RECOGNIZING
Our founder, Amy knows what it is like to not feel recognized, to not be seen, and to not feel valued in the education community. 20 years ago, Amy was a teacher close to burn out. She knew that she was born to teach, to educate, and to care for students in her classroom. Yet, between district testing, state testing, and teaching in a dismally underfunded school - she was close to being done. Her students came to school most days and they were tired, hungry, and oftentimes dealing with traumatic events from their home life. She was pouring out her heart day after day . . . Was she making a difference? Was she really doing any good? These were the questions that began to get louder and louder in her mind. Then one day she went to her teacher mailbox at school and a pack of gum was sitting there. A note attached to it read, "Thanks for your Commit"mint"". She looked around and wondered if it was meant for her. Had somebody truly SEEN her? Had her hard work been VALUED? As she looked at the pack of gum in her hand she began to smile, and if this narrator is being honest, she began to cry. She did not work in schools to be thanked - she did it because it was who she was. But, at times, it was nice to know that she was cared for. Funnily enough, she doesn't like gum, but to this day she has that little note tucked away to remind her that she was seen and valued.
When ideas began to form about the projects that Artos would create - recognizing teachers and staff every month was at the forefront. It remains a foundational part of Artos - to say Thank You. Artos SEES how hard teachers and staff work. Artos VALUES the hard work and CARES
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October
November
You are O-Fish-ally Awesome
You are M-azing
Fall Cookie
Bursting with Appreciation for all you Do
February
Thank you for your Commit"mint"
January
Christmas Card and Candy
December
Summer Vacation Ticket
May
Thank you for Adding Flair to our School
April
You Deserve a Break
March
September
Being a first year teacher I quickly realized just how much goes into teaching. Having your support, your generous donations have helped me have such a welcoming and successful classroom. Your generosity reminds me that I am doing something right and positively impacting the lives of my students. The recognition and encouragement you have given me means the world to me and I wish we had more people like you!!! Every teacher needs an Artos, you are amazing!!! I am so glad that I have someone like you in my first year of teaching!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Brianna Luna
5th Grade Teacher
McKinley Elementary School
SUPPORTING
At the beginning of the school year teachers and staff at Artos Schools receive a questionnaire asking for ways that Artos can help with supplies in the classroom. Requests of pencils, books, whiteboard markers, sanitizing wipes, tissues, scissors, construction paper, playground equipment, etc. are compiled by Artos. Throughout the year the requested supplies are delivered. Artos strives to help teachers and staff keep their hard earned money in their own pockets. By supplying these essentials, Artos supports the entire educational system.
"94% of teachers reach into their own pockets to purchase classroom necessities. Support professionals – including bus drivers, front office staff, classroom aides, and custodians – also spend their own wages to buy supplies. On average educators spend somewhere between $500 and $750 of their own money every year on things students need." Learn More.
ENCOURAGING
Artos' goal for the Yakima Valley is that every teacher and staff in the public school system would be recognized, supported, and encouraged. Slowly Artos is making that goal a reality.
Encouraging teachers and staff is easy and often times the most rewarding as personal relationships are created and built upon. From handmade birthday cards to hanging out in the classroom after a long hard school day - encouraging is truly seeing the person and being present with them. Small gifts throughout the year of a staff's favorite candy bar, favorite coffee drink, favorite fruit, etc. remind the person of their incredible worth and value. Test scores do not define a person. The care that a person pours into the students around them and their profession is what defines a person. Encouraging can be as simple as dropping off a teacher's favorite soda after a long day or as complicated as renovating a tired and neglected Staff Break Room. Taking a plant to a person who has recently gone through a loss, celebrating with a staff at the birth of a child, and being a safe place for a teacher to be frustrated at budget cuts is an important part of caring for teachers.
In the Spring of 2022 McKinley Elementary became the first Artos school. All 52 of the teachers and staff receive monthly thank you gifts (recognition), classroom support and encouragement.
In the Fall of 2024, Barge-Lincoln Elementary has become the second Artos School. The 74 teachers and staff are recognized, supported, and encouraged.
A handful of teachers and staff at West Valley High School, Summitview Elementary, Eisenhower High School, Davis High School, Wilson Middle School, Franklin Middle School, McClure Elementary, Ridgeview Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, and John Campbell Elementary are recognized monthly with a thank you gift.
As Artos continues to grow and donors continue to see the impact that their giving has upon schools and education - Every school in the Yakima Valley will soon be an Artos School.
Amy
McKinley Elementary School
Yakima, WA
Russ
North Shore Elementary School
Big Bear Lake, CA
FOUNDERS
The seed of an educational nonprofit was planted years ago in Russ and Amy's hearts. Russ and Amy met while Amy was teaching fifth grade and Russ was a financial planner for educators. After marriage they began a family and also begin fostering children in the Yakima Valley. Twenty plus years and 6 kids later, the seed of a non profit began to sprout. They believe that showing true kindness can change the world for the better. With Russ's background and knowledge in Commercial real estate, small business, and investments - he became the perfect person to raise money and keep the finances straight. With Amy's background in education, school counseling, and ministry - she became the heart of Artos.
Thank you so much for contributing to my classroom. The students were very excited to help unbox and see all that we got for the classroom. We are already using the folders and rug.
The folders have made it very nice to help organize unfinished work, or things I want to save to finish at another date. The rug was a big hit in the calming corner. Students were eager to check it out. It adds comfort and color to the spot. The fraction strips will be so handy in February when we begin to teach fractions. I am looking forward to having the tools to allow them to explore fractions in a hands on approach.
These students don't often get to experience new things and this was very exciting for them. Thanks again for making this experience happen for my students. With gratitude.
Ms. Blake
4th Grade Teacher
McKinley Elementary School
Trisha Whitehead
School Counselor
Summitview Elementary School
It has been wonderful having the personal encouragement and prayers when I'm having a hard time. the little gifts and notes are a delight.
Thank you for all the wonderful treats you send. It is so cheery to receive the flowers, notes, and candy. I really appreciate the Stephen King book for my students. It's like you are my teacher-angel sending little bits of light into my day!
Mariah Lacey
WAYS TO HELP
Sponsor a teacher/staff member for one school year: 9 monthly Thank-Yous, a birthday card and small gift, classroom support supplies, and a few encouraging treats. $175
Sponsor a teacher/staff member for one school year: 9 monthly Thank-Yous. $50
Fund a school Special Project. $5,000
Use donation where needed most
Get Involved Today
Artos is a Greek word which means bread and nourishing. It means to not just nourish physically, but emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. The Artos vision is to nourish teachers and school staff so they are happy and fulfilled.
P.O. Box 9156, Yakima, WA 98909
