2020 Thank a Teacher Day goes virtual

The buildings in La Crosse public schools may be closed, but schooling continues — through the heroic efforts of teachers, administrators, support staff, cooks and many others. To recognize those efforts, the La Crosse Public Education Foundation hosted its annual Thank-a-Teacher celebration in a different way this year by going virtual.

During national Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8), LPEF encouraged students and parents to create posters or drawings as a “thank you” message to their favorite teacher or another school employee – and then asked them share the message through LPEF social media accounts for everyone to see.

Since 2015, LPEF has hosted an annual Thank a Teacher Day event, delivering fresh fruit, donuts and muffins to each school as a treat for about 1,000 employees of the School District of La Crosse.

Funding is provided via grant support from the La Crosse Community Foundation’s Carol Taebel “Thank a Teacher” Fund.

When school resumes this fall, LPEF will again host a special day to deliver treats in person for teachers, teaching assistants, food service staff, custodians, administrative assistants, nurses, principals and other staff who make a difference every day in the lives of La Crosse school children.

Here is a gallery of photos submitted, along with the messages that were posted.

: EMERSON – Thank you so much for your support, love, and effort for kids during this school year and this challenging time, Mrs. Axness and Mrs. Skemp, kindergarten teachers at Emerson Elementary! Claire misses you so much! We also appreciate all the teachers at Emerson Elementary.

: EMERSON – Thank you to Emerson Elementary teachers for their support and hard work during the year and especially during this pandemic! We’d like to thank Mrs. Allie from Henley in 2nd grade and Mrs. Ruetten, Mr. Shay and Mrs. Elston, the fifth grade teachers from Harper. So much love to you and we miss you!!

: EMERSON – Thank you to the teachers at Emerson Elementary. We’d like to thank Mrs. Fink (1st grade), Mr. Boldt (art), Mrs. Davison (PE), and Mr. Stiemke (music). Student name is Stella, 1st grade @ Emerson Elementary

: HINTGEN – Thanks to all the great teachers at Hintgen Elementary!!! A special thanks to Christine Reekie Rox, Jennifer Lea Thill, Theresa Marie Semlar, Denise Fisher, Beth Gonia, and Brook Boisvert. Ellie loves you all! Ellie, 5th grade

: HINTGEN – Thank you Mrs. Landstrom! You are an amazing teacher and you truly care about every child! We are very thankful for all you have done and continue to do for Eloise! She misses you! Eloise-Hintgen-Mrs. Landstrom-Kindergarten

: HINTGEN – Evie would like to thank Mrs Neberman (3rd Grade, Hintgen). Mrs Neberman has supported Evie and helped her become more confident in her learning this year. We appreciate the fact that Mrs Neberman pushes Evie to always do her best and helps her understand that she can do better than she thinks she can. Thank you Mrs Neberman! We miss you!

: HINTGEN – Gordon would like to thank Mr Kost (5th Grade, Hintgen). The faith Mr Kost has had in Gordon has helped him grow into a confident young man ready to move on to middle school. We appreciate all he has done to help him become successful. Mr Kost is truly one of the best. Thank you Mr Kost!

: HINTGEN – Hintgen 1st grader Lauren Doering thanking Mrs. Hauser

: HINTGEN – Thank you to all the specialists at Hintgen! Wyatt and Eloise appreciate you!

: HINTGEN – Thank you Mrs Moua! We appreciate all you have done and continue to do for Wyatt! We worry every year when Wyatt starts with a new teacher but you have been patient and understanding to his special needs! Thank you! Wyatt-Hintgen-2nd Grade-Mrs. Moua

: LINCOLN – Thank you to all the amazing teachers at Lincoln Middle School! The Mell Family would specifically like to thank Mr. Fischer, Ms. Fox and Ms. Welch for their dedication, flexibility and compassion!! Simon 6th grade

: NORTH WOODS – Muchas gracias to these two amazing teachers. Señorita Canela and señorita Hembd at North Woods International. My boys miss you both sooooo much. Thanks for all of your passion, energy, and heart. We love you!

: SOTA I – Thank you to Karen Ehlers at SOTA 1. Thank you for the stories and letters. Maxwell misses you. We appreciate everything you do. Love, Maxwell, 1st grade

: SOUTHERN BLUFFS – Thank you to Mrs. Fried at Southern Bluffs Elementary, 1st grade. Layla is most thankful for learning how to read!

: SOUTHERN BLUFFS – Thank you Southern Bluffs elementary

: SPENCE – I miss you Mrs. Fitzgerald!!! You are my hero!!! Amelia W., 2nd grade Spence Elementary

: SPENCE – Lavonte loves Ms Schultz at Spence Elementary. He tells me everyday that he loves her and misses her, and especially misses their daily hugs. He can’t wait to be back at school with his friends to learn new things and even though he’ll have a new teacher he said he’s still going to find Ms Schultz for his hug. ❤️ And from me… Thank you Ms Schultz for having such a warm heart and caring soul. Lavonte doesn’t warm up to just anyone, and I see how much he loves you (besides hearing it daily lol) so I appreciate very much how you care for him and help him be the best version of himself.

: SPENCE – Sawyer Musselman from Spence Elementary, 5th grade, Mrs Nelson. We are so grateful for Spence and all the great teachers Sawyer has had. Off to Longfellow!

: STATE ROAD – Thank you Mrs Fox at State Road Elementary! You show so much care for and commitment to all of your current and past students and they adore you! THANK YOU for your hard work and efforts and all that you have done before and during this big adjustment. Erin, kindergarten.

: STATE ROAD – We want to thank all of our teachers at State Road Elementary! Justice is in 4K and Harley is in 1st grade!

: STATE ROAD – And a special thank you to Ms H, Ms Weber, Ms Lysaker and Mrs Fox!

: STATE ROAD – Mia from State Road, 2nd grade Mrs. Ruprecht. Dear Mrs. Ruprecht, I love the emails, videos and work. It is fun to see you on a video, but I wish I could hug you. You make me so happy. I miss you so much. Thanks for being great! Love, Mia

: STATE ROAD – Sofia from State Road, K Mrs. Fox Dear Mrs. Fox, Thank you for all of the videos and stories. We love to listen to them. I wish I could give you a hug. You are the best hugger and teacher. Thanks for the playdoh. I miss you. Love, Fia

: SUMMIT – Thank you to all the teachers at Summit Environmental! And a special shout out to Mrs. Anderson from Alec (first grade)

: SUMMIT – Thank you Jen Wappler! Summit Environmental School, Jen Wappler. Ava Brice, 1st grade & Jameson Brice, 3rd grade. Ava is currently in her class and Jameson had her too! You are the best!