NORTH ANDOVER — Franklin Elementary School teachers and administrators showed their team spirit on Friday getting students and each other excited about the New England Patriots going to the Super Bowl next weekend.
While the students have had spirit days where they’ve worn their favorite football team’s gear, the teachers’ own spirit day was organized after the Patriots’ AFC Championship win.
On Sunday night, the teachers of the January spirit team decided to host a tailgate for the staff and encouraged everyone to wear Patriots attire. They organized a potluck and snacks like chicken wings, chips and other finger foods in the teachers’ breakroom during lunch decorated with banners and football-themed streamers.
Principal Nicole Radulski said it was also a nice surprise for the kids to see their teachers all dressed up since the students have been parading their Patriots stuff over the last few weeks.
Radulski donned a No. 9 Patriots’ jersey, tapping over former Patriot Matthew Judon with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte’s name.
Assistant Principal for Student Services Caitlyn Queenin got in on the action with her New England scarf.
The tailgate also served as way to bring the teachers together who may be cooped up in their classrooms.
But the teachers may have found out that there are some Seattle Seahawks fans among the student body – or at least ones ready to go against the status quo.
As Radulski welcomed students into the building Friday morning, a few of them greeted their principal back with friendly “Go Seahawks!” banter.
The school will find out how many wear Seahawks outfits next Friday when it has another spirit day, this time asking kids to show their support for their favorite football team, even if it’s not the Patriots.