Hometown Huddle a Big Hit at Oakland’s Garfield Elementary School

Good Teachers Clean the Boogers!

February 23, 2011 By Maria Stokes Leave a Comment

Our Teachers Rock story of the week is from West, who lives in San Francisco. In his story, 2-year-old West describes the important support he gets from his favorite teacher, Heidy, as told to his mom:

Who is your teacher? Teacher Heidy
What does your teacher help you with? She cleans the boogers.
What fun things do you do with your teacher? We play ponies and read the book with the scary grandma who broke the bed. Next page.

We encourage you to interview the young children in your life about a teacher who has inspired them and submit their stories to the Teachers Rock campaign. Click here to submit your story and read other stories.
Your story submission qualifies you for our raffle drawing toward a chance to win $200 in classroom supplies for a Bay Area school of your choice! And a chance to win a free DVD of the critically-acclaimed documentary film, Waiting for Superman.

Filed Under: Education, Pathways out of Poverty Tagged With: advocate, Bay Area, children, community schools, Schools, teachers rock

Teachers Rock – Story of the Week

February 18, 2011 By Maria Stokes Leave a Comment

United Way’s Teachers Rock campaign is underway! Thanks to all who have shared your stories so far, including Samantha from San Francisco, who shared her thoughts about Mrs. Shilstone. It’s our story of the week. Read more below about how to share your own Teachers Rock story.

Mrs. Shilstone – World’s Best Language Arts Teacher
When I entered NDV’s middle school, to say that I was scared would be an understatement. My whole class had no idea what to expect, and we were not familiar with any of our new teachers. Our first class was with Mrs. Shilstone, and everyone immediately fell in love with her. She knew that we were apprehensive about the 6th grade, and she calmed our nerves with her somewhat maternal way of teaching.

My class had been through a teacher whirlwind – constantly gaining or losing teachers throughout our middle school careers. But Mrs. Shilstone had been the only solid rock that we had to hold on to. She is always there if you need her, and she is always there if you don’t need her. She never picks favorites, and she is loved by all. Her sense of humor is one that appeals to everyone, and she stays “hip” in her literary choices, so that she knows what her students are reading. She has been at NDV for about thirty years, and I hope she could be here for another thirty.

Have a teacher who inspired you? One who made a difference in your life or of a child you know? Tell us about him or her! Click here to submit your story and read other stories.

Your story submission qualifies you for our raffle drawing toward a chance to win $200 in classroom supplies for a Bay Area school of your choice! And a chance to win a free DVD of the critically-acclaimed documentary film, Waiting for Superman.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: community schools, Education

Hometown Huddle a Big Hit at Oakland’s Garfield Elementary School

October 28, 2010 By Maria Stokes Leave a Comment

As United Way’s Joan Byrne pulled up to Garfield Elementary School a couple of weeks ago, she was delighted to see a farmer’s market selling fruits and vegetables right in front of the school. Many of these vegetables came from the school’s garden, which United Way, UPS volunteers and the Oakland Raiders built together during the 2006 Hometown Huddle.

Joan was at Garfield to participate in the 12^th annual Hometown Huddle, a United Way-NFL partnership that encourages volunteerism, raises awareness about childhood obesity, and encourages youth to be more active. Garfield is one of several community schools supported by United Way, which bring community services onto school campuses to ensure families’ basic needs are covered so that students can come to school prepared to learn.

This year, 45 volunteers came together to promote active and healthy living among Garfield students and their families. Oakland Raiders Nnamdi Asomugha, Khalif Barnes, Marcel Reece, Sam Williams and Joe Porter arrived early to autograph 200 reusable grocery bags, which UPS volunteers then packed with food for the students’ families. When students arrived at the afterschool event, East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC) staff and volunteers were there to help with homework. EBAYC operates a large afterschool program, where students receive homework and reading support and a range of enrichment activities.

United Way’s LIVE UNITED Ambassador Nnamdi Asomugha kicked off the festivities, speaking to the students about the importance of staying active and healthy. Afterwards, he and his teammates led everyone outside for a fun football scrimmage. Nnamdi played with one squad, while Joe Porter coached the other. Khalif Barnes was the referee, while Marcel Reece tried his hand at cheerleading, and Sam Willams fetched water for thirsty students.

Special thanks to NFL Charities and UPS, which each provided $5,000 to support the event and the school.