Teacher Appreciation Month

As many know, the month of May is recognized as Teacher Appreciation Month, as the day and week are both celebrated during May. In honor of this, I wanted to personally give a shout-out to some of our Kenmore West teachers who have made a large impact on our community this year. 

Mrs. Aszkler

Mrs. Aszkler is one of the most helpful people I have ever met. She is so very kind and has one of the most beautiful souls. She is always willing to help any student in need, and not only in the library. She is so great to talk to about books or just life. Her desire for every student to succeed is so evident, and I truly appreciate everything she does for me. She has been so patient with me while planning meetings for my IB extended essay that she’s been helping out with, and I don’t think she gets enough recognition for all of her pure compassion and affection. 

Mrs. Grosskopf

Mrs. Grosskopf is one of the kindest people I know. She has adjusted her teaching style so many times for my class throughout the year and hopes for all of us to be the best that we can be. The door to her room is also always open for any of her students to come in and hang out or get help whenever they need. I don’t think I could ever put into words how much I love the way she cares for all of her students individually, cares about our personal lives, and cares about how we do in classes that I don’t believe could be any harder. 

Ms. Gruninger

Ms. Gruninger, or “G” as I know her, is one of my biggest inspirations and supporters. She works around the clock to provide a fun and positive environment for all of her students, and I think that just how much work she does goes far beyond what anyone can see. She has provided countless opportunities to her theatre students and will lend a helping hand to anyone in need without thinking twice. I so appreciate everything she has done for me and can’t wait for the rest of my time as one of her “theatre babies.”

Mr. LaPaglia

Mr. LaPaglia is another teacher who just clearly wants his students to do well. He has gone out of his way to adapt to what we need, and that should not go unnoticed. He tries to make each of his lessons fun and relevant. His enthusiasm for what he is teaching and his engaging teaching style help to make learning a new language slightly less difficult. He provides us with all of the tools to succeed and makes sure to let us know that he believes that we can. He also builds such strong relationships with his students, and I really love the true effort that he puts into his job. 

Mr. Mendola

I didn’t know Mr. Mendola personally before this year, until he stepped up to fill the position as student council advisor. I’m so grateful to have met him, though, because I don’t know anyone else as determined to motivate and inspire like him. He took so many chances with his Stu-Co board this year, and never failed to put his full faith in all of us or to hear us out on any of our crazy ideas. I’m so lucky to know that if I need anything, Mr. Mendola is there to hype me up, give advice, or just provide a safe space to listen when I need to talk. 

Mr. Pinti

You do not need to know Mr. Pinti well to be affected by his positivity. Seeing his constant smile in the hallways or outside of the counseling center is always able to brighten my day. Although he is not my counselor, it is so clear the effort that he puts into his students and bettering the environment of our school. He was even recently recognized at the Board of Education meeting this month for his genuine support, positivity, kindness, and generosity.

Mrs. Schlifke

Mrs. Schlifke is another teacher in our school who just radiates kindness and positivity whenever and wherever she goes. I know Mrs. Schlifke through Link Crew, and I’ve also heard amazing things about her forensics class. Seeing the way she interacts with and motivates the eighth graders during Link is so inspiring, and I really appreciate everything she does for our school!

Mrs. White

Mrs. White is one of the KW staff who you can tell is so involved and does so much work behind the scenes to better our school. I don’t think it is possible to give her enough credit for everything she does for us. I know her from National Honor Society, Community Club, and from being a full IB student. Just from seeing her in those roles, I don’t think there is anyone who could juggle it all better than Mrs. White. I am so appreciative of her thorough involvement in our school and for her contagious smile that is sure to brighten your day!

Thank you so much to all of the teachers around our school. Always remember how much I appreciate you! And to anyone else reading this, don’t forget that teachers deserve appreciation beyond just the month of May!