Olympia School District Board proclaims May 5-9 as Teacher Appreciation Week

Members of the Olympia School District Board of Directors declared May 5-9 as Teacher Appreciation Week with a proclamation.

At a meeting on Thursday, April 24, board members and student representatives took turns reading the proclamation’s passages. 

“Teachers serve in partnership with parents to ensure the appropriate education for all children,” Board President Scott Clifthorne read. 

“Teachers provide opportunities for students to develop basic skills for success in life and work, connect with the world around them, and experience the realization of high expectations and the fulfillment of steps toward achievable goals,” read Board Vice President Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo

“Teachers inspire students to think strategically and to integrate experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgments,” read Student Representative Alijah Manzanares. 

“Our country’s future depends upon providing quality education to all students,” read Student Representative Sovana Roberts.

“We hold our teachers in high regard, understanding the value placed on their skills and abilities, and recognizing the impact they have in our students’ lives,” read Student Representative Vy Le. 

“We, the members of the Olympia School Board and the Superintendent, do hereby proclaim the week of May 5-9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week,” read Board Member Maria Flores. 

“We urge all staff, students and citizens of the Olympia School District to join us in this special observance,” read Board Member Darcy Huffman. 

The board members gave a round of applause to the educators at the end of the proclamation. 

According to the Institute of Education Sciences, there were 531.14 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) teachers in the district during the 2023-24 fiscal year.