Teacher Appreciation Week RCA Style

Teacher Appreciation is celebrated across the country throughout various school districts and communities.  But the appreciation shown to our faculty and staff of the Ron Clark Academy by our students and their parents – RCAP (Ron Clark Academy Parents)-- is something extraordinary!  The celebration not only lasts for one day, but continues for an entire week:

On Monday - cards and flowers of appreciation adorned the front desk of the school.  RCAP also prepared a home-made breakfast and lunch for the faculty and staff.

On Tuesday – more good eats, including a hot Southern breakfast followed by a hot Southern lunch.  Meanwhile, professional massages were given throughout the day to faculty and staff.

On Wednesday – RCAP prepared and hosted a special lunch for the staff, which included a variety of home-made cakes and pies for dessert – yummy!  Oh, by the way, a second day of massages.

On Thursday – RCAP decided they wanted to send the entire faculty and staff on a vacation, but since school was in session and they knew we couldn’t break away, the group opted to bring the vacation to us.  The entire back parking lot of the school was transformed into a scene from the beach – sand, a tikki hut, and a wading pool were all part of the decor.  To top it off, flavored icees and watermelon slices were served as the faculty and staff soaked in the sun from lounge chairs (this was all during after-school hours of course; no instructional time was lost).

On Friday –RCAP hosted a dinner and awards ceremony, themed The Roaring 20’s.  Faculty and staff were told nothing more than when and where to arrive, so we all showed up at the school that evening around 6:00 PM.  We were dressed in our 1920’s Sunday best - suits, dresses, hats and gloves.  After about 10 minutes of styling and profiling, two gorgeous vintage Rolls Royces drove through the school gates--our limos had arrived.  We rode across town to the HJC Bowden Center in East Point.

Upon our arrival, students and parents lined the walkway as we strolled into the center in style.  Students, who were also dressed for the timely occasion, escorted staff one by one into the dining hall. The décor for the evening was simple and elegant; each table was set with white linens and fresh spring flowers for centerpieces.  Let the entertainment begin! From dance routines and piano solos to jazz renditions, we were treated to it all!  Dinner was served and then It was time for the awards.  Each faculty and staff member was presented with an appropriately themed award linking him/her to a specific person who gained notoriety during the 1920’s, including several from the Harlem Renaissance.  Select students were assigned to present each award.  In addition to plaques, gift baskets were made special for each faculty and staff.  It was truly a night (and a week) to remember. 

Thank you RCAP!  You are the best group of parents a faculty and staff could have the opportunity to work alongside.  We are also very grateful to the numerous community and business partners who donated time and/or resources to make the evening (and week) an unbelievable success!