When I first signed up for the program, I wasn't sure what to expect. I gave my wishlist and tried to make it as light as possible. I didn't want to ask for too much. That didn't matter though. My Santa took my small list and gave me the top notch of everything I had asked for. I asked for some printer paper and I received FIVE reams of Astrobrights paper. That is like the Gucci of colored paper! That was only day 1. The next day I received two more boxes! I now had 30 boxes of SOFT facial tissues. Not the tissues that scar your nose. I also had 12 bottles of Purell! I thought this was the most amazing gift I had ever been given. Then the next day a $25 gift card to my favorite movie spot, Alamo Drafthouse, arrived with the message, "Because teachers deserve a break every once in a while. Go catch a move, I hear this place is great." My Santa had no idea what kind of day I had just had. This validated my whole teaching experience. I had never had anyone say that to me. I always get the "teachers don't do anything. They get the summer off." So my Santa hit the right spot and made my entire school year! But wait there's more! Two days later I come home to another box! 48 pairs of large scissors. My students were excited to not have to use the tiny baby scissors anymore. It was such a joy to see happy faces when cutting and pasting now. Then guess what!?!? The last of my packages came in...and just in time! I was given a box of 30 Elmer's glue sticks, 6 adorable baskets to use around my classroom, 48 rolls of Sparkle paper towels, 2 LARGE bottles of EXPO dry erase board cleaner, and an X-ACTO pencil sharpener. I say just in time because my 2 year old sharpener had just broken. When I look back and see how many amazing gifts I had been given, I just start crying. I never thought anyone would appreciate the teaching profession. Michael showed me that there are human beings out there who love teachers and are willing to help a few of them out. I hope to one day pay him back. I'm not sure how, but I'll find a way. Maybe my students will help me out. We all are so grateful for you Santa. From Mrs. Ramon's class: we are more successful in math class because of you!

P.S. - Santa, if you'd ever like to come visit our class, you are more than welcome to! Room 224 is always open to you!