Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

The Ecorse Public Schools District let its teachers know they are appreciated with a day of pampering and amusement on Friday, May 7. The day began with brief workshops in the morning on self-care and stress relief. Teachers were treated to a Mexican-style lunch along with a buffet dessert table, then were able to partake in pampering and fun activities including facials, manicures, massage, shoe shine, dance lessons, and karaoke. The event was held at Ecorse High School.

"We want to make sure our teachers really know that the Board of Education and myself want them to know they are appreciated, we love them, we know they've worked above and beyond the call of duty in this unparalleled time," said Ecorse Superintendent Dr. Josha Talison.

Ecorse School Board President Shanda Miller-Giles agreed. "We thought that it's been a brutal year, so this is something we're going to do for them to relax and let them know we appreciate them; it hasn't been easy," she said. Miller-Giles added that in addition to the Cosmetology students participating by doing facials, the district brought in professional massage therapists, manicurists, shoe shine staff, dance instructors, and a DJ. "The teachers--it's about them, so we brought outside help ...we want them to be the guest and not the host."

Dance instructor Erik Romo and his partner, Martha Galindo led teachers in Salsa Dance lessons. The pair decided to join the district's efforts to recognize their teachers because the pandemic has been especially hard on educators. "This is a great event," Romo remarked. "We're going to have a lot of fun." Resource Program Teacher Margie Patterson took advantage of the dance lesson, saying she was pleased the teachers were able to receive some pampering and was looking forward to having a facial and manicure. "This is beautiful," she said. "I appreciate them appreciating us, this pandemic has really worn on all of us."

Hope Alternative Academy Teacher Victor Williams said that his students do their classes online as the customary way of operating, so the pandemic and school shutdown caused little disruption for his students. "We've had a successful year," he said. "Today's event, for me is the accumulation of a year's worth of effort that we put in in spite of this pandemic. I'm glad to be part of the program," he commented as he sat enjoying tacos for lunch while watching his shoes being professionally shined.

As a commemoration of the day's events, all teachers received a gift basket with goodies and trinkets, including shoe polish and a manicure kit. School board member Jason Alexander said the Teachers' Appreciation Day event was a great accomplishment. "This is a success, lots of smiling faces," he said.