Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Today marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week. To say this past year has been challenging for them is an understatement.
Each level is a new devil. Whether they teach elementary school students, middle, high school or even college — each level of education has had its own challenge this year.
I know many room moms are collecting donations to give a collective class gift for the elementary schools, but often middle and high school teachers get left behind.
If you’re looking for some ideas, here’s a short list:
- A heartfelt note of appreciation and influence. My husband, who’s a high school teacher, has never seen the face of some of his students. He can’t make them turn their cameras on, and they chose to stay virtual. So it’s kind of hard to know if you’re having any kind of impact with literally ZERO interaction. If the teacher has made any kind of impact to your family this year, please share that with them. They may not know and I promise you an infusion of positivity and gratitude will help make everyone happier.
- Monetary gifts. I know some sentimental gifts are great, but teachers really do love gift cards!
Thank you to all of our teachers for their effort this year!
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Chris Green is one of the DMV’s finest fitness instructors. A Lululemon and South Block ambassador, he is a coach and mentor to so many. He embodies grace, positivity and motivation in ways that no one else can. If we could all learn a thing or two from him, the world would be a much better place. He does so much for others, and does so with a smile on his face 99% of the time.
He recently ruptured his Achilles and has an incredibly long and tough journey ahead. As if COVID hadn’t impacted fitness professionals enough, throw this in the mix and it’s a double, even triple whammy. CG is no longer able to work and do what he loves for the time being because of this and we’d love your support.

The Rhea Baker State Farm Agency is proud to support Shelter House in providing safe places to be during quarantine. Shelter House’s mission is to prevent and end homelessness and domestic violence. Right now they are providing over 200 hotel rooms to those in need in our community. In the past year, across all programs, Shelter House served nearly 500 households comprised of over 1,500 individuals, 60% of which were children.
Of the households that exited shelter, over 70% moved to permanent housing. The Baker Agency has served Vienna and Tysons residents and business owners since 2007 and proudly offers insurance solutions for you home, condo, auto insurance, life insurance and more. We offer complimentary reviews and coach teen drivers to safer, better drivers, and to help keep your auto insurance rates down! We are always happy to talk or text at 703-847-6880.