TEACHER APPRECIATION

On August 16, just a few days after the start of the new school year, two Boerne moms and business women sat down to brainstorm an idea. By the end of the day, Dainelle Scott and Kristin Garcia had recruited Kiana Torres and launched the Adopt a Boerne Area Teacher or Support Admin 2020 campaign through a Facebook page — and word spread like wildfire.

No one could have imagined the turn of events in mid-March, and the shutdown impacted school-aged children as much as businesses. But within days, the staff of Boerne ISD successfully rolled out online classes in what would turn out to be the new norm for many teachers and students. But thanks to the dedication of the teachers and administration, students were able to adjust and continue learning. Likewise, custodial and maintenance There are no words that could express the appreciation I have in my heart for “ crews have worked diligently to keep all the thoughtful gifts I have received from facilities sanitized. the Dufresne family. Over the years

When asked why this endeavor was they have become my friends and I’ve important to her, Scott said, “The purenjoyed watching their beautiful children pose of this program was simply to bring continue to learn and grow. That is the light and love to our teachers and admins beauty of teaching — those connections during a time of uncertainty and so much that you make with the families and negativity. They truly love and want the children that God brings into your path.” best for our students, and are learning – Jeanne Gage, Pre-Kinder and Early and adjusting so quickly. We want to Childhood Special Education, Cibolo show them that we have their backs and Creek Elementary that they are not alone in this! We are thankful for their commitment, persis- ing the schools and Coach Koth for her tence and diligence they each have for commitment to the tennis teams, saying, the futures of our children.” “I am so thankful for our amazing Boerne

That sentiment was echoed throughout ISD staff! By adopting them, we get to do the community and in just over a week, a little something to show our gratitude almost every staff member had been for all the hard work and dedication they “adopted” by a BISD family or business. put in for our kiddos, be that a special Boerne High School parent Christy Pet- treat, something they need for their class tiette chose bookkeeper Nicole Bendele or office or just a meal here and there.” for her behind-the-scenes work in reopen- Kristin Shill adopted Wendy Sangdahl, a science teacher at Capt. Mark T. Voss Middle School and adds, “Teachers and staff at our schools do so much for our kids, day in and day out. With the challenges this year brings, they all deserve some special treatment more than ever.”

Without a similar program model to follow, the only guidelines were to show generosity and appreciation. Questionnaires were sent to each staff member, gathering lists of their favorites items to pass on, and relationships have been built between teachers and families to determine what their exact needs are. Gifts have included both school supplies and personal items — elaborate gift baskets filled with favorite goodies, special lunches and entire family meals or simply a surprise soda and snack to get through the day. And many flower deliveries! For Amy Thornton, Theater Arts teacher at Boerne Middle School North, her gift included an entire stage set built for her school play! “Mike and Mandy Jones adopted me and were able to take my vision for the Fall Play — Shrek Jr. — and build the set! While I have enjoyed the lunches and flowers, the BEST gift was giving me back a gift of TIME! It doesn’t need to cost a lot of money for gifts. We just enjoy being back in the class with students and feeling appreciated,” says Thornton.

Jeremy Monroe, the 6th Grade Science Teacher and Boys Coach at Capt. Mark T. Voss Middle School adds, “The Schiffelbein family has made my year the best and we are still in the beginning of it. I came into class one morning to find a wonderful gift basket that included all my favorite things, and it made such a positive impact to start my day. My wife

and I moved to Boerne in July 2019. We took a leap of faith moving because she didn’t have a job at the time. The Adopta-Teacher program and the Boerne community has made the transition much easier and we know this is the place we want to raise our family!”

Lourdes Rivas, the Principal’s Secretary at Capt. Mark T. Voss Middle School, was adopted by Janet Moore and her son, Landon Baudat, and says, “I am very proud and grateful to belong to the Boerne ISD and to be adopted by an amazing family. This is an awesome program that helps us feel the love and appreciation from our BISD families. The sweet gifts and surprises that we receive makes a huge impact, bringing smiles to our day-to-day challenges during this year.”

Admin campaign which brings so much joy to so many. I am #ThankfulGratefulBlessed.” Fellow principal Tanya Tate at Herff Elementary reciprocated, saying, “I was adopted by a family from Curington and I co-adopted the custodial staff from Kendall with a parent from that school. I am so grateful for the love shown to BISD faculty and staff by our community!”

Just over two months in, the program is a proven success and will continue through the end of the 2020/2021 school year. For Dainelle Scott, Kristin Garcia and Kiana Torres, they never doubted the commuIt made my heart happy to see that 100% of the employees at BISD are “ nity’s participation, but they also never adopted. The families who adopted us dreamed the outpouring of appreciation have such big hearts. They bless us with would be so thoughtful as well as extrav- homemade cookies, office supplies, agant. “We believed in the heart of this flowers, car washes, lunches and other community and Boerne showed up BIG! great items. The Garris family has truly We are so very grateful for each person been a blessing to me. Just having a text who teamed up with us. It could not have message wishing me a wonderful week been done without the wonderful hearts or to tell me I am the best is so uplifting.” of our community!” says Scott. – Debbie Fitzpatrick, Librarian, Boerne To see more examples of community kindness, visit the Adopt a Boerne Area Teacher or Support Admin 2020 Facebook page.

I can’t begin to express how great the program is for my morale person“ ally this year. I was adopted by Audrey Middle School South

Shelene Livas, Kendall Elementa- Zuber and her family and they have kept ry principal, is new to the district and a smile on my face this year with their overwhelmed by the support, “I have generosity and thoughtfulness. We are enjoyed an amazing welcome to the BISD all going through a more challenging family and to Boerne, Texas. Leading the school year and this program has helped Kendall Knights is such an honor. I love soften some of the harder days!” – seeing the community rally behind the Major Steve Laughery, Aerospace Adopt a Boerne Area Teacher or Support Science, Champion High School

For more opportunities to support every student, every teacher and every school in Boerne ISD, join the Boerne Education Foundation Giving Day and contribute to academic success. For 24 hours on November 17 from 12am to 12am, visit BEFGivingDay.org to donate, and stay upto-date on FaceBook Live@BoerneISD and Boerne Radio 103.9FM / AM1500.