As National Teacher Appreciation Week came to a close recently, parents and students at Carmel Del Mar Elementary (CDM), the school with the heart, reflected on their gratitude, recognizing the profound impact their educators have on the future.
I am a parent of a 5th grader at CDM, and I believe that teachers are the backbone of our communities. They arrive early and leave late, spending countless unpaid hours grading papers, planning lessons, and worrying about students who struggle.
A lot of the time, they purchase classroom supplies with their own money when budgets fall short. They mediate conflicts, dry tears, celebrate victories, and nurture potential that students themselves may not yet see.
Recognition for teachers and staff at CDM came in a multitude of ways throughout the week, starting with a home picked, or store bought, flower from each student on Monday ending with heartfelt notes to their teachers Friday.
“This year’s theme was ‘Steering our students down the road to success,’ Jessica Morgan, CDM PTA chairperson of Teacher Appreciation said. “We connected appreciation each day with a unique tie in to this year’s theme. Fuel Up Monday, Road Trip Snacks Tuesday, Extra Mile Wednesday, Never “Tire” of You Thursday, and Route To Thanks Friday.”
CDM PTA also provided three lunchtime meals from local restaurants to “fuel up” the teachers and staff throughout the week.
“We are deeply grateful to our parents and community for their incredible and the outpouring of appreciation this week.” said Katie Gomez, CDM istrative assistant. “Their kindness and encouragement mean the world to us!”
The first elementary school east of Interstate 5 to open in 1992 in Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD), CDM is viewed as “an oldie but a goodie” by teachers and parents alike. Not only did it win a National Blue Ribbon School award in 2021, it is now the largest enrolled elementary school in DMUSD with 585 students and 19% of the student population of DMUSD.
Many CDM teachers have taught for years, if not decades, within DMUSD. Art and STEAM+ teacher Nicole Nelson, who has worked for 26 years in DMUSD and has been a part of CDM since 2009, will be retiring at the end of this school year. She states, “I’m grateful for every moment. I’ve watched thousands of kids learn and grow their creativity.”
Zachary Depew (4th grade) shared, “CDM is full of expert teachers, like Mrs. Nelson, who are really nice. They make learning easy and fun!”
Nicole Miles, Carmel Del Mar PTA board member, commented. “In a world fixated on celebrities, influencers, and the latest technological innovations, like AI, people can overlook the true architects of the future. Teachers face unprecedented challenges.”
“Understanding all that our teachers do for their students and their school, it’s so important for parents and PTAs to step up to recognize the impact teachers have had on their kids,” said Susanne Volk, CDM PTA president. “We have collectively committed this week to momentary gratitude because teachers shape the future in ways we cannot measure. Our teachers and staff deserve nothing less.”
At CDM, not only did the teachers and staff get special thanks, teachers turned around and appreciated all of the parent volunteers by taking the time to cook breakfast prior to the start of the school day on May 16.
CDM parent and drama club parent liaison Sanna Depew commented, “I’ve been a parent for over 10 years now. My favorite thing about our school is the collaboration between parents, teachers and community. We are all working together to our shared goal of a better tomorrow.”
“I have the best job ever!” Lili Hamra, librarian at CDM remarked. “This is a special community. We have amazing families, co-workers, and all the kids are fabulous kids that all recognize our hard work. It’s truly the school with the heart.”
