ST. LOUISVILLE — Newton Elementary School got a surprise at an impromptu assembly on Sept. 25. Associates from the Newark 21st Street Walmart store, Jamie Baum and Patty Heckmann, announced that Newton teachers would receive a total of $1,000 in gift cards to purchase supplies for their classrooms.
“We know teachers often spend $300 to $500 out of their pockets to get things for their classrooms,” Baum told the assembled pupils. “Walmart likes to help schools and kids, and we picked your school to get this award.”
The suspense and excitement mounted as principal Michele Gorius drew individual teachers’ names from a basket to determine which 20 of them would receive a $50 Walmart gift card. The pupils rooted for their favorite teachers and erupted into cheers and applause as the names were drawn.
The youngest students went wild with glee when the last name drawn was that of kindergarten teacher Brooke Love, who was very excited herself. She said she can’t wait to get new “stuff” for her kindergartners.
Nominated by Walmart associates, Newton was up against a field of 15 to 20 other elementary schools for the award.
“Walmart has always been a great supporter of Newton,” Gorius said. “They’ve helped with Coats for Kids and other similar events.”
Contact Pamela Schehl
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