AISD staff to be honored by PTO
By Donnie A. Lucas
Educators and staff at Albany ISD will be recognized next week with daily meals and bundles of gifts in appreciation for their efforts to educate the youth of Albany.
The week-long celebration is hosted by the Albany PTO, with the help of parents and local businesses.
The National Teacher Appreciation Week is actually May 8-12, but the PTO opted to wait until next week in order not to conflict with STAAR testing at both campuses.
The PTO has also broadened the name to be Staff Appreciation Week to include all employees of Albany ISD for their contributions.
This year, the theme has taken on an international flavor, with American food provided, as well as some from other countries.
Lunches will be either catered or provided by food trucks at both campuses including barbecue, hamburgers, Chinese food, Italian, and Mexican food.
“The PTO has funded the food and gifts so far, but we sent out letters last week to ask for donations,” PTO president Ragan Riley said. “We are so grateful for what the staff does for our students, and we hope others will help us show our appreciation by supporting us with donations.”
Riley said that gift bags will be delivered to all employees at both campuses on Monday, May 15.
“This year we are delivering a bag full of gifts instead of taking one up each day,” Riley said. “It will be easier, and this will assure that each person has a bag with their name on it in case they happen to be absent.”
Staff members were also recognized at two meals provided last week.
The 19th annual Ben Richey Boys Ranch dinner was held Tuesday, May 2 at the ranch. A large group of staff members was served by the residents at the ranch.
On Wednesday, May 3, a breakfast was hosted by the Albany Masonic Lodge at the First Christian Church. Brookshire’s Grocery also helped by providing some of the food supplies.
Individuals or businesses that wish to donate to the PTO for next week’s celebration can contact Riley at 214-663-3271 or contact any PTO officer.
