In This Storm

As I'm sure you know, much of Alabama was ravaged by terrible storms and tornadoes on Thursday, April 27, 2011. The state has now been declared a category 1 disaster area much like Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and New York after 9/11. Several are dead, more are injured, and many are still unaccounted for. The state is in shock, but banding together to make a difference.

Several schools, students, and teachers have been affected in unimaginable ways. They need our help. Teachers are naturally big-hearted people. We do what we do because we love our jobs and we love our kids. It is time for us to work together and help our colleagues and their students that they love.

Jennifer Wagner of PBJ has created a website with several ways for teachers to help. There are so many needs and so many things we can all do. There is a way to donate cash, Scholastic bonus points, teaching materials, and gift cards. We would love to receive "thinking of you" cards from children to children as well. These items will be sent to me and I will work with my colleagues to get these gifts to the appropriate places. I plan to contact as many school officials as possible to make sure we are meeting every need we can in the best way we can.

Something else you can do is let me know when you hear of a need. We want to know of teachers who lost supplies, schools that were completely destroyed, or teachers who have lost personal property, such as homes, that could use support from other teachers. We all know how much of our energy (and time, emotion, money, etc.) goes into our jobs, so they will need support in many ways.

I know of 2 schools that need EVERYTHING for their children, including snacks, underwear, shoes, and clothing. Please decide what you can do and DO IT. Please spread the word.

You can find me on twitter @TeachingMcD.