There's no place like Independence!

Our staff helps students defy gravity every day. Help us celebrate them with a week full of gratitude and fun! Please read the details below to find out how you can get involved.

All Week – Yellow Brick Road of Gratitude

Yellow cardstock “bricks” have been sent home with each student. Each student should:

• Write a note of gratitude for their classroom teacher on one brick.

• Write a note of gratitude for another staff member on the second brick (paras, specials teachers, admin, cafeteria or custodial staff, nurse, office staff, bus drivers, or crossing guards).

• Return completed bricks to the baskets located in the lobby or front office.

IMPORTANT: Write the staff member’s full name clearly and in large letters at the top of the brick. This ensures that staff members can easily find their bricks. Need help with names? Here's a list!

Families are also invited to complete a short Google Form to submit additional Gratitude Bricks for staff members here: https://forms.gle/LAaf276vczSPKYc5A

All notes will be displayed as a mural in the lobby to create our very own Yellow Brick Road of Gratitude. The form will close Thursday night to allow time to print and complete the mural on Friday.

Additions-approved volunteers are encouraged to sign up to help during the week. See this link for all upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Student/Family Activities:

Sunday: Chalk the Walk- April 12 4:00–5:00 PM

Families are invited to come chalk the walk! Write encouraging messages or draw pictures on the sidewalks to brighten our teachers’ mornings as they arrive at school. Bring chalk if you have it.

Monday – “There’s No Place Like Independence”

Wear ruby red or sparkles like Dorothy’s slippers.

Kick off the week by celebrating the place that makes it all possible — Independence and the incredible staff who make it feel like home.

Tuesday – “Blooming with Appreciation”

PTO will have flowers available at the main entrance, carline entrance, and bus rider entrance.

Every student is invited to take a flower and give it to a favorite staff member — a teacher, specials teacher, or any member of our admin and support staff — as a simple way to brighten their day.

Dessert Donations: Families are invited to send in a homemade or store-bought dessert for our staff dessert bar. Items may be dropped off in the front office on Monday or before school starts on Tuesday morning.

Friday – “Team Pink or Team Green?”

Your student’s teacher will choose either Glinda pink or Elphaba green for the class to wear as we wrap up Staff Appreciation Week. Celebrate the end of the week in style and show your class spirit!

These are all optional, and you are encouraged to show your gratitude throughout the week however you choose!

Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible staff who make Independence such an Oz-some place!