Being one of about 900 teachers across the country to receive a surprise visit from OfficeMax certainly could make your day better. That is exactly what happened Wednesday, Oct. 1, for fourth-grade teacher Linda Marshall at Blix Elementary School. Puyallup OfficeMax employees, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Adopt-A-Classroom, surprised Marshall as they presented her with nearly $1,200 worth of classroom resources and supplies through the company’s “A Day Made Better” initiative.
OfficeMax established this initiative in response to the fact that teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies—as much as $4 billion annually or an average of $1,200 per teacher, according to the Adopt-A-Classroom Web site. Teachers across the country were honored at 10 a.m. their time on Oct. 1.
Principal Paul Wieneke said he nominated Marshall for the award because she was one of the first Blix teachers he met this summer when he was hired as the new Blix principal and her teaching skills impressed him. In addition, Marshall was very sick this summer and is still recovering. “Nominating staff members for such fun awards is also good morale builder,” said Wieneke.
Wieneke told the two fourth-grade classes at the special assembly that they are very lucky to have two awesome fourth-grade teachers who really care about their students and never stop working hard for them. “The teachers also treat their students with respect and courtesy,” he said. “Now turn and give them a great big smile.” The fourth graders did immediately.
Scott Shaw, manager of the Puyallup OfficeMax, said, “We have more than 900 special teachers in 900 schools throughout the country that we are honoring at 10 a.m. on Oct. 1.” He presented Marshall with a plaque, a new chair and a huge orange box of supplies, including a digital camera, while OfficeMax employees Sue Lemke, Lisa Furmage and Zach Binfet helped distribute the presents and flowers to Marshall.
“I was shocked,” said Marshall. “I had no idea why our fourth-grade classes were called to the cafeteria. It was a total surprise for me. This award made me feel that people are paying attention to what all teachers do—it’s really a very important job. I will be sharing the gifts with Martin Stevens’ class.”
Marshall’s students were excited about the award for their teachers. Fourth grader Bacilia Osorio-Cline said, “I feel happy about this award. She’s a very nice teacher. If we students are nice, we get awards. She should, too.” Deondre Davis said, “I feel very good about the award for Mrs. Marshall. When she got sick this summer and went through a bad time, she still kept working.”
As Wieneke said, Blix teachers really care about their students and work hard for them.