Teacher and her kindergartners stunned to receive response letters from Joe Biden, Kamala Harris
A Texas teacher who sent a congratulatory letter to Joe Biden on behalf of her and her students after the election has received a response from both the new president and vice president of the United States.
"They were super excited so now they want to write cards and write a book," Martha Tavarez of Barron Elementary School in El Paso, told "Good Morning America" of her kindergartners. "They're super motivated."
Tavarez sent the letter to Biden after a lesson on the presidential election, in which she held a mock election for the kids through virtual learning.
Five students voted for Biden, three voted for Trump and three were undecided, Tavarez said.
"We were learning what voting was and began by voting for fruits, vegetables ... and we took it a step further and voted for the president," Tavarez added. "I assigned [them] to ask their folks who they're voting for and who they should vote for and why."
After Biden was chosen president-elect, Tavarez asked the 5- and 6-year-old students for ideas on what to include in a letter and sent pictures of what they were learning in class.
On Jan. 4, Biden responded to Tavarez's note, writing, "I received your letter and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your kind words."
Biden continued his note by mentioning his vision for the future and how he remains "heartened by the spirit and resilience of the American people."
"Thanks again for writing, Martha," Biden ended. "For keeping the faith in us and in the country we love, I am forever grateful to you."
Over the summer, Tavarez wrote a letter to now-Vice President Kamala Harris after hearing her talk about the importance of teachers and education. Harris also responded to Tavarez.
"I don't expect anything in return, but I open my mailbox and it made me happy to know I was heard," Tavarez said. "I'm just an ordinary, everyday teacher. I want to show my kids how drawing a simple picture can bring a smile to someone's face."
This isn't the first time Tavarez and her class received responses penned by American leaders. She holds a collection of letters from Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush as well as former first lady Melania Trump.
She said her former students also sent a get-well card to former first lady Barbara Bush, though she died before receiving it.
But George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush thanked Tavarez and sent cards from Barbara Bush's memorial to 600 students, plus every faculty and staff member, at Barron Elementary School, she said.
"Our card that we made for her is in the presidential library for life," Tavarez said, adding her students also sent notes to the McCain family after the 2018 death of U.S. Sen. John McCain.
According to a school news release, Tavarez plans to work with her class to write again to both Biden and Harris to get new letters with their official presidential seals.
Tavarez said she'd like to thank her principal Lidia Angiano and assistant principal Jessica Campos for their constant support.
