From My email inbox:
If you love to cook/bake you may already know Penzeys, the wonderful Wisc-based spice and herb store. Their newest catalog has a coupon for a “free Teachers Gift Box” (free with a purchase, that is), and owner Bill Penzey’s ‘note from Bill’ section has a lovely message of respect for and appreciation of teachers. The box includes a recipe book, cinnamon, a new spice mix they call “Forward,” a bumper sticker that says “Teachers Care” and a pin. Here’s the link to his note — and you can stop out at their stores in Essex Square by East Towne or by Shorewood Hills and get your coupon. I hope some of you receive such boxes from a parent or two, which is what he encourages customers to do!
Here is an excerpt from his personal note:
rom the letters and emails I’ve received from educators, this school year is shaping up to be a perfect storm. As one principal summed it up, simply, “It’s going to be a tough school year.” Teachers are strong people, but their jobs are hard and have a way of using up that strength. To add to their load the blame for our post-credit-swap economy when their work does more to build our economy than anyone else’s is no recipe for a productive school year.
The admiration is out there, but it is not getting to where our schools and our children need it to be. Seeing this firsthand got us to thinking that maybe somehow, through the kindness of cooking, there could be a way to build a bridge so that this respect could get to where it needs to be to make a real difference this school year. What we came up with is our new Teachers Gift Box. Might actually be the best thing we have ever done.
We believe in this box and we are going to give away a lot of them, but they will mean so much more if they come from you. As a parent or grandparent of a student, or as a friend, neighbor or even co-worker of a teacher, this box given by you has a real chance of making a difference. None of us would be where we are today without a teacher somewhere taking the time to care about us. This year it’s time to return the favor.
You are already a hero in your kitchen, be a hero in our schools as well.
Check out his website, check out his store and if your teacher is doing a great job, let them know!
