OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF
JULY 2020 | VOL. 3, ISSUE 9
YOU DO YOU, REDEFINED
Going the Extra Yard, Eckrich and the CFP Foundation Awarded Teachers and Shared Inspiring Stories in the Age of At-Home Learning
L
ongtime partner Eckrich Meats joined forces with the CFP Foundation to recognize teachers going the “extra yard” to keep kids learning during the challenging time of a pandemic. Parents nominated great teachers from April to June on Facebook and Instagram, simply by tagging them. In addition, parents shared a brief story about how these educators are
entered in a weekly random drawing for the entirety of the giveaway with new nominations added to the pool every week. A total of 10,279 nominations were submitted, all worthy of sharing their story. A total of $50,000 was donated directly into the pockets of exceptional teachers across the country over the 10-week span. Each week, one teacher was awarded $5,000 in the form of a We’re thrilled to be associated with DonorsChoose.org grant to help with Eckrich, a partner that values the classroom supplies or importance of education just as a school project. “We’re thrilled to be much as we do.” associated with Eckrich, BRITTON BANOWSKY a partner that values impacting their students and finding the importance of education just as new ways to engage and teach during much as we do,” said CFP Foundation these unprecedented times. Once a Executive Director Britton Banowsky. teacher was nominated, they were “It means so much to us that they
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have stepped up and supported our Extra Yard for Teachers efforts in recognizing teachers and promoting these inspiring stories during this challenging time. We thank Eckrich for their generosity, and a big thank you to all the teachers and educators out there going the extra yard for our children.” “Eckrich is proud to partner with Extra Yard for Teachers in recognizing the importance of the teaching profession and recognizing these teachers that were asked to change their entire way of teaching basically overnight,” said Eckrich Brand Manager Laura Koenes. “We truly value everything that these teachers do, not only for their students, but for their communities as a whole and we’re happy to be able to thank them and give something back to them.”
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HERE’S A LOOK AT THE 10 WINNERS OF THE ECKRICH MEATS AND EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS $50,000 GRANT GIVEAWAY WEEK ONE
LORI DUNDORE Burlington, WI
NOMINATION STORY
LORI’S RESPONSE
“Lori has made me cry more “I am so excited!!!! Thank you than once during quarantine with so much. For as difficult as these her care for my kiddo and her times are, I find joy everyday class. Of my four kids’ teachers, going to my tiny class that I am Lori is the one who checks in trying to create and start our the most, but without being morning with our usual routine. overwhelming. Her calming This will certainly help make our demeanor has been an anchor in routine even more interesting. the middle of our days attempting Thank you is not enough, Nikki ‘homeschooling.’ She deserves all Michele, for nominating me. the rewards and all the things and Thank you Eckrich .” all the love. Lori is so great. She is currently doing daily ‘group time’ via Facebook Live, followed by a lesson on video conference. It’s one of the things keeping our family grounded right now. My kids have been in Montessori programs for 8 years. Lori is the best teacher we’ve ever had.”
WEEK TWO
JOSHUA CAMPOS Queens, NY
2
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NOMINATION STORY
JOSHUA’S RESPONSE
“I am nominating Mr Campos!! “I am a Special Education He is an amazing special needs teacher in Far Rockaway educator, who is dedicated to Queens within the DOE. I want putting in extra hours to help to thank you for taking the time all the children he teaches. He out for reading my story.” has not only mastered Google Classroom, but he has helped the kids by offering tutoring sessions during the day, he gives the parents encouraging calls, and he also made a wonderful YouTube channel for them if they need extra help. He is diligent in helping in any way possible to give the children a sense of normalcy during a time where things are not. He is also working at a rec location for first responders’ children after his Google Classroom day is done. He truly has a heart of gold and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of such a gift! We all love you Mr. Campos and your great deeds have not gone unnoticed!!! P.S.: thank you to all the teachers out there doing your thing!! ”
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WEEK THREE
TIAYANA LOGAN Brooklyn, NY
NOMINATION STORY
TIAYANA’S RESPONSE
“Ms. Logan is a 7th grade math “Wow!!!! Thank you so much teacher, high school coordinator/ I am completely speechless. counselor, and special education I’m really crying!!! I want to Liaison, in Brooklyn, New York. first say thank you so much for She is also my teacher and this opportunity, I am without inspiration still to this day. She words and I cannot believe this goes the extra mile day in and opportunity is in front of me.” day out. Ms. Logan is unique, and everyone loves her and appreciates the love and energy she pours out into her community and students. When any student comes across her path, she sees the hope and self-motivation that they have and pushes them to believe it for themselves. She’s honest, pure and genuine. I know this would help her continue to go above and beyond in these strange times. Teaching is only a part of her ingredient that makes her special and adds to how powerful she is and what she does for these children.”
