Maurices partners with ADOPTACLASSROOM.ORG to support teachers

BY ABIGAIL BLONIGEN PHOTOS BY HENRIETTE SODERLIND

Though back-to-school season has come and gone, schools across the nation are still feeling the effects of Maurices’ partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, which raised more than $100,000 for high-need schools.

According to AdoptAClassroom.org, a national award-winning nonprofit that helps connect corporate sponsors and local schools, teachers spend an average of $740 per year out of pocket to equip their classrooms.

Maurices’ sister company, Lane Bryant, partnered with the organization in the past, so this school year, the Duluth-based company decided to do the same.

“We wanted to try to find a way to be involved in each one of our store’s communities, but on a national scale, so we could collectively work as a team to benefit our local communities,” said Megan Timm, Maurices’ public relations and social media manager.

The partnership and fundraiser consisted of a three-week campaign in which shoppers were asked to donate to a local school at the time of their purchase. Maurices also hosted an online sweepstakes where five lucky teachers were able to win a Maurices gift card and a $500 AdoptAClassroom.org credit, which teachers could use to purchase school supplies.

“Teachers, as everyone knows, are very important and influential with children and folks growing up, and we wanted to give back,” Timm said.

The Maurices store in the Miller Hill Mall and the Duluth headquarters chose Lowell Elementary School to receive their donation. The retail chain tied this into their annual “Best Day Ever,” in which their home office shuts down in order for office associates to work on various volunteer projects. This year, the team delivered donated items to Lowell along with a check from the fundraising program.

Taylor Walling, social and emotional learning specialist at Lowell, said among the things donated were mini whiteboards, whiteboard markers, erasers, pencils, markers and snacks.

“Teachers do pay for snacks out of their own pockets for students who forget their snack or don’t come to school with one,” Walling said. “If students are coming to school hungry, it’s more difficult for them to learn, so that has been really helpful for our students and also helpful to our teachers.”

Lowell was especially grateful for the mini whiteboards

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as well, as they will be used to facilitate collaboration and group work among students.

The AdoptAClassroom.org study went on to say that 96 percent of teachers purchase school supplies for their students, and 92 percent of teachers have students whose families cannot afford to purchase these supplies themselves.

“Our teachers are budgeted a certain amount of money every year to spend on their classrooms,” Walling said, “but as the year goes on, by December, the whiteboard markers run out or they need new erasers or kids are out of pencils.” Teachers are left with the option of paying out of pocket or letting their students go without.

Programs and fundraisers such as the AdoptAClassrom.org and Maurices partnership help relieve this burden so students can focus on learning and teachers can focus on teaching. —

MDT

Lake Superior Aquarium

The aquarium has hands-on activities scheduled every day. They include electric eel feeding, river otter enrichment, trout feeding and more. Toddler Tuesdays at 10 a.m. include a story at 11:45 a.m. and themed activities for children 2 and younger and their guardian. Sensory Friendly Days are offered; call the Inclusion Coordinator at (218) 740-2003 or ssmingler@glaquarium.org. 353 Harbor Drive. (218) 740-3474. glaquarium.org.

Crafternoons for Kids

March 21

Kids can make a take-home craft project. No experience or sign-up required. Free at the Mount Royal Library, 105 Mt. Royal Shopping Circle. 3-4:30 p.m. (218) 730-4200. duluthlibrary.org

Coppelia

March 22-24

This sunny classic ballet will enchant the whole family with its lively story set in a tiny village a century or so ago. Spunky Swanilda loves Franz, but he falls for a beautiful mechanical doll made by the reclusive toymaker Dr. Coppélius. When Coppélius captures Franz, Swanilda poses as the doll to free Franz from the toy workshop where he is held captive. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. DECC Symphony Hall, 350 Harbor Dr. minnesotaballet.org

Duluth Garden Flower Society

March 26

Be part of an event that happened for over 50 years! Purchase your flowers from local DGFS members to beautify your own gardens. Duluth Rose Garden parking lot on London Road, 8 a.m. until sold out. dgfs.org

Harlem Globetrotters

March 28

The Globetrotters represent nine decades of breaking down barriers, acts of goodwill and a commitment to fans that goes beyond the game. The Globetrotters’ show features amazing basketball skills and wizardry, with a continued focus on family entertainment. Tickets start at $27. 7 p.m. at the DECC, 350 Harbor Dr.

The Sound of Music

April 2

This new production hits Duluth on its North American tour. This beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its award-winning score. $43-$63. 7:30 p.m. Symphony Hall at the DECC, 350 Harbor

Dr.

Harry Potter crafts for kids

April 6

Stop by the main library’s Youth Services area to make Harry Potter buttons and keychains. Complete the Harry Potter scavenger hunt for a prize. No sign-up required. Free. 520 W. Superior Street. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (218) 730-4200. duluthlibrary.org

Hairball

April 6

All ages are welcome for the tribute show featuring the songs of Van Halen, Kiss, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey and Aerosmith. $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show. 7 p.m. Wessman Arena, 2701 Catlin Ave., Superior. wessmanarena.com

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater

April 9

From dogs jumping rope to cats pushing strollers, this show is ideal for kids and kids-atheart. Features the unique blend of comedy and juggling skills of former Moscow Circus veteran Gregory Popovich and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. 6 p.m. at the Duluth Playhouse Children’s Theater, 506 W. Michigan St. Tickets $25, children $20.

Toward the Heavens

April 13

The DSSO plays works by Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn. Unforgettable melodies and powerful choruses will inspire you. $20-$55. 7 p.m. at DECC Symphony Hall, 350 Harbor Dr. dsso.com