At Alpena High School, the student council arranged a variety of activities for staff, including a secret teacher spirit week where staff dressed up each day. On Monday, staff dressed like students, and on Thursday, staff brought “anything but a water bottle or coffee cup” to drink out of.

On Tuesday, the student council delivered donuts to staff in each classroom and office. On Thursday, Sandi Bradley from Meemic, an insurance company for educators, hosted a breakfast for staff, and on Friday, teachers received a plant as a gift from the student council with an inspirational quote on it.

“It’s exhilarating for staff to be recognized this week for all the hard work they do,” AHS Principal Romeo Bourdage said.

At Thunder Bay Junior High, the school’s parent advisory council brought staff breakfast on Tuesday and lunch on Friday, as well as other treats throughout the week, Principal Katie Lee said. Students and parents could also send staff shoutouts to encourage educators.

Courtesy Photo Alpena High School Student Council members delivered donuts to staff on Tuesday for Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week.

At Besser Elementary, the school’s parent advisory council gifted staff with food and gifts throughout the week. They started the week with breakfast in the staff lounge. On Tuesday, staff received a special gift. On Wednesday and Thursday, staff received snacks and lunch, and on Friday, they had the option to relax in a massage chair after school.

In a letter, the APS Board of Education President Anna Meinhardt expressed her appreciation for all educators and staff in the district on behalf of the board.

“As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take this moment, on behalf of the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education, to share our heartfelt gratitude for everything you do for our students, families, and our community,” Meinhardt wrote. “Your devotion to both your profession and the children of Alpena is reflected in all that you do. You are more than educators. You are mentors, role models, and tireless advocates for every learner who walks through your doors. Your work impacts more than academic results, you help shape lives and impact families.

“This year, your devotion was put to the test in an unprecedented manner,” she continued. “Our community faced a historic ice storm–one that led to extended school closures and added another layer of stress for staff, students, and their families. Through it all, you were resilient and deeply caring. You supported your students not just academically, but emotionally as well. Thank you for rising to the challenge with strength and kindness.”

Community members shared their appreciation for teachers and educational staff in the area as well.

Courtesy Photo Alpena High School staff dressed up as students on Monday for their secret spirit week, an idea created by the student council for Staff Appreciation Week.

“The teachers for the NEMSCA Head Start program at Lincoln Elementary have been life changers for us!” Taylor Eldred said.

“As a parent and stepparent of two great kids that attended or are attending Wilson Elementary School in Herron… let me just say that group of teachers and all the other staff are fantastic!” Steve Gates said.

“My son Patrick was at Alpena High School doing homebound with his special ed teacher, Miss Richards,” Sharlet Blanton said. “She is amazing. Besides teaching all day, she’s at the library teaching special needs or coaching volleyball and other sports. Miss Richards is committed to helping our children succeed.”

“Hollie Kuchnicki in Posen (is) hands down the best teacher around,” Mike Romanowski said. “My daughter is a type one diabetic, and she went out of her way, and way above and beyond, to make her time at school better. It’s not just my daughter, it’s all students.”

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.