Morning Rotary Gives Teachers Some Extra Help

In economic times where teachers are seeing pink slips instead of permission slips because districts don't have enough money for instructors and supplies, let alone field trips, help often has to come from somewhere else. And help is what two Moorpark teachers got Thursday.

The Rotary Club of Moorpark Mornings honored Bill Finnerty and Jane Pafundi at its Rotary Giving Day and awarded each with a $250 Staples gift card to purchase supplies for their classes. The awards are part of the club's Adopt a Classroom program.

The club has held a series of fundraisers to "make the lives of two middle school teachers and students in Moorpark a little easier," said Lilly Canterbury, club president.

Principals at two middle schools helped the program by nominating teachers.

Mike Winters, principal at Mesa Verde Middle School, selected Pafundi, a science and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher. In his nomination note, he explained she had been trying to raise funds to go to the National Science Conference taking place this month.

Chaparral Middle School principal, Ruby Delery, called Finnerty "a small tornado whipping around the P.E. department inspiring students to make better choices ..."

In her nomination note, she said Finnerty is a "gentle spirit" and wrote, "He is greatly admired by faculty, staff and students. He truly believes that all students can and will learn."

The morning Rotary Club will continue to collect donations of supplies for the teachers and their students throughout the year.

"It can be as easy as ordering an extra ream of paper or a few more boxes of pens or highlighters for your office with your regular supply orders," said Canterbury. "Every small act of kindness helps in a big way."

Those interested in donating to the Adopt a Classroom program can contact Canterbury at 805-300-2731.