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Teacher Appreciation Week 2023

2023 Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, #DPSLovesTeachers

Denver Public Schools celebrates National Teacher Appreciation Week every year during the month of May.

Our teachers are at the forefront of our students’ education and are the greatest resources in helping us reach our vision, Every Learner Thrives. Please join us in honoring our educators for the amazing work they do every day!

Discounts & Giveaways

May 8, 2023

Marshall King
East High School
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

Kelly Holt
Emily Griffith High School
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

May 9, 2023

Eric Hammond
Palmer Elementary
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

Julie Bush
Bradley International
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

Amy Infante
Willow Elementary
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

May 10, 2023

Jessica Schoeninger
Abraham Lincoln High School
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

Kathleen Murphy
Ashley Elementary
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

May 11, 2023

Della Hoffman
Place Bridge Academy
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

Rachel Bygrave
Bryant Webster
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

Michael Berquist
Kunsmiller Creative Arts MS
Winner of a $500 grant to support innovation in the classroom

May 12, 2023

Ellen Malan
Polaris Elementary
Winner of a $1,000 grant to support innovation in the classroom

Lisa Wood
Colfax Elementary
Winner of a $1,000 grant to support innovation in the classroom

Jennifer Sanchez
Charles M. Schenck Community School
Winner of a $1,000 grant to support innovation in the classroom

  • Discounted Rockies tickets: The CDE has partnered with The Colorado Rockies and TEACH Colorado to invite all teachers, support staff, administrators and volunteers to a special night at the ballpark Friday, May 12, through Wednesday May 17. Discounted tickets are available through the Rockies Teacher Appreciation Homestand webpage.
  • Dry Dock Brewery Discount: Teachers will get a 15% discount on their tabs for the entire month of May at both South Dock and North Dock Taprooms. South Dock is located at 15120 E Hampden Ave. and North Dock is located at 2801 Tower Rd. — both in Aurora. Just show your DPS employee ID when closing out!
  • Discounts on mattresses and bedding essentials: Head to The Better Mattress Showroom, mention “Teacher Appreciation” and get 10% off your entire purchase. This includes mattresses, furniture or bedding accessories.
  • Free sandwich deal: Firehouse Subs will give teachers nationwide any free medium sub with the purchase of any medium or large sub, chips, and drink, May 8-12.
  • Final Round Fitness: One free week of unlimited classes to train like a boxer, burn calories and get strong with your workout.
  • Worth the Fight Boxing: Two free classes of punch-packing boxing fitness and HIIT.
  • Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora: A 10-day free trial, plus 25% off the first month of training.

Show Your Appreciation

Whether you’re a student, parent or team member, there has never been a better opportunity to do something special for the teachers in your life. Use these ideas to make the week fun and meaningful!

Sometimes, the simplest gestures are the most meaningful. Remember, the most important thing is to do something to say ‘thank you’. Below are suggestions for sharing messages of thanks.

  • Write a Note: Use the DPS Teacher Appreciation templates to draft letters, emails or notes of thanks and deliver them to teachers.
  • Celebratory Signage: Use yard signs outside the school and hang banners and fliers in the building. Families can display signs in their yards, windows and cars, too!
  • “Graffiti Wall” of Gratitude: Hang butcher paper to create a blank space in a common area where students and staff can leave messages and pictures of thanks and appreciation during the week.
  • Feature Teachers: Use the DPS Teacher Appreciation Google Slides template to create a presentation that features teachers for their great work.
  • Capture the Moment: Put together a video of students thanking their teachers.

Show your gratitude by treating teachers to a special snack, token of appreciation or coordinating a fun activity. Decorate classroom doors and common spaces to mark the occasion.

  • Decorate Classroom Doors: Decorate doors with streamers, balloons and thank you cards. Ask students to leave sticky notes with ‘thank you’ messages on teachers’ doors throughout the week.
  • Decorate the Teacher’s Lounge: Place celebratory decorations in the teacher’s lounge and other common areas. Consider upgrading the lounge or common space with a fresh look and feel.
  • Snack Buffet: Set up a table of treats in the teacher’s lounge or another common area to sweeten teachers’ days.
  • Special Delivery Cart: Arrange for the school leader to tour classrooms with a special delivery cart, providing each teacher with a small gift or token of appreciation. Ideas include flowers, an ice cream sundae station, cupcakes or coffee mugs.

Work with students, staff and the community to orchestrate a celebration for teachers.

  • Coordinate a Car Parade: Designate a day of the week for families to decorate their cars for school pick up. Paint messages on car windows, decorate with streamers, play music and more.
  • School Supply Drive: Support the school and give back to teachers by stocking their classrooms.
  • Family Volunteer Day: Host a school yard work or clean-up day when families join together to complete maintenance on the grounds or in classrooms.

You can use the following DPS-branded graphics and resources in developing your Teacher Appreciation materials.

Get Social

Don’t forget to share your ideas and creations with us by using #DPSLovesTeachers and tagging us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! You can also show your appreciation on Facebook with the DPS Teacher Appreciation profile and cover photos.