Mrs. Simmons' Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 5

• Loading the Library

  Funded Aug 22, 2015

  Thank you so much for your generous donation to my class. The students will be so excited when they arrive at school on the first day to see all the books in the classroom.

  My students will be reading the books in a 30 book challenge this year. Which means, I will be challenging each of my students to read at least 30 books. With these extra books in the classroom the students will have a larger variety of book to choose from. When students love to read they read often. When students read often reading skills improve and writing skills improve. I look forward to reading with my students. Thank you again!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Simmons

• Project Projector

  Funded Oct 9, 2015

  My students and families use technology at home, but bringing technology into schools is a slow and expensive process. Your grant allowed me to purchase a projector, document camera, and projector screen for my classroom. This technology lets me project documents on to a screen so all students are able to see what I am wanting to show them.

  Since receiving the tools, I have used them nearly every day in a variety of ways. I have used them to show students sheet music so they can practice their instruments and I can point to the notes, I have put student work up on the board for us to edit as a class, and I have lead students through art activities. The equipment makes the material I am presenting accessible to all students. Thank you so much for sponsoring my project!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Simmons

• Bolstering Books for Bookworms

  Funded Oct 17, 2014

  I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to my classroom. From the minute the boxes of books started arriving the children were beyond excited about the big surprise I had for them. The middle school team took the books out of the boxes and we could see the children's faces light up. They watched with bated breath as the books were revealed. The children excitedly discussed which books they wanted to read first.

  We have been using the books regularly since they arrived. Each week the children have free reading time and many of the children continue to read in their free time. We have definitely become a class that loves to read. Without your generous donation, I never would have been able to bring these resources to our school. Thank you so much for your help.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Simmons

• Digital Literacy

  Funded Jan 14, 2014

  What a wonderful gift you have given to the children at my school. Thank you so much for your donation to my project on DonorsChoose.org. Your donation helped me get nine iPads for our middle school students.

  When the iPads arrived, we brought them into the classroom. The children were so excited they couldn't believe their eyes. The first phrase out of many of the children's mouths was, "Thank you!"

  These tablets held multiple purposes in the school. First, they are used in the digital literacy classes. Prior to receiving the tablets, the children would follow along on a projected computer. Now the students are able to follow along on a projected screen and work along side using their own tablet. We also use the iPads in the classrooms to assist students with research. Finally, we are using the iPads to facilitate the mandatory state testing.

  Students have been using the iPads to learn how to use computers and technology ethically. It has helped support our school's processes by supporting state testing and having tablets available to students and teachers when needed. Your donation not only supported my class, but every student in the whole school. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your donation.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Simmons

• Making Music

  Funded Aug 16, 2013

  "What is in the box, Mrs. Simmons?" asked each child as they walked into the classroom and saw the large brown shipping box. As I pulled each instrument out of the box and unwrapped them, the child's eyes grew larger and larger. They longed to touch each and every instrument.

  Try as I might, words cannot describe the thrill and excitement in my children's eyes when they saw the wonderful array of drums, shakers and tambourines you provided for our class. Each child was eager to try out the different instruments. I think the class loved the xylophone the best. The cool, soft, and even tones were literally music to our ears. Each child was excited for their turn to use the instruments and make music for the classmates to hear.

  Since receiving the instruments, we have used them daily in the classroom. Singing songs like "Si ma ma ka," "Headstrong Horses," or one of the various traditional Native American songs have come alive with the musical instruments. Dancing the traditional tinikling dance of the Philippines has become more engaging with the steady beat of the drum. Students who may have felt insecure about participating in singing and movement have found a new passion with playing instruments and felt comfortable participating again. Students have even wanted to stay inside during recess to make up songs with the instruments. It has been so wonderful seeing a student who struggled with acceptance from his peers being the leader in a small class band. All of this is possible because of your generous donation.

  I can't thank you enough for the gift you have given to the children. It has been such a blessing for the children in my class and me.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Simmons