When Office Max staff wheeled a cart full of school supplies into Shawn Sullivan’s third grade class at Olympic View Elementary School, the room erupted into cries of glee and surprise. Sullivan’s eyes went wide and she put a hand over her mouth as they announced that the supplies were all hers from Office Max’s “A Day Made Better” program.

Sullivan was given more than $2,000 worth of supplies. Office Max donated $1,000 of that and the rest came from fundraising during the summer. Office Max staff also wheeled in a new chair, a classroom printer and a digital camera.

“The goal is to wipe out teacher-funded classrooms,” said Calvin Wheeler from Office Max.

On average, teachers spend approximately $1,000 of their own money on classroom supplies, Wheeler said. With budget shortfalls and cuts, teachers still want to ensure their students are getting the best education they can, which often means teachers have no choice but to use their own money.

Wheeler presented Sullivan with a bouquet of flowers, balloons and an A Day Made Better award. Smiling, she sat in her new chair to a chorus of “oohs” from the students.

Excitement overcame the students and they rushed to the front of the classroom to peek into the boxes of pens, folders and more. Each student received a packet of school supplies.

“Oh my gosh, I’m just so shocked! I just appreciate it so much,” Sullivan said, smiling. “It’s great to have supplies for the classroom. I’m so shocked! It’s very nice to have some of these extra things we haven’t had before — and the chair!”

“I’m very happy for my teacher,” said student Jaden Brown, literally jumping for joy.

“She’s the best teacher,” added student Noelia Lara.

School principals can nominate their teachers to receive this surprise award based on the teacher’s passion for teaching, innovation in the classroom and dedication to their students’ success.

Olympic View Elementary School Principal Martha Adams said she nominated Sullivan because she does what it takes to get the job done and “she is one who always goes above and beyond.”

This is the second time an Olympic View Elementary School teacher has won this award.

The supplies are especially helpful because Olympic View Elementary is “such a mobile school,” Adams said, adding that due to the military population, approximately two or three new students start at Olympic View Elementary each week. Families that bought supplies at another school before moving to Whidbey Island shouldn’t be asked to buy them again here, Adams said.

“You (Office Max) know what we need and how much money we spend on all of this. How exciting is this?” Adams said.

Each year, Office Max and Adopt-A-Classroom, a program that helps the community donate to classrooms, work together to award A Day Made Better to 1,000 teachers nation-wide. Office Max surveys the schools to ensure supplies match the teachers’ needs. The school also receives a box of donated school supplies.

“They have really done a nice job of supporting us,” Adams said.