It's Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week in Kinnikinnick School District

In an unusual school year, parents and administrators in Kinnikinnick School District have been finding things to do every month to show their appreciation to teachers and staff. Chairing the year-long committee is Kayla Cotone, a Roscoe Middle School parent, with Carly Huotari chairing the effort at Kinnikinnick School, Meredith Crabtree at Stone Creek School, and Bre Thornbloom at Ledgewood School.

But as usual, they are celebrating Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week in May. School principals start the festivities on Monday, May 10, by providing breakfast for teachers and staff, with fresh fruit from the Board of Education members.  On Tuesday, to prove that each educator is "nacho average teacher," Rockford Pain Management and Rockford Weight Loss are serving up a nacho/taco bar. Amanda Krienke, a licensed massage therapist, provides free chair massages to the teachers and staff at Kinnikinnick School. On Wednesday, it's muffins, pastries, and coffee, donated by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Bucciferro family, who own the McDonald's in Rockton. On Thursday, the Board of Education sets up a baked potato bar in each staff lounge, and Amanda Krienke takes her chair massaging to Roscoe Middle School. She already worked on teachers and staff at Stone Creek School and Ledgewood School last week. On Friday, teachers and staff enjoy treats and snacks in the lounge, donated by parents, and pulled pork sliders for lunch from Louie's Tap House. Raffle winners are drawn on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. and announced on Friday. Teachers and staff have a chance to win one of two grand prizes. 

Students also have an appreciation assignment for each day. Starting early with a weekend bonus activity, students were invited to chalk the walk outside their school. On Monday, they dress in Hawaiian clothes. Tuesday, they tell a teacher or staff member "Thank you!" On Wednesday, each child brings a flower to form a class bouquet. On Thursday, they do something kind for a teacher or staff member. And Friday is "Dress Like Your Teacher or a Staff Member" Day. Well, they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

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