WS Chronicle

SPECIAL TO  THE CHRONICLE

The Forsyth County Democratic Women held a Teacher’s Appreciation and school supplies event on Thursday, Aug. 18, at Bolton Park. Well over 100 people attended and teachers were given bags to shop among the tables of donated school supplies.

Many teachers expressed how much they appreciated being able to pick up supplies for their classroom before school started. Dr. Marilyn Baker, who is running for N.C. House of Representatives for District 74, was busy stocking the tables with donated supplies and help-ing teachers find what they needed. She commented, “I believe it is not only a duty, but a privilege to roll up my sleeves and help our teachers. Education is not only an investment in our future,  but it strengthens our community today.” Wiping the sweat from her face in the 94 degree heat, she continued, “Teachers are struggling more than ever with limited budgets to stock their classrooms, and families in our community are feeling the same challenge to adequately prepare their children for a new school year.”

Myra Aargaard-Espersen, who retired from Mineral Springs Middle School last year, brought by a large box of supplies. She said when she went to check out at Rite-Aid and mentioned what the items were for, the cashier gave her extra coupons toward her purchase and said she was glad to help support students and teachers.

Another teacher who attended the event was Cheryl Greene, Exceptional Children’s teacher at Piney Grove Elementary School in Kernersville.  She said, “This donation is greatly appreciated. Each year it seems that I need to spend more of my own money on classroom supplies. Last year I spent nearly $1,500.”

According to the National Education Association (NEA), since 2007, the cost of school supplies and fees has jumped 88 percent for elementary students, 81 percent for middle school students, and 68 percent for high school students.

This is the third year that Forsyth County Democratic Women have held a Teacher’s Appreciation event. They will continue to accept donations of school supplies at the Forsyth County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1128 Burke St., which will be donated to the Educator’s Warehouse.