Past projects 8
Opening Worlds: Expanding Access to Literature for Arabic-Speaking ESL Students
Funded Mar 21, 2025On behalf of everyone at Newtown High School, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our library's project focused on providing Arabic-language books for our ESL (English as a Second Language) students. Thanks to your support, our school library has become a more inclusive and enriching environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel seen, valued, and empowered in their learning.
The addition of these Arabic texts has opened up new worlds for our ESL students, many of whom have arrived in our community from various parts of the world, bringing with them rich cultures and languages. For these students, being able to read in their native language while transitioning into English is a critical tool for their academic success. It allows them to make meaningful connections with the material, understand core concepts in their first language, and then use that knowledge as a bridge to strengthen their English skills.
Your contribution not only supports their literacy in English but also nurtures their sense of identity and belonging. These books help students retain a connection to their cultural heritage while learning a new language and adapting to a new environment. The books we have acquired are carefully selected to offer a variety of genres, from adventure novels to non-fiction, that appeal to the diverse interests of our students. In particular, we have noticed significant engagement in both academic and leisure reading among our ESL students as they access this new resource.
One of the most powerful aspects of these texts is how they introduce important life skills and lessons. For instance, many of the stories in the Arabic books deal with themes such as perseverance, friendship, and overcoming adversity—universal values that resonate deeply with all students, especially those navigating the challenges of learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture. These books also introduce students to critical thinking skills as they analyze the texts, draw connections between the stories, and reflect on the lessons learned. Moreover, the diverse stories help foster empathy and understanding by allowing students to see different perspectives and experiences, enriching their social and emotional learning.
In our library, reading has taken on a new, vibrant life thanks to your support. As students dive into the books, the library has become a hub of activity, with students of all backgrounds sharing stories and engaging in lively discussions. ESL students, in particular, have begun to gather around the shelves, exploring books in Arabic that provide them both a comfort zone and an exciting new challenge. We've witnessed quiet moments of concentration as well as animated conversations about the characters and themes in their books, many of which they're reading in both languages to improve their bilingual literacy.
There have been a few students in particular who have especially enjoyed the new books. Saad, for example, has become an enthusiastic advocate for this new collection. The day we processed the first set of Arabic-language books, Saad's eyes lit up when he saw The Lord of the Rings in Arabic. He was so excited that he borrowed it before I even had a chance to finish processing the books. It was a heartwarming moment that perfectly illustrated the impact of this new initiative. Saad has since been a regular visitor to the library, often coming in with questions and reflections about his reading. It's clear that this experience has not only supported his literacy but also sparked a deeper love of reading and learning.
Another student, Fatima, has found great comfort in reading stories that reflect her own experiences growing up in an Arabic-speaking country. These books have provided a safe space for her to process her feelings and share her culture with her classmates, creating opportunities for dialogue and understanding among students from different backgrounds.
We are so grateful for your contribution, as it is helping us build a library that truly supports the diverse needs of our students. Your donation has directly influenced the academic and emotional well-being of our ESL students, giving them the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. The new books are more than just a resource—they are a bridge to new possibilities, new connections, and new stories.
Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity. We look forward to continuing to provide our students with the resources they need to thrive, and we hope to keep you updated on their progress as they continue to explore the world of reading.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Haussermann
Quenching Knowledge: Enhance Library Comfort and Sustainability with Water
Funded Jan 23, 2025On behalf of the entire library team and the students who benefit from this space, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous financial contribution toward the purchase of a water cooler. Thanks to your support, we can now offer students fresh and clean water while they read, work, or relax in the library. This thoughtful addition will undoubtedly enhance their overall experience, keeping them refreshed and comfortable as they engage in their academic and recreational pursuits.
Your donation reflects a true commitment to supporting the well-being and success of our students. We are deeply appreciative of your generosity and the positive impact it has made. With your help, we are creating a more inviting and supportive environment for everyone who visits our library, and for that, we are truly grateful.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Haussermann
This classroom project was brought to life by A New York City Parent and 3 other donors.Preserve and Protect: Why Every Library Needs a Laminator
Funded Dec 18, 2024On behalf of the entire staff and the patrons of Newtown High School, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation towards the purchase of a new laminator. Your contribution plays a crucial role in allowing us to enhance the services we provide to our community. We understand the importance of equipping our library with tools that foster both educational and creative endeavors, and thanks to your support, we are now able to offer even more resources for individuals and groups to benefit from.
The new laminator will make a significant difference in our day-to-day operations. It will allow us to better preserve important documents, create durable materials for educational programs, and produce high-quality displays to promote library events and activities. Whether it's helping local students with school projects or providing professionals and community members with the materials they need to succeed, the laminator will directly impact a wide variety of library users. We are confident that this addition will make our resources more accessible and useful to everyone who walks through our doors.
Your commitment to supporting the library and fostering a stronger community is invaluable. Your generosity ensures that we can continue to offer high-quality services and programs, making our library a hub for learning, creativity, and connection. We look forward to continuing to serve the community and providing a place where individuals can explore, learn, and grow. Once again, thank you for your thoughtful donation and for making a lasting impact on our library's mission.
With sincere thanks and appreciation,”
With gratitude,
Mr. Haussermann
Reading for All: Engaging Books for ESL Success
Funded Nov 15, 2024I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support, which has enabled us to create a dedicated section in our library for ESL (English as a Second Language) books. This resource has already begun to make a profound difference in the lives of our students, particularly those who have recently arrived in the country and are still mastering the English language. The shelf has been existance less than a week and already students are coming to take out books.
