Well, today’s post is a little different but I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it.
Do you remember hearing about the teacher’s strike in Oklahoma in April last year? The girls and I joined the fight for the students and the teachers of Oklahoma.
Teachers were stepping out of the classroom and onto the steps of the state capital demanding better teaching conditions for their kids. I listened to teachers tell us they were teaching from history books that talked of Reagan being our current president, some had been told “no photocopies… ever” (the printer ink was too expensive). Some districts had to go to a 4-day school week to save on heating and air expenses. Even Ginny told me about one of her classes didn’t have enough desks & chairs for everyone so some kids sat on the floor. Can you imagine sitting on the floor in a MATH class?
Did things getter better after the strike? Um, a little, but we still have a long way to go.
Why I am sharing this again? Well, my daughter Christina is only 10 days away from beginning her career as a high school theatre teacher. She is excited and terrified at the same time.
I knew that her school was in a lower-income area and the school system, like so many in Oklahoma, have had their budgets reduced more and more. In fact, Christina has been selling her plasma a couple times a week to earn the money for her classroom supplies. Yep, this is a thing for teachers now – selling plasma to buy what they need for their classrooms (and these supplies are no longer tax deductible).
This week, the Stewart clan has been preparing her classroom for her incoming students. Little did we know what we were in store for. When we first walked into the classroom, the first thing we saw were broken metal folding chairs. No desks, but folding tables. Now, the tables didn’t bother me that much but metal chairs, many bent out of shape and others without backs on them. Can you imagine these kids sitting in those every day? My heart sank. I just couldn’t see how students can learn in such an uncomfortable environment. I wanted to do something to get these kids decent chairs. Late last night I had an idea…Stand Up and Take a Seat.
I am hosting a special Flash Card fundraiser to help raise the money needed to get these kids GOOD chairs. I know you guys LOVE Flash Cards and I also know you have big hearts so this fundraiser is perfect for you.
I have donated as many BRIGHTS Flash Cards to Go kits or Complete Collections to raise the money needed for 30 chairs. ALL proceeds (minus shipping) will go towards purchasing new chairs for these kids.
If you love Flash Cards, live in the USA, and want to help, use the special ordering buttons below. (When the $660 is raised, this button will be turned off). UPDATE: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I am overwhelmed with JOY right now! I am sitting here in tears. You ordered all the Flash Card kits needed to order Christina’s chairs! I had to turn off the ordering button and all in about an hour’s time. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! I truly have the BEST STAMPING FRIENDS IN THE WORLD!!!
Every day this week, Christina and I have cleaned, organized, cleaned, painted, and yes, more cleaning. I don’t think this room had been cleaned since 1972! You might think I’m joking but, my friends, the amount of sticky grime was unreal! Every surface of her room was covered in thick greasy grime. YUCK! This was going to be Christina’s new home and I wanted it to be clean (and germ-free), ready for the students on August 20th. It is a labor of love…. and we’re not done yet. It’s sure to be a busy weekend too.
So, today’s post wasn’t a card or video but I want you to know that I appreciate you reading it.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Hi Connie. I worked in a school district in a small town in NJ. Luckily it was a great district. One recommendation I have is you mark the chairs being donated to your daughter for her classroom use. It shows they are her property and not the school districts. Otherwise they will become the property of the school and they can do what they want with them. Including taking them out of her room for another use elsewhere. If she is moved to another classroom next year she can bring the chairs with her so the district can’t say they belong in the room. Wishing her luck in her first adventure in teaching.
Christina has talked to the district and has it all worked out that these are a gift to her classroom so that can’t happen but THANK YOU for looking out for her.
As a retired teacher (38 years), I truly appreciate your generous heart! I taught in title 1 schools in Charleston, SC. From year to year it would be “feast or famine” as far as funding and supplies went. It is my prayer that your daughter enters the field of teaching with an open heart, sharing her creative spirit with her students. She will never know how much she impacts the lives of her students.
Dorris, let me say THANK YOU for 38 years of teaching. God bless you! I am going to pass your message onto Christina.
Hi Connie, I would like to make a donation toward the chairs. How can I do that? Thanks!
Bonnie, email me at Connie@SimplySimpleStamping.com and let me see how I can make that happen. Thank you!
Wish you shipped to Canada
A retired teacher
Rosemary, I wish I could but my contract with Stampin’ Up only allows me to ship within the USA. THANK YOU for your investment of kids during your time as a teacher! I have such respect for what you do!
