Video:
Transcription:
Dr. Vazquez: Today is one of my favorite days of the school year. I'm about to surprise some very deserving teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week.
Announcer: Welcome to Mondays with Maria, presented by Addition Financial Credit Union. Here's OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez.
Dr. Vazquez: Hi everyone. This is a very special week. We have teams across the district delivering letters, letters that were written by seniors about a teacher that made an impact on their life. We have captured some of our seniors as they were delivering these letters. Take a look.
Staff member: Hi, how are you? Pretty good. Good. I have something for you.
Student, Jayla: I have a letter to read to you that I wrote.
Student, Jayla: Dear Ms. Waseem, my name is Jayla Wiser, and I was in your sixth and seventh grade ICT classes at Ocoee Middle School. I chose you for my senior letter because you played in a potent role during my years in middle school, whether you know it or not, you were like a mom at school for me. Another reason why I loved your class and you as a teacher that you made learning fun. Your fun personality allowed students like me to enjoy coming to your class. I wanted to thank you for all the little things you did for me throughout my years in middle school, because they really left a lasting impression on me. You're the best teacher I ever had.
Student, Jordan Smith: Hey, hey.
Teacher, Ms. Song: Whatcha doing here?
Student, Jordan Smith: I’m doing good.
Teacher, Ms. Song: Oh, my goodness. What's happening
Student, Jordan Smith: Nothing much. I got a letter that I got to read that I read to you. Oh, okay. Dear Ms. Song, this is Jordan Smith from the 2020 eighth-grade English class. I'll always remember how, even though we played around in your class and had an amazing, joyful time together, you still made sure we got our work done. It was a great balance of learning and engagement. You were not only a great teacher, but also a great person of eyes as a whole, and I thank you for that. Sincerely, Jordan.
Teacher, Ms. Song: Oh my God, thank you. Oh my God. Thank you.
Teacher, Ms. Song: Obviously, I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't, he was a kid that I was not expecting to see at all, so that was even better. And after teaching for about 20 years, it's really like a breath of fresh air. To see somebody like that, remember me, and come and say that they did remember me. I'm getting teary-eyed. But it was, it was, it was really nice.
Student, Amaya Saulsby: You had a significant impact on my life during a time when I was still discovering who I was and where I wanted to go. You were and still are such an amazing and dedicated teacher, and that has stayed with me. I value the way you always took the time to listen to us, no matter how busy you were, and how you made every lesson engaging and relevant to our lives. Be back and read it to her. It was kind of like a nostalgia in a way, like it was just, I'm back on this campus. I haven't been here in four years, and this is where I started basically. So, it's just kind of like crazy to know that I'm about to graduate, and this is where I started.
Student, Dimiah Carson: I never could have imagined how much your class would influence me, both academically and personally. I still remember receiving my calculus project letter in the sixth grade, not knowing then how much your teaching would help shape my love for math. As a senior at Jones High School, I have accomplished some great achievements, and I owe much of my success to the foundation you helped build. I am honored to serve as Ms. Jones High School and valedictorian, maintaining a 5.36 weighted GPA. Your ability to make learning fun and engaging left a lasting impression; in the friendships I formed in your class will stay with me for a lifetime.
Teacher, Willie Davis: To see a remarkable student, give me the credit that I never look for, but it is a blessing to receive it. And just knowing that she cared enough these years later to come back and show appreciation, that touches the heart.
Teacher, Ms. Song: As a teacher, we go in hoping to make a difference, and then when you do have a student come visit you, it kind of shows that that you are in some shape or form. So it's, it's rewarding. Thank
Student, Dimiah Carson: You for your dedication, support, and inspiration. Sincerely, Dimiah Carson.
Teacher, Willie Davis: I'm proud of you
Student, Dimiah Carson: Thank you.
Teacher, Willie Davis: Love you.
Student, Dimiah Carson: Love you too.
Teacher Willie Davis: So great.
Student, Dimiah Carson: Thank you.
Dr. Vazquez: The delivery of these letters, as you can see, are so emotional. It's one of my favorite things during Teacher Appreciation Week, and I myself am going to be out today delivering these letters. I may come into your classroom, and not only are we delivering letters, but we are also delivering gifts that have been secured by the foundation for Orange County Public Schools. We are so thankful for you, our teachers, for all that you do each and every day to support our children and their families. Gifts that were secured by the foundation for Orange County Public Schools. Just for you. The gifts are valued at more than $10 million. Take a look at all of our partners. The gifts include Fun Spot passes, Rock and Brewery dinner, Orlando Magic game tickets, Wonder Works tickets, free admission to the Orlando Eye, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, and Madam Tussauds, as well as Free Racetrack coffee and Jeremiah's Italian Ice, and so much more. I hope you have a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Week. Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe. We'll have more on our podcast. Thanks for watching.
Announcer: For an extended conversation on today's topic, listen to the Mondays with Maria podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. Mondays with Maria's presented by Addition Financial Credit Union, count us in for every step of your financial journey. Learn more at Additionfi.com. For more OCPS news and information, visit TheSlice.OCPS.net. I'm your announcer. Kaleb Priester, a senior at Jones High School. Thanks for watching and have a great week.