Past projects 165
Hodgepodge Time!
Funded Oct 11, 2023Thank you for funding our Hodgepodge Time project. Out of all of the resources provided in this project, we have realized that one has had a tremendous amount of utility this winter season. Throughout the day, the number of students who are in need of extra moisturized hands, faces, and arms has increased. Having the Aquaphor has been most helpful with getting their needs met. For our students suffering from eczema, parents have been pleased to learn that those needs are also being addressed. The frequency of hand washing has also helped a few adults in the building to be able to prevent dry skin from occurring.
Scratch-and-sniff stickers will never get old to me. Since I have been teaching, it has been my way of preserving some of my childhood experiences in the classroom. Students enjoy being able to decide on what "scent of the day" they would like and what picture on the sticker they would like as well. The essential oil kit pairs great with our classroom diffuser. Thanks to assistance from one of our first-grade teachers, I was also able to use this as a way to keep nasal passages clear with peppermint oil. Our diffuser is very kid-friendly, so students enjoy being able to choose their favorite scent in the classroom. One of my students enjoys an orange and lavender mix, but whatever they choose, the scents all smell great!
We plan to use our toaster oven for one of our classroom celebrations but haven't had the chance to do so just yet. I am hoping to pair a future math lesson on measurement with some of the recipes that we will use. I can assure you that when it's time, the kids and their bellies will be pleased.
Thank you again for funding our project. We appreciate your efforts!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 2 other donors.The Way I See It!
Funded Sep 13, 2023Thank you for bringing excitement while capturing moments on the go in our classroom. When the package arrived, not too many of my students had ever heard of a GoPro. They were used to using smartphones when taking pictures and videos. But when I explained all of the features of the GoPro, that's when I knew that they were just as excited as me to begin using this resource. It also helped that many of their favorite YouTubers utilize this resource!
This is a resource with great utility! In a few months, we will begin our Spring field trips. This usually entails venturing into the neighborhood to utilize the public transportation system to reach our destination. With the GoPro, we can use something other than our smartphones to document our journeys every step of the way. The best part for me is that I will now be able to preserve my phone battery in case of emergencies.
Currently, students have enjoyed recording themselves running around during recess. On the days that I have recess duty, I have been tasked with recording certain football and basketball moves, which I am happy to do. We hope that you enjoy our pictures, as they were taken by some of the students this time around!
Happy Holidays to you, and again, thank you so much for considering the needs of my learners!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by United Airlines and 2 other donors.What Did You Say?
Funded Sep 11, 2023Thank you so much for funding our Bluetooth speaker project! We were in need of an additional Bluetooth speaker to continue our seamless communication with students during lunchtime in the cafeteria and for student celebrations. As soon as the package arrived, my Assistant Principal was pleased to know that we were still able to keep the communication ball rolling.
This project wouldn't be complete without the two microphones that were also requested. With the ones that were previously being used, there were too many moments of interrupted sound, or, as the students say, glitches! I can attest to the many times in which our voices were a bit choppy, and students (and adults) had a difficult time hearing one another. With the second microphone, we can use it as a backup, should the one we have get lost or broken.
An added bonus for adults is that this Bluetooth speaker comes on wheels, making it easier to navigate throughout the building. Students also get to feel a sense of ownership by bringing it to events within the building. We hope that you enjoy glimpses of the wonderful students in our classroom as well as some of our celebrations! We have a really great time learning with one another and truly appreciate you for funding our project.
Happy Holidays, and thank you for considering the needs of our learners!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by United Airlines and 2 other donors.Don't Forget About Us!
Funded Oct 10, 2023Thank you so much for bringing additional technology into our classroom. We are in high demand for functioning iPads, thanks to school subscriptions to amazing online literacy resources, and we couldn't wait to receive our latest addition. When the package arrived, one of my students was able to open it up and check out the contents before introducing it to our small group for reading and math. He was all smiles!
Many of the iPads and technology devices in the building have weathered a few storms. Some are missing keys, and others have cracked screens, resulting in unnecessary time being spent troubleshooting. Once our new iPad was charged and the protective casing applied, we were ready to roll into our online educational websites.
My students love new things, especially relating to technology. So many conversations centered around their own iPads and usage at home and, of course, requests for their favorite apps and games to be downloaded on the school iPad. While I am very much in love with the idea of my students having more access to technology, it is important that I mention the benefit of having a protective case. No matter how much we try to be safe, accidents can and do happen in our classroom. With a strong and sturdy case, we expect the iPad to be just fine for a long time.
Thank you so much for contributing to the needs of our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and one other donor.Back to the Basics!
Funded Aug 3, 2023Thank you so much for funding our Back to Basics project. We were in need of a little bit of this and that to keep the ball rolling. Thanks to you, we were able to continue without interruption.
I can't explain what happens with my students and pencils, but it seems like a mystery that we have yet to solve. Pencils can be provided to students at the top of the week with a reminder to put them in their respective pencil cases. Two days later, when instructed to take those same pencils out, they are nowhere to be found. Repeating this cycle has led us to ask for an extra supply to at least get us to the Spring. Again, thank you so much.
