Teachers in Johnston County returned to their schools to prepare for the 2016-2017 school year Monday.
Like most in the county, teachers at Meadow School were welcomed back by an outpouring of support from the community, Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO), and their Johnston County Schools administration staff.
“It’s great to come back to school and have so much community involvement” said seventh grade teacher Amy McLamb. “It gets us excited and gives us a chance to see parents, grandparents, and other people in the community that are helping make our school successful.”
Teachers at Meadow were treated to breakfast by the PTO and spent the morning focused on the school’s goals for the coming school year.
“It gets you excited,” said McLamb. “You’re looking forward to the new year, what things are going to change, and how you can make the upcoming school year better.”
After the morning welcome session Meadow teachers visited Stone’s Creek Advent Christian Church, where community and church members prepared lunch for all school staff.
The back to school luncheon was organized by Gloria Denning, President of Women’s Foreign Mission Society (WFMS) at Stone’s Creek Church and retired educator.
More than two dozen church members transformed the church’s fellowship hall into a tea party, where they encouraged all teachers to have a “tea-riffic” school year. Each teacher received school supplies collected by the church and a door prize. Three teachers also won enough copy paper for one semester for their classroom.
“It means the world to me to be able to help. I know what they need, and I know there are children that need supplies more than others. It feels really good to be able to help,” said Alma McLamb, WFMS vice president at Stone’s Creek Church and retired Meadow School employee.
Stone’s Creek Church members have provided lunch and school supplies for Meadow teachers on their first day back for more than half a decade.
“Our community is great,” said third grade teacher Angela Strickland. “They provide a great meal, an opportunity to fellowship, and show support for us. From what they show and give us you can tell they are behind us 100 percent.”
