School Bulletin: Teacher appreciation gets a surprise boost

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Notre Dame School of Milwaukee went above and beyond to honor staff for Teacher Appreciation Week. But the school had a little help. Northwestern Mutual awarded Notre Dame a $10,000 grant to surprise teachers all week long.

"I think it's been an incredibly challenging year," Patrick Landry, President of Notre Dame School, says. "So this week has meant a lot to [staff] in terms of showing our appreciation, and we are just so appreciative of Northwestern Mutual for seeing a need and helping us do something about it."

Vicky Morales, a middle school teacher, says there was a special breakfast for teachers on one day with donuts, coffee, fruit and goodies. Another day, a taco truck came for lunch. But Morales says her favorite was the spa surprise with massages.

"It's been an incredible week," Morales says. "We are so happy to see the great things to show the appreciation. It's been a week of little things and huge things."

While the tokens of appreciation are a treat, Morales says the best part of being a teacher is working with her students and their parents.

"Interacting with them is really amazing," Morales says.

Northwestern Mutual, through its foundation, also announced grants for more than a dozen partner schools like Notre Dame. In total, $50,000 in grants was awarded.