Treats the staffs of Wiscasset Elementary and Middle High schools received last week were a thank you from parents. And staff members told Wiscasset Newspaper they appreciated it.  

WES fifth grade teacher Justin Stygles said in an email response, “For one who is trying to kick a Coke-a-cola habit, the apple juice was a welcome gesture. It's been a trying year, since March 13. There's a lot of tension, which is hard for all of us, including parents, to deal with. The token of appreciation is humbling and appreciated.

“I can't thank parents enough for believing in us. But I must say, the real thanks is for the parents: For those who are believing in us, trusting in us, and sending their kids to school every day despite the concerns, I cannot say thank you enough,” Stygles wrote. “I guess the real gift goes beyond drinks and muffins and to the parents and kids we are blessed to teach, in person, every day. From my heart, thank you!”

Fellow fifth grade teacher Dane Dwyer agreed. “I share Justin's words of appreciation. I believe all of our approaches are to take it one positive day at a time, and the ongoing community and parent kind gestures of appreciation and support (are) definitely a boost and inspiration.”

Parent and school committee member Michelle Blagdon said she has always enjoyed doing things in the schools, she had some time off and she decided to reach out to some parents she has done fundraisers and other school functions with. “Without hesitation, they all joined and and raised the money needed to fill 130 bags of chocolates and then to buy all the pastries, juice and coffee to give to all the staff. We wanted to thank them all for everything they have done this last year through this pandemic,” including the lunch staff, custodians, bus drivers, administrators, educational technicians and teachers, Blagdon shared via email.

Downtown businesses Treats and Mammy's Bakery each made up a variety of 45 pastries and gave the parents “a very nice discount” on them, as did BIRCH on the coffee, Blagdon said. She said when Creamed Bakery had a family emergency, she called Chase Farm Bakery in Whitefield. “They jumped right on board in a week’s notice.”