The week of March 4 kicked off NDB’s annual Staffulty Appreciation Week, designed to honor their dedication and hard work to the school. Staffulty members were showered with gifts from both the school and students, special coffee services and more. The week was filled with themes of gratitude and recognition for the teachers’ care and effort in their lessons and an opportunity to show appreciation for the impact that NDB staffulty have on the students’ academic and personal journeys.
Support for students starts when they enter the classroom as freshmen. The staffulty go out of their way to make them feel welcome and establish a unique, trusting relationship early on. They make the transition from middle school to high school seamless and create a classroom environment that is motivating and optimistic.
“I’ve adapted to the teaching style here at NDB very well since it is set up to help us all succeed,” said freshman Allison Dorn. “Since coming here, I’ve noticed that all the teachers are willing to help you no matter what and they are all very understanding and easy to talk to. I especially want to thank Mrs. Kuntz … because she’s set up so many fun projects for us and has taught us so many new things. She is also really easy to talk to and always helps us when needed, plus makes everything a fun learning experience.”
NDB teachers also go out of their way to teach their lessons in a creative and fun way that helps their students learn in a productive and understandable style. They show genuine care for a student’s future by teaching in a way that is comprehensible and thoroughly thought out when collaborating and planning with other teachers.
“I think something that is unique about NDB teachers is that they really want to build connections with their students and learn and grow with them,” said sophomore Maisie Street. “For example, I want to thank Mrs. Falzon for always caring for her students and teaching math in the best way possible.”
The staffulty also works hard to develop a supportive presence in the community. In doing so, they show their support to the students and emphasize how much they care for their lives outside of class by being board or club moderators, attending sporting events and more. No matter what it may be, they undoubtedly impact the community in a positive and uplifting way.
“One teacher who I especially want to thank is Mr. Tomczak,” said junior Bella Svanberg. “As a history teacher, mock trial coach, student council coordinator and leader of the National Honor Society and Board, Mr. Tomczak is a role model who engages with students, teaches important lessons – in and out of the classroom – and supports the NDB community in every way he can.”
Lastly, they play a vital role in preparing students for college by applying their classes to the real world. They teach skills that are useful in college and help students see the world through a different perspective on what they are learning.
“I would like to thank Mrs. Girard because I’m taking AP Biology this year, and it is, by far, my favorite class that I’ve ever taken at Notre Dame,” said senior Annette Henderson. “She does a great job at teaching and also connecting with students and I’ve learned so much more about life than just biology.”
Teacher appreciation is also felt by teachers for other teachers. Their relationships are formed through the shared challenges and victories on a day-to-day basis, and that motivates teachers to continue their passions in the classroom and take every opportunity to educate as a gift.
“I appreciate Mrs. Walton because she welcomed me with open arms when I was new to NDB and has supported me at every turn,” said Math teacher Kathleen Falzon. “Teaching at NDB is a breath of fresh air. Women empowering women is beyond inspiring. Our day is calm, yet exciting; focused, yet fun.”
NDB teachers are truly unique in everything they do. They motivate students and each other to try their best in every obstacle they face, and prepare those they encounter in life with valuable lessons.
