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As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we simply want to say THANK YOU. 💙

This week reminded us just how blessed we are to be surrounded by such an incredible staff, supportive families, and a community that truly loves and appreciates our teachers. From the thoughtful treats and gifts to the kind words, surprises, and generosity shown all week long — we felt the love in every single moment.

To our amazing teachers and staff: thank you for the heart you pour into our students every day. Your dedication, compassion, patience, and commitment do not go unnoticed. You are the reason our school feels like family.

To everyone who helped make this week so special — thank you for celebrating our staff so well and for reminding them how valued they are.

Our hearts are full, and we are so grateful for an AMAZING Teacher Appreciation Week! 🦅✨

Day 4 of Teacher Appreciation Week was filled with so much joy, gratitude, and celebration for our amazing staff! 💚

We started the morning with a wonderful iced coffee bar provided by Waters Edge Church, which was such a thoughtful way to help our teachers and staff feel loved and appreciated. Midday, our admin team treated everyone to ice cream sundaes for a sweet surprise and a little extra fun during the day! ☕🍦

We also received a surprise gift from the VA Lottery, who donated lottery tickets for our staff — and we had LOTS of winners today! 🎉

Congratulations to today’s winners:
• Ms. Davis – Waterstreet Grille
• Ms. Williams – Sweet Frog
• Ms. A. Miller – Q Daddy BBQ
• Ms. Amidon – Raising Canes
• Ms. Retzbach – Starbucks
• Ms. Cheeks – Dominos
• Ms. Carr – Wendys
• Ms. Thibodeaux – Raising Canes
• Ms. McDevitt – Starbucks
• Ms. Meehan – Starbucks
• Ms. Smith – Raising Canes

We are so thankful for each and every member of our YES family. Your hard work, kindness, and dedication make a difference in the lives of our students every single day! ⭐

Day 3 of Teacher Appreciation Week was filled with so much joy as we continued to celebrate the heart of our school—our incredible staff.

Congratulations to today’s winners:

• Ms. Garrelts - Restaurant Gift Card
• Ms. DeFazio - Sweet Frog & FREE Planning Pass
• Ms. Baughan - Gift bag provided by Yorktown Baptist Church
• Ms. Callender - Restaurant Gift Card
• Ms. Edwards - Raising Canes
• Ms. Lasris - Q Daddy BBQ
• Ms. Cline - The Kitchen

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing Yorktown Elementary PTA and Pappas Orthodontics for treating us to a hotdog & pretzel cart—such a fun and thoughtful surprise that truly brightened everyone’s day! We are also so grateful to all of the families who contributed to make this special treat possible.

We continue to be overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our community and families. Every thoughtful gesture, gift, and word of appreciation reminds our staff just how valued they are. Thank you for celebrating, uplifting, and supporting our team in such a meaningful way!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Madeline Duffy of Nottoway County Public Schools on being named the 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year. This well-deserved recognition reflects an exceptional commitment to excellence, innovation, and the lasting impact educators have on their students and communities.

While Ms. Insley was not selected for this honor, we are incredibly proud and deeply grateful that she was chosen as a representative among such outstanding educators across the Commonwealth. Being recognized at this level is a meaningful achievement and a testament to her dedication and passion for teaching.

We celebrate all nominees who exemplify the very best of the teaching profession and honor the passion, dedication, and care they bring to their students each and every day.