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Jake Kindred, Community Advocate
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Few would argue that teachers play an invaluable role in our communities. But in spite of this community recognition, teachers often go without the classroom supplies they need to properly educate their students. In some situations, teachers find themselves filling the gaps by purchasing supplies themselves.
Organizations like Classroom Connections of East Central Indiana (ECI) exist to remedy this problem. A few months ago, I had the pleasure of supporting Classroom Connections of ECI at their Educational Resource Center, a year-round source of support for local teachers. Alongside five of my Royerton Solar colleagues, we were able to spend some time giving back to the educators that give so much to our children and our community.
A lifeline for local teachers
For almost 21 years, Classroom Connections of ECI has been an indispensable educational resource for underserved pre-K through 12th grade classrooms in the region, providing essential classroom tools and materials so teachers can focus on what really matters: teaching.
Local teachers can swing by the Classroom Connections of ECI facility year-round to stock up on essentials like copy paper, writing utensils, and textbooks –– free of charge. The supplies come to Classroom Connections of ECI through generous contributions from businesses and larger corporations. Additionally, the nonprofit supports programs that capture surplus product to keep classrooms stocked while simultaneously preventing waste.
Naturally, back-to-school season is a busy time for Classroom Connections of ECI, as teachers prepare the initial wave of materials their students will need to get started. But by staying open all year, Classroom Connections of ECI also makes it easy for teachers to frequently replenish up to 10 times annually supplies that have been used up or broken, ensuring a continuous and well-furnished experience for local kids.
“Heartbreakingly, 1 in 5 teachers left the profession last year,” said Stacy Wheeler, Executive Director of the nonprofit Classroom Connections of ECI. “Many teachers feel under-appreciated, under-resourced, and unrelentingly stressed, so they are leaving their jobs. That’s where we come in and provide teacher support. Annually our nonprofit provides $1.5 million in donated classroom supplies including pencils, paper, and children’s books to the most vulnerable students and learning environments in East Central Indiana.”
Restocking and relaxing
In February, six members of the Royerton Solar team (me included) took the day to volunteer at Classroom Connections of ECI and support local teachers.
We wanted to supplement the impressively stocked Classroom Connections of ECI facility by donating $5,000 for the creation of a special room where teachers can take a seat, unwind, and recharge. That’s how the Teacher Relaxation Room was born.
The centerpiece of this room was a full-length massage couch and additional massage chair –– purchased at wholesale from a local furniture supplier.
Attendees can use the room to chill out, indulge in an assortment of tasty snacks, and/or chit chat with other teachers as a reprieve from ticking items of their classroom lists. Our team also assembled tie blankets and greeted the 15 teachers that cycled through the room during the open house. Enthusiasm was high, with several teachers noting that they couldn’t wait to tell their colleagues about the new relaxation resources.
Going forward, the room can provide a safe space for hardworking teachers to take a well-deserved break from their day to day. Shaping the minds of the next generation is hard work; we’re hoping the relaxation room makes it a little bit easier.
“Teachers and students win when Classroom Connections of ECI can develop meaningful classroom connections by embracing community-based solutions and collaborations with partners working in our community like the staff at Royerton Solar,” said Wheeler.
All in all, it was an honor to support Classroom Connections of ECI in their mission of serving under-resourced classrooms in the region. Royerton Solar’s relationship with this critical community resource runs deep, as does our relationship with the community at large. We strive to be partners in the long term and provide real value to our neighbors, which is why service days like this one mean so much: they’re an opportunity to show up for the people who show up for us.
