Gallery | 2 Photos

Marianne Chan

Parent volunteers from the Portola High Indian Parent Group serve traditional dishes to staff members Julie Primero and student teacher Cole Kong. “I was very thankful to my community and the kids who participated for this event, because it's because of them that staff and teachers were feeling appreciated,” luncheon co-organizer and Portola High Indian Parent Group member Dolly Malani said. “They felt that lively spirit around them, so for me, when they are happy, that means our event is going good. I'm grateful for what they do for students at school.”

Staff Appreciation Week was held from April 29 to May 3. For the occasion, ASB prepared snacks for teachers while parents provided free lunches for staff throughout the week, according to ASB Communications Director and senior Makena Wong.

Staff Appreciation Week is especially meaningful as students and staff alike are prone to experiencing more pressure in the days leading up to summer break, according to Counselor Nicole Epres.

For staff, ASB prepared an ice cream bar from Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, acai bowls from Nectar, a snack cart, superlative awards and a dress-up day where students could dress up as their favorite staff member, according to Wong.

“I don’t think necessarily that a lot of students are really acknowledging or considering the amount of time and effort that a lot of staff members put in in order to make our school work on a daily basis,” Wong said. “Being able to have a week just dedicated to staff members really puts the emphasis on what they do and allows students to be able to switch their focus for a week and just really take into consideration all the things that their teachers do and what other staff members do too.”

The Chinese Parent Group sponsored a breakfast and PTSA sponsored Board & Brew sandwiches as well as a P.F. Chang’s lunch during the week, according to English teacher Christina Han. Additionally, the Irvine Korean Parent Association (IKPA) and Portola High Indian Parent Group prepared luncheons for staff that consisted of ethnic dishes and activities, such as mehndi, which is a form of South Asian body art, according to Indian Parent Association member and co-organizer Reena Chhabra. IKPA also gave a $1,000 check to the school for further improvements, according to IKPA member Katherine Kim.

“Although it’s not one of our pride values, I think it’s super important to feel grateful and to have gratitude to those around us,” Epres said. “I like to think of Portola High School as a family. I definitely feel that within my own department and I feel that with my students and the community.”

With the success of this year’s Staff Appreciation Week, the level of creativity and nuance employed will likely be a consideration for the future, according to Wong. Wong said that the activities were especially unique compared to previous years’ due to the collaborations with local businesses. Staff Appreciation Week was also an opportunity for students to express gratitude through school-sanctioned events, according to Wong.