Trustees Candy Olson and Jeanette Wilson voted no, calling the $35,000 trip not “fair,” while supporters and public speakers said the experience could inspire students’ college plans.
REDLANDS, Calif. – Mission Elementary School received a $5,000 donation from Burlington Stores in partnership with the national nonprofit AdoptAClassroom.org during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the retailer’s new Citrus Plaza location on Feb. 21.
The grant will be used to support teachers and classrooms at the school, providing funding for essential supplies and educational materials.
"I feel lucky and just so appreciative that our school is receiving this,” said Elianna Amparan, a teacher at Mission Elementary. “With this, I’ll be able to get STEAM and tech supplies so my students can have more hands-on learning.”
(L-R) Teacher Elianna Amparan, parents Fatima Tremazi and Stacie Rigall, Principal Minerva Castorena and Board Member Melissa Ayala Quintero react to the grant awarding. (Photo: Courtesy RUSD)
Burlington partners with AdoptAClassroom.org as part of its commitment to supporting schools in communities where it opens new stores. Through the initiative, the company provides funding to local classrooms to help educators enhance student learning.
RUSD Board Member Melissa Ayala-Quintero, Superintendent Juan Cabral, Mission Elementary Principal Minerva Castorena, school staff and members of the Parent Teacher Association attended the ceremony.
“This is so exciting for our teachers and students!” said PTA parent Fatima Tremazi.
Burlington Store Manager James Orth presents the check to Mission Elementary School Principal (Photo: Courtesy RUSD)
The funds will be distributed among Mission Elementary teachers, who will have access to the AdoptAClassroom.org marketplace to purchase classroom supplies from various school specialty vendors.
The new Burlington store in Citrus Plaza is now open, offering brand-name merchandise for the whole family at discounted prices.
This article was written based on a media release from Redlands Unified School District on 2/21/2025