Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is from May 8 to May 12. Everyone should appreciate teachers all year round, but the week of May 8 is even more important. Over 130 faculty members support LM students each day. Some teachers do more than just teach though, they help with clubs and coach school sports in their free time. The week of May 8 is a perfect opportunity for students to show appreciation to the teachers who make positive experiences at LM possible.

Mr. Koetting is one of LM’s Chemistry teacher. This is his first year as an educator, and his first Teacher Appreciation Week. He was a student teacher at Harriton High School before beginning to teach at LM. Mr. Koetting explained that he always knew he wanted to have a profession relating to chemistry. However, he was not always set on being a teacher. While in graduate school at Villanova University, Mr. Koetting served as a teaching assistant. During this time, he greatly enjoyed working with others and being able to teach about chemistry. It was at this time that he recognized a calling to become a teacher. At LM, Mr. Koetting teaches four classes throughout the day, including two honors and two college prep courses. His favorite part of class is helping students with labs, which he always does beforehand to ensure that they will function accordingly. Furthermore, Mr. Koetting dem- onstrates his commitment by teaching organic chemistry on Saturdays. When he is not teaching chemistry, Mr. Koetting enjoys running and biking and would one day hope to coach Track and Field. He is a prime example of one of the many teachers at Lower Merion that deserve our appreciation as students.

There are many ways for students to show their appreciation to our faculty this May. One example is by writing a letter of gratitude to exceptional teachers throughout the building. Students can be nice and respectful during Teach Appreciation week, which will help make their teachers’ day easier. Even just a simple smile to your teachers can go a long way in helping someone have a great day.

Outside of school, educators will be highlighted by companies and organizations for their dedication and hard work throughout the academic year. At Insomnia Cookies, teachers can get six cookies free with a five dollar purchase. Staples offers free gift box full of teachers supplies. Also, Barnes and Nobles offers teachers 25% off purchases during Teacher Appreciation Days. These are just a handful of the numerous discounts offered to teachers during the celebration of the hard work they do for their students.

During the week of May 8th, make sure you take a moment to thank the teachers who have impacted you throughout your time at LM!

Sun’s out–now what? 7 ways to enjoy the May weather

Alessandra Cahill ’26

means that everyone is on the lookout for the next way to beat the summer heat! The first option is Sweet Stuff in Suburban Square, which is a walk away from LM. If you haven’t tried their ice cream yet, try taking a trip with friends after school. Another popular place is Yapple Yogurt in the Wynnewood shopping center. Maybe frozen yogurt is LM’s next step for a May refresher. Finally, if you’re willing to drive (or happen to be at Conestoga high school for an away game), consider checking out Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Berwyn. What’s appealing about this parlor is its exotic flavors such as cherry magnolia, strawberry cheesecake chunk, and French silk pie. Which ever you choose to visit this May will not disappoint.

movie night. You don’t need an expensive projector set up; good quality projectors that cost around $50 dollars can be found on Amazon, and a garage or side of a house will do as a screen. Set up chairs, blankets, pillows, hammocks, and get comfy for a fun night.

Let’s face it, this winter was a let-down. We had barely any snow, yet experienced days that were raw, brisk, and windy enough to make waiting for the bus at 6:45 a.m. miserable. However, spring is finally here, bringing sun and sweltering heat back along with it. As these seventy-degree days tick by (and more and more kids start wearing shorts to school), getting outdoors and enjoying the beautiful weather becomes more enticing. The days of huddling under layers of blankets are behind us. So, to take advantage of each warm, idyllic day handed to the LM community, here are seven easy and local ideas for how to take advantage of the May weather.

1. Take a hike! Although the Philly area isn’t famous for its challenging, treacherous trails, there are a few close ones that are worth checking out. Rolling Hills Creek in Gladwyne is a 1.4 mile loop that is easy and dog-friendly. In addition to the creek, hikers can walk through the forest surrounding it and see various old stone buildings built for mill workers back in the 1800s. If you’re looking for a trail that will give you more exercise, try the Crossbow Trail near Fairmount Park and the Mann Center. This 2.4 mile route is a little more challenging but offers walking, running, and mountain biking. Whether you’re going with your friends, your family, or by yourself for a beautiful walk with your head -

3. Have a picnic! It may seem overdone, but a pic nic can be a fun and simple activity to plan with your friends. Find your favorite local park, like Shortridge or South Ardmore. Pick a date, invite a few friends, bring some food, and enjoy! Just remember that your picnic may end up being an insect’s as well. Make sure to bring covers and spray if you’re worried about ants and other bothersome bugs.

4. Volunteer outside! You don’t have to be part of BuildOn to earn some volunteer hours on a beautiful day. There are a bunch of local Philly organizations you can sign up with. One is Fairmount Park Conservancy, which focuses on Philly park upkeep. You can sign up to volunteer one night a week or a single day—they have tons of options to work around a busy high school schedule. Another organization is CleanUpPhilly, which maintains recreational areas around the city like Cobbs Creek or Palmer Park. Never heard of them? Try checking it out. As for inside the LM community, make sure to check the Township website for future volunteer opportunities.

5. Host an outdoor movie night! Now that the days have become longer and the nights aren’t as cold, think about having some friends over for a simple