Teacher surprised with 'A Day Made Better'
By Jennifer K. Gray Contributing Writer

Marlborough Middle School teacher Paula Coyne celebrates with her family, (l to r) Chuck Coyne (husband), Paula Coyne, Paul Coyne (son) and Rosemary Ensom (mother). PHOTO/JENNIFER K. GRAY

Marlborough - Marlborough Middle School teacher Paula Coyne was teaching seventh-grade math students Oct. 4, when her classroom was suddenly filled with friends, family, co-workers, men in black shirts and lots of cameras.

Coyne was honored in a surprise "A Day Made Better" ceremony, sponsored by Office Max and Adopt-A-Classroom. The program recognizes that teachers spend approximately $1.200 in out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies per year and honors teachers who make a difference in children's education.

Coyne was nominated for the honor by Marlborough Middle School Principal Dr. Sara Lane. After receiving information about the program over the summer, Lane said, she knew that Coyne should be nominated for the program.

"Paula is exceptional," Lane said. "She is dedicated and has a passion for children."

Marlborough Superintendent Barbara McGann joined the surprise ceremony, noting Coyne's dedication to her students.

"Paula never leaves a stone unturned to help her children," she said. "She is passionate with each and every child and cares about the children, not only when they are in the classroom, but throughout their school careers."

Following the initial classroom surprise, Coyne's friends, family, students and co-workers were invited to the school library for a reception in her honor. Rosemary Ensom, Coyne's mother, noted that Coyne had tears in her eyes following the surprise classroom visit.

"She's happy," Ensom said. "She knows she deserves this."

Coyne teaches Special Education inclusion classes at the Marlborough Middle School and has pull-out math and language arts classes. She has been with the Marlborough schools for 23 years. Along with the surprise ceremony, the A Day Made Better program donated more than $1,200 worth of school supplies for Coyne's classroom.

The A Day Made Better program will surprise 1,000 teachers at 1,000 schools nationwide in one of the largest school advocacy campaigns ever, giving away more than $1 million in needed school supplies. OfficeMax and Adopt-A-Classroom are also raising additional funds for local teachers, urging OfficeMax customers to make a donation to Adopt-A-Classroom at its retail stores.