Christmas Comes Early to Coan Middle School

Teachers at Coan Middle School got a nice little surprise Tuesday.

After school was over for the day, they gathered for a holiday party in the school's media center for cake and and soft drinks.

Scores of wrapped presents were placed under a decorated Christmas tree.

What they didn't know was the presents were real and for them.

Coan principal Betsy Bockman got them supplies and items each said they needed for their classrooms.

She fulfilled the wish list by reaching out to parents and local business community as well as teachers and schools from other parts of Atlanta.

She said the greater community was more than willing to help.

"It really took on a life of its own," Bockman told the teachers, explaining she wanted them to know that she appreciated their hard work.

"You all do so much for the chilren, and the community and the school that I wanted you to have something special for your classrooms and for your students."

Bockman, respected by parents, teachers within APS and the business community, managed to get all the wish list wants fulfilled save one:

"One teacher asked for men for her, but we couldn't find a man to wrap up on such short notice."