The provided source material details promotional offers and community initiatives tied to two distinct observances: Teacher Appreciation Week and Veterans Day. These events generate specific, time-limited opportunities for free meals, discounts, and other benefits for eligible groups. The sources focus primarily on the state of Virginia, with specific mentions of Rockingham County, and outline participation from various national brands and local businesses.
Teacher Appreciation Initiatives in Virginia
Teacher Appreciation Week is officially recognized in the Commonwealth of Virginia during the week of May 7-11, as designated by Governor Ralph Northam. The state government encourages public participation through thank-you notes and recognition of educators.
The "Thank a Teacher" Campaign
A significant state-sponsored initiative is the third annual "Thank a Teacher" campaign. This program is a collaboration between the Virginia Lottery, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Parent Teacher Association. A unique feature of this year's campaign is the use of thank-you note artwork designed by three Virginia public school students. These students were selected from nearly 1,000 submissions by art educators and community members. The artwork represents elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Participation in this campaign offers tangible benefits for teachers: * Entry into a Drawing: Qualifying teachers who receive a thank-you note are eligible to enter a drawing for specific prizes. * Available Prizes: The prizes include two Virginia vacations provided by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, four round-trip tickets from Amtrak and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and a $500 VISA gift card. * Campaign History: In the first two years of the "Thank a Teacher" campaign, more than 70,000 thank-you notes were delivered to teachers across the state.
Local Business Deals for Teachers
During the week of appreciation, specific businesses offer deals for educators. These offers are often concentrated around National Teacher Appreciation Day, which falls on Tuesday of that week.
Food Lion Food Lion offers a discount on total purchases for teachers. * Discount Amount: 5 percent off total purchases via the MVP discount. * Eligibility: Teachers, school faculty, and staff are eligible. * Verification: To receive the discount, individuals must show a teacher ID at checkout and possess a personal MVP card. * Geographic Scope: This offer is noted as available in "the Valley," which includes Rockingham County.
Bojangles Bojangles provides a free food item for teachers on National Teacher Appreciation Day. * Offer: A free "Chicken Supremes" or "Homestyle Tenders" snack box. The box includes four pieces of chicken and a made-from-scratch biscuit. * Timing: The offer is valid from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the designated Tuesday. * Geographic Scope: This offer is also available in "the Valley" and Rockingham County.
Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts (2025)
Veterans Day, observed on November 11, 2025, features a wide array of free meals and discounts from national restaurant chains and retailers. These offers are generally available to veterans and active-duty military personnel, typically requiring proof of service such as a valid military ID or DD 214.
Restaurant Offers
Multiple national restaurant chains offer complimentary meals or significant discounts on Veterans Day.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit * Offer: Free pulled pork sandwich. * Availability: Available at all locations nationwide. * Redemption: Valid for dine-in or carryout with a valid military ID. Limit one per guest.
Golden Corral * Offer: Free "thank you" meal. * Event: This occurs during Military Appreciation Night, marking its 25th anniversary. * Timing: Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 4 p.m. until close.
Hooters * Offer: One free meal from a special menu. * Eligibility: Active and retired military.
Houlihan’s * Offer: 50% discount on select entrees.
In-N-Out Burger * Offer: Complimentary meal including any burger, fries, and beverage. * Eligibility: Includes veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard. * Additional Item: A special edition Veterans Day decal is also provided.
Little Caesars * Offer: Free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. * Timing: Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Logan’s Roadhouse * Offer: One free meal from the Veterans Day menu. * Timing: Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mission BBQ * Offer: Free sandwich. * Ceremony: The restaurant joins in the live National Anthem at noon.
O’Charley’s * Offer: Free entrée (options include Salisbury steak, shrimp scampi, and more). * Timing: Available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Nov. 10 and Nov. 11. * Additional Benefit: Veterans and active-duty military receive a $5 reward card for their next visit.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina * Offer: 20% off all food items. * Scope: Valid at all locations.
Olive Garden * Offer: Free entrée from a special menu. * Verification: Veterans and active military must show proof of service.
Classroom Mission Statements
While not a promotional offer, the source material includes a guide for teachers on creating classroom mission statements. This is presented as a tool for educators to define their classroom community.
Process and Purpose * Creation: The mission statement is generated collaboratively by the class. It addresses four key areas: who the students are, what matters to them, how they want to feel in the classroom, and what choices are necessary to achieve that feeling. * Review: The source suggests that mission statements should be revisited and potentially tweaked or rewritten later in the year to remain representative of the learning community. * Implementation: Once finalized, the mission statement should be posted outside the classroom and shared with families. It is intended to be a reference point for daily routines and decision-making.
Feedback Collection To inform the mission statement, the source recommends gathering honest feedback from students. This involves grouping student ideas by theme. The source notes that while some feedback may be difficult to hear, it is valuable for professional growth and improving the learning environment.
Conclusion
The provided sources outline specific, verified opportunities for teachers in Virginia and veterans nationwide. For teachers in Rockingham County and the wider Virginia area, benefits include state-sponsored prize drawings via the "Thank a Teacher" campaign and immediate retail discounts at businesses like Food Lion and Bojangles during the week of May 7-11. For veterans, a comprehensive list of free meals and discounts is available on November 11, 2025, from major restaurant chains including Dickey's, Golden Corral, In-N-Out Burger, and Olive Garden. All offers described require specific verification steps, such as presenting a teacher ID or military documentation.