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ACTS OF KINDNESS

Parents reward Pre-K teacher with $300

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By Terry Alexander - email
By Sabrina Squire - bio | email

  • Acts of KindnessActs of Kindness

  • Tuesday, May 15 2012 5:31 PM EDT2012-05-15 21:31:52 GMT
    Sometimes it takes a village to pay it forward. I hit the streets in Henrico at the White Oak Shopping Village to find someone ready on the spot to pass on a $300 Act of Kindness. I was certain my
    I hit the streets in Henrico at the White Oak Shopping Village and met with Michelle Johnson, a bus driver with Henrico Public Schools.

  • Tuesday, May 8 2012 6:25 PM EDT2012-05-08 22:25:37 GMT
    Nominations for our $300 Acts of Kindness segment usually come via phone or e-mail. But for the next few weeks, I'm hitting the streets all around town, to catch people willing to pay it forward on the spot.
    Nominations for our $300 Acts of Kindness segment usually come via phone or e-mail. But for the next few weeks, I'm hitting the streets all around town, to catch people willing to pay it forward on the spot to someone in need or reward someone's good deeds.

  • Tuesday, May 1 2012 5:34 PM EDT2012-05-01 21:34:51 GMT
    After the sudden death of a Prince George police officer three weeks ago, loved ones wanted to honor her memory with an Act of Kindness for the people she called "her" heroes.
    After the sudden death of a Prince George police officer three weeks ago, loved ones wanted to honor her memory with an Act of Kindness for the people she called "her" heroes.

  • Tuesday, April 24 2012 6:28 PM EDT2012-04-24 22:28:17 GMT
    RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Sometimes family ties can test us in ways we never imagine. We're paying it forward to a bachelor who suddenly found himself being a surrogate parent to an active pre-teen, while
    We're paying it forward to a bachelor who suddenly found himself being a surrogate parent to an active pre-teen, while also caring for his own critically ill mother. His friend calls him a strong, inspiring role model who deserves an Act of Kindness.

  • Tuesday, April 17 2012 5:40 PM EDT2012-04-17 21:40:56 GMT
    We're paying it forward in Chesterfield to a woman her neighbor calls "the most compassionate caretaker." Not only is she managing her own family's serious medical issues, she's opened her home to displaced families and pets, and looks after kids around the apartment complex.

  • Tuesday, April 10 2012 5:57 PM EDT2012-04-10 21:57:21 GMT
    A knit hat warmed a local woman's "heart" so much, she tracked down the person who knitted it and nominated her for today's Acts of Kindness.

  • Tuesday, April 3 2012 8:05 PM EDT2012-04-04 00:05:02 GMT
    We're paying it forward to a woman who takes care of seven hundred children and dozens of adults several days a week. She's such a great asset to her school and everyone in it, she's been voted support staff person of the year several years in a row and today she's our Act of Kindness recipient. 

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Tuesday, March 27 2012 6:25 PM EDT2012-03-27 22:25:37 GMT
    Lots of us remember an exceptional teacher who made us believe we could succeed at anything. Today a grandmother and cancer survivor is paying it forward to the educator she says has given her confidence that she absolutely will earn the diploma she's been longing for. Their teacher-student bond is this week's "Acts of Kindness."

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Wednesday, March 21 2012 8:10 AM EDT2012-03-21 12:10:09 GMT
    In this week's Acts of Kindness, we pay it forward to someone who opened their heart and their home to one of our viewers.

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Tuesday, March 13 2012 5:13 PM EDT2012-03-13 21:13:10 GMT
    Today we're paying it forward to a dynamic young CEO who is passionate about children, education and empowerment. She committed to nurturing future generations of local leaders and today a loyal supporter is making a three hundred dollar Act of Kindness investment.

By Sabrina Squire - bio | email
Posted by Terry Alexander - email

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – Kids are on the fast track to learning in the Pre-K class at Stellar Minds Learning Academy. 

"We're not just babysitting here, we're teaching," said Brenda Weavers. 

Veteran educator Brenda Weavers curriculum covers a lot of concepts. 

With 30 years teaching experience she can whet a kid's appetite for learning with little more than pasta and paste. Weaver's patient, loving manner makes her kids eager to learn. Parents tell me that enthusiasm is priceless. 

"My daughter thinks the world of her," said parent Shannon Simpson. 

And teachers like Weaver are woefully underpaid. 

"I know that they don't make a lot of money sometimes it's hard for them to take care of their own basic needs," said Shannon.  

Shannon nominated her daughter's teacher because of her classroom skills and challenges outside the classroom. 

Shannon Simpson: "I've overheard her some morning speaking about not having oil in her tank for heat in her home and stuff like that, so it hurts my heart to hear that."
Sabrina Squire: "I have $100, $200, $300."
Mark Simpson: "It's real nice to see somebody do something nice for her." 

Then we take off for our pre-school field trip. Shannon called ahead to check with the director. We walk into the middle of naptime, and catch the teacher wide eyed with surprise. 

Shannon Simpson: "This is Channel 12 news."
Brenda Weavers: "Oh my goodness!"
Shannon Simpson: "I sent them an e-mail and I nominated you for the Acts of Kindness."   

Shannon explains why she's paying it forward. 

Shannon Simpson: "Because you do such a good job here and you love the kids so much that you deserved it."
Brenda Weavers: "Oh thank you so much."
Shannon Simpson: "You're welcome, I have for you $100, $200, $300."
Brenda Weavers: "Oh my goodness."
Shannon Simpson: "Just to help you a little bit."
Brenda Weavers: "Thank you! Thank you!"      

Ms. Weaver says she's always enjoyed teaching. 

"I also home schooled my own children for 14 years," she said. 

Decades later, she still proclaims she has "the best" students, and the most supportive parents. Nothing she says is more rewarding, although the cash is a nice bonus. 

"I'm going to help my elderly friend with her heating bill," Ms. Weaver said.  

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