Representatives from the Raymore Walmart store surprised the staff at Eagle Glen Intermediate School this week by distributing 10 $100 gift cards to teachers.
Shift Manager John Rand and Cathy White from the Walmart personnel office attended the Parent Information Night assembly at Eagle Glen on Tuesday, Sept. 7. During the assembly, Rand and White distributed the gift cards as part of the Walmart Teacher Rewards Program.
“Walmart appreciates the impact teachers continue to make in our community,” Rand said. “We know our educators contribute not only their time, but also their money to ensure our students have a successful school year. The Teacher Rewards program is our way of saying thank you.”
Eagle Glen Principal Randy Randolph said that many teachers spend money out of pocket on supplies, snacks and instructional materials.
“The teachers and staff did not know why representatives from Walmart were at the assembly,” Randolph said. “They were so surprised at the announcement of the gift cards. What a great way to help some teachers offset those expenses. We really appreciate Walmart’s efforts to support local schools.”
The gift cards were awarded to four teams of 5th grade teachers, four teams of 6th grade teachers, and teachers in two special/encore areas. Recipients were: Leah Sapp and Kim Shaul (5th grade team); Janet Castleman and Michele Sherron (5th grade team); Jason Waltz and Tresea Brockman (5th grade team); Rebecca Gooding, Andy Perkins and Bill Koder (5th grade team); Kris Schuler and Andrea Wilen (6th grade team); Tonya Doctor and Nate Northcraft (6th grade team); Melissa Schmidt and Dana Markey (6th grade team); Ashlie Renfro and Mary Roth (6th grade team); Josh Littrell and Jennifer Gunnels (physical education teachers); and Sarra Jungling, Linda Sharp and Diane Burke (special education teachers).
In its third year, the Teacher Rewards program is an extension of Walmart’s support of education and community involvement. Across the country, Walmart is awarding gift cards to 45,000 teachers – representing an investment of $4.5 million. Through the program, local Walmart stores, Distribution Centers and Sam’s Club locations across the U.S. are eligible to select one local K-8 public school and provide $100 reward cards to 10 teachers from the selected school. Winning teachers are able to use the funds to purchase items for their classrooms.