Harriet Gifford Elementary School hosts McTeacher's Night

Harriet Gifford Elementary School held its first McTeacher's Night at the Elgin McDonald's on Larkin on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

A McTeacher's Night is organized to help raise money for local schools by having the teachers work at McDonald's and then giving a percentage of the night's sales to the Elgin school.

On Wednesday, the restaurant was taken over by teachers excited to serve freshly prepared meals to students and their families to raise money for the school's PIC, which stands for "Parent Involvement Committee." The students and families were excited to see their teachers and principal behind the counter and throughout the restaurant.

Eleven teachers, staff members and Principal Joe Corcoran from the Elgin Area School District U-46 school worked that evening. The McTeacher's jobs included greeting guests, cleaning the lobby, working the front counter, serving drinks, clearing tables, selling pies and even dressing up in a pie costume - all duties which were executed with great enthusiasm.

School social worker Emily Gillmeister and teacher Yasmina Dimas took turns dancing around the restaurant in a pie costume and having a blast while doing so. They were encouraging the families to make a donation and receive a delicious hot apple pie.

As a special treat to the students at Harriet Gifford, the school mascot "Buddy" was on hand for the night and took pictures with the students and gave many high-fives.

A special thank you goes to Cristina Camposano who organized the event as well as everyone that worked and attended the event.

The Harriet Gifford PIC plans to put the money raised into their general funds to be used for items that are needed throughout the school year.

The McTeacher's Night was courtesy of the Elgin on Larkin McDonald's owner/operator, David Bear. Like it on www.facebook.com/BearFamilyMcDonalds/.

For information about events provided by the Elgin McDonald's, contact Julie Travers, community relations director, at julie.travers@comcast.net. Or visit www.bearfamilyrestaurants.com.