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Student Council members at St. Gregory's School in Maryville said thanks to their teachers Wednesday by serving them fried chicken seasoned with a little downtime.
About 30 teachers and staff members employed by either the school or the St. Gregory Barbarigo Roman Catholic Parish enjoyed a catered KFC luncheon in a candle-lit meeting room during Faculty, Staff & Volunteer Day.
The tribute to parish employees and supporters was held in conjunction with Catholic Schools Week, which continues at St. Greg's through Friday.
In addition to serving the meal, bussing tables and cleaning up afterward, students also spent time writing thank-you notes to volunteers who helped with a recent church office remodeling project.
Parents took over classroom duties during lunch periods Wednesday, so that teachers and others could enjoy a relaxed and unhurried meal with their colleagues.
In addition to serving the food, the Student Council at the K-8 school also paid for it using funds raised through its Falcon's Nest shop and the sale of T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Principal Susan Martin said the idea was to "celebrate" the service of teachers and staff to both school and parish throughout the year.
Martin said the 17 teachers at St. gregory's typically earn $6,000 to $8,000 a year less than their public school counterparts while providing top-flight instruction that allows many students to succeed at high academic levels.
"They're here and they're dedicated," said Martin, who added that while not all of the faculty members are Catholic they do each believe in the importance of "faith life and a sense of vocation — of being called by God."
St. Greg's teachers and staff, she said, are a key part of a "warm and welcoming" learning environment that emphasizes a "real family atmosphere."
Martin said Wednesday's tribute was also intended as a salute to the greater parish and Maryville communities, which she said have provided the school with essential support over the years.
"It's just the community at large," said the veteran educator now in her seventh year as principal. "We have a great partnership here when it comes to kids."
Student Council members at St. Gregory's School in Maryville said thanks to their teachers Wednesday by serving them fried chicken seasoned with a little downtime.
About 30 teachers and staff members employed by either the school or the St. Gregory Barbarigo Roman Catholic Parish enjoyed a catered KFC luncheon in a candle-lit meeting room during Faculty, Staff & Volunteer Day.
The tribute to parish employees and supporters was held in conjunction with Catholic Schools Week, which continues at St. Greg's through Friday.
In addition to serving the meal, bussing tables and cleaning up afterward, students also spent time writing thank-you notes to volunteers who helped with a recent church office remodeling project.
Parents took over classroom duties during lunch periods Wednesday, so that teachers and others could enjoy a relaxed and unhurried meal with their colleagues.
In addition to serving the food, the Student Council at the K-8 school also paid for it using funds raised through its Falcon's Nest shop and the sale of T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Principal Susan Martin said the idea was to "celebrate" the service of teachers and staff to both school and parish throughout the year.
Martin said the 17 teachers at St. gregory's typically earn $6,000 to $8,000 a year less than their public school counterparts while providing top-flight instruction that allows many students to succeed at high academic levels.
"They're here and they're dedicated," said Martin, who added that while not all of the faculty members are Catholic they do each believe in the importance of "faith life and a sense of vocation — of being called by God."
St. Greg's teachers and staff, she said, are a key part of a "warm and welcoming" learning environment that emphasizes a "real family atmosphere."
Martin said Wednesday's tribute was also intended as a salute to the greater parish and Maryville communities, which she said have provided the school with essential support over the years.
"It's just the community at large," said the veteran educator now in her seventh year as principal. "We have a great partnership here when it comes to kids."