For students who are new to our community, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, school environment, and language can be overwhelming. The ESL book section will provide a much-needed resource for these students, offering them materials that are tailored to their language level and their unique needs. The collection includes books with simple vocabulary, bilingual resources, and visual aids, which help bridges the gap as students work to improve their English skills.
Having these books available in a designated area has not only created a welcoming and supportive space but will allow students to feel more confident in their ability to learn and participate in their education. It provides a safe starting point for them to engage with new content without the fear of being overwhelmed.
Your investment in this resource is helping to level the playing field for our ESL students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed academically and socially. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity, as it is truly making a difference in their educational journeys.
Thank you for helping to create a space where all students—no matter their language background—can feel empowered to learn, grow, and succeed.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Haussermann
This classroom project was brought to life by Reese's Book Club and 5 other donors.Building Resilience: Enhancing Mental Health in the School Library
Funded Nov 8, 2024I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations that helped fund the purchase of kinesthetic activities for our library. Your support has made a significant and lasting impact on the well-being of our students, and I wanted to take a moment to share how these resources have been instrumental in improving their mental health, especially during challenging moments.
Our library has become a safe haven for many students who enter feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or distracted by the pressures they face in their academic and personal lives. These students often need more than just books; they require a space where they can take a pause, recalibrate, and regain focus. The kinesthetic activities you funded have proven to be an invaluable resource in helping them do just that.
Whether it's a set of fidget tools, a stress-relief ball, a journal to write in, or a board game' these activities have offered students a much-needed distraction. By engaging in simple, physical tasks, they have the opportunity to shift their mental focus, ease their anxieties, and clear their minds. For many, it's a brief but essential moment of relief that allows them to return to their studies with a renewed sense of calm and clarity.
The positive impact has been noticeable in both the library's atmosphere and the students' approach to learning. We've received feedback from students who tell us that engaging with the kinesthetic resources helps them "recharge" and return to their schoolwork feeling more centered. Teachers have also observed that students who may have been struggling to focus in class are able to better concentrate and participate after utilizing these tools during their visits to the library.
This small yet powerful intervention has had far-reaching effects, and it would not have been possible without your generosity. Your support has helped create a nurturing environment that prioritizes mental well-being alongside academic success. As we continue to witness the benefits of these activities, we are deeply grateful for the difference you've made in the lives of our students.
Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment to the mental health and educational success of our students. Your investment is helping to shape a brighter, more balanced future for them.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Haussermann
This classroom project was brought to life by .Preserving Our Learning Oasis: Upholstery Maintenance in the Library
Funded Oct 30, 2024I am so grateful for your generous contribution to the Newtown High School Library through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your support, we were able to purchase cleaning supplies to give our furniture a much-needed refresh. This small act has had a huge impact on our learning environment. The clean, fresh furniture has made the Library feel brighter, more inviting, and much more conducive to learning. My students spend a lot of time working at tables, using computers for assignments, and decompressing in the quiet area during their otherwise stressful days. Having clean, comfortable seating has allowed them to focus more fully on their work and their social emotional health instead of being distracted by dirt or stains.
When the students saw the cleaned furniture, they were visibly excited and appreciative. Several students commented on how much better the Library looked and how the clean furniture made them feel proud to be in such a well-kept space. It was a simple but powerful change that made a real difference in their attitude toward using the Library each day. The fresh environment has helped boost their enthusiasm and motivation.
With a clean and organized Library, students are able to work more effectively in groups and take ownership of their learning space. Your contribution has given them the tools and the environment they need to be successful. I am so excited to see how this positive change will continue to support their growth and learning in the months ahead.
Thank you again for making this possible!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Haussermann
The Pioneer Players Present: The Wiz the Musical
Funded Apr 20, 2023I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing on behalf of the Newtown High School Drama Club to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution towards our production of The Wiz.
Your support this past spring meant the world to us, and it played a pivotal role in making the students' dreams come true. Thanks to your donation, we were able to bring this iconic musical to life and create a magical experience for our school and community.
Your commitment to the arts and education is truly inspiring, and we are deeply appreciative of your dedication to helping young talents like our students thrive. The Wiz is a powerful story that transcends boundaries and speaks to the universal themes of self-discovery and resilience. Through this production, we aimed to inspire, entertain, and bring people together.
Your generosity and kindness was not just an investment in our production, but also in the future of our talented performers and artists.
Once again, thank you for your generosity and support. Your belief in the transformative power of the arts is changing lives and making a difference in our community.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Haussermann
Mac Book Needed
Funded Sep 2, 2015I would to thank you for the donation you made to my classroom. My students are extremely motivated when using the Macbook Air, especially when they "Airdrop" a file for the class to view on their I-Pads.
Using the "Airdrop" feature is something my students find fascinating because I can send them notes they missed instantaneously and when they share out using this feature, it makes them feel like the teacher.
On a more serious note, this technology is helping my students learn because it is forcing them to think on the higher levels of Webb's Depth of Knowledge chart and Bloom's Taxonomy. In using the computer to create Jeopardy games, they have to write and answer each other's higher order thinking questions. At the same time, they are doing so in a manner that they find entertaining; which helps with their internalization of the material.
There is no one student that benefits from the Macbook, but there are a few students in my class who rely on it. As is the case in many schools, there are not enough I-Pads for the many students in the school and they rotate from classroom to classroom. This makes it difficult to use the internet on a consistent basis. When I do use it, I allow the students to use their cellphones and for the few students who do not have a cellphone, I am able to group them together to use the internet as a group.
Once again thank you for your donation, it has made all the difference.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Haussermann