Brinson Elementary Teachers Awarded Grants for Classroom Supplies

Six teachers at Brinson Memorial Elementary in New Bern received a surprise boost for their classrooms on March 15, 2024, through the Subaru Loves Learning grant program. Each teacher was awarded a $500 grant alongside a box of essential school supplies. The initiative aims to support educators by providing funding for necessary classroom resources.

Representatives from Riverside Subaru, including Ainsley Munro, Love Promise coordinator, and Mark Nesser, sales professional, presented the grants during the school day. “We surprised six teachers and six classrooms with their grant and their school supplies,” Nesser noted. The presence of students during the surprise added to the excitement, highlighting the immediate impact of the initiative.

The selection of Brinson Memorial Elementary, located at 319 Neuse Forrest Ave., for the Subaru program was made by the company’s corporate office. The Subaru Loves Learning initiative is designed to equip teachers across the United States with funding to acquire supplies that enhance student learning experiences.

Among the recipients, Kim Bailey, a resource teacher for exceptional children, expressed her gratitude for the grant. “We have a lot of exceptional children students, especially in our separate setting room, that we need a lot more manipulatives for,” she explained. The funding will enable her to purchase items such as whiteboards, math manipulatives, and resources for reading programs. “It feels really good to be supported, and knowing that we can use this help, it’s a great help. It’s really exciting,” Bailey added.

Art teacher Brittany Rose also shared her enthusiasm for receiving the grant. Last year, she used a previous grant from the Harold H. Bate Foundation to buy a kiln for the art department. “Hopefully, this $500 will go towards supplies for that kiln to maybe add some really cool art projects to my classrooms,” she said.

Principal Chris Germain emphasized the dedication of the teachers at Brinson Memorial Elementary. “I’m sure they’re going to be going home this weekend and shopping right away,” he remarked. Germain noted that new teachers would be particularly eager to utilize the grant. “Even my veterans, they’re going to be super pumped to get this into the classrooms as soon as they can for the kids,” he added.

The partnership between Riverside Subaru and Brinson Elementary exemplifies community support for education. “We got to share love with everyone,” Nesser stated. “Hopefully, the next school we do is just as receptive when we do this next year.”

This initiative not only provides financial support but also fosters a sense of community engagement, ensuring that teachers have the resources they need to create enriching learning environments for their students.