Past projects 8
Culturally Diverse Literature: An Investment in Our Students' Future
Funded Jul 24, 2018I am overwhelmed with your generosity and grateful to DonorsChoose for providing the platform with which to connect us. I was so disappointed last year when my budget was cut by one-third at the last minute, and I had to forgo the purchase of many of these titles. Thanks to you, though, the students will return to school with new books to greet them. Your investment truly will make a difference in our students' future!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Campbell
Hold the Noise Down! You're in the Library!
Funded Mar 25, 2016With your generous donation of rugs, the Marina library is feeling a little more inviting these days. How does the addition of rugs manage to make such a difference? First of all, with the arrival of the rugs, the configuration of the library furnishings were changed. The large table, that once held desktop computers, was removed, and the area dedicated to casual seating. Students use the library's new laptops (thanks to another DonorsChoose grant) in the carpeted area, allowing them more flexibility in a considerably more casual and comfortable setting.
The back room was transformed with the addition of a rug, and now draws students who use the area for quiet reading. The optimal word here is "quiet". The rugs have helped to absorb the noise which can be considerable given our enthusiastic students in this large space with high ceilings.
The rugs are the foundation of a larger vision to modernize the library within its traditional walls. New furnishings, a "genius bar" and a mural are all part of future plans that started with the addition of the rugs. It's easy to picture the library as the "living room" where all are welcome and the space is welcoming.
Thank you, sincerely.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Campbell
Library Technology for 24/7 Learning (Updated)
Funded Mar 8, 2016From the start, your commitment to my project has been very impressive. I appreciate that you not only stuck with me through the process, but also actually advocated for me. Any other donor would have thrown in the towel when faced with some of the challenges my project presented.
You two are true champions for technology, and I am very lucky, indeed, to be among the many recipients of your generosity. I'm not sure how my DonorsChoose.org posting caught your attention, but I'm so glad it did. I can't wait for you to come to the Marina Library to see how our 800+ students will use the equipment.
I am grateful for your gift of the computers, cart, and printer, all of which will be well-used, as well as well-maintained, for many years to come.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Campbell
Where in the World Is...
Funded Dec 19, 2011The quality of our new globe exceeded my expectations. It is so colorful and has striking raised relief details. We have had so much fun with it, already! Last week, I used the globe to show the proximity of China to San Francisco for my lesson on Lunar New Year traditions. After lunch, when the library opens for free choice time, students have been exploring the globe on their own. It is so heartwarming to see the students using the globe independently, and sharing their discoveries with others. This wonderful learning tool was made possible by your thoughtful and generous donation. Thank you for acknowledging the importance of this resource for our school library. It will be enjoyed for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Campbell
National Poetry Month: Do You Have A Poem in Your Pocket?
Funded Aug 31, 2011I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and to tell you again how thankful I am for your donation of poetry books to the Argonne Elementary School Library. The new titles are a welcome addition to our growing poetry collection and will be in especially high demand in a few months when we gear up for our third annual Poem In Your Pocket Day (the last Thursday in April).
The pictures I have included show the steps leading up to the one day event. The students learn about poetry during library class, then choose and copy poems from among our poetry books (or write their own). Many volunteers are involved in preparing for the day which includes making up the pockets for 400+ students. Each student creatively transforms his/her pocket into an individual work of art, then wears it proudly throughout the day. All kindergarten through fifth grade students are encouraged to share their poems with each other and anyone they run into. Local dignitaries, teachers, parents, staff, and visitors are invited to share poetry with our students. As our poetry collection grows, so does the enthusiasm for Poem in Your Pocket Day. Thank you again for your contribution.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Campbell
We've Got Information! Now We Need Information Technology!
Funded Mar 10, 2011The beautiful new computer and printer are in place in the school library just as the school year comes to a close. Thanks to your generous donation, we will now be in a position to do away with the cumbersome card catalog system because students will finally have access to our collection through an online database.
Because we will now be able to dedicate one computer to circulation, students will no longer need to use the old-fashioned system of checking out books by writing their name on a card and having it stamped by the librarian. Their selections will simply be scanned - just like at the public library!
Thank you for contributing to the completion of the project to automate the school library which began three years ago. Hundreds of volunteer hours have been spent on the process, but it was your financial backing that propelled us to the finish line. On behalf of all the school library stakeholders, thank you sincerely for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Campbell
This classroom project was brought to life by Microsoft and 24 other donors.Humm Baby! We've Got Baseball Fever! Read All About It!
Funded Apr 3, 2011A cheer went up when I opened the box and shared the new baseball titles with the students. When they were added to the shelf, they made an immediate impact. Our collection got just the boost it needed so desperately. Of course, the books were checked out immediately, and are just now finding their way back to the shelves, as school is closing for the summer this coming week.
The photographs I've posted tell the story; beginning with me opening the box of books, to my grandparent volunteer cataloging the books into the library database, to the students enjoying the books, and then to the inspired students getting out to "play ball."
Your generous gift will be enjoyed for years to come. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Campbell
High Interest Library Books Needed
Funded Apr 1, 2008I can't tell you how excited I am to learn that you have funded my request for high-interest library books. I feel like I just won the lottery! Once these books hit the shelves, they will be in constant circulation. More often than not, one class member will check one of these book out, then a classmate will check it out immediately upon the book being returned. There are books that just circulate through one class or one grade level for months and I can never satisfy the demand.
I can't wait to get to school tomorrow to tell the kids that we have these great books on the way! (Of course, I'm just asking for it... they will be bugging me every day, "Have the new books arrived, yet?")
Your thoughtfulness and generosity are very much appreciated.
Yours truly,
Donna C
Teacher Librarian
Cobb Elementary Schoo”
With gratitude,
Ms. Campbell