Mrs. Ross' Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 4

• Enhancing Robotics Education: A Call for Support

  Funded Apr 16, 2024

  For the past thirteen years, Lost River Robotics has struggled to find a place for students to learn. When the program began we were in a storage area turned computer lab, and I was trying to teach/learn robotics during the same period and space as CAD and journalism. From there the journalism/CAD programs were dropped and we were moved into another computer lab, relegated to the back counters. We soon lost that space and were moved into my ELA classroom. After that a modular classroom was opened for us; this was a dedicated space, but it had not been approved for classroom use for at least 10 years, had mice, no heat, and limited wifi. Last year that modular was torn down and the program was moved into a shared space with PE/Health. The ray of hope for the program was that for the past 6 years, the community has been raising money to build a 3.5 million dollar multi-use community center on school district property. This property will be transferred to the School District with the requirement that it house the robotics program, and an art program, and be available for community use as needed. We are now ready to move into that space.

  Developers of the building secured a grant for $10,000 to provide most of the furnishings and materials for the new robotics room, but the money came up just short. We found ourselves without seating or storage for kits. That is where your generosity came through. Thanks to you, our students can have mobile workstations with comfortable seating and robotic kits that can be checked out to individual teams.

  This marks the end of a long process and hopefully the beginning of a new era of success. Thank you so much for your support. Students will benefit for years to come.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Ross

  This classroom project was brought to life by Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation and 11 other donors.

• Magazine Subscriptions

  Funded Aug 11, 2020

  Our school began the year in a hybrid model; we then went to full in person; then we were jumped immediately to comprehensive distance learning; and now we are back full in person. These changes have been hard on students and on teachers. We currently have around 10% of our student body on quarantine. All of the changes and models have made getting materials to students difficult.

  Scholastic magazine has been a constant for the students. The at home students have the same access to the in school students, and since the magazines are individual, I do not have to worry about sanitation. We also participated in the vaping challenge, which the students really enjoyed.

  Thank you donors for giving to Lost River. We could not do all that we do without you.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Ross

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.

• Comfortable and Functional Seating for Learning

  Funded Feb 27, 2020

  If you take a look at the photos that I have posted of this project, you may find them sad or bleak. I don't look at it that way. No, my students didn't get a chance to enjoy the flexible seating that this project provided before having to close for Covid-19, but this shut down has given me the time (and the requirements) to maximize my space. As you can see, my classroom is enormous. I am lucky to have such a large space with low student numbers. I currently have another project for a television that will allow me to utilize my entire classroom. This is what I envision: A classroom that is essentially three parts. There will be two projection screens up front, mirroring any materials. Desks and student work areas will be down each side of the classroom--completely customizable for each working environment. In the center of the room will be a large open area with rugs and flexible seating. There will be the two couches and the gaming chairs. I also see tables and chairs and floor seating in this area. As soon as I am able, I plan to implement these changes, and you will have been the driving force behind them. Thanks so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Ross

• Fill Our Shelves with Books

  Funded Mar 2, 2020

  Unfortunately my students did not get a chance to see their new books before we were forced to close due to Covid-19. The good news is that I have been able to use this time to add energy to my classroom and to organize my classroom library. My students will come to school and see an area dedicated solely to books.

  I do not know what learning will look like next year, but I do know that books will be a part of it. I plan to use these books to send home to students who do not have access to a library for home reading. I will be able to check them out and have conversations with them about their reading.

  Thanks so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Ross

  This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 3 other donors.