Mrs. Gramarossa's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 3

• Enhanced Learning Environment: Alternative Seating, Care Closet, and More

  Funded Feb 5, 2024

  My 9th grade English classes have been enjoying the donated classroom supplies very much. The couch has been the biggest hit. It has motivated students to come to class on time to be able to have the opportunity to sit there. In addition, I can comfortable conference with students on the couch. Just today, I conferenced with students about their Independent Reading Goals. Sitting on the couch allowed for comfortable conversation as opposed to the teacher hovering over the students' shoulders. New students who haven't been in my room before always comment about how it is great I have a couch in the classroom.

  The other resources have been great too. Students use the over-the-door shoe storage rack for accessing Care Closet items when my door is closed. It has allowed students easy, non-disruptive access to the hygiene and basic needs items. Of course, students also enjoy the Cheez-its when they need something in their stomach. The laminator has been used to laminate important signs around the room. Having ink has also allowed me to print when my school's teacher lounge printer was broken. It also allows me to print in color to help with visual aids for students.

  Thanks to your donation, my students have a more welcome classroom where they know learning is important; learning can take place when we are comfortable with our surroundings. We appreciate what you have done for us!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Gramarossa

  This classroom project was brought to life by Connecticut State Department of Education.

• Flexible Seating Options

  Funded Dec 22, 2018

  My students were so excited to receive more flexible seating options for our classroom. They kept asking me when we were receiving the supplies, and they were eager to help build the furniture.

  We have been getting a lot of use out of the new flexible seating furniture. The school only provides us with individual desks with the seats attached. This type of desk does not help us with group tasks and does not allow me to sit with students and discuss their work. Now, with the tables and chairs, there is more space for collaborative learning. In my 7 years of teaching, I have not worked one-on-one with students as much as I have since I received the new furniture this year. What a difference it has made with my students' learning. I have observed my students asking for help more than before. The seats have also allowed for students to sit closer to me. I can have students form small groups right around my desk and now they can actually pull up a chair, whereas before, we didn't have chairs for them to pull up. Additionally, behaviorally speaking, the students that need some sort of movement at their desks actually have it now. The exercise ball chairs have helped students stay focused and on task.

  For the rest of the year, I look forward to working with students more in small groups and taking advantage of the white board paper. The white board paper will be especially helpful come the end of the school year when students get antsy and need to doodle. Thank you so much for allowing this great learning opportunity for our classroom. For years to come, students will take advantage of these unique seating options.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Gramarossa

• iPad to the Rescue: Implementing the Use of Technology

  Funded Sep 12, 2013

  Once my students saw the iPad, their eyes lit up and they asked "œIs that the class iPad?!" Students are way more excited about learning now that we incorporate the iPad. I have been taking it easy and not moving too quickly, but I have bigger plans in store for the future. But so far, even the baby steps have been successful.

  For example, I downloaded an app (Zip Grade) that grades multiple choice quizzes, stores the data, and immediately provides feedback on the whole class'™ progress. One student in particular was not going to take a quiz and was instead going to take a zero for the assignment until she learned the quiz would be graded by the iPad. Then, she decided she would take the quiz! Instead of taking a zero, she ended up with a 40. I know a 40 isn't something to brag about, but the iPad helped that one student be more successful than she would have been without it. Students are just more interested in our class activities if the iPad is involved.

  With the iPad, we made an Instagram account for students to stay connected even after school hours. From the class iPad, we upload helpful charts, clues about upcoming questions on tests, and pictures from general school activities to our Instagram account. One of my favorite things we are doing with our can't account is promoting positivity and good deeds. For extra credit, students can do a community service activity and upload a short video of the activity being done or a reflection of what the activity was like. I can'™t wait to see all of the videos. I'd like to invite you to follow our class account @mscarewsclass.

  Thank you so much for making so much more possible in our class. Students are more engaged and will ultimately be more successful because of this wonderful piece of technology all thanks to you!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Gramarossa

  This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 10 other donors.