Past projects 27
Refill Our Library!
Funded Jan 27, 2015Thank you all, so much, for your generous support to our classroom!
Over the past several months, data proves that students' independent reading levels have improved. What the data doesn't show, though, is that this is all because of your donation. Having books that kids want to read make the likelihood of them picking them up that much greater. (Our class favorites are "The Princess Diary" series and anything that has to do with basketball.)
What's most amazing, though, is the shift in reading behaviors. Months ago, independent reading was a struggle. But now? Students walk in asking if it is independent reading time and begging to have just 5 more minutes to keep going. This culture shift in our classroom is amazing, and it is all because of you.
Thank you, again, for the support of our classroom and our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pallas
Classroom Supplies
Funded Jul 22, 2014Thank you both so much for your generous donation to our classroom! My students were so excited to start a brand new school year with brand new supplies.
These supplies have come in handy particularly in our guided reading program. My students have been able to breakdown texts using highlighters, create reading anchor charts using markers, and use flashcards to help learn the pronunciation and spelling of new words.
With your generous donation, my students have the supplies needed to be successful in the seventh grade. You have given the opportunity for all students to experience learning and success in our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pallas
The Promise of a Pencil
Funded May 27, 2014Thank you all, so much, for your generous support of our classroom!
With your help, each student has been able to start the school day with a pencil. You have taken away the stress of being unprepared and have replaced it with the safety of knowing that supplies - and success - are always available.
These pencils have also taught students responsibility. When they are given a pencil, students take ownership of that pencil; it is up to the student to take a writing utensil, bring it class-to-class, and hold onto for the next day.
We genuinely appreciate all you do in order to help our students succeed - all starting with something as small as a pencil.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pallas
For the love of reading!
Funded Aug 23, 2014Thank you all, so much, for your generous donation to our classroom library! We were able to purchase dozens of books to stock our library with the newest best sellers, "made-into-movies," and teen favorite books!
My students have simply devoured these novels. Every two weeks, they are back into our class library, exchanging for new books and putting others on hold. I have no greater joy than seeing students toting books in their hands as they walk from class-to-class, sneaking in independent reading time during homeroom.
Not only have you helped to encourage a love of reading, but you have also helped students to gain new reading skills and increase their independent reading levels. Students have already said that within the past six weeks, they feel that their own reading has "gotten better."
Thank you, again, for your generous donation!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pallas
This classroom project was brought to life by Gates Foundation Back To School and one other donor.Classroom Supplies
Funded May 4, 2014Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. Your gift of even the most basic school supplies - pencils, sharpeners, and pens - has allowed for so much learning to happen! When the kids saw the box - and knew that someone out there supports them - they were excited for something new, just for them.
We have already broken into several boxes of pencils, allowing our time to focus on learning and not scrounging up something to write with. (Plus, these kids love the "good" pencils; as I'm told so often, "These ones don't break so much!")
I was particularly excited to get the tools needed for peer editing : colored pens and Post-it notes. We have already been working on offering "warm and cool feedback" to their writing partners on their argument essays. Having students give the feedback offers them ownership of their work and ownership of the skill. (Plus, it's "secret learning" - their writing gets better just by helping someone else!)
Thank you again for your donation and support of our classroom and our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pallas
Books! Books! Books!
Funded Jan 20, 2014Thank you all so much for your generous donation to our classroom library! My students have been SO excited to read these books - some have finished as many as 6 books since they've been delivered!
Because of your donation, many of my lowest readers have found a new favorite author in R.L. Stine and the Goosebumps series. (So much, in fact, that they are begging for more!) Independent reading is no longer a struggle with these kids; they are eager to have "peaceful" time to take out their books and read!
I was excited to see how many improvements students' have made in their reading stamina. Although the state exams were difficult, these students did not give up; they went into the exam with an "I can do it" confidence and tried their very best. All of this is because of their independent reading practice, supplied with your generous donations.
Thank you again for all of your support for our students and our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pallas
Books, Books, Books!
Funded Oct 10, 2013Thank you all so much for your generous donations to our classroom library; we feel so fortunate to have supporters like you. My students were so excited when box after box of books came in! They were so shocked by how many "strangers" care about their education.
In our 7th grade classroom, we have been reading up a storm! We start every class with independent reading of these novels that "live" in their book bags. In just the few short months from receiving your donation, students have already read - independently - up to 6 books! What's most important, though, is how students are beginning to look at reading; as TyShawn says, "Reading can actually be fun. I'm surprised I actually like this book."
Since we are a school that services high needs and at-risk students, many of my kids read below grade level. What's exciting, though, is that we are seeing major progress with their reading comprehension. This month, students took a follow-up reading assessment; more than half of the students increased their reading level by an entire grade equivalency since September! This is all thanks to your generous donations and support.
Thank you, again, for your generous donations. You truly have made an indescribable impact on my students, our classroom, and their futures.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pallas