Is $42 the total cost?
Carol, that is correct.
What a great way for you to help Christina get her school year off to a great start. It is such a shame that things are that bad. I’m sure her students will shine, as well as her classroom. Good luck to her. Thanks for this opportunity to help where we know it is needed. We know the money will go to this specific purpose. Have a great day!
Thank you Hilda! You are SO sweet!!!!
You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christina is going to be a rock star!!!
This is awful!…our government has to start taking care of its people. Wish I had some money to send, but I’m 76 and on a limited budget. Will pray…
Patty, your prayers are so appreciated. It really is a shame how little our local government cares for our public schools.
Connie, it makes me sick to think that your daughter has to sell her plasma to buy supplies for her schoolroom. Thank you for this fundraiser.
A lot of teachers do. I am hoping once school starts she will stop though. It’s hard on her body and I don’t want her to wear herself out.
Connie, As a former teacher, I understand the need to make everything in your classroom feel welcoming and safe. I wanted to buy the $42.00 set of paper, but couldn’t figure it out. Please help! Dee Alspach
Dee, first off THANK YOU for how you served your students. It’s such an important job and I am truly thankful for my teacher friends. I am so sorry but the kits sold out really fast, in about an hour, as a matter of fact. I will offer more things in the future though. Thank you!!!
I tried to order also and couldn’t figure it out! Sorry to read that they were all sold out, but that must be a great feeling for you! So sorry you even need to do this. Shame on Oklahoma for not funding ALL their schools! I know Christina will have a fabulous 1st year!
It’s been like this for years and years. The state pulled a bait and switch on us. They approved the lottery stating that a large amount of the money that came in would go to the schools. Well, that was true but they just took other money from the school’s budget and replaced it with lottery money. The problem was the lottery didn’t do as well as they hoped so now the schools have even LESS money than they did before. We just can’t seem to win.
Just ordered and paid for mine! Thanks much and hugs.
Jane, I appreciate you so much! Thank you thank you thank you!
Placed an order, it’s appreciated what ya’ll are doing for the kids. I’m happy I saw the email and could help!
Thank you SO MUCH Amy!!!!!
This breaks my heart! I have many teacher friends here in Cali & have never heard of such terrible conditions. Although I’m a SU. Demonstrator, I’ll gladly support this fund raiser
Thank you so much Judie! Sadly, the education budget just keeps getting cut more and more these days. The lower income schools get it the worst. I appreciate the support!
Wow. And this is America? The greatest country in the world? So very sad. Go fix it Connie!
Suzanne, you are so right. Who knew that this kind of thing is happening here in the USA? I wish our state would pay attention to what they are doing to our students and teachers. We are ranked #47 for teacher pay and then compound that with budget cuts and our teachers just can’t get a break. I am doing all I can to fix it and I am so glad the teacher’s walkout woke some folks up to what was happening here. We have a new governor and he seems to care about the kids so that’s a good change.
Good for you. I’m in Canada so cant buy a kit. I’m sorry to hear about the conditions in Oklahoma schools. Good luck to your daughter.
I appreciate the support Charlotte!
Wow, what support. I’m slow reading blog posts today and you reached your goal before I even read it! That’s wonderful. As a retired teacher, I understand the dilemma completely, esp for new teachers. I’m sorry she has to sell her plasma for funds (though those who need plasma are thankful it’s available). Maybe for those of us who are slow reading, we can work on new tables!
Aww, Susan, you are so sweet! Christina was completely taken by surprise with the outpouring of support today. She is so excited about her new chairs. I am sure after she gets going there will be other needs in her class. Maybe I can do a tutorial fundraiser or something later on.
Hey Connie, when I push your Pay button from the email, it directs me to PayPal. Can we use PayPal? If so, what address do you want me to use in the box? If not, how do I get off the PayPal button and onto a credit card button? I think what you are doing is wonderful! What an inspiration you are!
Karen, I am so sorry, but the kits are sold out. They were all gone in about an hour. Thank you for your support! I will being doing other fundraisers from time to time in the future. I sure appreciate you!!!
Connie….I just now read your email. Tried ordering the Brights….it allows me to hit Buy Now and get to my PayPal….but then doesn’t show anything to pay for.
I would love to buy a set of Flash Cards from you still. If you have anymore please let me know. If they are a different color family that’s fine too.
