To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, the Irvine Korean Parent Association (IKPA) treated faculty and staff to a special lunch on May 1, serving traditional Korean dishes and snacks.
Every year, IKPA hosts a luncheon to show gratitude for Portola High’s staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. This year’s planning began a month in advance, with members reaching out to various vendors. While last year’s event served 150 meals, the number rose to 200 this year. IKPA secured sponsors like Zion Market to help supply food, according to IKPA president Suyon Park. This year’s fundraising efforts for the luncheon were a success, resulting in excess funds that allowed IKPA to donate $1,000 to the school and $500 to PTSA, while planning to donate additional items to Portola High’s office.
“A really common value that’s very deeply instilled in our culture is that we Koreans have a very utmost respect for our teachers,” Park said. “We have a special day to show our teachers appreciation as well, so for the school to give us an opportunity to host something like this, it’s a fun event for the parents to come together, express our gratitude, and it’s a great way to show what our culture is, how good our food is and how generous everyone in our community is.”
The lunch included a variety of options such as grab-and-go boxes with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, glass noodles and a choice of bulgogi or teriyaki chicken. Vegetarian options, fresh fruit, bakery items and traditional Korean snacks were also offered. Spanish teacher Otto Lopez was among the many faculty members who enjoyed the cuisine.
“I tried the beef bulgogi,” Lopez said. “It was delicious. It came in a disposable packaging, and it had a side of noodles that I really liked. They gave us amazing desserts, cheesecake, macarons, a drink and a salty, sweet snack. I have them at home, and I eat them every day.”
Events like this not only foster parent-teacher interaction but also highlight parental involvement in students’ lives and bring valuable cultural representation to campus, according to Assistant Principal Brandon Emery.
“In Spanish and in world language, we have cultural standards,” Lopez said. “They are state standards, and they ask us to talk about our culture and then compare our culture to other cultures. I think participating in cultural events is a very meaningful experience for the students and the parents. The community around us is very diverse, so it’s a way that they can share a little bit about themselves to the staff.”
IKPA plans to continue hosting events like this luncheon annually to share Korean culture and express gratitude for the teachers who support their children every day.
