Athletics worked with district staff to determine how best to give back . That legwork led to the involvement of the district ’ s elementary art teachers – who reach almost 12,000 students in class each week .
“ Denton is a vibrant community , with a large appreciation for the arts so we thought , ‘ why not give back in an area where we know it will have a large impact and be appreciated by the community the most ?’ It just made the most sense ,” said Jamie Adams , assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions at UNT .
Teachers filled their carts with yarn , feathers , clay cutting tools and other items that don ’ t appear on the typical student school supply list . Teachers noted that these “ extras ” help enhance students ’ creativity in addressing the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills ( TEKS ), the state ’ s required curriculum .
“ Denton is a vibrant community , with a large appreciation for the arts so we thought , ‘ why not give back in an area where we know it will have a large impact and be appreciated by the community the most ?”
As the event evolved , teachers shared ideas for lesson plans and tips among themselves for making products last longer . Members of the Michaels sales team shared cost savings ideas , coupons and rebates to make the $ 400 gift cards that each teacher received go further toward purchases .
“ Did you hear that the dry erase crayons work well on aluminum foil ?” asked Kelley McGee from Adkins Elementary as she shopped with a colleague . “ I saw that at a conference once but never thought I would be able to buy enough to stock my classroom adequately – that changes today !”
As the cashiers tallied , cheers erupted and teachers high-fived as they strategized how to spend each card down to the last penny . Kate Wurtzel , from Bell Elementary , was one of the closest to accomplish that goal , leaving only $ 1.67 on the card and promising to be back to use the rest .
Kelley McGee and Jamie McCormick compare their lists while pricing art boxes .
Ginnings Art Teacher Kay Adamson high-fives Superintedent Jamie Wilson as the Michaels staff begin to help her carry-out $ 400 worth of art supplies courtesy of UNT and Conference USA .
The message brought smiles and laughs from several teachers in line and let district officials and UNT Athletics staff soak in the benefits of a partnership that has brought a lot of joy to students and teachers alike .
“ At UNT , we pride ourselves on being a strong liberal arts university and while we all cheer at football , basketball and the athletic events , we really hope our local students will grow up and major in one of our programs ,” said Adams . “ We believe that this small gift can make a big impact .”
To watch the Denton ISD art teachers shop at Michaels , watch this https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = 8gh27yLxqk8
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