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SPS welcome staff with breakfast, prize giveaways for new year
SIKESTON — The Sikeston Public Schools’ All-Staff Back-to-School Breakfast was held Tuesday at Sikeston Junior High, and the staff is eager to return.
The event, which was organized by Natalie Bohannon, communications specialist for Sikeston Public Schools, began with a breakfast and ended with a gathering in the gym.
Bohannon said there were featured special speakers from First State Community Bank, Grand Canyon University, the Missouri State Teachers’ Association, the Sikeston Booster Club and the Sikeston Public Schools Foundation.
The building teachers who were nominated for educator of the year were also recognized, and they included: Pam Lowe, Kindergarten Center; Lisa Lee, Lee Hunter Elementary; Brenda Houchins, Southeast Elementary; Amanda Thatcher, Wing Elementary; Sharon Smith, Middle School; Renee Asher, Junior High; Darla Crabtree, High School; Jacob Darden, Sikeston Career and Technology Center; and Mary Helen Johnson, Alternative School. The award will be given at the Sikeston Regional Chamber Awards Banquet in the fall, according to Bohannon.
Bohannon said teachers who had perfect attendance the previous year were recognized as well. She mentioned that one of the exciting things they do is give away prizes, which the teachers always look forward to.
“It really is a morale boost,” Bohannon said. “The teachers love it; it makes the breakfast even more fun, and it’s a really good way to send everyone into their buildings and let them know they are appreciated.”
Tumbler mugs, fish tanks, patch hats, bulldog signs, bleacher seats, fire pits, Blackstone grills, hoodies, gift cards from local businesses, and other items were among the prizes given away, according to Bohannon.
Bohannon said everyone’s name was placed in a fish bowl, and whoever was picked, received a prize. Bohannon said close to 100 prizes were given out at the event.
Crystie Ressel, head principal of Sikeston Junior High, said Sikeston Public Schools has been doing this event for years and everyone enjoys it.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come back together,” Ressel said. “Everyone has been gone all summer, so it’s great to have everybody come back together and to hear words in particular from our superintendent.”
Ressel said R-6 Superintendent Shannon Holifield has a way of pumping everyone up and getting everyone ready for the school year.
Holifield said the purpose of the all-staff breakfast is to recognize the staff.
“Mainly we just want to celebrate our staff, make them feel appreciated and celebrate each year, and get a great positive kick-off to the school year,” Hollifield said. “I just want to remind them how important they are and that what they do every day is important.”
Ressel said her favorite part of the event is seeing all of the staff members in one room at the same time.
“Everyone is always so excited and ready to be back, and it really is just a great way to see even people from the other school buildings,” Ressel said.
The event, according to Anne Crader, Sikeston Junior High seventh grade social studies teacher, is a great chance for them to all come together and start things fresh.
“We start at the same place from the same point,” Crader said. “We are all wearing the same T-shirts; everybody starts over, and we get to walk through the door together.
Crader continued: “We really are all working for the common goal of educating and providing for the children of our district.”