Just let me know or send me an invoice for PayPal payment.
Thanks….Cheri H
Cheri, thank you so much! I actually sold out of the kits in about an hour. I am so blessed to have such amazing support. Thank you for YOUR support too. I am sure I will have another fundraiser or two in the future.
You’re a wonderful mother and caring person. You had reached your goal before I saw the blog. How exciting !! May God bless you for your acts of overwhelming kindness and concern.
I appreciate that so much Sue! Thank you!
I tried the PayPal button but it doesn’t go to your name so I entered Connie Stewart and it says not a valid name. So now I don’t know what to do. I wanted the “brights “ $42.
I think it’s wonderful what you are doing!! Maybe you could just send me an invoice??
Shirley, I sold out of the kits in about an hour (crafters are the BEST). I will try to work on some more fundraisers in the future. Thank you so much!!!
Connie. I failed to order before you sold out. Is it possible to buy a set of bright flash cards (or subtle or regal) and let her use the proceeds toward school supplies?
Pat, I am going to see what I can do about more fundraisers in the future. Thank you for your support!
I tried the PayPal button too and it doesn’t work, so I’m assuming you reached your goal. Wonderful!! What else does Christina need? I’d be happy to help towards whatever else she needs so she doesn’t have to sell her life’s blood – er, plasma – to serve our children.
Carole, thank you so much! The support from my readers brought me to tears more than once today. I am going to see if there is a way that we can do some kind of donation thing. I had many people ask.
Yeah, it makes me so sad that she and so many other teachers have to resort to selling plasma in order to fund their classrooms. Hmmm, maybe our elected officials should consider selling THEIR plasma to fund the school budget? lol
I know the chairs are sold out but if your daughter needs anything else I will be glad to make a donation. Your daughter also might like to look at https://www.donorschoose.org/
Ginny, she was just talking about this site the other day. Thank you!
I’m so glad you reached your goal! I will be happy to help next time
I find it is a shame that teachers don’t get the help they so need to educate our children. I come from a family of teachers as well and the struggles they go through for supplies and updated materials. Christina, my families of teachers still find it is rewarding to teach.
Thank you Nancy! It is wonderful how the goal was met so quickly. I will pass your message to Christina!
Hi! I’m a retired teacher and very appalled to hear about the gruesome state your daughter’s classroom was in. I’m sure with your talented family she will have a classroom to be proud of. I tried to order, but you already met your goal. I’m thankful you had such a great readership.
Christina has had so much outpouring of support. It was such a joy to see everyone come to help her. You guys are the BEST!
I only read this post this PM, and I was appalled at what I saw! My husband was a teacher for nearly 50 years before his death and he would have cried. So I did a little fact checking. Seems 41 or your 50 State Senators and 5 of your 10 State Representatives belong to one party. Take a look!!! And then tell me how you’ll vote in the next election.
I was appalled at what you wrote, so I did a little fact checking: 41 of your 50 State Senators and 5 of your 10 State Representatives belong to one political party, So for the sake of the kids – the future of your state – how will you vote in the next election???
Yep! I know! Our governor (at the time) was quoted on camera saying, “Teachers want more, but it’s kind of like having a teenage kid that wants a better car.” Can you believe that teachers asking for text books and CHAIRS for their students is the same as a teenager wanting a new car? We had another legislator who said the oil companies take them out to lunch, buy them trinkets for their desk… what have the teachers done for us? Wow. No words for that guy. It’s just sickening what is happening in our state capital. A BIG thank you to your husband and his passion for teaching for 50 years. That is amazing!
I am a member of the Board of Education in a school district in Canada. We have some huge frustrations regarding funding… and as bad as it can be, I don’t think we have reached the point where we can’t get kids chairs. I am appalled that your daughter is in this situation, and I applaud you for speaking out.
The poster above me is correct, though… if you truly want change, you’re going to have to rally people to vote out the current state officials. And I say that as someone who is a centrist.
If you or your daughters ever want to chat about education issues, feel free to email me. Always happy to help in any way I can.
Tania, it’s nice to know that there are people out there ‘who get it”. It is appauling! I didn’t realize it was this bad at her school. Getting the word out there is important and during the teacher walk out a lot of people had their eyes opened to the school conditions. It seems whenever we vote out one bad apple, another comes in.
