Hampton teacher thankful for community help in clearing school supply wish list

It might be tough to believe, but it's time to start thinking about heading back to school. Classes in some districts begin in about five weeks.

While kids are still enjoying summer break, teachers are already preparing their classrooms for the upcoming school year. Once again, News 3, along with community partners Southern Bank, and the Norfolk Admirals, are partnering to help local teachers clear their school supply wish lists.

Louann Leonard, a pre-kindergarten teacher with Hampton City Schools, was one of our Clear the List beneficiaries in 2023. I sat down with her to hear how your contributions really do make a difference.

"When your community is behind you and backing you up, it's just that feeling of family," Leonard told me recently. "It just fills my heart," she added.

Watch related: Chesapeake teacher makes "sensory corner" in classroom thanks to News 3

Leonard says she's been able to do a lot in her classroom because of the Clear the List campaign, from buying extra cleaning supplies to pillows for a reading nook to supplies to teach math and counting skills. This year she's asking for hole punchers. While that request may seem unusual, there's a method to her madness.

"It will help the children with their fine motor skills," she explained. "They're learning how to squeeze, which is also teaching them how to get their hands right to hold a pencil eventually."

To nominate a teacher for a chance to have their wish list cleared, fill out the information in this form . The last day to nominate a teacher is July 31. Teachers whose lists are granted will be contacted beginning August 1. You can contribute to this year's campaign by texting 'TEACHER' to 50155, or through this link .

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