Generous community stocks DISD school supply closets

Over the past three weeks, school supplies have arrived on Denison campuses in vans and trucks filled with paper, glue, pens, folders, markers, notebooks, pencils and other items students need to complete classwork and homework assignments. The faces behind all the generous donations: dozens of local businesses, organizations and individuals who are determined to meet the academic and personal needs of each and every Denison student.

“The list of community supporters who make sure that our kids have everything they need to learn and succeed is nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. Henry Scott, DISD Superintendent. “Local merchants, service organizations, churches, businesses, individual school supporters…we even have an anonymous donor this year. I’m always humbled by the unwavering commitment of our community to our schools and students. Our success would be limited without them. We’re just so grateful for their help.”

Virtually every campus has been impacted by this year’s outpouring of generosity, particularly in light of the Covid19 pandemic. Boxes upon boxes of much-needed school supplies from Kroger arrived at every DISD elementary school last week. And at Denison High School, retired teachers John and Nancy Terry donated ten boxes of multi-colored highlighters to help the district’s secondary level students improve their study skills. “The Terry’s are just wonderful people who have devoted their lives to educating Denison kids,” said DHS Head Counselor Carrie Boettger. “I hope they know that we love and appreciate them so very much.”

Houston Principal Kyle Uber says his campus also has a generous supporter who was once a beloved principal there. “Kathryn Deen has made and donated more than 100 colorful face masks for our staff and students. She’s made three deliveries so far, and we’re just so appreciative. It’s been very uplifting to have her smiling face back here on campus, helping everyone stay safe. We’ve also received several boxes of supplies from Amazon…from an anonymous donor. And Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church in Sherman just donated a couple of big boxes of supplies. We’re grateful beyond words to everyone who supports us.”

Natalie Hicks, Principal at Mayes, also expressed her sincere thanks. “We have received many boxes of supplies from Kroger and that wonderful anonymous Amazon donor. We also had a parent bring ten backpacks filled with supplies. Memphis Washburn is the student’s name, and his dad’s name is Taylor Washburn. This kind of generosity lifts our spirits and inspires everyone to work hard and achieve great things. We’re all very thankful.”

Becky Suthers, new principal at Hyde Park Elementary, says she’s quickly discovering just how wonderful and generous the Denison community is. “First United Bank of Denison donated water bottles for each student, the Sherman Service League donated school supplies, and it’s my understanding that lunchboxes donated by Thermos are also headed our way. This community is fantastic, and the way they support their students is inspiring.”

Terrell Principal Amy Neidert reported that her supply closets have been generously stocked by Waples Methodist Church, Kroger and Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church in Sherman. Gina Jackson, Principal at Lamar, says her school’s supply lockers have been filled with 18 school supply kits from Kroger and another eight boxes from Tools 4 Schools that contain binders, crayons, scissors, glue, folders and other items.

“Thanks to our generous community, our Scott Middle School students have what they need to work, study and succeed,” said Principal John Parker. “Our supply closet is full of binders, composition books, pencils, paper, folders, pens and more…all necessities for learning and succeeding. We are so blessed to live in this wonderful and generous community.”

Dr. Scott says the generous giving from all sectors of the community is not limited to just the start of school. “The supply closets on our campuses are re-stocked periodically throughout the year as needs arise. Additionally, our students receive much-needed food and snacks to combat hunger on weekends and during holidays from our local Kids Pantry and several annual canned food drives, including our Battle of the Axe Canned Food Drive that is in progress right now. Clothing items and shoes can also be found in those closets, thanks to local businesses, individuals and other generous donors. It really does take a village to meet all the needs, and our village of Yellow Jackets is the best in Texas!”

A wall of lockers outside Erainna Winnett’s Counselor’s Office at Lamar Elementary provides storage for hundreds of school supply items, including pencils, paper, markers, folders, paper and other items that students need to complete classwork and homework assignments.

:According to Principal John Parker, Scott Middle School students have everything they need to work, study and succeed. “Our supply closet is full of binders, composition books, pencils, paper, folders, pens and other items…all necessities for learning and succeeding. We are so blessed to live in this wonderful and generous community.”

Terrell students gave a big thumbs-up to the generous businesses, service organizations and individual donors who have filled their school’s supply closet with everything they need to work, study and excel in school.

Floor-to-ceiling shelves and boxes full of backpacks, folders, pens, pencils, notebook paper, binders, water bottles and other supplies fill almost every square inch of the large supply closet at Mayes Elementary. “This kind of generosity lifts our spirits and inspires everyone to work hard and achieve great things. We’re all very thankful.”