By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Would you like fries with that?
It’s a well-known expression made popular by McDonald’s. On Tuesday night, it’s probably what some local teachers were saying while moonlighting at McDonald’s for a good cause.
Four Rowan County schools raised funds for their classrooms by eating and working at McDonald’s restaurants.
It’s a part of McTeacher’s Night, a one-night fundraiser held across the area for local schools to supplement much-needed budgets.
Schools across the area received a portion of the sales between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
During that time, some school principals, teachers and parents “worked” at the McDonald’s restaurants ó greeting customers, working the registers, serving drinks and, in some cases, helping prepare food, like french fries.
About eight Overton Elementary School teachers worked Tuesday at McDonald’s/Rushco at 601 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.
Mona Hipps was one. “It’s exciting. I’ve been looking forward to this,” she said, with a big smile.
Hipps was so ready for the fundraiser that she inquired about it before the sign-up sheet was even posted.
“I’m probably having more fun than they are,” Hipp said.
She was in charge of the raffle. For $1, anyone could buy a ticket, win a prize and the proceeds went to the school.
Leah Ann Honeycutt, Parent Teacher Association president, said the proceeds will help pay for SMART Boards, an interactive whiteboard.
The board is a touch-sensitive display that can connect to a computer and digital projector.
Honeycutt said students and teachers have known about the fundraiser for quite some time. Supporters put up banners around the school, sent stickers home with students and reminded parents through the school system’s voicemail program, ConnectEd.
“It’s a fun night. The kids get to see their teachers outside of school,” Honeycutt said.
“What a fun way to raise some money,” teacher Sandy Stubbins said.
Stubbins’ husband, Tom, played the guitar while the children and their parents ate.
Stubbins said she signed up to participate and recruited her husband, who is music instructor at Hanford Dole and Elizabeth Koontz elementary schools.
The Stubbinses also have twins, Tommy and Cora, who attend Overton.
Principal Betty Tunks was also on hand.
“This is one of our fun activities in a different setting and environment,” Tunks said.
Tunks said she felt good that the staff and teachers participated.
“We are a very warm family-focused school and staff. It’s a night we get together and enjoy each other,” she said.
Maddy Barrier, 10, a fifth-grader at Overton, ate dinner with her mother, Cassandra, and little brother, Blake, 3.
“I like helping out the school. I love the school. I like it when the school gets together,” Maddy said.
Cassandra said it was a good way for the parents to show their support as well.
“It’s nice to see the staff take part to raise money for the needed things,” Cassandra said.
Ginny White, an Overton math tutor, thought it would be fun to volunteer.
“It’s wonderful, and we have a lot of business support and that’s essential,” White said. “The kids need to see the community value and support their education.”
McDonald’s Manager Elizabeth Brewer said even before the parents and school arrived to help, the restaurant had already begun collecting money inside tip jars.
“We started this morning with the tip jars,” Brewer said.
Brewer is active in the PTA and her daughter, Salicia Batten, 9, attends Overton.
“This was great,” Brewer said.
Jason Huebner and his wife, Amy, a teacher at Landis Elementary School, brought their children Jacob, 8, and Lilly, 6, to eat at McDonald’s. The children attend Overton.
“We support both schools. We attend so many fundraisers and special events,” he said.
Lilly and Jacob enjoyed themselves. “It’s super cool,” Jacob said.
His teacher, Mrs. Baucom, was not able to participate, but he was showing his support for her anyway.
Lilly enjoyed seeing her teachers and friends.
“We’re committed to education and supporting the schools in our community,” Bill Austin, owner/operator of all the participating Rowan McDonald’s said in a release. “McTeacher’s Night is just one way we can assist educators and help local schools raise funds.”
The other schools that participated were:
– North Rowan Elementary, McDonald’s, 704 E. Innes St.
– Knollwood Elementary, McDonald’s, 1957 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.
– Rockwell Elementary, McDonald’s, 8775 U.S. 52, Rockwell.