Hundreds of Staff Celebrated At Arcadia Unified's Staff Appreciation Night
Article By Arcadia Unified School District Digital Communications Intern Sarah Wang
The Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) hosted its annual “Staff Appreciation Night” at Arcadia High School on October 5. Educators, administrators, and other staff, along with their families, were celebrated for all their hard work and dedication to the district.
“When we first created this night a couple years ago, we were pushing to make an effort to show all of our staff they are a part of a big team,” Dr. David Vannasdall, the Superintendent of AUSD, said. “There are a lot of teachers that work very hard at their school site, but they don’t often get to recognize [that] we are all on the same team, even if we work at different schools. This is especially true since all the students end up at Arcadia High.”
At the beginning of the night, staff members and their families were given special sideline passes that allowed them to sit wherever they pleased during the game. Staff were also able to enter in a raffle where they could win tablets, a Chromebook, and gift cards. Volunteers from Arcadia High School’s Digital Communications Internship set up photography and face painting booths at the field’s entrance for the attendees.
Intern Maggie Wong face painting at the booth.
(Photo by Jocelyn Thao)
Staff members from Holly Avenue taking a photo at the booth.
(Photo by Grace Lee)
Katie Siriani, an eighth-grader at Foothills Middle School, attended the event with her mother, the Assistant Principal of Foothills Middle School. She stated, “My teachers have helped me grow as a person and scholar. I think it is important for students to be appreciative of their teachers because some don’t realize how much teachers do for us. They always go above and beyond, even when it is not necessary. That just shows much they care for their students and the [district].”
Shortly before the game started, staff members and their family organized into groups which represented their respective schools. Right after, they ran out of Arcadia High School’s black tunnel and onto the football field. “When we get to run out and get announced, that school spirit of our staff, their kids, and their spouses is such a special connection to this event,” Dr. Vannasdall said. Mascots from various AUSD schools also were present at the game and exited the tunnel as well.
The staff, family, and mascot of Highland Oaks Elementary School running out with signs and posters.
(Photo by Cassidy Chhay)
The night continued as staff mingled, created new friendships, and made memories with their family and other faculty.
“I think it's great that all the staff in Arcadia have a night where we can all come together and be a part of the AUSD family and celebrate our district. I always look forward to catching up with all the friends I have made over the years in AUSD,” said Christina Siriani, Assistant Principal at Foothills Middle School.
In addition, the event was a unifying one for staff. With over 500 employees who work at various locations within AUSD, it is hard for staff to regularly find the opportunity to engage with others who are not from their school site.
Lee Kwan, the Science and Math Enrichment teacher at Foothills Middle School, said, “This is a chance where we can see teachers from all different grade levels and different schools come together as a family. I love AUSD because we have one goal in mind: we care about our students and want them to excel and be the best versions of themselves they can be.”
As the football game ended with Arcadia taking the victory 63-6, the staff began to leave an unforgettable night organized just for them.
“This event will only get better every year,” Dr. Vannasdall said. “We are also looking for ways to take the concept and grow it to celebrate different things going around the district. It’s encouraging us and inspiring us to do more events like it.”
View complete photo album courtesy of DCI on our Facebook page!
