The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented teachers and staff in the SEL Schools with tremendous challenges. Demonstrating a strong sense of resilience, teamwork, and an unshakable commitment to helping students succeed, our amazing staff has risen to successfully meet every challenge that has come their way. A prime example is quickly switching to a completely remote learning model for the first nine weeks of school. As a fun way to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff, K-3 School Counselors Lisa Artino and Lindsey Cutler organized a surprise Teacher/Staff Appreciation themed event at each K-3 building over the past several weeks. On Friday, November 6^th, Lisa Artino, with the assistance of Lindsey Cutler and Pupil Services, brought the culminating teacher/staff appreciation event, the “Masked Teacher/Staff Awards” celebration to Sunview Elementary. Teachers were greeted by a masked Principal Arika Taylor, provided colorful masks and props to take pictures with, gift bags, and delicious baked treats courtesy of Mariah’s Munchies, a local business founded by Rowland Kindergarten entrepreneur, Mariah Morning, and her mother, Angela. Fox-8 News was present to capture the joyful and surprised reactions of teachers and staff for the heartwarming gesture of appreciation. The news story spotlight which features interviews with Principal Arika Taylor, and both K-3 Counselors Lisa Artino and Lindsey Cutler, can be viewed here. 

Prior to the culminating event at Sunview, Lisa Artino led the way in rolling out the red carpet for the “Adrian Emmy Awards”, while Lindsey Cutler brought the “Rowland Olympic Awards” to center stage. Special thanks to our K-3 Principals, Mariah Morning and her mother, Angela, from Mariah’s Munchies, and K-3 Counselors Lisa Artino and Lindsey Cutler for their efforts in planning and coordinating the teacher/staff appreciation events. Finally, thank-you to all SEL Schools teachers and staff for their hard work and dedication on behalf of our students.