Past projects 118
Building AR/VR Experiences through an Innovation Lab
Funded Dec 4, 2020I would like to thank you for bringing the project to life. My project had to be modified from its original plan because many of the pandemic and most students being remote during the year. I mailed packages of the VR/AR Merge cubes to students who were at home. Students were able to learn and interact with digital content art home in the palm of their hands. Several students in the building were able to create LED name tags using the light bulbs, clear name plate, and batteries. Each student received a digital kit where they designed their own solar robot.
Although, my plan had to be changed slightly I enjoyed listening to students share with me what they created and how they problem solved. I also decided to incorporate reading and writing into this activity because I wanted students to learn about how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in society. They read about doctors using AI to make medical diagnosis and how AI was being used as a form of surveillance. Students learned the ethics of design and how AI and VR can improve life for many.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
This classroom project was brought to life by PwC Charitable Foundation.AR/VR Innovation Lab Magic
Funded Jan 25, 2021I would like to thank you for bringing the project to life. My project had to be modified from its original plan because many of the pandemic and most students being remote during the year. I mailed packages of the VR/AR Merge cubes to students who were at home. Students were able to learn and interact with digital content art home in the palm of their hands. Several students in the building were able to create LED name tags using the light bulbs, clear name plate, and batteries. Each student received a digital kit where they designed their own solar robot.
Although, my plan had to be changed slightly I enjoyed listening to students share with me what they created and how they problem solved. I also decided to incorporate reading and writing into this activity because I wanted students to learn about how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in society. They read about doctors using AI to make medical diagnosis and how AI was being used as a form of surveillance. Students learned the ethics of design and how AI and VR can improve life for many.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
Chibitronics: Teacher Up to the Challenge
Funded Jan 14, 2020I would like to thank you providing me with the opportunity to learn about Chibitronics. I learned how I can engage students with coding, electronic circuits, and paper design. What I really enjoyed about the session was how it allowed for me to be a learner with a true learning curve. I felt like what it was like to be a student learning something new for the first time. I was able to problem solve and think critically with the guidance from our instructors. Once I felt comfortable and understood the coding and circuit portion of my training I was able to add special details to bring everything to life.
The best part of our session was the collaboration with other teachers. We created an amusement park with a series of light designs that were eye catching. We also brainstormed different ways students could use coding to show what they learned in different content areas.
When I returned to school after the training, I shared the resources and modeled how it can be applied to my administrator and was able to purchase a classroom kit of Chibi clips. I cannot wait to continue to use these resources and it is because I was able to attend this session.
Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
This classroom project was brought to life by Infosys Foundation USA and 4 other donors.Literacy Changes Lives- Teacher on Call to Learn
Funded Aug 7, 2019I would like to thank you for providing me with the opportunity to grow as an educator. The International Literacy Association conference was held in New Orleans, which was a great backdrop to see how powerful literacy can be for a community. I enjoyed the opening session which reminded me about why I got into the field of education. One of the opening session speakers Hamish Brewer who is a principal at a middle school similar to my school. His passion permeated the room. He spoke about what legacy are we leaving behind. He also shared why we should never quit on a kid. Give students an opportunity to read. Give students the opportunity to write. Most importantly, give students an opportunity to change the world. I will never forget the question he asked about our legacy. I plan on being that teacher students need to guide and nurture them.
My favorite sessions were tied to writing. I learned how powerful student voice can be when they are given a pen and invited to write. I also learned how as teachers we can use print around to spark student's interest. When I returned to school I shared my new learning with colleagues and plan on incorporating strategies that I learned from the conference.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 6 other donors.Help Us Get the Ball in Hoop
Funded Sep 30, 2019I would like to thank you again for providing our students with the basketballs. The students were so excited when they opened the boxes and realized that they received new equipment. In the hallway I could hear again and again students asking the PE teachers are we going to play basketball today.
With the new balls all of the students were able to complete dribbling and passing drills. They really enjoyed showing off their shooting skills by taking shots around the three point line. Our students and staff our so appreciate of your generous support. The basketballs will be used for many years to come and we thank you for helping our students get the balls in the hoop.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
This classroom project was brought to life by Mission Tiger and 2 other donors.A Literacy Teacher's Playground
Funded May 13, 2019I would like to thank you for providing me with the opportunity to grow as an educator. The International Literacy Association conference was held in New Orleans, which was a great backdrop to see how powerful literacy can be for a community. I enjoyed the opening session which reminded me about why I got into the field of education. One of the opening session speakers Hamish Brewer who is a principal at a middle school similar to my school. His passion permeated the room. He spoke about what legacy are we leaving behind. He also shared why we should never quit on a kid. Give students an opportunity to read. Give students the opportunity to write. Most importantly, give students an opportunity to change the world. I will never forget the question he asked about our legacy. I plan on being that teacher students need to guide and nurture them.
My favorite sessions were tied to writing. I learned how powerful student voice can be when they are given a pen and invited to write. I also learned how as teachers we can use print around to spark student's interest. When I returned to school I shared my new learning with colleagues and plan on incorporating strategies that I learned from the conference.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 2 other donors.Committed to a Culture of Learning
Funded Sep 23, 2019As an educator with 14 years of experience I realized that students today have more needs then they did when I first started. The book "Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom" provided me with practical strategies I can use to support their needs. It was an easy read with examples of students I could relate to in my years of teaching. I was so moved by the book that I completed an online webinar hosted by the authors of the book. The book and webinar helped me have a better understanding of the effects that trauma has on students that I serve. I shared the new learning with my principal and we are currently working on ordering multiple copies to have a book study so that all staff understand what trauma is and how it hinders learning, motivation, and success of students.
This project contains many great resources that I will read throughout the year. I thank you so much for supporting my project so that I can continue to learn and share my new knowledge with my peers.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
Committed to Collaborating and Learning
Funded Sep 23, 2019I would like to thank you again for supporting my professional development so that I could support others. One school-wide goal is differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students. After reading, Differentiation in Middle and High School I learned that the prerequisite for learning is building the relationships with students. I always knew that relationships were important but reading the first part of the book it reaffirmed what I believed. The book also provided me with surveys I could use to get to know students, examples of differentiated lessons, and different assessment types I could share with teachers. I plan to use this book as a resource to guide teachers when they plan lessons. Student motivation and achievement will improve as teachers have a better understanding of the aspects of differentiation.
Thank you for supporting my professional growth. I know have the tools I can use to engage all learners and it is because of your generous support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
STEM + Families = STEM Possibilities
Funded Sep 30, 2019I would like to thank you for your generous donations to our project. This project will allow students and their families to enjoy hands on activities in a fun engaging way. Most importantly, this project will allow our teachers to connect with the community. I am so excited and can't wait to see students and their families light up with a passion for science, engineering, and math.
Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer
This classroom project was brought to life by Carnegie Corporation of New York and one other donor.Continuing to Grow With National Boards Renewal Process
Funded Jan 29, 2019I would like to thank you for supporting the cost of renewing my National Board Certification in Literacy. As a National Board certified teacher I decided to renew because I am committed to my profession and teaching students.
The renewal process was an intensive experience that required me to reflect on my teaching through writing 4 components, submitting student work samples, and recording a session with colleagues and students.
The first component allowed me to reflect on my experience the last eight years since I certified. I wrote about: my passion for gifted education, advocating for underrepresented students, supporting other teachers through their process of National Board certification, and staying abreast with the latest technology advancements. I was able to identify patterns and trends that I had in my experience.
Although, I will not find out if I re-certify until November my hopes are to continue grow professionally and stay a National Board Certified Teacher. I thank you again for your generous gift.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prayer