Maxey Elementary teachers gifted with $10,000

Teachers gathered in the Maxey Elementary cafetorium with their students on Thursday, Aug. 30, expecting to hear from a guest speaker. What they got, however, was a check for $10,000 from Burlington Stores Inc., which is celebrating the opening of its newest store in the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves.

Principal Carletta Davis-Wilson accepted the check from James Tate, Winter Garden store manager. The donation was made in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org.

Davis-Wilson said the funds will be divided among the classroom teachers who work directly with students on a daily basis. She said this would amount to about $371 per teacher.

“It was exciting to see the amount of support for teachers and our students’ education,” Davis-Wilson said. “Students were elated to see their teachers recognized for their commitment.”

As the teachers went on stage to be recognized, students in the audience cheerfully chanted, “Maxey! Maxey!” and shook bright blue pompons.

“I was happy for them because they deserve it,” said fourth-grader Zaileen Cosme. “They really do. I feel really great for them.”

Teachers will be able to buy school specialty supplies and resources through the online market place, Davis-Wilson said.

“The teachers at Maxey extend our gratitude and give thanks to Burlington for adopting each of our classes,” said third-grade teacher Sharell Nichols. “This act of caring allows us (educators) to continue to take our students' education to the max.”