Past projects 11
We LOVE to Read!
Funded Mar 6, 2020The leveling book system at Katz Dalsey Charter School is a meticulously organized approach to ensure that students across multiple grades and abilities have access to appropriate reading materials. By categorizing books based on reading levels, this system allows teachers to effectively share resources among four classrooms, accommodating the diverse literacy needs of their students. This ensures that each student can access books that are neither too challenging nor too easy, promoting optimal reading development and comprehension skills.
Teachers benefit greatly from this system as it enables them to provide tailored reading experiences that align with each student's individual learning pace. With a variety of leveled books at their disposal, educators can more accurately match students with texts that support their current reading abilities while also encouraging growth and progress. This structured approach not only enhances literacy instruction but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, where students of all grades and abilities can thrive.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 3 other donors.Make Our Books More Accessible
Funded Apr 8, 2022The introduction of a free library at Katz Dalsey Charter School has had a transformative impact on the student body and the broader community. Partnering with Book Smiles to provide free books has significantly increased access to literature, fostering a culture of reading and learning among students. This initiative has not only enhanced academic performance by providing students with the resources they need to succeed but has also cultivated a love for reading that extends beyond the classroom. Students are now able to explore a variety of genres and topics, which has sparked curiosity, improved literacy rates, and encouraged independent learning.
Moreover, the free library has become a valuable resource for the community, serving as a hub for knowledge and connection. Families and community members are now able to access books they might not have been able to afford otherwise, promoting lifelong learning and community engagement. This initiative has also strengthened the bond between the school and the community, as it demonstrates a commitment to supporting not just the students but their families and neighbors as well. By providing free books, Katz Dalsey Charter School, in partnership with Book Smiles, is helping to bridge educational gaps and create a more inclusive and empowered community.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose community & an Anonymous Partner and 4 other donors.Sing it Loud for All to Hear
Funded Oct 7, 2020Thank you so much for making my preschool students' music center possible. The music area is more than what I could have ever created or imagine for my students. However, due to the current state of my school, my students are learning from home. Nonetheless, I will surely update you with photos and experiences once we are back in the classroom.
During virtual learning, I shared and introduced the supplies that you have donated to us. The students asked if they can come to school and be with me in the classroom. It truly breaks my heart to see their excitement with these new gifts. Thank you for your kindness, and I will continue to teach my students to give back to others.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
Hats and Gloves Are Needed!
Funded Nov 18, 2019The 30 preschool students love their new hats and gloves. Many of my families are unable to afford the needed supplies to keep warm during winter, but your donation has changed all that.
Thank you so much for granting us with the gift of warmth! Through your donation, my students have been able to play outside, even on very chilly days. Many of the students in my class do not have many opportunities to play outside at home. For my students, this part of their day is critical to their development; therefore, we stay outside for 50 minutes every day.
We cannot thank you enough for your contribution and donation!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and 3 other donors.Learn and Grow with Sensory Paths!
Funded Sep 7, 2019The 30 preschool students love utilizing the sensory path in the hallway. Every chance they get, they would place their feet on the stencils and do wall-sits. They all love learning how to play hopscotch, follow the paths, and perform push-ups. The sensory path allows the students to play and increase coordination. It was designed to stimulate and improve the students' senses.
It was designed to improve sense of touch, hearing, and sight, but it also aids in balance and spatial awareness. High-intensity activities like this sensory pathway gets the blood pumping, helps the students to sit still, and focus for longer periods of time in the classroom. There are times that the students need alone time and a break from the classroom environment. My co-teacher or I would take one student at a time to assist those that need to increase their energy and arousal level as well as those who need to calm and organize their bodies.
We cannot thank you enough for your contribution and donation. It has allowed my class and other students to strengthen their physical coordination while encouraging socialization and inner meditation!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and 2 other donors.School Uniform Problems for the Less Fortunate
Funded May 23, 2019First day jitters, the thrill of meeting new friends and the sadness of saying bye-bye to Mom can push an already anxious child onto an emotional roller coaster. There has been at least one bathroom accident a day since we started school between the two pre-k classrooms. In addition, being in a classroom presents other challenges that may cause getting their clothes dirty. They are playing outside for an hour a day, serving themselves at lunch family style, and exploring with various art mediums. The extra uniforms and clothes has help all of our kids feel comfortable and clean throughout the day.
