Past projects 6
Fresh Air Does a Body Good!
Funded Oct 23, 2019Thank you so much for the outdoor sensory equipment for my students. There are a variety of activities that included calming and active play. The students now have a choice as to which activity they will engage in versus only having a swing set. The students are excited and motivated to be outside which has decreased behaviors within the classroom. The equipment can also be utilized when our PE teacher is absent as well as helping us to teach fine and gross motor skills which is always a challenge with my students. Many of the student will choose outdoor activities as there reward for the end of the day. Getting students to go outside in the past was a chore, but the new equipment has them excited to play.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hunt Poirrier
This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron Fuel Your School and one other donor.A Vision to Get our GROOVE on
Funded Oct 17, 2017Thank you so much for the television and external hard drive. My students are loving the ability to move and learn. Autistic students need a variety of stimuli to help their learning. The Wii provides the visual and the motor all in one. The television gives a clear picture and allows the students to look at something other than the same old white board.
The students ask to "play" on the system all the time, when actually I have selected certain games that coincide with the lessons being taught. They think it is "free" time while they are actually learning. The lower students are encouraging the higher and the higher students are helping to teach the lower students tricks.
The students have started communicating and functioning as a team rather than as individuals. This is so fun and exciting to see. Many Autistic students struggle in social settings and this has allowed many students to come out of their shell.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hunt Poirrier
Freedom from the Pencil!
Funded May 8, 2017Thank you so much for your generous support.
Many of my students are Autistic and have a difficult time expression themselves verbally. Having access to the Chromebooks allows my students to google images or type response to class assignments. These Chromebooks also allow myself to scan written stories to the Chromebooks and they can read along and listen, without it always being my voice. These allow my students to participate in general education classes and have an easy way to join discussions, or gain success without struggling for verbal words.
The thing that makes these Chromebooks so exciting to my students is that they get to walk around carry "laptops" and look just like their peers, no more bulky communication devices. They hated them and made them stand out. These devices have helped my students feel and look like everyone else.
It took some time for myself and other staff members to get all the programs needed for my students to use downloaded. When they were operational and one was given to a student who struggles to verbalize, he had the biggest grin ever on his face. he typed, "Thank you!"
Hard to put into words how this simple device has built his self esteem, and lowered the behavior outburst. He has a way to communicate that is in line with his peers. Who wouldn't want their own laptop at school? His confidence has grown as well as his grades. Thank you from all of us.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hunt Poirrier
Chromebooks for Freedom
Funded Nov 22, 2016I cannot say Thank You enough for these Chromebooks. My students are so excited to learn and discover at their desk. These Chromebooks have given them the freedom to not only explore but feel some type of independence.
They can use this within my classroom, but also in some of their other classes. These Chromebooks allow them to access their textbooks online and have the curriculum read to them. They are also able to have the words defined for them. This helps eliminate some of thier frustration having to read, ask for clarification, then go back and re-read the same page again.
My students have made tremendous gains, and now want to learn. These Chromebooks have opened a whole new world to them.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hunt Poirrier
Keyboard To Learning
Funded Dec 31, 2013As a result of your generosity my five students have gained knowledge and independence. This project excited my students and all wanted a turn to "play" with the computer. This has helped my students not only in English but Math as well.
The students are using the resource in a variety of different ways. Some or using it as a communication device, typing their thoughts, others as a supplement to their learning. It is a different avenue to explore the different teaching strategies required for my special needs students. As a result of this resource my students have achieved not only academic success but a better understanding of their importance in the classroom.
My students use the project independently as well as in a group. Some students have been able to type and others use a picture symbol. This project has given my students a sense of accomplishment and they have been able to keep up with their peers. Typing allows slower writing students to finish a thought or sentence before they forget their train of thought. Students who were struggling to keep up and getting frustrated at the fast pace are now able to type and keep up. Many are also able to participate by typing, and their peers can read their thoughts, it is so rewarding to see a smile when their words are acknowledged. Being able to add Apps to the device allows the students to practice all skills across all aspects of learning.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hunt Poirrier
How to Understand the World Around Me, Surface to Success
Funded Oct 29, 2013I am so grateful for you wonderful generosity. The surface tablets and mouse have benefited my students tremendously. Many of my students have difficulty with pen to paper. With these tablets they are able to type and follow along. We have used them to learn sentence structure, grammar and punctuation, as well as addition, subtraction and word problems. Many students have also been able to use them independently to re-enforce skills taught in the classroom through the apps we have been able to download.
Our school is considered a title one school, but the majority of the money used goes to the regular students, they have the larger population. For my Special Education students your generosity has given them an opportunity to participate in class activities with their peers and not always be instructed one to one.
Without wonderful donors like yourself, many special needs children would not have the opportunities you have given.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hunt Poirrier