Thousands of school supplies donated to Virginia Beach City public schools

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Thousands of Virginia Beach students return to class on their first day of school.

On Wednesday, the teachers spent their day getting ready and some even got a surprise from the division heads.

Dozens of auction boxes filled an empty classroom. VBCPS grade one teachers had the chance to take everything they needed to make a difference in their classroom.

The boxes were filled with all the school supplies you could think of: markers, pencils, pens, pencils, binders and more.

“As every teacher goes above and beyond because we want every student to have everything, they have to succeed, yes from our own pockets, from my pockets come pencils and erasers”, explained Gina Saenz.

This year is Gina Saenz’s first year as an educator in Virginia Beach schools, although she has taught in other divisions. She said she loves and appreciates her job every day.

“Go in and set up a classroom and bulletin boards and take out supplies and put on their desks and badges. It gives me chills and makes me really horny, ”she said.

Every year Saenz pulls out his wallet to support his students.

“Anywhere between $ 400 and $ 500, but we don’t talk about that with our spouses,” Saenz said.

For teachers, they say the room full of free school supplies is more than markers and folders. They said supplies are crucial for teaching children in the classroom.

All donations were deposited by Anthem, the Stuff the Bus Campaign, Military Commands, and The Salvation Army.

“When you go to Walmart, a backpack costs $ 25. Some families really can’t do this. For us to be able to provide this is just amazing, ”said Jennifer McGowan, School and Community Partnerships Coordinator for Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

The educators who received the free school supplies said it meant a lot and they are grateful for the support and feel appreciated.

“Thank you, it’s amazing the support Virginia Beach has given me as the new Virginia Beach teacher. It’s unlike any other place I’ve taught, ”Saenz said.

Division heads say they plan to hold another event with the remaining supplies next week for all teachers at Virginia Beach City Public School.