Here’s the rest of the story: Staff generosity played key role in bike giveaway

--- Published on December 19th 2014 ---
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Here’s the rest of the story …

The spotlight was on about 1,000 excited students of Jefferson and Bannon Creek elementary schools who received a free bicycle and wrapped gifts Sunday in a giant giveaway at Sleep Train Arena. Behind the scenes, however, Principals Amreek Singh and Danisha Keeler and nearly three dozen teachers and other staff cumulatively volunteered scores of hours to assist with bus check-in, boarding, supervision, and other details that made the event possible.

Some NUSD employees donated five hours or more of their labor, during the holiday season, for an event that was sponsored by Destiny Christian Church, the Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation, Wells Fargo and the Sacramento Kings. Employees had nothing to gain personally. Yet at Jefferson alone, 28 teachers or staff stepped forward to help.

Why do it? Here’s how some Jefferson staff answered that question:

  •  “I volunteered because I wanted our students to see how much their teachers truly care about them. They are the reason we do what we do every day. The bike giveaway was such a special event for our kids and I didn’t want to miss the looks on their faces and all of their excitement.” – Ernest Berryman, teacher
  •  "Teaching isn’t about what we tell our students in the classroom, it’s how we connect with them in their community!" – Deb Buffleben, teacher
  •  “I decided to go because it was an awesome opportunity to celebrate the students this holiday season. Seeing the joy and wonder on their faces at the event was priceless! … Being new to Jefferson this year, it was also a nice time to bond with the other staff members. Go Jaguars!” – Vanessa Azemika, teacher
  •  “I wanted to volunteer at the event because my students were excited to be there, and I wanted to witness and be a part of such a great event!” -- Anthony Kolak, teacher
  •  “I thought it would be nice if the parents and students saw a face they knew and could help get them through the line a little faster. Most of the students I see every day at breakfast and lunch, so a know a lot of them knew me. It was a lot of fun and I’d love to do it again.” – Betty South, food services assistant

Keeler, Jefferson's principal, was pleased but not surprised by her staff’s generosity. “I have a very dedicated, unbelievable and amazing staff that is willing to take time from their own families to support Jefferson students," she said. "I couldn’t ask for more.”