Walmart Teacher Rewards Program
Dedicated educators recognized through Walmart Teacher Rewards Program
Teachers throughout the Cherry Creek School District spend much of their own time before and after school, and often their own money, to support the academic achievement of their students.
That’s certainly the case at Horizon Community Middle School, where ten dedicated teachers were recently recognized by the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation and the Walmart Foundation, through the Walmart Teacher Rewards Program.
Each teacher received a $100 Walmart Teacher Rewards Card, which they can use to purchase supplies or snacks for their students. Walmart estimates that across the U.S., educators spend an average of $500 out of their own pockets each year, to support their students.
The Horizon teachers who were honored are: Whitney Anderson, Velma Chavis, Judy Elder, Lyn Howley, Linda Kelly, Chandra Leeper, Mim Malkoski, Kent Payne, Dixie Peterson and
Kathy Scott.
Dr. Jeanette Patterson, Horizon principal, said these teachers were selected because they are involved in special programs that take place before, during or after the school day to support academic achievement, including:
- Extended Day Academic Programming – held after school on Tuesday and Thursdays, September through May, to serve students through homework help and additional tutoring in reading, writing and math and technology support.
- Parent Engagement Program – an evening program designed to support parents and students with homework assistance and parenting support.
- Student Leadership Groups – held during the school day for Black and Hispanic students who work together in a group to boost esteem, increase academic achievement and to allow for cultural bonding. This is an initiative to close the achievement gap.
“Our horizon teachers are committed the success of students even after the school day’s end,” said Patterson. “My sincere thanks to the Walmart Foundation for these Teacher Rewards Cards. They will be put to good use.”
The mission of the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation is to expand excellence in education by funding initiatives that impact student achievement. Since 1994, the foundation has raised and distributed more than $7 million dollars to fund programs benefiting students and teachers throughout the district.
This is the third year Walmart has supported educators through the Teacher Rewards Program. This year the company will present 45,000 Teacher Rewards Cards, worth $4.5 million.
The Foundation sponsors the annual employee contribution campaign to fund Educator Initiative Grants. It is called We Can Thrive on $5 and encourages faculty and staff to pledge $5 per month to fund these mini-grants of $1,000 or less. 
