The first full week in May is National Teacher Appreciation Week and the Boothbay Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization always does something to give thanks the teaching staff. Tuesday during this week is always National Teacher Appreciation Day, and every year the PTO holds a themed luncheon.

The spread, themed ‟healthy inspired food,” was a potluck-style smorgasbord with at least four types of salads, veggie wraps, chicken and vegetables, lentil chili, bean dip, risotto, soup and homemade mac and cheese. Among many desserts including cheesecake, nut cookies and a strawberry jello ambrosia type dessert, teachers were treated to a cake which read “May the seeds you plant today be the flowers that bloom tomorrow!”

On Monday, teachers were presented carnations and toward the end of the week, teachers will be surprised with more spring-inspired gifts from the PTO. It is a busy week, said PTO member Mary Baudo who organized the luncheon and gave a shout out to sponsors Boothbay Region Greenhouse, Hannaford and AC Moore. “We do it every year … We give the teachers little gifts and invitations and a different theme every year – they love it.”

Tuesday, like any day of the week, teachers and staff are busy, so they usually arrive between 10:30 and noon, making a plate, thanking the PTO members and heading back to class to finish lunch before another busy class period.

“It smells so good in here,” was the initial reaction from at least three teachers entering the teachers’ lounge where the feast was held.

PTO Vice President Katrina Dunsmore said that of all the things the organization does, recognizing the teachers for the work they do is one of the most important things.

“We just appreciate everything the teachers do for the school and for our kids and this is just a small way for us to show our appreciation,” said Dunsmore. “They deserve every bit of it.”