As the chaotic school year comes to a close, a handful of administrators and nurses were awarded sizable bonuses for working through the pandemic, leaving teachers reeling over their -a literal token.

Superintendent Scott Ziegler distributed challenge coins to all teachers as a memento for working through one of the most trying times in the district's history. With an ever-changing distance learning plan, social justice upheaval, and the eventual return to classrooms, teachers confronted unanticipated challenges and uncertainty daily.

In a letter to teachers, Ziegler said the coin

On the coin is an image of the John G. Lewis Memorial Bridge on Featherbed Lane near Lovettsville.

Many teachers were left wondering why they didn't receive COVID bonuses, as many members of the faculty did.

Corbo said to Ziegler.

said one county high school teacher.

Carla Wallace, a Loudoun elementary school teacher, said that some of the bonuses were inappropriate, but that the coin was a nice gesture from Ziegler.

To read the complete article, see:
Teachers Given Pandemic Memento Tokens, Administrators Get Bonuses(https://loudounnow.com/2021/06/16/teachers-given-pandemic-memento-tokens-administrators-get-bonuses/)

This weekend, Loudoun County educators can show Dirt Farm their challenge coins and get their first pint for just a penny.

"To have the community like Dirt Farm reach out and say that we appreciate it as well and we recognize your hard work and to have this means a lot," teacher Diane Taylor said.

Plato's Closet Dulles is a buy and sell clothing store that also wanted to help.

"Right now, if you bring in your challenge coin, you get $50 worth of free stuff, no matter what," Carmen Singer said.

Plato's Closet and Dirt Farm have already had several educators take advantage.

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority requires alcohol be sold, so Dirt Farm must charge something. But a member of the community heard about the deal and donated $100 to cover the penny charge. That will cover 10,000 beers. At one per person, that would cover almost every educator in Loudoun County Public Schools.

Dirt Farm's penny for a pint deal ends Sunday but then Monday through Friday next week the brewery and its other businesses, including Bluemont Winery, are offering more teacher appreciation deals.

Plato's Closet is running its deal through the end of the summer.

In total, 37 businesses are offering deals, and the list is growing.

To read the complete articles, see:
Businesses Offer Deals to Loudoun County Teachers With Commemorative 'Challenge Coins'(https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/coronavirus/coronavirus-in-virginia/businesses-offer-deals-to-loudoun-county-teachers-with-commemorative-challenge-coins/2704751/)
TEACHER DISCOUNTS AND DEALS EXPLODE IN WAKE OF CHALLENGE COIN NEWS(https://www.theburn.com/2021/06/19/teacher-discounts-and-deals-explode-in-wake-of-challenge-coin-news/)