Having ink in my classroom is a jewel in and of itself. With this single resource, I can produce worksheets in reading and math as well as communicate with parents regarding school matters. The batteries will assist us with keeping things running for a while. We were able to use them for our tap lights to create a fun reading segmenting activity during our small group instruction. Students have enjoyed being able to beat the buzzer to see who can segment the sounds with accuracy. It's a really fun activity to watch!
As the holiday season approaches, we are truly thankful for your generosity to our group of learners!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 3 other donors.The Simple Bare Necessities
Funded Aug 2, 2023Thank you so much for funding our Simple Bare Necessities project! This was a project in which the resources provided will help me to continue to drive instruction to my small group of learners.
While most of the resources are for connectivity, there is one that my students have found to be impactful, although at first funny. When my students were first introduced to the small mirrors, they had a fun time making mouth movements with one another. Now, they are accustomed to using it to distinguish short vowel sounds and being aware of mouth movements when producing words with digraphs and consonant blends.
I wanted to establish a way to preserve my anchor charts while having an area in the class for students to refer to for reading and math references. Once I apply the binder rings to the rod. I will be able to save and refer to charts for additional student learning. Thank you so much for this because, at times, the anchor charts tend to rip or wear when they aren't laminated.
Thank you again for providing our classroom with simple necessities to keep the learning flowing!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 3 other donors.Improving Writing Through Science
Funded Jul 26, 2023Thank you so much for funding our project aimed at improving writing! When the package arrived, my students were ready to hit the ground running. By the end of next month, we will be officially ready to launch our writing unit connected with science!
We are excited about this project for two important reasons. I work with kindergarten through second-grade students, providing them with instruction tailored to their IEP and grade level. We have a garden at our school that was previously doing quite well and thriving with green peppers, tomatoes, basil, and more. At some point during the summer, mosquitoes arrived and have somewhat taken over the space. With the Aerogarden in our room, we can prevent mosquito bites while still enjoying the gardening process, which my students love.
This would be a good way to develop writers and increase the writing stamina of some of our younger and upper elementary students. As we move toward paragraph writing, being able to note and explain the changes in some of our vegetables will lend to the process. This is the start of something new for us as we explore science and the writing process. While my students aren't sure what writing has to do with all of the vegetable pods from the aero garden, they will understand how it all comes together in due time.
Thank you so much for thinking about the needs of our students!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
The Start of Something New
Funded Aug 2, 2023Thank you so much for providing me with the resources needed to complete a portion of my Dissertation. I am currently working to improve equitable instructional outcomes for co-teaching teams in inclusion classrooms. Part of my research involves cultivating a four-part professional development series for co-teaching teams. With your assistance, I will be able to engage in evidence-based practices with my participants with books like Two Teachers in the Room: Strategies for Co-Teaching Success and
Co-Teaching That Works: Structures and Strategies for Maximizing Student Learning
Participatory action research allows me to work in a role I am trying to change. As a special education teacher, there is value in receiving education from both general education and special education teachers. However, in many instances, the roles and responsibilities of the special education and general education teacher can be misconstrued. The books will provide both myself and my participants with continued understanding and best practices on "the what" and "the how" of co-teaching in a way that will assist with imparting change in inclusion classrooms.
Seven months from now, it is my goal to have completed my Doctorate of Education. I truly appreciate you helping me bring my research to life by providing me with the tools to conduct my co-teaching intervention. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to the finish line!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 2 other donors.Last Round of Snacks for the Year!
Funded Jul 6, 2023Thank you for providing nourishment to our learners throughout the school day. When the snacks arrived, students couldn't wait to see what the options were for our first haul of the school year. Students who helped me open the boxes told me they were excited either way, which made the day great for me.
Many students face food insecurities when they are outside of the classroom. With your assistance, we can eliminate some of those needs while students are in the classroom, after school, and/or on their way home. I have realized over time that it can become quite costly to cover classroom expenses if the district does not provide funding. Breakfast is essential to the school day and is provided for all students. However, at times, students arrive at school late and may have missed an opportunity to get their day started correctly. You have helped with providing a great start to the day for many of our learners.
For this project, I wanted to ensure that I had the right snacks for both our lower elementary and upper elementary students. For our lower elementary students, Goldfish and applesauce are still favorites. For our upper elementary students, chips and juice remain at the top as a favorite. This way, there is a little something for everyone. We have reached our one-month mark of the school year, and we still have many snacks left!
Thank you so much for starting our school year in the right direction!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by Social Change Fund United and State Farm.Growing My Practice with Research Part 2
Funded Mar 30, 2023Thank you for providing the literary tools needed to conduct my Intervention for my Dissertation Defense. With your assistance, I have been able to plan and begin conducting my goals towards my program and implementing better outcomes in inclusion classrooms for students with disabilities.
Completing a doctoral program can become expensive, with books being another financial hardship outside of tuition. But the end result will be beneficial. The resources provided will enable me to engage in a four-part professional development series that will address misconceptions regarding the perceptions surrounding the co-teaching process. Additionally, it will enable me to work towards producing equitable outcomes with co-teaching teams. I hope that in the years to come, my district will begin to use this professional development series during our pre-service week and/or throughout the school year.
I will be able to use several of the books' templates to provide to co-teacher teams as they begin to unpack and implement equitable co-teaching practices in their respective schools. I am on the last leg of my doctoral program journey, and I appreciate your willingness to see my students succeed and see me succeed.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Woods
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.