Ms. Schiavo's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 7

• Teaching Through a Graphic Novel

  Funded Dec 4, 2024

  After donating *Speak* to the health class, the positive impact is already being felt in several meaningful ways. The book has sparked essential conversations around mental health, trauma, and the importance of speaking up. Here are the positive outcomes of the donation:

  1. **Increased Awareness and Understanding**: The students are now more informed about the complexities of mental health, trauma, and the long-term effects of bullying and sexual assault. The story has helped raise awareness about these critical issues, leading to more open discussions about struggles that many students face but might not always have the vocabulary or support to address.

  2. **Cultivating Empathy**: Through the experiences of the protagonist, students have gained a deeper sense of empathy. They are more understanding of the emotional challenges that others may be silently facing. The novel has encouraged them to be more compassionate and considerate toward their peers.

  3. **Empowerment to Speak Up**: The message of finding one's voice and standing up for oneself has resonated with many students. Inspired by the protagonist's journey, they feel more empowered to speak out when they experience or witness injustice, bullying, or personal struggles, knowing that their voices matter.

  4. **Enhanced Understanding of Consent and Boundaries**: The themes of consent and respecting personal boundaries explored in *Speak* have prompted meaningful discussions in the classroom. Students are gaining a stronger understanding of what healthy relationships look like and how to communicate boundaries effectively, both for themselves and with others.

  5. **Fostering a Safe and Supportive Environment**: The donation has created a space where students can openly talk about tough topics. They now have a resource to help them process their own feelings and experiences, and they understand the importance of offering support to those around them. The classroom is becoming a more open, safe space for vulnerable conversations.

  Overall, the donation of *Speak* has already made a profound difference. It has provided students with the knowledge, empathy, and tools they need to navigate difficult emotional situations and has set the foundation for an ongoing dialogue about mental health, self-respect, and the power of speaking out.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Schiavo

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.

• Running Out of Necessary Art Supplies

  Funded Feb 18, 2025

  Thank you so much for once again helping me with my class. I cannot thank you enough for all your support and care. These kids need support from people like you to help them flourish when it comes to creating art. Many of these students get pushed aside because of their social economical status.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Schiavo

• Teachers Are Always Running Out of Essential Items

  Funded Oct 27, 2024

  On behalf of my students in my Visual Arts Magnet classes and myself, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation of classroom supplies. Your support has made a significant and positive impact on our learning environment and the educational experience of our students.

  Thanks to your kindness, we received a wonderful array of essential items including pencils, modeling compound, drinking water, trash bags, acrylic paint sets, squeeze bottles for pour paints and its necessities, binders and paper clips, monitor wipes, paper plates, and whiteboard erasers. Each donation has played a crucial role in facilitating our daily activities and enriching our curriculum.

  The pencils, for example, are not just tools for writing; they are tools that empower our students to explore their thoughts, express their creativity, and build their literacy skills. The modeling compound has unlocked our students' imaginations during our art lessons and provided a tactile, engaging way to learn. Having a ready supply of clean drinking water ensures that our students stay hydrated and focused, allowing them to give their best to learning.

  Your donation of acrylic paints and the necessary pour-paint supplies has transformed our art program. The students have been thrilled by the opportunity to experiment with color, texture, and techniques, allowing them to express themselves in such vibrant and imaginative ways. The paper plates and clean-up items like trash bags and monitor wipes have made the whole messy process far easier to manage and so much more fun.

  The binders and paper clips have been essential in helping our students organize their work and develop essential organizational skills. And finally, the whiteboard erasers have helped promote a clean and effective teaching space for both teacher and students.

  Your gifts have not only provided us with the materials we need, they have fostered a sense of community and support within our classroom. The students see that others care about their education, and this has a powerful and motivating effect. We are so grateful for your trust in our work and your belief in the potential of our students.

  On behalf of my Visual Arts Magnet students at Fairfax Senior High School, we thank you again for your incredible generosity. Your contribution has made a real and tangible difference. We are excited to continue learning and growing with the help of these wonderful tools.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Schiavo

  This classroom project was brought to life by .

• Electronic Necessities

  Funded Oct 24, 2024

  On behalf of the students and myself, I am writing to express our sincere and profound gratitude for your generous donations to our classroom. Your support has made a tangible and positive difference in our learning environment, and we are thrilled to share the impact of your kindness.

  Before your donations, our classroom faced several challenges that hindered our ability to efficiently utilize technology and focus on our studies. The absence of certain devices meant lost time and frustrated efforts. Thanks to your support, we now have resources that have transformed our learning experience.

  Specifically, your donation of:

  A Colored Printer: This printer has revolutionized how we create, learn, and present. We are now able to print vibrant graphics and images, enriching projects and allowing students to engage visually with their work. For instance, [Give a specific example - e.g., "Students in our biology class were able to print detailed diagrams for their research presentations, greatly improving their understanding of complex systems."]