The students are not aware of the generous gift due to their age. However, they do get excited knowing that our classroom is a safe environment that provides basic essentials such as clean clothes. Our students' parents are beyond grateful and knows that I will provide a strong academic foundation and care for their health, emotions, and physical being.
Parents are aware that if they need any additional uniforms, they are more than welcome to use it for the year or until the students grows out of it. We have one family so far that reached out in need of support. Having this opportunity to provide for my students truly creates a strong community bond. The parents and I can not thank the donors enough for your support and care.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and 8 other donors.Reading Rocket Atmosphere
Funded Sep 30, 2017Thanks to you, the students at Camden's Charter School Network is able to have alternative seating when they are in my class. The chairs allow students to be more comfortable when they are listening to a lesson or reading independently. The beautiful red chairs and individual tables make our classroom warm and welcoming. My 17 students and after-school students use them on a daily basis. It is so nice to have individual seats for those who like to read by themselves, and a love seat for students who like to read together. I can't thank you enough for your generous donation.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and one other donor.Integrate STEM with Early Literacy
Funded Apr 7, 2017My first grade students love working with their hands. They are building reading skills and confident to challenge themselves on a daily basis with the literacy kit. The students are able to practice their nouns, verbs, and adjectives on a daily basis in a fun way. They get to explore and use the board game during center time to practice their literacy skills.
The students have science class twice a week with another teacher. It has always been a challenge of mine to incorporate STEM in to my daily lessons. Now with the huge STEM Kit from LAKESHORE, I am able to create engineering lessons and physics lessons to go along with my literacy units. For example, the students were taught about "point of view". I was able to incorporate the story "The Three Little Pigs" and the story "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" with one of the STEM Kit. The students were challenge to build a house made from foam bricks that can hold three plastic pigs. In addition, the students had to create a door in order to allow the pigs to come in and to keep the wolf out.
We cannot thank you enough for your contribution and donation. It has allowed my class and I to continue our passion for STEM and Literacy.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 5 other donors.Super Duper Reader
Funded Jan 13, 2017My first grade students love to read. They are building reading skills and confident to challenge themselves on a daily basis. I started this school year reading My Weird School Series. We have finished three of their books; however, I only had one copy. Therefore, the students would listen to me read and had to go off of their memories in order to answer text related questions. Once the bundle of fiction and non-fiction text arrived; the students were ecstatic to be able to read independently and to read as a class.
Reading takes place first thing in the morning in a whole group setting. Students are expected to be reading a novel on his/her level. After reading, students draw the plot and then write the summary using transition words. Students-teacher conference happens everyday. Students then revise their work and recopy their summary. Reading also takes place before lunch that is where students are allowed to read independently according to their reading levels.
There are a group of students who especially enjoys the Junie B. Jones books. This group chooses to read this book series during their independent reading time. We cannot thank you enough for your contribution and donation. It has allowed my class and I to continue our passion for reading.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega
Making History With CICERO
Funded Aug 21, 2015My first grade students love to use the Smartboard Interaction from CICERO. They are building reading skills and knowledge about history on a daily basis. Before my maternity leave, I started this school year teaching them about America and was able to end on Thanksgiving. The students are able to use the interactive website while I work on small group instruction. They are able to navigate and explore the site as if they are traveling the world.
There are an abundance of resources in the archive for myself. I am able to differentiate the different activities since I have access to various grade levels. The students can be challenged at his/her level while learning the same material. Once the students finish a task and are able to share it with the class. The students learn from each other and are a great way for them to build confidence in front of the class.
I allow my students to access CICERO during our reading and core extension block. They truly enjoy this program. We cannot thank you enough for your contribution and donation. It has allowed my class and I to continue our passion for history.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Vega