Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 11

• Are You Talking to Me?

  Funded Nov 8, 2024

  Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom was able to purchase ESL programs, which allowed me to conduct hands-on learning that sparked a real passion for our english language learners. We saw a noticeable improvement in engagement and understanding, especially among the ESL students who were previously hesitant to participate. Your support directly impacted 30+ students and helped them develop a love for learning that will stay with them for years to come. I am incredibly grateful for your contribution to my classroom and to the ESL community! Thank you so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and 7 other donors.

• LEARNING and LANGUAGE and FUN, OH MY!!

  Funded Aug 10, 2022

  My students cannot wait to play the Grammar and language games. They are learning and having fun! Students that are struggling in Grammar and Writing beg me to let them play! It's so amazing to see. My ESL groups love the games you donated that helps them understand parts of speech and other grammar and language skills. They, too, enjoy these games and don't feel like they stand out anymore especially when the other students take out the file folder games.

  Having new white boards that my students can actually write on, helps so much when informally assessing my students, and they love them. All of this would not be possible without your donations!! Thank you so so much!!!!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

  This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 8 other donors.

• I Wanna See My Students Better (Virtually of Course)

  Funded Dec 8, 2020

  Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. Without people like you, teachers wouldn't be able to do their jobs efficiently. Having another monitor will impact my students learning immensely and I cannot thank you all enough! I am humbled. I am grateful! I am thankful for you!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

  This classroom project was brought to life by Two Screens for Teachers and 4 other donors.

• Nothing Basic About These Supplies!

  Funded Dec 3, 2019

  Thank you again for all your generosity. The resources have been put to great use. Students can now resume using white boards for assessment purposes without worrying if we have enough markers. It is a quick and easy (and did I mention fun) way for me to assess the children without having to give a quiz or test using pencil and paper.

  When I first told my students that our project was funded they were so excited. When the resources arrived the students were elated. Brand new markers and crayons, who doesn't get excited. But the one thing they were the most excited about were the dry erase markers. "Finally, we can go back to using white boards again!" said one of my students as we unpacked the boxes. "WOW! Look at all the crayons and markers, we can now make awesome covers for our writing pieces!" said a few of my students.

  Currently we are beginning research on Woman of History. The resources donated will be put to great use. Making colorful posters and drawings to go with their research papers.

  Thank you again for your generosity!!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

  This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 9 other donors.

• Getting Smarter, One Wrinkle at a Time!

  Funded Dec 30, 2018

  Thank you so much for your generosity! My students are thoroughly enjoying this book. "This book is like nothing I have ever read!" said one of my students. "Can we read on?" another student asked. As a teacher, when you can find a book that your entire class enjoys, it is a win win! We would not have been able to read this book without your kind and generous donation. Thank you so much. I hope you know how much we appreciate and are super grateful! Donors like you have given my students opportunities to read and study novels they may not have EVER been able to now, or in the future. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

• "Great Minds Don’t Think Alike!"

  Funded Aug 23, 2018

  Thank you so much for your generosity. Without your help and kindness my class would have never been able to read Fish in a Tree. They learned so many different lessons and were able to make many connections with the characters. My 5th graders, were eager to read everyday, because the impact this book had on them. Even my, not-so-keen-on-reading readers, couldn't wait to pick it up again.

  With so many different leveled readers in my classroom, its always such a challenge finding books that the entire class can read as a whole. Fish in a Tree, is the kind of novel that all readers where able to enjoy, because of the connections they could make with the characters. There was someone for everyone in this book. And even those who are struggling readers, where able to read, learn and connect with these characters.

  Some of my students took such an interest in the main character Ally, who has dyslexia. On their own time, they researched and learned all they could about this learning disability. Asked questions upon questions and really took an interest. And if you know 10-year-olds, they are more interested in Fort Nite then anything else. As a teacher, I truly love watching students connect to a book. Without DonorsChoose and generous people like yourselves, these children would have never been able to read a book like Fish in a Tree, and actually enjoy reading! So thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 5 other donors.

• Wondering About Auggie and Me; The Sequel

  Funded Nov 28, 2017

  Thank you again for your generosity. There were so many lessons learned throughout this book. There is one saying I have in school and it hangs where everyone can see, "Mistakes do not define who you are unless you don't learn from them!" Ironically, this was one of the "big ideas" in the Julian Chapter. And my students were able to make that connection. In the Pluto chapter it was about having love and respect for your mother or loved one because they may not always be there. Again, another great conversation and lesson learned. My students were able to connect with the Pluto character because, they too, have spoken to their mom or loved one disrespectfully and understood that this could happen to them. They spoke about the changes they would make to be more respectful and how they would talk to their parents when they didn't agree with what they were saying. I wish I could have taped that lesson. LOL!!!

  These are just 2 of the conversations and lessons learned from reading this book. If it wasn't for your generosity we would have never been able to read this and share in the journey of these beloved characters. Thank you seems too simple of words to say when it comes to the impact you made on 32 students by donating this book to our class!!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

• Wonder: The Possibilities One Book Can Teach!

  Funded Aug 29, 2017

  Thank you just doesn't seem to be the right words to say to each and every one of you that donated to my project and allowed my students, all 32 of them, the experience of reading a book that effected their lives in so many ways! Your support gave my students an unbelievable gift; the love for reading! The impact that this book, Wonder, has made on each and everyone of my students, is simply AMAZING! Students that HATE to read, couldn't wait to get to the book each and every day and night. Some of them even read it twice. The connections my students were able to make with the characters and their experiences, where so much better than any lesson I could have ever taught them. Without you, and your generosity, this could have never happened. My students have a new love for reading! They, as well as I, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 6 other donors.

• Tables: Not Just Part Of A Classroom

  Funded Jul 7, 2015

  Again, I cannot fully express the joy, excitement, and gratitude for your donation to my project. The impact that this table has had in my classroom is amazing. My students BEG to come and sit in the back to do work. They enjoy coming together, in small groups, and working in a comfortable environment. My students with disabilities have easy access to a place where they can work comfortably. Overall, my students have a much better learning environment because of your kind and generous donation. I, WE, cannot thank you enough!!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo

• Organization: The Key to Success

  Funded Aug 29, 2015

  Again, I can't fully express my joy, excitement, and thanks for your donation to my project. It is people like you, that help me make the students lives in class easier and with the least amount of distraction and anxiety. Classroom organization affects the physical elements of the classroom, making it a more productive environment for its users. Because you helped fund these seat sacks and partition racks, transition from one subject to the next has become almost seamless. Less distractions making for a much better classroom and learning environment. They are able to get ready for the next lesson without distractions and anxiety because they are able to find what they need. Reading and writing are in their seat sacks and easily accessed!!!

  These seat sacks and partition racks have been a great addition to my classroom. Thank you so much for giving the kids what they need to stay organized!!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Pizzi-Derasmo