11/04/2026
🧡 A little appreciation goes a long way, but sometimes a simple “thank you” doesn’t quite get it right.
Across the district last week, teachers, staff, and students went the extra mile to celebrate the people who do the same every day.
In recognition of Principal Appreciation Month, teachers and staff organized surprise celebrations for building leaders at each school.
At Todd Elementary, the Sunshine Committee, with the help of Todd teachers and staff, hosted a surprise potluck breakfast for the “dynamic duo,” Principal Jessica Michaelidis and Assistant Principal Anne Marie Foley.
At BHS and BMS, teachers coordinated surprise breakfasts for BHS Principal Diana Blank and Assistant Principal Daniel Goldberg, and BMS Principal Amy Gladstone and Assistant Principal Michael P***a (in Halloween costumes!).
More than 70 teachers and staff members volunteered across the middle and high schools, with over 30 more joining the effort at Todd Elementary. While the building leaders certainly felt appreciated, their messages of thanks reflected something deeper: how grateful they are to work alongside extraordinary teams who bring care and dedication to their students every day.
Meanwhile, at BMS, the modified girls' volleyball team and coaches A.J. Thau and Marlon Anglin continued a special tradition with their 4th Annual Staff Appreciation Pizza Party. Each year, student-athletes select staff members who have made a meaningful difference in their time at Briarcliff, inviting them to share in a special celebration.
The celebrations may have been different, but the shared message was the same: gratitude for the people who make Briarcliff a special place.
As BMS/BHS mathematics teacher Michael Cushen wrote in a thank-you message to everyone who helped organize the principal celebrations:
“Our students and staff are really lucky.”
