A Day Made Better

On October 4, 2011, three District 203 teachers received surprise visits from teams of OfficeMax representatives as part of a nationwide event called “A Day Made Better.”

Each year, OfficeMax and Adopt-A-Classroom work with school principals nationwide to select and recognize 1,000 deserving teachers with an A Day Made Better award and $1,000 in classroom supplies donated by OfficeMax. Principals can nominate a teacher based on a passion for teaching, innovation in the classroom; and dedication to the profession and the success of their students.

Krista Barenie of Jefferson Junior High School recently returned to teaching after staying at home with her children.  "I nominated Krista because as a new teacher she doesn’t have a plethora of materials and resources accrued yet.  She taught for a few years and then stayed home with her children, and has now come back to teaching.  She has been purchasing things out of her own pocket this year, and she has had such a positive energy and enthusiasm for her students that I wanted to recognize all that she has done to go above and beyond for them," stated Principal Nancy Voise.

Krista Barenie of Jefferson Junior High School recently returned to teaching and the extra supplies will help her build her classroom resources. Pictured with Jefferson staff and OfficeMax representatives.

Mary Simkin of Beebe Elementary School approaches each and every day with a positive attitude and sense of humor that energizes everyone around her according to her principal, Chuck Freundt. "Mary collaborates daily with staff and parents to develop the very best learning opportunities for students. Her level of commitment and dedication is exemplary as she spends an extraordinary amount of time reflecting and planning for students at Beebe. On a staff of many talented educators, Mary is certainly a model for excellence and is very deserving of this recognition," noted Freundt.

Mary Simkin of Beebe Elementary School

Jessie  Mougette of Kingsley Elementary School is an innovative teacher who incorporates technology into her classroom to enhance the curriculum and increase student engagement. "Students in her classroom take risks and learn to their potential," says Principal Dr. Mary Alice Lindva In all of the life skills, her students are challenged to answer three questions: Where am I going? Where am I now? How can I close the gap? She believes that life long learning is fostered when students are appropriately challenged.

Jessie Mougette of Kingsley Elementary School

According to OfficeMax officials, teachers spend roughly $1,000 out of their own pockets each year to offset school budget shortfalls and ensure that their students have the necessary classroom resources for learning. OfficeMax’s A Day Made Better program, in partnership with Adopt-A-Classroom, aims to help end the need for teacher-funded classrooms.

More information about the program is available on the A Day Made Better website.