Courtney Elrod, who teaches drama and digital communications at Liberty Middle School, relishes her ice cream float during Teacher Appreciation Week. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – For Teacher Appreciation Week, the administrative team at Liberty Middle School surprised teachers with ice cream floats, via classroom curb service.

“Not everyone realizes just how hard teachers work,” Liberty Principal Nelson Brown said. “It’s good to take time to thank our teachers and tell them how much we appreciate what they do.”

Assistant principal Sylvia Lambert viewed the gesture as “a great opportunity to honor the meaningful efforts of our teachers and a fun way to offer sweet treats to our Liberty family. The teachers enjoyed the surprise floats and were all smiles.”

Assistant principal Jamie Golliver and instructional partner Courtney Horton also served made-to-order floats.

English teacher Jane L. Haithcock hoped the tradition would continue for the third year. “We were super happy when the cart rolled around with our delicious treat,” she said. “It’s a great gesture from the administrators because it makes us feel appreciated, valued and supported.”

A teacher’s job “gets difficult and hectic sometimes, keeping up with the lives of 90 students at any one time, more for elective teachers. When that moment comes when there is a pause, an intent of thanks, it allows us to slow down, catch our breaths and be thankful for the wonderful school and students we work with,” Haithcock said.

For her ice cream treat, Haithcock chose a Sunkist and vanilla float. “It’s the best,” she said. “They had the wonderful, colorful umbrellas as garnish.”

Admittedly, the Liberty students were jealous. “You know any time there’s anything edible, especially if it contains sugar, the kids get super excited and interested. Many students asked for one … or if they could just lick our cups when we were done,” Haithcock said.

“I love these kids,” she said.