Notes of Thanks for Teacher Appreciation Week

All throughout the district this week, students, families and community members have celebrated our teachers and staff in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to each student and family member, our PTA and PTSA groups, the Issaquah Schools Foundation and others who have made our staff feel valued and loved this week.

We sent out a "call for submissions" to thank teachers, and are sharing some of those messages today. We appreciate these heartfelt words!

 

 

 

 

 

Apollo Elementary

Tiffany Henry

"We could not say enough positive wonderful things about Tiffany Henry. My daughter has struggled and she has been such a positive influence for my daughter in school. She takes the time to help my daughter even when she has a class full of children. She also always communicates with me for when things switch up or how I can help my daughter at home. She has been an amazing advocate for her and ally for myself. I keep telling her I wish she could be our 'Mr. Feeny' and move up grade with my kids forever. (I apologize for the younger generation who will not get this reference.) I could not be happier with our 3rd grade year and how much she has helped us both! We adore you, Tiffany!" wrote Brianna Gardipee.

Above, Teacher Tiffany Henry with Brianna's daughter

 

Clark Elementary

Megan McCarry

"I am writing to formally recognize and express my deep appreciation for Mrs. McCarry.

Mrs. McCarry consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of care, attentiveness, and patience in her work with students. She creates a supportive and nurturing classroom environment where children feel seen, safe, and valued.

What stands out most to me as a parent is her remarkable attention to each child’s well-being. On more than one occasion, she noticed that my child was not feeling well even before I did. This level of awareness and genuine care goes far beyond expectations and reflects her true dedication to her students.

It is incredibly reassuring to know that my child is in such thoughtful and capable hands each day. Mrs. McCarry’s commitment makes a lasting impact not only on her students, but also on their families.

I am truly grateful for her, and I believe she represents the very best of what education should be," wrote Azure Cao.

 

Cougar Ridge Elementary

Teaching Staff

"Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to our incredible Cougar Ridge educators!

Every day, you show what it truly means to be an educator. Your passion, dedication, and care for our students create not only strong learning environments, but a true sense of belonging for every child who walks through our doors. You don’t just teach...you build community, foster confidence, and make Cougar Ridge a place where students feel safe, seen, and valued.

Thank you for the heart, energy, and intention you bring to this work. Cougar Ridge is better because of you, and I am so grateful to be part of this community alongside you," Dean of Students Kaeleigh Wilson wrote

Above, the staff at Cougar Ridge Elementary.

 

Discovery Elementary

Erica O’Neil, Peter Besbeas, Breanne Thorsen, Tara Pomerleau

"In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we are writing to express our family’s heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding support we have received from Principal Pearson and the entire team at Discovery Elementary School after our move this school year into the Issaquah School District.

From the very beginning, the communication, patience, and thoughtful guidance provided by Principal Pearson, Mrs. O’Neil, Mrs. Pomerleau and Mr. Besbeas, and the broader support team, especially Mrs. Thorsen, have been exceptional.

Their intentional approach and genuine care ensured that both Andersen and Emmet felt supported. The plan they developed for each student and our family reflected both professionalism and a deep commitment to student well-being.

We have been especially inspired by how the Discovery Elementary team exemplify the District’s values, empowering students with confidence and capability while fostering meaningful partnerships between educators, families, and the broader school community. The impact has been profound.

Discovery Elementary has earned our complete trust and admiration. We are incredibly grateful and look forward to supporting this wonderful school community in any way we can.

Thank you for cultivating an environment where educators can make such a meaningful difference in students’ lives," wrote Dylan and April.

Above and below, Dylan and April's students at Discovery.

 

Echo Glen School

Teaching Staff

"I started teaching in 1979 and have worked in three districts. I have been a part of some amazing teams throughout these years. The teachers and staff at Echo Glen are by far the greatest. Echo Glen is not simply a place where one chose to teach; it is a place that we must feel called to. The job here has huge challenges but also great rewards. Each staff member is a part of something wonderful as we serve some of the most troubled students from across the state. Kudos to you all! I am proud to be a part of this team," wrote Stan Harrison.

Above, staff members at Echo Glen School.

 

Issaquah Middle School

Carolyn Stemshorn, Karen Brooks, Mark Jergens-Zmuda, IMS staff

"My son Tamyo would like Mr. JZ, Ms. Stemshorn, and Mrs. Brooks to be recognized as they have all made an positive impact on his education and life. Tamyo says that he strives even more just knowing that they are on his side. He appreciates the effort and compliments they put in and on him, and because of them he tries harder and does his best. ... They are one of the reasons he gets up and goes to school," C. Clark wrote. "Tamyo would like to keep all three of them for himself followed into and through High School (his words). He thanks you three and all the Staff at IMS for the confidence and consideration. Thank you!"

Issaquah High School

Andrew Shanafelt

"I wanted to take a moment to recognize and sincerely thank Mr. Shanafelt for the extraordinary impact he has had on students through the high school as business & economics teacher, DECA mentor and beyond.

As a parent, it is rare to encounter an educator who not only teaches, but truly shapes young people into more confident, capable, and motivated individuals. Mr. Shanafelt has done exactly that. Over the years, he has created an environment where students feel supported, accepted, challenged, and inspired to push themselves further than they believed possible.

What stands out most is his unique balance of mentorship and trust. He guides students with encouragement rather than fear, gives them the freedom to grow into leaders, and builds confidence in a way that earns genuine respect and admiration from the students. They work hard for him not because they are pressured to, but because they feel valued, believed in, and motivated by him.

Mr. Shanafelt is a guiding figure during some of the most formative years of high school students.

Teachers like him leave a lifelong imprint. His dedication, compassion, leadership, and ability to connect with students deserve recognition and appreciation from the district.

Thank you for supporting educators who make such a meaningful difference for students," wrote Milly Sharma.

 

Maywood Middle School

Nicole McGrath and Kristin Besley

"We wanted to send a special thank you to Mrs. McGrath (Nicole) at Maywood Middle School. She is constantly going above and beyond to ensure the success of her students. We are very grateful for all she does!

(We) also want to send a special thank you to Maywood school counselor Kristin Beasley. She has been a wonderful support and we are very appreciative for all she does! Thank you for all you do for the students, all your guidance, support and encouragement," wrote Angelina N.

 

Sunny Hills Elementary

Kaylin Kojima and Celina Schulenberg

"Our son, Tejas Agarwal, is in 2nd grade at Sunny Hills Elementary School. We would like to express our deep gratitude and sincerest thanks to Miss Kojima. She has made a real difference in our son’s school time, learning and experience. We would like to thank her for her patience as well in helping Tejas in his schoolwork with real empathy and care. Thanks again for all what you do!

Also, (we would) like to express gratitude towards Ms. Schulenberg for the groups session she plans meticulously and teaches at school. Tejas really enjoys participating in those sessions and likes her presence and learning that comes out of it. Heartfelt thanks to ‘Ms. S.!’" wrote Riti Vohra.

Maple Hills Elementary

Devon Deaton

"A huge heartfelt thank you to Devon. Devon, you are not just a phenomenal teacher. You are one of the kindest, loving, compassionate people we have ever came across. Thank you for everything you have done for our child. He absolutely adores working with you and your staff and has made such growth in your classroom! You are so creative with learning and make it fun and exciting. He is loved and cared for above and beyond. We need more Devon’s in Issaquah School District! She is such an asset and a true gem in so many ways. She has helped her students with magical growth and puts her all day in and day out always with poise, patience, and grace. THANK YOU DEVON!!! We will forever be grateful for you.’" wrote Ema & Harv Sehra.