Honoring educators’ dedication during Teacher Appreciation Week
The Clark County School District honored its 18,000-plus dedicated educators through a variety of activities and special recognitions during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10.
Teachers change the lives of children on a daily basis, and their impact extends far beyond the classroom. Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity to honor those who lend their skills and passion to educating the children of Southern Nevada.
To kick off the week, all CCSD teachers who stopped at Freed’s Bakery received a treat, with Dr. Jesus F. Jara greeting teachers and helping prepare the treats in the early morning hours as teachers headed to school for the day.
WGU Nevada, Lyft and Dunkin’ Las Vegas teamed up for “A Dozen Thanks,” providing every CCSD teacher with a free donut on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Dr. Jara also was on hand at a Dunkin’ location to hand out donuts.
On Wednesday, CCSD selected six New Educators of the Year. Each discovered they had been chosen for this prestigious honor during a surprise announcement at their school. Those selected, who were nominated by either administrators, colleagues, community members, parents or students, are:
- Micaela Chewjalearn of Myrtle Tate Elementary School
- Jessica Fischer of Neil C. Twitchell Elementary School
- Sara Hupp of Valley High School
- James Jones of Dell H. Robison Middle School
- Tabitha Lyell of J. Marlan Walker Elementary School
- Nitza Brand Restrepo of Eldorado High School
On Thursday, JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa representatives surprised Oran K. Gragson Elementary School teacher Shevonne Weekes in her classroom with a spa day. Additionally, in appreciation for all that teachers do, JW Marriott Las Vegas and Spa is extending complimentary pool access to all CCSD employees Monday through Thursday until Aug. 31, 2019.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas also provided teacher Tamara Hudson of Ernest J. May Elementary School with a two-night hotel stay in a luxury suite, dinner for two, and other amenities.
On Friday, to cap off the week, teacher Gregory Winiewicz of Walter V. Long Elementary School received a brand new Chevrolet Cruze courtesy of Findlay Chevrolet and Silver State Credit Union. More than 100 educators throughout the district were nominated by principals on two criteria: being a high-achieving, dedicated educator plus having the need for a vehicle.
Local businesses made a variety of special offers available to teachers, which can be viewed at www.ccsd.net/employees/teacher-appreciation-week.