Past projects 9
Reading is the Cure!
Funded Jan 22, 2022Thank you so much for your generous contribution of books to my classroom. Many of my students do not have the luxury of ordering a book from Amazon, and many of the "must reads" have long waiting lists at the local library.
The books I ordered are diverse in subject matter as these are the books that kids most want to read. Most high school students lose interest in reading once they get to high school. This is for a variety of reasons. One of those is providing books that have characters and stories that remind them of themselves.
Each year I lose many books, which I don't really mind. If a student wants to "hold on" to a book a little longer, then I believe that book has found the right home. It's only through the generosity of Donors Choose that I am able to restock my book shelves each year. And to that I say: Thank You!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin
This classroom project was brought to life by Utah State Board of Education.Please Can We Read
Funded Jan 19, 2019Once again, thank you for your generosity in donating to my classroom. You provided six classes with the opportunity to read books that they otherwise would not have been able to.
They were so impressed that "The Hate U Give" was not only in hardcover, but also a "collector's edition". This book chronicles real life topics that are happening in their lives right now. And, since the majority of my students are students are students of color, the topic was even more timely and relevant. I'm always encouraging my students to find either a "window" (see something new) or a "mirror" (see themselves) when they read. This book most assuredly provided both for them.
When you donate through organizations like Donors Choose, please know the immediate impact that your money is having on the lives of students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 10 other donors.Reach New Heights With Wuthering Heights!
Funded Dec 1, 2017Thank you for the class set of "Wuthering Heights". Without your generous donations, we would not be able to read this book as a class. Many of my students cannot afford to purchase their own books, and so we must rely on school budgets to supplement books we read as a class.
With your contributions, I was able to purchase 50 copies of the novel. "Wuthering Heights" is a classic, and my students need exposure to the classics with teacher guidance.
Most of my students would never pick this book from the shelf on their own, and I am so eager and excited to share this reading experience with them. It is because of your generosity that I can do so.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin
This classroom project was brought to life by Wells Fargo and 3 other donors.High School-High Interest!
Funded Sep 28, 2017I cannot express the gratitude I have for your continued support and generosity. I am continually amazed that people want to give money to support kids they don't even know.
The books that you've provided will allow my students to have access to high interest books and will provide them with choice. Two things that all high school kids need. But when those high school kids are kids who already struggle with reading, and don't see themselves as readers, choice and relevant reading material become even more important.
Again, I am humbled by your thoughtfulness and generosity. There are so many places where you can give money, and I'm just grateful you chose to give to my class.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin
Memoirs in Middle School!
Funded Oct 18, 2016Thank you for your kind and generous donations to our project, "Memoirs in the Middle". The books have made a tremendous impact on my students' abilities to learn about cultures and education outside of their own lives. Your donations made it possible to buy 50 copies of "I am Malala."
My students come from diverse cultural and financial backgrounds. Many are not from the United States and are now in the US because their parents want them to have educational opportunities that would not be available to them in their native countries. One of my students moved to the US last school year from Pakistan and has given us extra insight into the horrible circumstances with girls' education.
Again, it is reassuring to know that there are people who value what students in public schools, and specifically Title 1 Schools, are learning and are willing to provide the necessary resources to do so.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin
BRIDGE(ing) the Road to High School!
Funded Oct 7, 2015Once again, your generosity astounds me and greatly impacts my students. Since September, I have had a steady stream of 9th graders who come to BRIDGES each week working on homework, connecting positively with teachers, and the gaining confidence and strategies needed to be successful in high school.
They love sitting in the beanbags to do homework. They could not believe the array of snacks available to them to "recharge" after a long day of school. The snacks are a big draw; teens are hungry! Many students have set personal goals pertaining to grades and attendance. Those who have met those goals are rewarded with high-fives and a gift cards. This summer, we will meet again for the BRIDGES summer program with a new group of freshman and high hopes that the older students will remain to mentor the younger students.
None of this would be possible if it weren't for people like you who believe in the power of education and the power of connection between students and teachers.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin
The Book is Better Than the Movie!
Funded Oct 20, 2014Since your generous donation to my classroom, my kids have been reading, reading, reading. I think I ordered seven copies of "Paper Towns," --one of their all time favorites. It's soon to be made into a movie. I cannot keep that book on the shelf. It's by the same author as "The Fault in our Stars," John Green, and it's funny!
Among the other favorites, has been the Divergent series. This is especially great because the second in the series will be in theaters soon. We recently read "The Giver" together as a class. We then watched the movie adaptation. Hands down, they enjoyed the book much more. "Books have more details," "you get to know the characters better," "the movie was not how I pictured the places or the characters." These were only a few of their reasons why.
Again, without your amazing support to me, as a teacher, and my students, as learners, none of this would have been possible. It is for them that I say--THANK YOU!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin
Kid vs. Book!
Funded Oct 25, 2013When I originally told my students that I had applied for a Donors Choose grant for new books, they were so excited. They spent the entire month of September asking when the books would arrive. As I stated before, my students don't have access to many books outside of school. Many of them come from homes where books are luxuries not necessities. With single parents, or two very busy working parents, they often don't have the opportunity to get to the city library. I want my classroom to be full of books so that they never have to say that they can't get or find a good book to read.
Since we've received our materials, which included many new books, a magazine subscription, and new book shelves, the books have "flown" off of the new shelves. I can't keep them in my class longer than a class period or two. This year, we're also participating in a 50 Book Challenge. Two students have already met that challenge, and I've got many more who are aspiring to do so also.
These new materials have made it possible to put a book in every single student's hand. I know with confidence that I can say to a student, "I've got just the book for you!" Plus, the new book shelves make it possible to display popular books and keep everything organized. I thank you, and my 165 students thank you for your amazing generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin
New Teacher Needs New Class Library!!
Funded Nov 2, 2012Thank you all so very much for your generous donations to my class. As you know, 96% of my students live in poverty. Most do not have access to the resources that many other students take for granted. The dictionaries, magazines and bins to organize my books, have made our classroom an amazing place to learn.
I've already seen the tremendous growth that many of my students have made this year with their reading and writing. Most of my students came in this fall well below grade level with their reading. I now have many kids who are reading on a 9th to 10th grade level! None of this would be possible without the help of amazing people like you. I could not afford to buy all of these resources on my own.
Because of people like you, my students know that other people in the community value education too.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Algarin