PHMS teacher surprised by Office Max visit   By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com   Teacher dedication often goes beyond the confines of the school day.   Recognizing that educators can spend, on average, $1,000 annually on supplies related to their profession, Office Max awarded Pleasant Hills Middle School teacher Bob Kerr more than $1,000 in supplies during a surprise school visit.   “A teacher that goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide great service in the school,” is how Pleasant Hills Office Max manager Steve Vukelja described Kerr and the 1,100 teachers nationwide who are recipients of the retailer’s A Day Made Better Award. Vukelja and two other employees from the store surprised Kerr Tuesday morning as he was teaching a group of seventh-graders. They arrived at his

classroom door with an office chair, a digital scanner and a box loaded with supplies such as pens, Post-it Notes and folders.   “It’s very humbling,” Kerr said. “That chair is fantastic.” Middle school principal Dan Como, who nominated Kerr, said the teacher deserves recognition.   “He’s an exceptional teacher and someone who’ll do anything for our kids,” said Como, noting that, in addition to teaching social studies, Kerr organizes school field trips, founded a ski club and coaches football and track. “Anytime we go to him for help, his answer is always, ‘No problem.’” Seventh-graders in Kerr’s class agreed that their teacher does a great job.   “He makes class really fun,” Hannah Storey said.   “He’s not boring,” Chris Pasquinelli noted.   “He knows how to make you laugh,” added Danny Matulula.