RATHDRUM — Hugs were as popular as cheeseburgers Thursday evening at the Rathdrum McDonald's, where Spirit Lake Elementary School teachers were the stars of the show.

"It's funny," Spirit Lake fourth grader Kinsley Bradetich said with a grin. "They get to dress up."

In aprons, nametags and a few in old-school paper hats, teachers and administrators worked in shifts for two hours to raise money for their school. Tim and Terri Skubitz, who have owned the store for 23 years and run five Inland Northwest McDonald's restaurants, are donating 20% of the McTeacher's Night sales to Spirit Lake Elementary.

“The event is designed to support our local schools and to show that we as franchisees are part of the community,” Tim Skubitz said. “The neat thing about it is the kids and the parents get to see teachers outside of the normal environment."

McTeacher's Night began in 2002. All of the elementary schools in the Lakeland Joint School District are invited to participate, even if they are located in a municipality other than Rathdrum.

Since 2002, the program has raised $45,530.25 for Lakeland elementary schools. The event held April 9 raised more than $850 for John Brown Elementary, a McTeacher's Night record.

“We have so much fun," Spirit Lake Elementary Principal Shynne Price said. "This is something we look forward to every year. The kids just love interacting with us and we love interacting with the families.”

Special education paraprofessional Stacy Hammond, who has worked for the Lakeland School District for 20 years, participates in McTeacher's Night every year. She said it brings back memories of when she worked in food service.

“But this time I’m not on roller skates,” she said with a laugh.

Dacia Moses, who works in the Spirit Lake Elementary lunchroom, enjoyed visiting with friends as she dined with her children. 

"It's super cool," she said. "I was so surprised there were so many people here."

Kinsley's mom, Savanna Bradetich, said their family loves the McTeacher's Night.

"We have such a great community of family members who always rally together to make sure our staff and children are supported how they need to be,” she said.

    Kindergarten teacher Makala Nelson gives a big hug to student Addyson Bradetich during McTeacher's Night at the Rathdrum McDonald's on Thursday.
  

    Spirit Lake Elementary first grader Addi Gurnard shares her excitement with her mom, Spirit Lake Elementary health and P.E. teacher Jacque Gurnard, on Thursday during McTeacher's Night at the Rathdrum McDonald's.
  

    Spirit Lake Elementary Principal Shynne Price, left, and special education paraprofessional Stacy Hammond pose for a photo with Wolfie the Timberwolf mascot Thursday during McTeacher's Night.