Release from Jake GillHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson teachers <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1DENQ5U83Y9L4?ref_=wl_share">Brett Arndt</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2JST84PO1T086?ref_=wl_share">Mackenzie Black</a> have been chosen to be recipients of a new program called the Country Music Teacher Classroom Initiative started by Hutchinson native and recording artist Jake Gill.The Country Music Teacher Classroom Initiative is designed to provide teachers with classroom supplies and project funds across the United States.Teachers create a wish list of desired items for their classroom and project materials needed throughout the year. This list is distributed weekly on social media as part of country musician Jake Gill’s ongoing initiative to serve children and now teachers throughout the US and the world. Items can be purchased by anyone in the world and delivered directly to the selected teacher.Mr. Arndt is a middle school teacher and Mrs. Black is a 1st grade teacher in Hutchinson. “Teaching is my passion and I am fortunate to be teaching in a building that I love with colleagues I adore! This year has thrown a few curve balls our way, but it has been amazing watching the school and community rally together. I would not want to be in any other profession right now! I know this is where I am meant to be and can't wait to see what this year brings for my students and I", said Mrs Black. Mr. Arndt adds, “I love teaching because of the impact I have the opportunity to make everyday. My goal is to teach my students skills that will benefit them in the future including employability and personal/emotional regulation. While they learn to read, write, and figure math problems, skills that are important, the "people skills" are also important to being well rounded. The kids from my class will be leaders and will be able to advocate for themselves when they become adults. They will be productive members of society and be involved in their communities to the fullest extent. I love teaching because I can start this process and get them as far along as possible. When my students leave my classroom they are not saying "goodbye", they are saying "See you later". My favorite part is seeing what they do after they leave my classroom and seeing the skills I taught them in use in their communities. I love my job and enjoy coming to work everyday to see my students grow and become amazing and awesome human beings!”In addition to classroom supplies and project funding, Mrs. Black’s and Mr Arndt’s classes will also receive a song writing session with Jake Gill via personal visit or Zoom video. Students will be able to select a topic of interest and together as a class, write a song that will be shared with their school and community. Jake believes that song writing can help stimulate the creative dimensions of a child and provide a healthy emotional environment of expression. “Song writing combines the therapeutic benefits of music with the creative release of bringing our thoughts to words. Today’s child is experiencing more stress and trauma daily, than in times before. To be able to express their thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner, is crucial to a thriving development.”Gill's next concert in Hutchinson is Sunday afternoon at Royals Bar and Grill at 2 p.m. to benefit the Salt City chapter of Guardians of the Children.If you would like to nominate a teacher to be a recipient of the CMTCI, visit Jake Gill's <a href="http://www.jakegill.net/">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/countryartistjakegill/">Facebook page</a>.

Hutchinson teachers recipients of Country Music Teacher Classroom Initiative