Ms. Pekata's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 14

• Calming Techniques for Life-long Peace

  Funded Oct 3, 2024

  We just received our package from Donors Choose! It was so much fun to watch them look at the items and we discussed how they can regulate themselves during the day. We discussed how each item can be used for maximum benefit.

  I am a special education teacher and most of my students need direct instruction on how to calm themselves. There is such a range of activities that they appeal to all students.

  We appreciate your generosity in supporting our young adults. This will make such a difference in their future.

  Thank you, again, Google!!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata

  This classroom project was brought to life by .

• Our Life Skills Culmination - a Restaurant Day!

  Funded May 7, 2024

  The students had a marvelous time with Restaurant Day! On Monday, they prepped their food, including grating 4 lbs of cheddar cheese, slicing 14 bunches of scallions, grilling and crumbling 7 packages of turkey bacon, slicing 15 quarts of strawberries, washing and drying 3 pounds of mixed greens and setting tables with plants and tablecloths!

  Each student had an assigned duty on Tuesday and discovered what it is like to work in a restaurant! They greeted guests, seated them, brought them salad, their main entree and ice cream for dessert! Our guests were from our Board Office and were very pleased to see all the work the students did and how they presented themselves. Many positive comments were heard!

  This experience gives them real life skills in restaurant work as well as culinary skills and food hygiene knowledge. Nothing can compare to hands-on activities.

  We thank you for your support and know this memory will stay with our students. Thank you , again!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.

• 3d Printer Will Add a New Dimension to Our Learning!

  Funded Nov 8, 2023

  The students are so excited to have their 3D printer assembled and we just received our filaments that have been on backorder for weeks! This is a great opportunity for them to use technology that we have learned about and have researched. The list of things they want to make is growing!

  We appreciate your support of this project! We have many colors of filaments and have many ideas of items to print for our class (such as hand trowels for our composting and planting) and many more ideas for each student to print! I do not think we will run out of ideas this year and next year's students will bring a fresh batch of ideas!

  This project gives our students a tangible skill they can bring into their further schooling and the workplace that they probably would not have been exposed to, and will give them confidence to work with all sorts of technological tools they come across. All of our thanks, again.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata

  This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors & Young Sheldon on CBS and 8 other donors.

• Gardens Improve With Composting!

  Funded Oct 9, 2023

  Our students are learning how to compost and cut down dramatically on food waste. We are using four tumbler composters and have our staff and families bringing in all acceptable items, such as veggie scraps, shredded paper, old flowers/plants, coffee grinds and tea, and several other items. The containers you funded are a great help in transporting back and forth, so that enthusiasm continues. The containers are spill proof and the quart size is perfect for backpacks.

  We hope to establish better eating habits as the students grow their own vegetables in two raised bed gardens. These are valuable life skills to promote a more healthy lifestyle. They are learning you can compost and grow vegetables in smaller settings.

  We are grateful for your generous support of our classroom! Thank you very much!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata

  This classroom project was brought to life by Johnson Ohana Foundation and 2 other donors.

• Movement Is a Key to Student Success!

  Funded Mar 13, 2023

  We had a lot of fun opening our boxes and experimenting with our new wobbly stools! The students had never used motion chairs before and were quite thrilled! The bright colors made it even more fun!

  I have noticed that in these couple of weeks, the students will switch out their regular chair with a wobbly stool and continue working. They tell me that they are glad to have the ability to move and it helps them from being restless. Even though they are in high school, they still need to move and get their wiggles out!

  I appreciate your support of our classroom! Without all of you I would not be able to give my kids the kinesthetic equipment that helps them be successful.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata

• We are Young Scholars looking ahead!

  Funded Aug 10, 2022

  We are so grateful for your support of my recent project. The students are able to concentrate on their work so much more with headphones that minimize distractions from the classroom and from outside the classroom. First thing in the morning, many students put their headphones on and we have had a marked decrease in frustrations and resulting outbursts.

  Our class has many challenges to overcome and these headphones have been a great success in working through these challenges. The students also feel grateful that people not known to them are helping them become successful.

  We appreciate your support!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata

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

• Headphones to Hear and Speak Clearly!

  Funded Aug 9, 2021

  It is a pleasure to have the students using online math and science programs that advance as their individual skill sets allow. These headphones allow the students to listen to material and not be disruptive to the class. They also help our students focus on their work and minimize distractions from others. The headphones are a much nicer quality than you find in stores and will last for a longer period in our classroom. The quality of sound is fabulous and the microphone allows the students to answer questions in a variety of mediums.

  We use these headphones frequently and the students are very excited with their comfort as well! Our sincere thanks to all of you! Our school year is progressing nicely after a challenging pandemic year and we are thrilled to have the headphones assist in our student success! Thank you, again!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata

  This classroom project was brought to life by News Corp and 9 other donors.

• Desks Assure Good Posture and Great Work!

  Funded Dec 2, 2020

  My students have been sitting on floors, sitting on couches or sitting in their beds while learning remotely. I have seen an increase in back pain complaints and see that they cannot balance a laptop, notebook and a calculator on their laps all at the same time. Every disruption in their works breaks their concentration.

  These desks will make a tremendous difference. The desks can be used on the floor or on a chair or couch (providing firmer seating while not damaging fabric) providing a writing surface that is level and firm. There is even a pencil indentation so pencils do not roll off! The multitude of colors put a bright spot in their day!! The desks can even be put under a desk with the writing surface up which provides a night stand while lessening the space used in the room.

  We appreciate your donation very much and had fun opening the boxes and having each student choose their color! We distributed the desks at school in the parking lot while social distancing which also provided the students much needed social time and the "sight" of their teacher. Many, many thanks to you all. I hope you and your families remain safe and healthy.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata

  This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 10 other donors.

• Remote Learning Together!

  Funded Sep 14, 2020

  I had a lot of fun opening the boxes in my room and wished my students could have been there to share in the excitement. I had their bags of supplies available on the same afternoon they picked up their 5 days of breakfasts and lunches. The students and their parents were grateful for your generosity!

  The basic supplies will contribute to their success and also give them an easier place to practice their math skills and lots of colors to do their work in which improves their motivation! Parents are grateful to receive material for their children and were humbled by your support.

  I asked the parents to take pictures of their children using the items you made possible! In their own homes, they now feel less alone and separated because of your thoughtfulness. In addition, they have more of what they need to learn the skills to succeed in our world and to make the best of this year.

  I hope you and your families stay well.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Pekata