Teachers, staff welcomed at Rockwall ISD New Employee Breakfast

(ROCKWALL, TX – August 14, 2015) The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce, area businesses and members of the community came together to celebrate Rockwall ISD’s new teachers and staff at a welcome breakfast in the Rockwall High School cafeteria this morning.

The Chamber teamed up with Waffle House to provide the free breakfast, which was accompanied by guest speakers from the district.

As the teachers arrived at RHS, they were greeted by a school bus packed to the brim with supplies for their students, courtesy of Kroger’s Stuff the Bus campaign. Kroger donated over $10,000 worth of school supplies. Each teacher was also granted a goodie bag and a $100 gift card to a variety of stores to help them with their classroom needs. This totaled up to $15,00 raised by the community.

Chamber Director of Marketing and Communications Darby Burkey said she had no trouble soliciting help from the businesses who partnered with the Chamber to raise money for the new teachers.

“When we asked these businesses to help, we didn’t have to ask twice,” Burkey said. “The school district is one of our largest community partners and we want to support them in any way possible. This is a great way for us to give back to the school district, and for businesses to give back in a way that is truly meaningful.”

Several businesses also contributed raffle prizes, including money from American National Bank, iWatches from Alliance Bank and an iPad from Toyota of Rockwall.

“As the teachers come into this town, I think this helps reassure them that they can not only teach here, but build a home here,” Burkey said.

RISD Chief Communications Officer Renee Murphy said the district hired 139 new teachers and staff members this year, selected from a pool of 4,000 applicants.

“We have the best of the best in our schools this fall,” Murphy said. “An event like this is so important for new employees as they start the school year. Our district is humbled and honored to have support from the chamber and businesses. We are excited to have such a great group of new teachers.”

Superintendent Jeff Bailey addressed the crowd of teachers and welcomed them to the district.

“They are the cream of the crop, the best of the best,” Bailey said.

Bailey said he was immensely appreciative of the community’s support of the district.

“I think there are few districts with so much support from businesses and community partners,” he said. I think that speaks volumes to our new teachers.”

Mayor Pro-Tem Dennis Lewis also spoke to the crowd, thanking the teachers for their service to the community.

“You impact young people’s lives and families’ lives,” Lewis said. “You influence the community in many ways. You are a vital part of this community.”

Former teacher Billie Stevenson, the namesake of the new Stevenson Elementary, was an honored guest at the breakfast. Stevenson was born and raised in Rockwall and taught in the district for decades.

Stevenson said she still has trouble believing a school was named after her.

“It’s the most humbling experience,” she said. “I say, ‘why me?’”

Stevenson said she has enjoyed observing Rockwall schools change and grow over time.

“It’s just so exciting to see the changes, and they’ve all been good,” she said.

After the teachers finished off their complimentary waffles, eggs and sausages, keynote speaker Chef Cody Hayes took the podium. Hayes has taught in the district for 6 years, and was awarded RISD Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2012. He went on to receive Teacher of the Year at a regional level, and reached the top 3 in the State. Hayes was instrumental in developing Rockwall High School’s award-winning culinary arts program.

Hayes shared his personal story with the crowd of new teachers to encourage them not to give up. Hayes explained that after many years as a 5-star chef, losing his infant son prompted him to look for a job where he could serve and give back as a healing tool. He said when he was first hired on at RHS, he was extremely excited, but nonetheless nervous.

“I’m here to tell you, you can push through your fears and your doubts and your bad days,” Hayes said.

Hayes stressed that the most important aspect of teaching was building a relationship with students. He warmly welcomed the new teachers to the district, and at the close of his speech he was met with a standing ovation.

Hayes said he felt privileged to be chosen to speak.

“It was an honor to do it,” Hayes said. “I was humbled that the school district chose me. I’m thankful that I had the chance to motivate and encourage the new teachers, because I remember what it felt like.”

By Julie Anne White, Blue Ribbon News reporter. Photos by Julie Anne White and Richard Redig.