WEEK FOUR
MIRANDA GRAVES Springville, UT
NOMINATION STORY
“Miranda Graves leads my daughter’s third grade teacher. She is amazing with my daughter and she makes each kid feel special and gives them each the time they need. She’s taking phone calls from Leah on instructions for how to do different assignments. She’s kind-hearted and she walks the kids through things. She’s also funny and not afraid have a lot of fun with the kids. Miranda Graves at Brookside Elementary School.”
MIRANDA’S RESPONSE
“OH MY GOSH! I’m so excited! I never win anything. I’m freaking out! I’m seriously so JAZZED and GROOVED at this blessing for my kids this year and for years to come because of Eckrich and Extra Yard for Teachers! My head is spinning. My teacher momma heart could not have received a better Mother’s Day gift, especially in our current world circumstances. What a hopefilled ray of sunshine!”
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WEEK FIVE
KAILEIGH BONNER Burlington, CO
NOMINATION STORY
KAILEIGH’S RESPONSE
“Ms. Bonner teaches second “Wow! I am blown away grade and has gone above and and thank you for your beyond for each and every generosity towards honoring one of her students. When teachers.” schools were first called off and supposed to be closed for just a few weeks, Ms. Bonner made packets for her class to ensure no student was left behind. With the learning packets, she included coloring books, activity books, and other goodies for her kids. During remote learning, she meets with each one of her students to ensure they are not only successful in their learning, but are okay mentally and emotionally. At her school, she created many after-school activities and took on the large task of running the Gifted and Talented program. She ensures that students are able to grow continuously as a student. Remote learning has been difficult, but Ms Bonner has been able to engage with every student regularly by putting in long days, some lasting over 12 hours of hard work. She works hard to ensure that her students in her rural school have access to everything they need during these difficult times and pays out of pocket for the interactive tools she uses in her classroom. All of her students adore her and all she wants is for every student to find success.”
WEEK SIX
JORDAN WINTERMOTE Elko, NV
4
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NOMINATION STORY
JORDAN’S RESPONSE
“Jordan is hands down the “Thank you so much! hardest working teacher I What you are doing for know. I’ve never met a more teachers is amazing!!!” motivated and determined teacher in my life! She shows up to work early and leaves hours late every day just to make sure her lessons are educational, inclusive, and fun. She’s as concerned with each and every child’s well-being as much as their education and if any teacher deserves this, it’s her! She’s an inspiration in the classroom and it’s very clear this was her calling in life .”
OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF
WEEK SEVEN
ASHLEY BITTENBENDER Columbia, MO
NOMINATION STORY
ASHLEY’S RESPONSE
“I cannot express how “Ashley is one of my much this will mean to our teaching colleagues. She school. We are transitioning also was my cheer co-coach to becoming a STEAM for one year. Ashley has a academy this next year magical way of connecting and with the uncertainties with kids and adults and of what the next academic she has the most positive, year will look like, this grant infectious attitude toward could help us in so many life! Ashley came up with ways.” the idea for teachers to do a ‘farewell message’ to our kids. She organized the entire thing, while still being there for her students. Teachers recorded themselves lip singing “Have It All” by Jason Mraz and then recorded a goodbye message to our kids. Ashley then took those video clips and put them together for the most beautiful, sweet video message ever! I am so thankful for all she has done for our kids, especially the time she spent on that incredible video!”
WEEK EIGHT
CARMEN CHEELY Rex, GA
NOMINATION STORY
“Carmen is more than a special teacher! She has a true passion for teaching and her connection to students show it! Since the COVID pandemic has schools closed, she still takes time to further her own education, teach her daughter (literally teach! The entire house looks like an elementary school.), and extend a helping hand to the less fortunate families of her students during these hard times! She is an inspiration and should definitely be acknowledged for being an amazing teacher!”
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WEEK NINE
KELLY GRAHAM Mays Landing, NJ
NOMINATION STORY
KELLY’S RESPONSE
I would like to nominate “Oh my goodness. my sister, Kelley. For years I Seriously???? I can’t believe have seen her go above and it!!! Thank you so so so beyond for her students, much. I really have worked whether it’s staying late to get so hard for my students her class ready for the week and I just can’t thank you or crocheting each student enough! I’m on a video a personalized hat for the dance party for my student’s holidays. During this pandemic, virtual field day and I just she has worked so hard to told them! This is so amazing keep her students involved in and I am so grateful for this. learning by dressing up and I cannot put into words right posting a fun video dancing now what this means!” to #GoNoodle to start off her lessons. She has turned her home office into a classroom to help her students with this difficult transition. I’m so proud of her and all she has done for her students. She delivered each student Easter baskets and participated in her students’ birthday car parades. It’s safe to say Kelley Graham has gone above and beyond for her class during this pandemic!!”
WEEK TEN
JESSE MEANS II New York, NY
6
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NOMINATION STORY
“I am amazed and inspired by the talent and level of commitment that @jesse226 has put into his remote learning experience.
JESSE’S RESPONSE
“Wow!! I am so honored to receive this wonderful $5,000 grant honoring teachers going the extra yard! Thank you very much.”
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