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Ms. Smith's Classroom

  • W.E. Greiner Explor Arts Academy
  • Dallas, TX
  • More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

Your custom url is https://www.donorschoose.org/jen-smith

show projects from all time

Past projects 6

  • Attacking Vocabulary

    Funded Jan 13, 2012

    Thank you so much for providing my students with a class set of dictionaries and a new novel to read. They were so excited to be the only class in 8th grade to have access to brand new dictionaries leading up to their state exam. Tomorrow, March 28th, is the state reading exam. I know that their success will be in part due to your generosity of spirit.

    After testing, my students are thrilled to begin reading their fourth novel of the year. It will immerse them into Civil Rights battles of the 1950's and 1960's with a close look at egregious actions in Mississippi that sparked a movement that continues today.

    I greatly appreciate your support and belief in my students.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Smith

  • Slobs No More!

    Funded Nov 17, 2011

    Growing up, I loved reading new novels that were hot off the presses. I felt connected to the characters and like I was discovering a soon to be classic before the masses. It was this love of modern literature that inspired me to ask for your help obtaining a class set of SLOB, an excellent novel about the struggles of an unlikely hero.

    It is this childlike excitement and wonderment that I am thrilled to share with my students. As they uncover the mystery and experience the pain and thrills of the characters, it will open doors to a new way of thinking, of living and of believing.

    It is your efforts that have made this dream a reality. With your generosity, you have opened the door for countless young readers to step into Owen's shoes and see the world from a different perspective. In doing so, we will create the leaders...and readers of tomorrow. Thank you.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Smith

  • Literature Worth Chronicling

    Funded Nov 1, 2011

    I cannot believe that already the school year is coming to a close. My students are testing today and tomorrow and have been lucky enough to have the resources they need, thanks to your generosity. It feels as though our work has just begun. Thanks to your efforts, my students are finishing their third novel in my class and excited to begin their fourth and final book.

    These books are benefiting students that have rarely, if ever, had easy access to quality literature. When I revealed the surprise of books to my students, you would have thought that it was Christmas morning in February.

    Even in eighth grade, kids desire the opportunity to learn and to read literature that is relevant to their interests and personalities. As a teacher, you try to do everything you can for your students, but purchasing a class set of books simply wouldn't be feasible without your support. Thank you. ”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Smith

  • Leaders Are Literate

    Funded Mar 8, 2011

    I cannot believe that already the school year is coming to a close. It feels as though our work has just begun. Thank you so much for your incredible generosity toward my students. Thanks to your efforts, my students were able to read two full novels in class this year.

    These books are benefiting students that have rarely, if ever, had easy access to quality literature. When I revealed the surprise of books to my students, you would have thought that it was Christmas morning.

    Even in eighth grade, kids desire the opportunity to learn and to read literature that is relevant to their interests and personalities. As a teacher, you try to do everything you can for your students, but purchasing a class set of books simply wouldn't be feasible without your support. Thank you.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Smith

    This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 10 other donors.
  • Liberty Library

    Funded Dec 20, 2010

    I cannot wait to introduce these new resources to my students. As I'm sure you know, middle school students have as many interests as a centipede has legs. By providing my students with a wide variety of books, we are better able to reach all students.

    For as much as some students claim to be "no good" at reading, you should see their faces light up when new books arrive. Many of these students have never had a backpack, uniform or book that was not a hand-me-down. This will be the first time many of them experience that crisp clean feeling. That is a feeling that never gets old and one that I'm counting on to keep my students coming back again and again.

    It is your support that has made this experience possible. While eighth graders may prefer to always act tough, their smiling faces will betray the excitement at receiving a new Liberty Library. It will enlighten their world and brighten their future. Thank you.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Smith

    This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and one other donor.
  • A Lesson from Flies

    Funded Dec 13, 2010

    Growing up, The Lord of the Flies was one of those books that remained in my memory all the way through college. I remember reading about Piggy's struggles and being mesmerized, for the first time, by the struggle between the antagonist and the protagonist. As a matter of fact, it was the first time those words truly came alive on a page.

    It is this childlike excitement and wonderment that I am thrilled to share with my students. As they uncover the mystery and experience the pain and thrills of the characters, it will open doors to a new way of thinking, of living and of believing.

    It is your efforts that have made this dream a reality. With your generosity, you have opened the door for countless young readers to step into Ralph's shoes (or bare feet) and see the world from a different perspective. In doing so, we will create the leaders...and reader of tomorrow. Thank you.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Smith

    This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 6 other donors.
While many more affluent schools ask students to purchase books, many of our students are unable to afford even the most basic of school supplies. That's why many teachers load up on pencils and paper at the beginning of the year. These eighth graders have big dreams, but not big pocketbooks. Their future should not be stifled by realities outside of their control. All of the faculty and staff at our school in Texas work hard to ensure that our students receive the same opportunities as their more affluent counterparts. Even though we are at a Title 1 school faced by the challenges of poverty and apathy, we believe that our students deserve a first rate education.

About my class

While many more affluent schools ask students to purchase books, many of our students are unable to afford even the most basic of school supplies. That's why many teachers load up on pencils and paper at the beginning of the year. These eighth graders have big dreams, but not big pocketbooks. Their future should not be stifled by realities outside of their control. All of the faculty and staff at our school in Texas work hard to ensure that our students receive the same opportunities as their more affluent counterparts. Even though we are at a Title 1 school faced by the challenges of poverty and apathy, we believe that our students deserve a first rate education.

About my class

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