Introduction to a Surprise
Natalie Kartz was having a normal day, teaching her third graders at Ojus Elementary School in North Miami Beach, until her day was interrupted in the best possible way. The superintendent, school district officials, and mascots from the Orange Bowl and the College Football Playoffs Foundation barged into her classroom unannounced, armed with one of those big cardboard checks for $1,000.
The Surprise Unfolds
Much cheering ensued. “I honestly blanked out, didn’t understand what was happening,” Kartz said later. “I am overwhelmed with joy, this is all for the kids, I absolutely love what I do, I’m super passionate about education.” Kartz said she would spend the money on her students, buying learning materials for her classroom.
The Partnership Behind the Surprise
The project is part of the Miami Loves Teachers effort, a partnership between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Education Foundation, the Orange Bowl, and the College Football Playoffs Foundation. This would’ve already been a great day at Ojus if it ended there, but it got even better.
An Even Bigger Surprise for the Principal
The principal, Dr. Mildred Mejia, was in the classroom cheering for her teacher, completely oblivious to the fact that she was next on the ambush list. “We’d like to present Ojus Elementary with a $50,000 check,” said a representative from Miami Loves Teachers. More cheering ensued.
The Impact of the Gift
Through the elation, the tears, the emotion, comes a much-needed gift. “I am so elated, not only that, this is not for me, it is for my boys and girls, and I always say, read, read, read because reading will make them smarter, it’s all going back to the media center, it’s all going back to our children,” Mejia said. The school’s media center recently suffered significant damage from a plumbing leak. Today’s check will buy new furniture, books, and supplies.
The Bigger Picture
“All I’m thinking about is the need to do more of this,” said superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres. Dotres pointed out that it’s not just the money, it’s the statement being made. “Listen, a thousand dollars is important, but the fact that we’re lifting who they are, that we’re lifting the work that they do, is very, very significant,” said Dotres.
Ongoing Recognition
The recognition of educators does not end today. The Miami Loves Teachers partnership will be handing out checks to teachers every Friday for the rest of the school year.
Conclusion
The surprise checks for Natalie Kartz and Dr. Mildred Mejia are a testament to the appreciation and recognition that educators deserve. The Miami Loves Teachers initiative is a shining example of community support for education, and its impact will be felt throughout the school year.
FAQs
- Q: Who is behind the Miami Loves Teachers effort?
A: The Miami Loves Teachers effort is a partnership between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Education Foundation, the Orange Bowl, and the College Football Playoffs Foundation. - Q: How often will teachers receive checks from the Miami Loves Teachers partnership?
A: The Miami Loves Teachers partnership will be handing out checks to teachers every Friday for the rest of the school year. - Q: What will the $50,000 check be used for at Ojus Elementary?
A: The $50,000 check will be used to buy new furniture, books, and supplies for the school’s media center, which recently suffered significant damage from a plumbing leak.
