Foundation seeks to honor teachers

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and The School Foundation is calling for the community’s support in honoring local educators and acknowledging the contributions they make in one’s life.

Debbie Hyler, executive director of The School Foundation, said the foundation believes that great teachers make great schools and that this one way to show their appreciation for the dedication and service of educators.

“We would like to see the entire Florence community come together as a whole to show their appreciation to the educators in Florence School District 1,” Hyler said. “Most people remember a favorite teacher or educator who really touched their lives and this is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to that individual.”

The School Foundation has created a donation form where one can pledge a minimum of $10 in honor of their favorite teacher. All pledges are tax-deductible.

Note cards that can be personalized also are available for one to write comments about the teacher who made a difference.

Both cards can be found on the foundation’s Web site, http://www.theschoolfoundation.org. Comments from the note cards will be posted to the Web site and delivered to the educators.

Donation forms and note cards can be returned to The School Foundation, 320 W. Cheves St., Suite 175, Florence, SC 29501.

Cards can also be purchased at local banks and businesses, Hyler said.

In addition to community recognition, Florence 1 also honored its teachers as well as others in the district that were recognized on the state and national levels.

Florence 1 had its 6th annual Honors and Awards Program at Francis Marion University Tuesday, which was Teacher Appreciation Day.

The banquet recognizes Teachers of the Year, Honor Roll Teachers, the District Teacher of the Year, National Board Certified Teachers, as well as any grant recipients, state and national award winners, and anyone who have published articles during the 2008-09 school year.

Outstanding school achievements also will be recognized.

This year’s guest speaker was Jenna Hallman, South Carolina’s State Teacher of the Year for 2008-09. Hallman is a science specialist at Calhoun Academy of the Arts in Anderson.

On the Web

The School Foundation, http://www.theschoolfoundation.org

Florence School District 1, http://www.fsd1.org

National Education Association, http://www.nea.org