Mount Prospect's St. Raymond School kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week with May Day parade

"It was a day I will never forget," St. Raymond School Assistant Principal Cathy Hart said about the school's recent May Day Parade.

To kick off the month and Teacher Appreciation Week, more than 50 faculty and staff members of the Mount Prospect school participated in a 50-vehicle parade on Friday, May 1. The parade, which wound through nearby residential areas and included participation from Mount Prospect police officers, lasted around 45 minutes.

Nadine Scheller, Marketing & Enrollment director at the school, said the school received positive feedback from families, many who camped out waiting to see the teachers. Parents said the parade was heartwarming and a great way to come together.

Before starting, principals gave treat bags to the teachers and shared words of encouragement.

"I am so proud of the way our community came together for this event. Reconnecting with our students, the families and the teachers really renewed everyone's spirits. It was a wonderful example of what makes our St. Raymond community so special," Principal Mary Eileen Ward said.

The Family and School Association also provided gift cards and families gave plants and flowers to the educators.

Scheller said teachers and staff had been feeling disconnected from their school family, which includes more than 500 students from 328 families.

"It was a perfect day to bring the community together. The sun was shining, the weather had warmed up and, for a short time, it felt a little more 'normal' to see each other," she said. "It was the community spirit and family feel that gave everyone an uplifting feeling to a new month."