How did two groups of students get donated bears and funds for learning materials? It happened because of a photo tote bag, some promises that were kept, and excellent student work. Last summer, on a visit to Boyd's Bear Country Toys in Gettysburg, PA, Irene L. Evans met and spoke with the manager Daniel Baumgardner. Baumgardner began the conversation when he noticed the photos of Evans' students, holding some of their outstanding projects. These were the Title I students from Newark Christian School, 275 Sussex Ave., and Full Gospel Christian Academy students, 531-533 South Orange Ave. in Newark. Evans informed him they were low-income students and that a donation of toy bears would be a fitting a reward for their hard work. It was agreed that each student would get a toy bear.
The bears were used in connection with guided reading and writing assignments. When the students finished their assignments, the students were allowed to keep the bears. The students from both schools created thank you letters and drawings. Those items, along with photos of the students, were put into a notebook. The notebook was sent to Baumgardner and his staff to see how their wonderful donation brightened the lives of these students.
In Local Talk's April-May 2009 issue, an article reflecting Evans' Title I students successes celebrated in two learning showcases, were to be the last ones. Due to budget cuts, on September 2, 2009, Evans, along with other Title I teachers, were told funds for their jobs were unavailable.
While Evans job hunted on the buses, she did not forget her former Newark Title I students. A bus driver, Joe Patterson, suggested selling candy to raise $300.00 for needed learning supplies. The supplies would greatly help the grade 1 and 2 students at Full Gospel Christian Academy. The two of them worked together to make it happen. Evans also set an example and inspired people to donate money from recycled cans as a source to gain an additional $100.00 for education materials needed by the Full Gospel Christian Academy Kindergarten students and $100.00 for summer activities this month.
History may be repeating itself. Evans, who worked as a Paterson Public School Resource Teacher for eight months has been told, like many others, that she may not have a job next September due to budget cuts. Evans is staying focused. Last month, Evans revisited the students with needed educational supplies for the Full Gospel Christian Academy students.
Evans, in this day and time, continues to show that social and economic obstacles can be overcome. Children's needs STILL can come first, and be met with determination and devotion. She shows that goals can be achieved in less than perfect circumstances without being a millionaire, and that in priceless ways children who are building our future can be motivated.
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