Every year, teachers spend an average of over $1,000 out of their own pockets on classroom supplies! As a result of this unacceptable f a c t , Of f ic eMa x ® and Adopta- Classroom have teamed up to erase teacher-funded classrooms by offering “A Day Made Better”. A Day Made Better gives over 1,000 teachers $1,000 in classroom supplies each year. October 6, 2009 certainly was a Day Made Better in the life of Connie antalupo, a 3RD grade teacher for the last 14 years at Frontier Elementary School, 6691 Silverthorn Circle. This has been quite a year for Connie. First, she received the honor of the 2009 Teacher of the Year award. And now, OfficeMax shows up at her school with a cube box full of classroom supplies totaling $1,000!
Connie said, “Nothing like this has ever happened to me before, and it comes at a great time”.
In addition to the paper, binders, markers and sticky notes that filled the cube box, she was also presented with a leather chair and a digital camera, complete with photo printer.
Mrs. Kao Lo from Noralto Elementary was surprised with the same award. According to a statement on the A Day Made Better web site, among the many reasons, Ms. Lo was chosen to receive the award was that “she deserves recognition because she never demands recognition”. Ms. Lo’s classroom was filled with screams of excitement from her students when OfficeMax presented her with the award.
Teachers are nominated by their school principal, and are selected based on their exceptional contributions as an educator. OfficeMax’s goal is to prompt the public to take action by supporting their local teachers through Adopt-a-Classroom. Many of the schools represented are Title 1 schools that have 40 percent or more of their student body on the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch program.
This is the season when we are reminded to be grateful for all the good things in our lives. Having exceptional teachers that are working to shape the lives of our future is a very good thing. Let’s not let October 6 be the only day that these teachers are recognized for their efforts. We should be working to teach our children to be grateful for the people that give of themselves to make a difference in their lives each day. Why not start them on the right path by having them do things for their teachers throughout the school year? When you go to the store to get more supplies for your child, why not pick up an extra box of crayons or tissues; or perhaps some paper, paper clips, staples or other item that would benefit your child and their classmates and bless their teacher.
OfficeMax also has some suggestions on how to show your support and appreciation: • Host your own “A Day Made Better” surprise for a local teacher. • Learn more about the cause at www.ADayMadeBetter.com • Adopt a local teacher through www.AdoptAClassroom.org Congratulations to Ms. Cantalupo and Ms. Lo! Keep up the good work and thank you for giving of yourselves to make a difference in the lives of our children.