Parents for a specific grade, who request donations from parents in the classroom. 


"They are given a theme to work with and told to let their imaginations take over," says Heather Tourtellotte.  "For instance, the Fifth Grade will host an October luncheon whose theme is "Tailgate!" -- one of the most popular luncheons of the year." 


To help teachers and administrators with the logistics of this month's Back To School Open House, the PTO provided a catered dinner which was very well received.  Served in the Teachers Lounge, the presentation included tablecloths and flowers, seasonal cupcakes, and a relaxing moment for teachers to catch up with each other and pick up their school year routines. 


"Honestly, the teachers were so thankful," says PTO co-president Gina Doyle.  "We give them one less thing to worry about, which frees them up to focus on the hard work of meeting so many parents in such a short time." 


And doing what they love best: teaching our children.  As Patricia Martinovich will tell you: "Considering what the teachers do for our children every day, it's the least we can do!" 


Stay tuned for more ways you can participate in fun events like these throughout the year.  Room Parents will keep you in the loop, and you can always go to www.DoverPTO.org and click on "Volunteer." 

QUICK QUIZ:  The PTO hosts a special breakfast hosted in February for a special group of employees.  Do you know who they are?  Hint: they come the closest to your home every morning and every afternoon.