Families encouraged to honor teachers making a difference

The U-46 Educational Foundation has encouraged families to honor teachers making a difference. Teacher Appreciation Week will be conducted from May 3-9, 2020. The U-46 Educational Foundation invites families to show their appreciation by donating on behalf of School District U-46 teachers who continue to impact their students despite today’s challenging circumstances. The donated funds will go toward the Foundation’s Teacher Innovation Mini-Grant Program.

“Now, more than ever, we are grateful for our teachers,” said Foundation President E.C. “Bud” Wilson. “But without face-to-face-interaction, parents are struggling to find ways to let teachers know how valued they are. We hope this campaign will let our teachers know, even though we do not see them every day, they are still changing lives. They are still making an impact, and students are still learning.”

You are requested to write a message of 250 words or less to your child’s teachers along with the donations. You can also upload a picture or short video to accompany the message. The message will be emailed to the teacher, and, with the parent’s permission, excerpts will be shared on the Foundation’s website and on social media channels during Teacher Appreciation Week.

The U-46 Educational Foundation is a charitable nonprofit 501(c)3. Its sole purpose is to support U-46 students, teachers, and schools expand opportunities for U-46 students beyond what is possible with tax dollars. It was established more than a decade ago. Districtwide events and programs are supported by the Foundation.

Programs like classroom sky shows at the U-46 Planetarium, heart rate monitors for physical education classes, and the annual TalentFest showcasing high school students have been supported by the Foundation. Most recently, the Foundation supported the U-46 families financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by purchasing toiletries and household goods.