Story and photos by LAURA GLAZER

Whittemore Elementary School got a lesson in spring cleaning Saturday, as Ward 8 Councilor Cathyann Harris and the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization organized a cleanup of the school’s grounds.

Whittemore parents and students along with Principal David Sweder, Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy and Harris picked up trash, pruned bushes and trees and spread 10 yards of mulch provided by the Waltham Public Schools facilities department. This is the second time the group has gotten together to beautify the school.

Students and parents also chalked notes of gratitude to the Whittemore teachers outside the school ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs May 5-9.