Connie, as an ex teacher of primary and pre-school children I am both appalled that the children and teachers have worse than third world conditions in their schools, and amazed with both Christina and your big hearts and efforts to make a difference. I am heartened to hear how quickly you reached your goal, and only wish that more people could help in direct ways like you do- but they shouldn’t have to!
Caroline, thank you for the investment you made in your student’s lives. I am in awe of teachers and all they do and give to their kids!
I missed it, but I’m happy. Congratulations on selling out.
Thanks Pattie! I appreciate it!
Connie,
As so many others, I am reading my emails late at night. Your kind offer has come and gone. As a retired teacher of secondary students in a marketing class, I hate to think how much money came out of my own pocket. I do not begrudge any thing I gave or did for my students. However, it does bother me that Boards of Education do not try harder to make the legislatures appropriate more funds. Thank goodness your daughter has a caring family who is helping her help her students. I would love to make a small donation to Christina. Trust me, something else will come up that she needs. Please just let me know where I can send this. May God Bless her as she starts her first year and may He be with her throughout the year. I still stay in touch with students who graduated 40 years ago. Trust me, when I tell you that some of her students will remember 40 years from now what an impact she had on their lives. Have an awesome year, Christina!
Ann, your comment brought tears to my eyes. I have teachers that 100% shaped who I am today. You would think that our legislators would also have teachers that they owe a lot too. I wish they could think of THEM every time they take more and more money from our school’s budgets.
Connie, Thank you for your tremendous support of your daughter and her students. So thankful for those who saw your plea and ordered–so sorry to miss it. Will watch for your other needs.
We are behind you!!
Oh Kathy, you are so kind. Thank you!
Hi Connie,
I am a retired teacher in Australia and I was stunned to read of the conditions for Christina as she embarks on her teaching career.
I know that I also purchased many resources for my classroom along the way but I never had to buy furniture. I couldn’t believe that things were so difficult for teachers in Oklahoma.
Congratulations for selling your kits so quickly. That truly is an amazing effort.
I would love to support Christina too so if you are having another fundraiser could you possibly include us international people as well?
That would be fantastic.
I hope that Christina enjoys a wonderful career in teaching.
Mandy, thank you so much for your sweet comment. I also want to say thank you for choosing a career in education. It’s not a job for the weak, that’s for sure. I have such respect for those who enter this field. Thank you!!!
I will try to do something that my international readers can participate in. The issue is that I am limited to only sell Stampin’ Up products in the USA. I think it’s a customs issue but I have to stick with my country.
Maybe I can do a special tutorial or something down the road?
I live in Australia Connie, or I would be there to help you out! It is disgraceful that some schools do not have basic equipment in their classrooms, but the students at your daughter’s school are still very lucky! – they have Christina as their teacher, and if she cares for her students (I’m sure she does) as much as you care for your subscribers, then they will have an awesome year ahead! of course they still need supplies – I hope they get what they need. I was a teacher many moons ago, and loved my students, so I do understand why your family are pitching in. Not everyone does that:( Best wishes to all of you.
Ann, thank you for your sweet words AND for your years as a teacher. It is such a noble job and I truly appreciate your love for your kids!
Hi Connie, I have been following your blog for many years now and enjoy it very much each day.I am in Canada but would love to help you.
Can you include more for shipping to Canada?
Please let me know.
Evelyne
Evelyne, I wish I could but it is against my contract with Stampin’ Up to ship outside the USA. It’s a bummer. I think it has to do with customs.
Connie,
I am behind and just read the post. I was going to get the larger kit to help out, and read that the kits sold out. I should have known, because so many people have such giving hearts! I will look for other chances to help out! Thank you for all you do!!
Aren’t crafters great though? They took care of the need. I love it! Thank you Patty! As other needs arise, I may offer some other things to help.
Connie, my heart is breaking for the children. I would like to send you fifty dollars to help. I don’t expect anything in return. Use the entire amount for the kids. Please invoice me via Paypal using my email address. I am holding your family and the children of OK in prayer.
Oh Alice, you are SO SWEET!!!! That will be such a blessing to her! I just sent the PayPal. Be sure to send me your address so I can send you a thank you card!
If there is anything else she needs please let us who didn’t get to help know.
Stella if you want to send Christina a card, I know she would love it! I posted the information on Monday.
I live in England, so cannot purchase your flash card kit, but wish you and especially your daughter, all the best. Her determination to enrich the lives of her forthcoming students, is very commendable. You and Mr Awesome must be very proud. x