Past projects 11
Soaring Into Reading
Funded Aug 10, 2022Thank you for your generosity in donating to "Soaring Into Reading"! Students now have engaging materials such as decodable readers and word building tiles to engage in fun reading activities that keep them engaged.
Students really enjoy the workmats that were created using the materials downloaded from TeachersPayTeachers. They are able to manipulate letters to create words. Using colorful word tiles.
Students are building self-confidence as they are learning to become proficient readers. The smiles on their faces when they walk into my classroom says it all. Thank you again.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 2 other donors.Sound It Out!
Funded Oct 26, 2021Morning phonics lessons are much more exciting with word building blocks. Students needing extra support with phonics work 3 times a week with word building . Students love meeting with our teacher's assistant or myself to build words. They ask, " Why can't we do this everyday?"
The colored transparent tape has benefited so may students that need assistance with word reading and tracking. Hey helps to keep them focused and avoid distraction. I often pre-tape some students' reading assignments to help them keep them on task. I'”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
Summer Bridge to 4th Grade
Funded May 27, 2021Thank you so much for your generosity in donating to my project "Summer Bridge to 4th Grade". My student were given summer bridge books at the end of the 2020/2021 school year to prepare them for 4th grade. Over the summer I heard from several parents who thanked my for the books. They contained engaging activities that kept students busy over the summer.
Students engaged in reading of fiction and nonfiction text, as well as graphic novels, which they can't get enough of. Additionally, the books contained fun and engaging science experiments that students could complete with common household products at home.
Many students were excited to show me that they completed their books when we returned this school year. I was elated to see so may students excited about reading activities. Thank you again for keeping learning alive over the summer.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
Dive Deeper Into Diverse Books
Funded Oct 23, 2020The variety of books selected met the needs of students at various reading levels. Students are now able to read what they are interested in without struggling with reading fluency. Additionally students able to see themselves and different cultures in the books giving them the opportunity to learn about others outside of their community.
Reading takes place throughout the day. Students read independently, during shared reading, partner reads, small group instruction, and during whole class read alouds. Your gift has provide more selection for all of these reading scenarios.
While all students have enjoyed listening to the read alouds, my in-person students have enjoyed being able to hold books again and get lost in their stories.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Donor and one other donor.21st Century Learners
Funded Jan 25, 2018Having two Chromebooks everyday, all day has made such a difference in my classroom. Students use the Chromebooks to complete assignments in Google Classroom, such as word processing, online assignments, and even test and quizzes. They're also able complete research for social studies and science (STEAM) projects. My students are 21st Century Learners. The use of technology really helps to engage them.
My students are most excited about having the Chromebooks available during reading and math workshop time. They're able to go onto reading and math websites to review skills by playing online games.
The addition of Chromebooks has been especially helpful for two special education students, both who struggle to print. Being able to word process all of their writing has helped with their confidence.
Thank you again for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 2 other donors.Flexible Seating to Improve Student Engagement
Funded Oct 19, 2017Thank you again for your generosity. My students are using the wobble chairs and exercise balls everyday. Students have free choice of how and where they sit during independent work time. The balls and chairs are always the first to be picked.
I've noticed a decline in talking and students getting out of their seats during work time. I attribute this to their focus is on balancing and working now. It's made a world of difference in my class. You can actually hear a pen drop when my students are working independently. Thanks again!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
3rd Grade Environmentalist
Funded Feb 9, 2017Before we received our science/engineering kit, science was completed by reading a book, That is no way to learn about out the world around you. We've used the kit for several STEM activities. The students began one unit of study by first reading about ecosystems. They were able to use the books include in the kit for this. Students then used their new knowledge to research and build an ecosystem that could house crickets and plants. Finally, my students were able to finish their unit be taking a field trip to a nature preserve to see a ecosystem in nature.
When the kit arrived and I told my students briefly about what we were going to be learning about, their eyes lit up. They couldn't wait to get started. Now when I tell them we are going to do science I get cheers instead of blank stares.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
This classroom project was brought to life by Tom's of Maine and 3 other donors.Let's Get Moving!
Funded Mar 29, 2016My students' ask every Monday morning, "When are we having P.E?" P.E. used to be running laps around the track or playing with the one recess ball we had. Now my students' are able to have P.E. centers, work on their ball tossing skills, have obstacle courses, and play a little basketball. Since, many of my students' are short, they never imagined they would be able to play basketball and make shots. Now their dribbling, passing, and making many shots.
When the P.E equipment first arrived my students eyes lit up. Many of my students had only seen our new equipment(jump ropes, soccer balls, basketballs, small balls, and hula hoops) from afar. The wanted to play immediately.
We will continue to use our new equipment weekly. My goal for the end of the year is for my students to be able to improve their motor skills, learn good sportsmanship, and play a game of basketball or soccer with another class or two.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
This classroom project was brought to life by #BestSchoolDay and 3 other donors.Research in the 21st Century
Funded Jan 17, 2016Being able to use technology is a must for today's children. With the addition of an iPad Mini, my students now have one more opportunity to be exposed to technology at school.
Students have been able to use the iPad to do research projects on a wild animal. Instead of waiting to use the classroom desktop, they can now share the tablet as well. My students have been so excited that they even ask to come in at recess and lunch recess to look up information on the tablet.
The tablet has also been helpful because our Teacher's Assistant had been able to do reading testing with me. Which means we get testing done quicker. So we're left with more time to teach.
This year I plan on teaching my students how to use the tablet to record movies and take pictures to create class presentations.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity to our class.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
Up and Close With an Easel
Funded Oct 20, 2015Thank you so much for your generosity and support of public education. It is because of donors like you that many students around the world and getting and using much needed educational resources.
My students' enjoy the easel tremendously. They enjoy small group instruction and Writer's Workshop on carpet where they feel much more comfortable out of their seats. Since I'm able to work in small groups on the classroom rug, I'm not restricted to working only with 3- 4 students at a time. I can pull as many students as needed. I also find myself doing much more small group instruction which is better for the students because they get much more of my attention.
When principal delivered the fully assembled easel to our classroom my students' eyes lit up with wonder. They immediately wanted to know what it was and what we we were going to use it for. I explained to them that it was mainly for small group instruction and that we would all use it during small group instruction. The classroom immediately filled with cheers.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Butler-Wells
This classroom project was brought to life by NEA Foundation and 3 other donors.