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Health

Reese Witherspoon's Draper James Is Giving Free Dresses to Teachers


It should be a surprise to absolutely no one that Reese Witherspoon has jumped into action to do what she can to help during the coronavirus pandemic. She doesn’t just play women who get things done, she is a woman who gets things done.

There are so many people going above and beyond in their communities right now, including health care workers and first responders. But our nation’s school teachers have also had their worlds upended, and they’re working hard to adjust their lesson plans and stay connected to their students who are now going to class from their homes. Witherspoon and her lifestyle brand Draper James are saying thank you with free dresses by way of their “Draper James ❤️ Teachers” initiative. Draper James will also offer teachers 25% off online orders for Teacher Appreciation Day on May 5.

“These past few weeks have shown me so much about humanity. I’m an eternal optimist, so I always look for the bright side of things. And I have been so encouraged by the ways people are really showing up for each other. Particularly the teachers,” Witherspoon said in a press release. “During quarantine, teachers are broadcasting lessons from their own homes and figuring out new remote-learning technology and platforms on the fly, all while continuing to educate and connect with our kids. Advocating for the children of the world is no easy task, so I wanted to show teachers a little extra love right now.”

The brand seconded its founder’s sentiment on Instagram: “Dear Teachers: We want to say thank you. During quarantine, we see you working harder than ever to educate our children. To show our gratitude, Draper James would like to give teachers a free dress.”

We love this idea so much and Draper James’ adorable day dresses are perfect for teachers to wear to work—whether they’re back in the classroom or holding class via Zoom.

Draper James V-Neck Button Front Dress

Draper James

$88

Buy Now

Draper James Floral Linen Sleeveless Belted Ruffle Shift Dress

Draper James

$125

Buy Now

Draper James Chambray Midi Wrap Dress

Draper James

$125

Buy Now

Thank you, teachers, and enjoy those cute dresses!



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Health

Kate Middleton and Prince William Surprised Students and Teachers With a Sweet Video Call


These days, our news feeds are filled with sobering statistics and devastating on-the-ground stories from the frontline. Of course—there’s a global pandemic happening, and it’s important to know the facts and learn how to best keep ourselves and others safe. But life is all about balance, which means we need to see and hear heartwarming tales too. A delightful Hamilton reunion, Ina Garten’s wildly large cosmopolitan recipe, Lizzo’s failed attempts at making bougie coffee—these things spark joy. And Kate Middleton and Prince William are the latest public figures to do their part, surprising teachers and students in the U.K. with an endearing video call.

A recap of their check-in was posted to the Kensington Palace Instagram account on Wednesday, April 8. “Teachers across the UK are dedicating their time to keeping schools open for the children of key workers and vulnerable children,” the caption reads. “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge called teachers and school staff at Casterton Primary Academy to thank them for their hard work and dedication — and to wish the children a very Happy Easter.”

In the video, Kate and Will are at their most charming, praising the kids on their art skills, casually introducing themselves as “Catherine and William,” and openly regretting that they didn’t put on bunny ears for the occasion. At one point, Kate even teases William for eating the family’s stash of chocolate.

They do get sentimental as well, thanking the staff for their hard work taking care of the children of key workers. “All the parents who are key workers to know their children are…the normality is there for them and they’ve got the structure and they’ve got a safe place to be…so really, really well done to all of you,” Kate says to several of the school workers. “I know it’s not easy circumstances, but it’s fantastic.”

It’s rare to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this relatable and low-key. Now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. I mean, they haven’t even figured out their best Zoom angles!

People on Twitter seem to agree. “My heart is melting,” one user wrote. “This is why we love the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,” another said. The best summary only took three words: “Simplicity. Sincerity. Efficiency.”

Watch Kate Middleton and Prince William’s video chat, below.



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Alberta Economic

Teachers in Alberta Concerned About Possible Budget Cuts

teachers, budget cuts

Teachers in Alberta are concerned about possible budget cuts as oil prices continue to drop and the government face potential budget shortfalls. Wood Buffalo is one of the areas which could be impacted if the new 2015 budget cuts school and teacher funding. According to Mark Ramsankar, who is the president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, “The greatest source of frustration I hear from teachers is they are unable to reach the children in the classroom with the resources available. They know the needs of the children, but they can’t reach them because they don’t have the resources. The impact the projected cuts will have on education and the classroom in general, we believe, will be devastating.” Jim Prentice has already warned that coming budget cuts could be almost 10%, and that is a significant amount.

When discussing the needs of teachers and the potential budget cuts Ramsankar also said “When we look at the pressures teachers are under, it’s about making sure they have the opportunity to really extend the education system. What we’re trying to do is give students a fighting chance for their futures. To simply turn it back and suggest teachers whine about these conditions is overstated.” Wood Buffalo already has a high cost of living, and new teachers do not make a lot of money. In addition there is already a lack of resources for teachers in Wood Buffalo, and budget cuts could just make things worse for teachers and students both because some schools have high populations while others continuously scout for new students.