  A Phone Charging Station: The charging station has eliminated the distractions associated with dead or dying phones. Students can now discreetly charge their devices, ensuring they are ready for learning applications and research when necessary, without disrupting class. This has freed up valuable class time.

  Extension Cords: The extension cords have provided an essential solution to limited outlet availability. This allows us to easily utilize technology in different areas of the room and has dramatically improved the flexibility of our learning spaces with computers and other devices.

  A 36-Spot Cell Phone Holder: This has been invaluable in reducing classroom disruptions by providing a central, organized location for phones during class time. This has improved focus and allowed students to be more present in their learning.

  A Wireless Mouse and Keyboard: Having a dedicated wireless mouse and keyboard has made classroom presentations and computer work easier and more efficient. Teachers and students alike benefit from these tools, allowing us to navigate projects and research more smoothly.

  The cumulative effect of these donations is a classroom that is more organized, efficient, and conducive to learning. Students are now able to fully engage with the curriculum, and teachers are empowered with the tools they need to deliver the best possible educational experiences. We've seen [mention some positive changes you've noticed, e.g., "increased student participation," "more focused attention," "higher quality projects"].

  Your generosity has not only equipped our classroom with practical tools but has also demonstrated to our students the power of community support. You've shown them that others believe in their potential, and this is a lesson they will carry with them.

  Thank you once again for your incredible generosity and for investing in the students of Fairfax Senior High School. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to education.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Schiavo

• Classroom Needs

  Funded Oct 13, 2024

  On behalf of my students and myself, I am writing to express our sincere gratitude for your incredibly thoughtful and impactful donations to our classroom. Your generosity has made a tangible difference in our learning environment, and we are truly appreciative of your support.

  It's amazing how seemingly small things can have such a big impact. The vibrant colored pencils you provided have unleashed a wave of creativity and self-expression in my students' art projects and everyday assignments. They are now able to bring their imaginations to life with a full spectrum of color, adding depth and detail to their work. And let's be honest, having a pencil sharpener at each table has eliminated the dreaded interruptions of needing to sharpen a pencil in the middle of a lesson! It's made our flow so much smoother.

  Your gift of skin tone pencils has been particularly meaningful. These tools have empowered my students to represent themselves and others in their artwork with accuracy and pride. It has sparked important conversations about inclusive and representation within our classroom, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for each other's differences.

  The refillable glue bottles and the gallon of glue are a lifesaver! We no longer face the small glue bottle dry-up struggle. They ensure that we always have the supplies we need at our fingertips, allowing us to complete projects without frustration. We use so much glue, so this large donation was beyond helpful.

  Finally, the addition of the trash cans has helped us maintain a clean and organized learning space. This seems like a small detail but has truly taught the students about the importance of keeping their space tidy and taking responsibility for their environment.

  Your donations have not only provided us with the necessary resources for learning but have also fostered a sense of community within our classroom. My students are more engaged, creative, and organized thanks to your kindness. They feel valued and supported by the wider community, and that matters more than words can say!

  Thank you again for believing in our students and investing in their education. Your generosity has truly made a difference. We hope you will continue to be a part of our learning journey.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Schiavo

• Art Supplies and Classroom Essentials Needed

  Funded Aug 12, 2024

  I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donations of art supplies. The paints, diorama boxes, and markers you provided have made a significant impact on our students' creative endeavors. Your thoughtful contribution has not only enriched their art experience but has also inspired them to explore their creativity in new and exciting ways.

  Your support plays a crucial role in fostering a nurturing environment for our students. With the materials you donated, they have the opportunity to express themselves artistically and gain confidence in their abilities. Seeing their enthusiasm and joy as they engage in their projects is a testament to the difference your gifts make in their lives.

  Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity. It is wonderful to have supporters like you who believe in the power of art education. Your contributions empower our students and help shape their futures in meaningful ways.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Schiavo

• Supplies Needed for Visual Art Magnet Students at Fairfax!

  Funded Jun 20, 2024

  I hope this note finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation towards purchasing art supplies for my social studies classroom. Your support plays a crucial role in enriching our student's learning experiences, allowing them to explore creativity while connecting with the historical and cultural themes we study.

  Thanks to your contribution, we have acquired various materials that will engage our students in hands-on projects and visual storytelling. These supplies not only enhance our curriculum but also inspire students to express their ideas and perspectives in innovative ways. It is gratifying to see their enthusiasm and creativity flourish as they immerse themselves in these activities, which would not have been possible without your kindness.

  Once again, thank you for your thoughtfulness and support. Your commitment to education is making a significant impact on our classroom community, and I am incredibly grateful for your generosity.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Schiavo