Past projects 16
Composting: Using Our Food Scraps to Grow More Food!
Funded Oct 9, 2013Thank you very much for all of the great composting tools and equipment! My students were so excited when they saw the new pitchfork and gardening gloves. They were very interested to learn how we were going to use the collection bins in our cafeteria. All of my students are always volunteering to walk around and collect the food scraps from other students during lunchtime. Even when we don't collect food scraps in the cafeteria, students bring in scraps from home to contribute because they are so excited to compost.
My students have truly enjoyed using the collection bins to save all of our food scraps until we are able to add them to our compost pile. When students collect food scraps, they also are excited to share their expertise about composting with the younger students in our school. We have been using the indoor composting set for a science experiment. My students decided to test out different materials to see which would break down the fastest. We have noticed that banana peels get black and moldy after a week or two. Meanwhile, the plastic bag that we added to our compost experiment is not breaking down at all.
All of our composting materials have truly helped my students understand the importance of composting and why we compost at our school. My students are learning to be more aware of the things that they throw away at school and at home. We have also talked about how important it is to reduce waste, reuse things and recycle whenever we can.
I cannot thank you enough for helping make all of these great learning experiences possible for my students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. McNally
An Extra Kick for Teamwork!
Funded Apr 7, 2013Thank you so much for your donation to my project! My kids had an amazing time and will forever remember their experience as a part of the soccer team. Once a week, our soccer team gets together for an hour and a half to practice. The students have learned the importance of using the inside of their foot to pass the ball to their teammates. They learned how to correctly do a throw-in. Students even learned the correct positioning for attacking and defending players. They have put their learning into practice by scrimmaging against each other in fun games.
Not only have my students truly enjoyed learning about the game of soccer, they have also had a great time making new friends, and developing teamwork and good sportsmanship. Whenever someone falls down on the field, there is always someone else there helping them and encouraging them to get up and keep going. My students have learned a great deal about working together and being a part of a team.
I would like to say thank you once more, for giving my students the opportunity to play soccer on a team. The soccer balls, cones, and goals made each practice possible. It made my students feel as though they were a part of a real soccer team, something they might not have had a chance to do without your generous support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McNally
Keeping It Together: Chairs To Help Students With Autism
Funded Oct 14, 2012Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The day we received the chairs, I saw an immediate improvement in my students' attention. With the chairs to keep their bodies in one place, my students can focus on what is really important: their learning!
Not only do the chairs help our students with autism stay focused during lessons, but the general education students in our classroom also enjoy sitting in them.
My students and I are so grateful for your donation. You have made a great impact on the learning that occurs on a daily basis in our classroom. Thank you so much for your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McNally
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 14 other donors.Listening and Learning
Funded Sep 14, 2010Thank you very much for your generous donation to my classroom. With your help, my students are able to use technology in the classroom to enhance their learning experiences. The CD players and the books on CD have truly had a positive impact on my students' learning.
Each of my students has an opportunity throughout the week to listen to a book on CD of their choice. After listening to the book, each student is required to write a summary of what they listened to. This is preparing them for their state tests at the end of the school year. During the test, my students will have to listen to a story read aloud to them, and then answer questions. The practice they are getting with the books on CD will help them be successful on their state tests.
Again, thank you very much for your contribution to my project. I wish you could see the way my students' faces light up every time it is their turn to listen to a book on CD. You have truly made a great impact on the lives of my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McNally
Sock It To 'Em... Quietly
Funded Nov 25, 2009Thank you so much for your donations to my classroom! The chair sox are amazing. My students love having them, and they truly make the classroom much quieter. With twenty students talking, working, sharpening pencils, asking questions, moving chairs around, you can imagine the noise level. However, now that we have chair sox on every chair in the classroom, we have one less thing to worry about. Students are able to get up and push their chair in to sharpen their pencils without causing a huge disruption for the other students.
My students feel as though they are cared about because I let them know that you all donated your money to buy the chair sox for our classroom. My students also feel special because they are the only class in the school with chair sox. If we have visiting students or teachers, they often comment on how nice the chair sox look and how great they are in making the classroom quiet.
The chair sox are especially important and helpful for my students with autism. Many of them are greatly affected by noise. Often times they become anxious and are unable to concentrate due to the constant disruption caused by loud noises. Therefore, the chair sox offer them a quiet learning environment where they feel comfortable and safe.
Thank you very much again for all that you have given me and my students. Your donations are greatly appreciated!
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With gratitude,
Ms. McNally
How Fast Can You Stack?
Funded Feb 11, 2009I want to take this opportunity to thank you again for your generous donation. The Stacking Cups have been a huge success at my school and my students absolutely love racing each other (and me!). My students have had the opportunity to spend their recess time working on different styles of stacking and having races. They are learning about the importance of hard work and practice. My students have been working together to help their peers learn new ways to stack the cups. The students who excel at stacking the cups have shown patience and care when assisting other students. Your donation has given my students a positive way to spend their recess time.
There is one student who asks me daily if we are going to play with the Stacking Cups. His teacher and I have made a deal that his school work and his behavior need to be right on for him to participate. This agreement has had a positive impact on this child's behavior and academic performance. He knows that he needs to get his work done and respect his teachers and friends in order to play with the Stacking Cups. This connection I have made with this student is similar to those I have made with others. Students are eager to learn something new and share learning experiences with teachers and their peers.
Overall, the Stacking Cups have helped my students enjoy themselves during recess in a constructive way. Thank you again for your support of my school and my students. My students and I appreciate everything that you do.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McNally
This classroom project was brought to life by Perry & Donna Golkin Family Foundation and one other donor.