I am so excited to have the opportunity to write and share with you some of the ways your support has impacted my classroom and my students. It is incredible to see such a long list of donors for just one small classroom, and to know that your desire to impact the youth in our school's compelled you to give to my students.
Before my classroom had its own projector, I had to walk into school hoping that I would get to use one of the two my school owned. The system for checking out was poor, and at times I would find out last minute that somebody had gotten to it before me. My lessons would have to change at the last minute, invariably impacting their effectiveness. Many of my students struggle with organization, which makes it essential that I be able to show them work step-by-step, in an organized manner that reflects what they need to show in their notes. Without a projector, this would at times proves difficult, as the visual component of the lesson was not as strong. Further, it is time-consuming and boring to write straight notes; with a projector to put up visual images of main ideas, we can focus our time on analysis and discussion of new topics. Students become exposed to a different manner of disseminating material, which helps to prepare them for the various teaching styles and mediums they will encounter at the college level. My student's love the projector, because it makes the information clear and present. The grades in my Physics course increased by 35% over the course of the first semester, and I attribute this in part to the improved efficiency and technology in the room.
Having a printer in the room is also incredibly helpful. Just being able to print a students progress report on demand so that they can stay up to date on their performance is incredibly helpful. Further, since I only have one computer in my room, I can send students to do some research on a topic, print their information, and then send a new group. In the past, students had to sit at the computer reading and taking notes, only making it possible for one or two groups of students to access the web in a given time period.
Each and every addition to my classroom that helps the students see technology around them is essential. Not only does it help to reflect the realities of the society they will soon join as working adults, but it gives the students pride knowing that they too can have projectors and printers in their classrooms, instead of this just being an image they have seen on TV or in another school. It helps them to understand that they are as capable, and have the tools, to succeed academically and carry those skills to a college or university after high school. They may seem like small improvements, but nothing goes unnoticed by the students, and they are happy and proud that they learn with technology.
Thank you so much for choosing to support this project, and know that your gift is used each and every day to spread a love for learning and science.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lopez del Castillo