Honoring The Heart Of The Classroom: St. Mary’s County Celebrates Teachers Week

CALIFORNIA, Md. — Before the first bell rings and long after the final bus pulls away, teachers across St. Mary’s County are shaping more than lesson plans, they are shaping lives.

During Teachers Week, celebrated locally May 4–8, 2026, communities across St. Mary’s County are recognizing the educators who serve as mentors, role models and steady sources of encouragement for students of all ages. In classrooms from Lexington Park to Leonardtown, teachers are doing far more than delivering curriculum, they are building confidence, inspiring curiosity and creating safe spaces where students can grow.

Across St. Mary’s County Public Schools and local private schools, the week is marked by thoughtful gestures and community-driven appreciation. Staff recognition ceremonies, catered lunches and donation-driven events organized by parent-teacher associations (PTAs) are bringing students, families and local businesses together in celebration of the people at the front of the classroom.

State leaders are also recognizing the impact educators make across Maryland. In a recent Teacher Appreciation Week message, the Maryland State Department of Education highlighted the “hard work, dedication and excellence of Maryland’s educators,” emphasizing the critical role teachers play in supporting students, families and entire school communities.

The department also thanked educators for the “lasting difference they make each day,” reinforcing a message echoed locally throughout St. Mary’s County as communities come together to celebrate those shaping the next generation.

Community Support In Action

Local businesses across St. Mary’s County are stepping up in creative and meaningful ways to show their appreciation for educators during Teachers Week.

Kara’s Cookies & Creations is offering pre-ordered, locally delivered “Teacher Appreciation Mini Treat Boxes,” giving families an easy way to send a sweet thank-you directly to their favorite educators.

Similarly, Hicks Family Creations LLC is featuring specially curated teacher appreciation options, including pre-ordered lunch-style treat boxes and grazing selections designed as thoughtful, ready-to-deliver gifts. The locally owned business has encouraged early ordering as demand continues to grow, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead to ensure teachers receive something “extra special.”

Adding a fun, community-driven element, Heritage Chocolates is hosting a Teacher Appreciation Week giveaway, offering candy-covered caramel apples to every teacher at a winning St. Mary’s County school. The contest encourages participation through social media, with residents invited to nominate schools and share the post to boost visibility. Community members can view full giveaway details and enter through Heritage Chocolates’ Facebook page.

Another local business, CaliWoode Kitchen, is also celebrating educators with a giveaway that will provide a full charcuterie spread to one deserving school. Known for its custom-crafted grazing boards featuring artisan cheeses, premium meats and fresh accompaniments, the business is encouraging community members to nominate schools through social media engagement. The winner is expected to be announced during Teachers Week, adding excitement and community pride to the celebration.

Together, these efforts reflect a strong sense of community pride and gratitude, highlighting just how deeply educators are valued across St. Mary’s County.

Local Businesses Offer Special Discounts For Educators

In addition to giveaways and community-led appreciation efforts, a number of local businesses are offering exclusive discounts to school staff throughout Teachers Week, further highlighting the county’s support for educators.

According to the Education Association of St. Mary’s County, several restaurants and businesses are providing limited-time deals for school staff who present a valid St. Mary’s County Public Schools ID. Below is a list of participating businesses:

Officials note that most offers are valid for a limited time and may vary by location, with many requiring dine-in service or specific dates. Educators are encouraged to check with individual businesses for full details and to bring proper identification to redeem offers.

A Role That Extends Beyond The Classroom

In a county deeply connected to military families, agriculture and a rapidly evolving workforce, the role of educators carries even greater weight. Teachers are often the consistent thread for students navigating change, offering both academic guidance and emotional support.

From early childhood classrooms to high school lecture halls, educators adapt daily to meet the needs of their students. They celebrate milestones, help students through challenges and work behind the scenes to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

For many teachers, the job extends beyond the classroom. They coach sports teams, lead after-school programs, mentor students one-on-one and stay late to prepare lessons that will spark engagement the next day. Their impact often reaches generations, as former students return to thank the educators who helped guide their paths.

How the Community Can Get Involved

A Lasting Impact

The week also serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in education and supporting those who dedicate their careers to it. As classrooms continue to evolve with new challenges and opportunities, teachers remain a constant force — committed to helping every student succeed.

As St. Mary’s County celebrates Teachers Week, the message is clear: behind every student achievement is a teacher who believed in them first.

About Teachers Week

Teachers Week, also known as Teacher Appreciation Week, is celebrated annually across the United States, typically during the first full week of May. The observance honors educators for their lasting impact on students and communities, highlighting the critical role they play in shaping future generations.

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