February Newsletter
February 20th, 2025
Roseville, MN- As we dive into the second half of the school year, we can’t help but feel moved by the care and encouragement teachers bring to their classrooms. Every day educators across the country show just how much love and dedication goes into their classrooms.
We’re constantly in awe of the devotion and passion teachers bring day in and day out. They pour their energy into creating spaces where students can learn, grow, and dream big. Their efforts inspire us to do more, knowing how much they give to their students.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, teachers have the supplies they need to create engaging, supportive learning environments where their students can thrive.
Together, we’re not just delivering resources—we’re fostering hope and opportunity for classrooms across the country.
Leading up to Valentine’s Day, we asked our supporters to take a moment to return the love and support that teachers fill their classes with by writing a Love Letter to a Teacher. A tender moment to reflect on educators who have made a profound and lasting impact on their students, past and present, and dedicate a heartwarming passage to them.
Amongst the many powerful submissions we received, one by Mei Astle stands out. This heartfelt tribute from a former student to her third grade teacher, Mrs. Brown, is a perfect example of what it means to truly see, support and uplift a student beyond the classroom. And how for many, one teacher can leave a lasting mark, not just in academics but in the hearts of their students.
“Third grade was the crucial year when I realized that healthily communicating with people is the key to life. Who taught me that? Mrs. Brown.”
More than a teacher, she was a guide, showing her students that their voices, opinions and struggles mattered. She never talked down to them but met them as equals, earning respect through her kindness, patience and genuine care.
“Mrs. Brown communicated to us as if we were her equal. I respected her because of what she did for me and the way she showed genuine care and interest.”
For Mei, school had always been a struggle. By the first grade, she had already decided that learning wasn’t for her, feeling incapable of success.
“At six years old, I gave up on school. I was the kid who would lie on their reading log, not because I wanted to but because I felt incapable of reading.”
But Mrs. Brown saw beyond test scores.
“I never remember her putting a grade on my work; before her class, all I knew was an F, a one out of four. You can only imagine what those scores will do to a little kid.” Mrs. Brown reminded Mei that worth isn’t something measured by grades, telling her “Don’t worry about what they are doing,” when she compared herself to her classmates. Mrs. Brown never let her feel like a failure–only like someone capable of more.
And even when ‘more’ didn’t come in time for third-grade assessments, she didn’t let that thwart Mei’s future success.
“I flunked the third-grade learning wise. I didn’t show that I knew what I needed to know. So instead of holding me back, she came to my house throughout the whole summer and tutored me.”
Mrs. Brown rendered her time, her summer, and her energy to make sure her student didn’t fall through the cracks. She didn’t just teach–she lifted, encouraged, and believed in each and every one of her students.
More than just a teacher, Mrs. Brown was a mentor and a friend. A life-changing connection in the lives of students, influencing their abilities and confidence before sending them back out into the world. Stories like this are what Love Letter to a Teacher is all about–celebrating those educators who see beyond the grades, beyond the struggles, and into the hearts of their students.
Do you have a teacher who made a difference in your life? Share your story here and help us honor the incredible educators who shape futures in ways that last a lifetime.
This month, we want to take a moment to recognize one of our long-time partners who champions the importance of education from the beginning: PNC Bank.
PNC Bank continues to support their early education initiatives through their partnership with Kids In Need Foundation. These collaborative efforts go a long way in making a difference in the lives of young students. Recently at KINF headquarters, PNC volunteers gathered to pack boxes filled with essential school supplies— tools that will help little learners dream big, create fearlessly, and build a strong foundation for their future.
But they didn’t stop there.
PNC volunteers, joined by two Women’s Gophers Hockey players, Ella Huber and Madison Kaiser, personally delivered the supplies to a local pre-K classroom. The visit was more than just a drop-off—it was a moment of inspiration, as the players read I Promise by LeBron James, filling the room with encouragement and excitement alike.
As the students unboxed their new supplies, their smiles said it all—these were more than just materials; they were opportunities, creative outlets, and a reminder that their dreams matter and are possible with the support of their community.
Through moments like these, PNC Bank continues to show what it means to invest in the future—one child, one classroom, and one act of kindness at a time.
