Teachers at two Chicago schools on Monday were awarded cash grants for pet classroom projects.
In a surprise assembly Monday morning at Claremont Academy, teachers who often go above and beyond the call of duty and who give their time and money to add things to their classrooms, were awarded for their extra efforts.
"I was very surprised; speechless actually," said Keisha Webster, who was awarded $583 to help her students read Sharon Draper’s urban teen novels.
The money is part of the Limeades for Learning Initiative, which is funded by Sonic restaurants and the online charity DonorsChoose.org. Teachers post their project wishes on LimeadesForLearning.com and then receive votes from the public on which projects they'd most like to see come to fruition.
"I had no clue, absolutely no clue, and I’m very happy that I got this for my class. It’s going to be so useful, so helpful."
Four teachers at Libby Elementary in Chicago also received grants.
More than 600 public schools in Chicago and another 400 statewide are seeking funding for small classroom projects like the ones awarded Monday.
Last year, Sonic donated more than $638,000 to public school classrooms across the country.
