Past projects 75
Reaching All Learners With Headphones
Funded Nov 30, 2022It has meant so much to us that you supported our project. These headphones have been used every day since they arrived and students are taking good care of them. Students are able to work at their own pace since we can play, pause, and re-watch instructional videos independently.
Recently, we worked on mindfulness activities that involved music and art. These headphones were great for helping each student to be present and aware without being distracted by noises from other computers or outside. We are extremely grateful.
Thanks again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 4 other donors.Breakout EDU Kit for Hands on Learning!
Funded Jan 30, 2019What a fantastic resource Breakout EDU boxes are! My students are constantly begging me to do more of them.
We love the problem solving these activities require. Now that students know how to use the tools, they can't wait to see what clues are hidden around the room. They use the UV light flashlight, key, and lock combinations to try to solve the locks and problems.
Not only do they have to apply academic skills, but students have to work as a team which requires them to use their social skills. Having a second Breakout EDU box makes it easier for students to try the combinations since they aren't all waiting to use one box.
Thank you so much for supporting my classroom!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
Bring Out the Artists In Us All - Part 2!
Funded Feb 17, 2019Our Annual Festival of Arts Celebration was a great success thanks to your generous donations. As you can see in the photos, our cluster chose the space race as our theme to display our learning.
The creative painting, designing, and construction was such a joy for my students. They researched their chosen topic and decided how to represent it through art.
We created Apollo 11, Friendship 7, and Sputnik. Students drew toys inspired by the space race in the 1960s.
Our astronaut photo booth was a hit as well. Thanks for supporting arts in our school!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
Listen and Learn!
Funded Mar 1, 2019I can't begin to tell you how great it has been for each student to have their own set of earbuds! We have been able to neatly organize them in their book boxes. Our Daily 5 reading and writing lessons have been much more effective since students aren't rifling through a bag or searching through their locker to see if they brought their headphones from home.
We have done coding, listening to reading, and research for our writing projects all with the use of their own earbuds. Our listening skills are improving and I couldn't be more thankful.
Thanks again for contributing to a simple, but greatly effective project!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 3 other donors.Organize and Supply Us!
Funded Sep 16, 2018I am so very thankful for your donations to our project! The plastic containers have changed our daily organization immensely. Now, students can reach for their writing, reading, and listening materials without having to worry that the previous paper book boxes will break.
The whiteboard table took a while to be delivered and assembled, but once it was, the students gladly embraced the round table and are much more comfortable than in the hard, one-size-fits-all desks.
Our table baskets can be refilled with colored pencils and markers when they are needed.
We can't thank you enough for the generosity you have shown my classroom and students! You are much appreciated!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
Flexing Our Flexible Seating Options!
Funded Dec 18, 2018My students are completely obsessed with the new stools and chairs! They were so excited when they saw the boxes arrive.
The addition of these new swivel chairs have allowed for more students to sit at a table as opposed to traditional attached desks. The stools have given another option for students who need to wiggle while working. Both options allow kids to work in a non-traditional setting.
Today's classroom is an evolving environment. Encouraging students to work where and how they work best has proven very successful in my classroom. Students are engaged, comfortable, and productive.
Thank you so much for your donations to help make this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
A Mystery Novel Study - the Westing Game
Funded Sep 7, 2018I'll be honest. I wasn't sure that all of my students were going to get into this book. It was my hope, of course, but I had no idea how this mystery would unravel for them as we read it.
I'm thrilled to tell you that they are loving it! Even students who admitted not liking reading or liking the genre of mystery have jumped on board. They are taking an active role in predicting, building evidence for the suspects, and applying new vocabulary. Students keep asking to read ahead of us in class because they want to know what happens!
Thank you so much for providing a class set of this novel. It has engaged even my most reluctant readers. I am deeply grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
Breakout EDU Kit For STEM!
Funded Sep 7, 2018We have now completed two different Breakout Edu lessons and the kids absolutely loved them!
Our first experience was a problem solving strategy based on Dr. Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" and it was a fantastic introduction to what Breakout Edu lessons are like. Once the students felt comfortable with the process, we moved on to solving a mystery to "Save Summer Break" which focused on story elements of plot and theme.
Watching the students apply what they've learned in our latest unit was really exciting. The kids worked very hard to unlock the locks, solve codes, use the blacklight flashlight, and put pieces together to solve the puzzles. This teaching resource is a wonderful way to engage students in their learning and get them to "think outside the box" by having them "break into it"!
Without your help, we never would've been able to access this kit. Now my students are asking, "When are we doing another Breakout EDU?" That kind of engagement and love for learning is priceless!
Thank you so very much!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 4 other donors.Gather Round the Tables 2!
Funded Aug 22, 2018My students are absolutely loving the new dry-erase whiteboard tables! Not only are they fun to write on, but more importantly, they are fostering a sense of community for the start of the school year.
These tables encourage collaboration and foster the ease of group work. It's great for 6th graders because they are growing and not always able to fit into a standard desk. If you aren't comfortable, you aren't in a good mindset to learn.
Both of my classes were super excited to write on the tables and practice their spelling words and vocabulary.
While tables might not seem like an important project, they open up so many possibilities. There's more space to move around in the classroom and it encourages a sense of pride in their community because they are all responsible for the care of the tables and materials that they share.
Thank you so very much!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 7 other donors.Chrome To Complete Our Set
Funded Jul 22, 2018We did it! With your help, we now have enough Chrome books for every student to work on independently!
No longer will I worry what will happen when another student gets added to my roster. Students don't have to be concerned that they forgot their device at home or they can't afford to buy one.
The world of Chrome books has opened so many doors to my teaching and to my students' learning. We now can listen to a novel being read on our own reading level. Our research skills are improving with the ability to search for information and we are able to type our papers to make a finished product.
Thank you so much for providing the technology to help my students continue moving forward in all areas of the curriculum.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pitts