I want to thank all of you again for making this Silkscreen project a reality. It has been a wonderful experience to show the students the process of silk screening and how they can make their own t-shirts. I had some students work with me individually and I also ran a large group for students in the Special Motivation classroom. These students were the ones that have had chronic truancy and behavioral issues all year long. Since the program started, the students come to school every day, they are engaged, and starting to learn. They have now found a sense of belonging and do not feel rejected anymore. This group developed a design that they all agreed on to be "their class shirt". I wish you all could have heard the entire class squeal with delight when they saw their design come to life on the shirt.
There were about 16 students and they all wanted to use a different color paint for their shirts so we had to go through the process of cleaning the screen, letting it dry, and setting it up on the board each time. I was amazed how patient and cooperative they all were throughout the entire process. It was wonderful to see this group work together, helping each other out, and being supportive of each other. Of course there were some shirts that did not come out "dark enough" and you could see the disappointment on the student's face. One girl did two shirts that were too light and she walked away so frustrated. We all encouraged her to try again. She did come back and when the shirt came out to her liking she screamed so loudly with excitement! She wanted to continue working on the shirts for the students that were absent. You could her self-esteem rise as she continued to print. I told her she looked like a professional silk screener!
The next day, I asked the students to put on their shirts so we could take a group picture. Some were a little reluctant, but after picture taking all the students left their shirts on. They walked through campus with pride. These were the students that were always receiving negative attention and now they were all receiving positive comments and attention from students and staff about how nice their shirts were! (The teacher will be asking that the students be allowed to wear their new shirts as their school uniform). In the near future, I will be meeting up with the basketball group in the after school program. They would love to design their own basketball shirts that they can wear with pride.
I could not have done this project without all of your generous support. Thank you for believing in the arts and how important it is to open students up to different art experiences. I am very grateful that you all made this project a reality and I am looking forward to continuing screen printing with the rest of the students at my school. ”
Thank you very much for supporting my classroom project! The students have loved using the iPod and computer for science projects as well as other classroom activities. They have become a part of our daily routine and the students are becoming proficient, ethical, and effective users of technology. While it has been difficult to keep them up to date on their blog, they have been writing about the photographs they take and using the internet to guide their research and science activities.
In addition to this project, I received a grant to purchase a worm bin for composting in the classroom. The students used the iPod to document the process of harvesting the worms from one bin to start our bin. They have also been using the iPod to document the changes that happen in the bin. Their excitement about the integration of both projects is amazing! They used the photos that they took to write stories from the worm's point of view. Several of the students used the computer to publish their story. The photos that they took with the iPod were used to create parts of the class entry to the school's science fair on the computer. They had one of the best looking boards at the fair!
Many of the students ask to use the iPod or computer to access learning games that have helped them to improve their reading and math skills. Their interest in practicing weak concepts and skills is amazing. Who would have thought that an iPod and a computer would peak their interest in overall learning, not just science and writing? Thank you very much for showing them that the community believes in them, cares about them, and wants to empower them. They often reference the "generous friends" who helped to get them something to make learning fun.”
Mahalo, thank you so much for your generous donation! When they arrived, I explained to students why they were given to them which turned into a mini-geography lesson as I taught them where our donations came from. You should have seen their eyes when they realized that they had received these gifts from people and organizations across the United States. They were so excited! Of course getting to work with the tools provided were the perfect extension of their excitement. Students with low motivation and various learning disabilities blossomed while integrating art, writing, reading, and math.
Since our initial project, we have continually returned to using the gifts you purchased for our class and they have already organized when and what we will use again on at least 2 future projects. They have truly taken ownership of your gifts and understand the magnitude and expense. Although they had wanted to take the time to send you all letters of appreciation, I explained to them that I would do it for them and that the best gift would be to continue to use the products, complete the assignments, and let the examples of their work be their thanks.
Thank you again for taking the time and money to make a difference in the lives of my students. You've made 24 smiles shine bright!”
Thank you so much for funding my project. I held my first Book Club meeting with my students based on the book, "Familiars". The students really enjoyed reading the book about three animal companions to wizards. We discussed their favorite parts of the book and the sequel to the book.
On the student blog, the students were able to brainstorm what kinds of familiar they would want and what magical abilities they would desire in a familiar. It was interesting to note that the students all chose different animals with abilities such as telekinesis, invisibility, shape shifting, and creating illusions.
Through your generous donations, I will hold monthly Book Club meetings with my students. I already have the next two meetings set up for "Pandora Gets Jealous", and "The Flight of the Phoenix." My students are eager to start reading these future books for the Book Club.
We truly appreciate your donations and support for my project. My students will benefit from reading these novels and discussing them with their peers.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Sumida
This classroom project was brought to life by Goldman Sachs Gives and 5 other donors.
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