• Esperanza Laura, Hemet Elementary School (TK–5): “Thank you so much for the $100 check. I was in a classroom supporting our 4th graders with their writing. I will use the grant prize money to encourage our teachers and students to use the Building Thinking Classrooms approach to learning by purchasing any materials needed. CalRTA, your support is greatly appreciated!”

• Herman Hilkey, San Jacinto Leadership Academy – Magnet, San Jacinto (10th grade): Mr. Hilkey, shown here with Principal Michael Luna, plans to use the $100 grant for “robot parts for our Engineering Club. We have robots and need replacement brains that are newer”—essential for keeping the club’s robots functional and compatible with current technology.

• Nataly Orozco, Romoland Elementary School (Special Education): “Thank you so much, CalRTA, for the award! I plan on using the grant money to purchase items to support my students’ sensory needs, such as chewy necklaces, a weighted lap pad, fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, and therapy putty.”

• Gary Thrapp, Hans Christensen Middle School, Menifee (6th–8th grade History): “Thank you very much for the $100 grant check. I am excited to use it for classroom incentives and projects and to help create a more positive environment for my students. I truly appreciate CalRTA’s support.”
In addition to the four Division 33 recipients, two local educators received $100 Teacher Grants from the CalRTA State organization. Division 33 matched each state grant with an additional $100, bringing the total to $200 for each teacher to use in their classroom.

• Jacinda Coats, Education Specialist at Park Hill Elementary School, San Jacinto: Jacinda plans to use the $200 to purchase sensory equipment for her classroom. She is pictured with CalRTA Division 33 Co-Presidents Ron and Sue Breyer.

• Vanessa Fowler, 5th Grade Teacher at Táawila Elementary School, Menifee: Upon receiving her $200 grant, Ms. Fowler said, “I deeply appreciate the work CalRTA does to support educators, and I’m excited to put this grant to good use for our Táawila students.” She is pictured with Principal Dr. Rose Pike (left) and CalRTA Division 33 Co-President Sue Breyer.

For more information about the California Retired Teachers Association state organization, visit calrta.org. To learn more about local CalRTA Division 33, go to div33.calrta.org or email them at calrtadivision33@gmail.com.

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Lorena Roberts, a 4^th grade teacher at Nuview Elementary School, said, “I am so grateful to have received a CalRTA Division 33 Teacher Grant. I am excited to buy more books for my classroom library. I also plan on buying more prizes for my monthly Scholar Dollar store. My students are going to love all of the new prizes. “

Another Nuview Elementary School 4^th grade teacher, Natalie Ogle, said her class was so excited when she told them about winning the grant. “We are out of Expo markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils and a group set of books. We have had parents donate these items a few times already this year, but now we are in need of replacement supplies. I truly appreciate CalRTA’s donation and I’m so glad I entered the contest,” Ogle said.

“Thank you so much for this $100 grant,” said Guillermina Casarez, who teaches 3^rd grade at Hemet Elementary School.  “I will be using the money to buy seat pockets for my classroom,” Casarez said.  She explained that seat pockets help students by providing easily accessible storage space on the back or sides of their chairs to keep their school supplies organized and desks tidy.

Cassy Taylor-Campos, a 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade ES teacher at Hamilton High School, said she plans “to purchase resources for Yoga exercise and sitting balls for my classroom.” Sitting on stability balls (exercise balls) in a classroom can benefit students by allowing them to move and fidget while still focusing on learning.

Ron and Sue Breyer, CalRTA Division 33 Co-Presidents, presented a $100 State-level CalRTA teacher grant to Master Gunnery Sergeant David Mendez from Tahquitz High School at their recent staff meeting.  As a surprise, Division 33 matched that $100 grant with a crisp $100 bill for a total of $200 to use in his classroom!  Mendez heads up the Tahquitz High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, one of the biggest and most influential leadership programs in the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley.

One of the missions of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) is to support public education, and its popular teacher grant program is just one way in which local retired teachers can support and show their appreciation for local educators. In addition to teacher grants, CalRTA Division 33 also offers up to 15 $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Hemet, San Jacinto and Nuview School Districts who plan to become public school teachers.  For more information about CalRTA, go to calrta.org or div33.calrta.org.  

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