The money will directly support the district's academic vision of “every student a reader,” with funds directed to purchase books for the expansion of classroom libraries at a number of high-poverty elementary and K-8 schools. A portion of the donation will also be used to help offset some the personal out-of-pocket expenses teachers incur to provide classroom supplies.
In addition to the fundraising efforts, 24 exceptional teachers from around the district were recognized this season, both in their classrooms and on the field during Seahawks home games.
“A good education is the foundation for all that we do in life,” said Randy Talbot, president and chief executive officer of Symetra Financial. “And teachers are the ones who help build that for our children —enabling them to learn, grow, and thrive. With this donation, Symetra and the Seahawks hope to help give teachers some of the tools they need to do their jobs even better.”
Erika Shearer, second grade teacher at Alki Elementary and avid Seahawks fan, got quite a surprise this fall when Seahawks quarterback Seneca Wallace showed up at an assembly to announce she had been named a Symetra Hero.
“You have helped create memories my students and I will never forget,” said Shearer. “Our city is truly lucky to have organizations like Symetra and the Seahawks that care about making a difference in the community.”
This Sunday, Dec. 23, Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke and Symetra Chief Operating Officer Roger Harbin will present the funds to Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson during an on-field check presentation just before the Seahawks kick-off against the Baltimore Ravens.
In addition, teachers Noah Zeichner from Chief Sealth High School, Irene Rodriguez from the Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center, and Jon Granados-Greenberg from the Center School will be honored as Symetra Heroes in front of the sold-out Qwest Field crowd.
“Community partnerships are vital to student achievement, and we appreciate the direct contribution of funds to support our work in classrooms,” said Superintendent Goodloe-Johnson. “Heroes in the Classroom is especially unique because it also provides much-deserved recognition for outstanding teachers. Celebrating these individuals – and the teaching profession – in front of more than 67,000 fans at each home game sends a strong statement about the value that Symetra, the Seahawks, and our community place on public education. I want to express our collective thanks to everyone involved.”
For more information and to see the full line-up of 2007-2008 Heroes, visit www.symetra.com/heroes.
About Symetra Financial
Symetra Financial Corporation provides retirement plans, employee benefits, life insurance and annuities through a national network of independent advisors and agents.1 Headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., Symetra has nearly $20 billion in assets. For more information, visit www.symetra.com.
About Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools is the largest public school system in Washington, and the 44th largest in the United States, with 46,000 students. SPS is a diverse family of 93 schools serving students in a dynamic, standards-based learning community. We offer a broad range of programs and learning opportunities, enhanced by strong support from parents, volunteers and community members. Seattle Public Schools encourages reading for fun and information and challenges our city to “Read a Million Words, Seattle!” For more information, please visit www.seattleschools.org.
1 Source: Total GAAP assets per financial statements as of September 30, 2007.
Symetra® and the Symetra Financial logo are registered service marks of Symetra Life Insurance Company, 777 108th Avenue NE, Suite 1200, Bellevue, WA 98004.
