BY SYDNEY HOOVER
As the school year comes to an end, students and families in Eudora are finding ways to show gratitude to their teachers despite schools being closed.
The Eudora Schools Foundation surprised teachers throughout the district with handwritten yard signs from families in their classes. Some teachers, such as seventh grade math teacher Sara Cross, had as many as five signs decorating their yards.
Cross said it was a complete surprise when Foundation Executive Director Shanda Hurla showed up at her door with her first sign.
“I was shocked to see her because I don't live in Eudora, so that was a shock to see her,” said Cross, who lives in Lenexa. “And then the fifth one showed up, gosh, I don't know, just a couple of days ago, and my 17-year-old daughter came running in and she was all excited about it.”
Hurla spent time at the Eudora Schools Foundation office creating the boards for the teachers with messages students and families had sent to her.
“It’s actually kind of tear-jerking to read the responses that you guys want to show so much appreciation for them, for them taking care of your children, for them being an inspiration and a mentor to your children,” Hurla said in a Facebook Live video.
Hurla then delivered the yard signs to each teacher’s home throughout teacher appreciation week. The Eudora Schools Foundation delivered more than 250 signs funded by donations.
For second grade teacher Rachelle Butler, seeing the sign in her yard reminded her that even though she’s missing in-person interaction with her students, the families are still thinking about her.
“Having that sign was really, really impactful, like, when you feel like you're just somewhat very disconnected from your students,” Butler said. “Just knowing that a family took the time to send that message, it meant the world to me.”
Butler said the sign was an “amazing surprise.” Though she said she misses her students and thinks about them every day, she hopes they’re taking the time at home to learn while also spending extra time with their families.
Cross said teaching online has been strange and she misses seeing her students’ faces in the classroom. She said teaching math virtually has been tough because she likes teaching through hands-on learning, but she’s looking forward to being back in the classroom in August.
“We're so excited to see them when they come back,” Cross said. “We can't wait to see them.”
Reach reporter Sydney Hoover at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
We rely on donations to be able to cover the city of Eudora. Please email us at eudoratimes@gmail.com if you are willing to show your support to continue our journalism.
Comments