SJPD, FOP honors teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Teachers in the St. Joseph School District were able to get some sweet treats for Teacher Appreciation Week Tuesday morning.

The St. Joseph Police Department and Lodge 3 of the Fraternal Order of Police raised over $1,000 to show their support for educators in the St. Joseph School District. 

"Many of us at the department have parents who are teachers in the district," said Sgt. Kylee Van Meter of the St. Joseph Police Department. "They've always been so supportive of us, and we wanted to do something small to give back and show that we appreciate them and recognize what they do every day."

Sgt. Jeremy Peters credited Van Meter for coming up with the idea to honor SJSD teachers noting, their hard work made it possible to raise the funds in just three days.

"All of this is being funded completely by donations from our coworkers and our police union," Peters said. "Our team is amazing when it comes to working together on these kinds of events and it feels good to remind our teachers that they're doing a great job for our community and kids."

Local elementary students say this is just a small token of appreciation for what their teachers truly deserve, crediting them for their crucial role in learning and development.     

"Our teachers do a lot for us, said Liam Peters, a student at Skaith Elementary. "When I first started school in kindergarten, I didn't know much. But now that I’m in third grade, I know a lot more- and that's thanks to my teachers."

"It makes me really happy to see our teachers awarded because they teach us and keep us safe," said Olivia Peters. 

While it's a rule students are expected to follow year-round, Liam Peters said that his goal this week, along with his classmates, is to stay silent in the classroom when the teacher asks.