Ms. Dowd's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 8

• From Cliffhangers to Conclusions: Help Complete Our Library Series!

  Funded Oct 3, 2024

  Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our students now have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in their favorite book series without the frustration of missing volumes. With the addition of titles like Murtagh from The Inheritance Cycle and Children of Anguish and Anarchy, students can follow the complete journeys of their favorite characters, strengthening their comprehension, critical thinking, and love of reading. These books also provide opportunities for rich discussions on themes like resilience, identity, and adventure—topics that deeply resonate with middle school readers.

  In our library, reading is an active and dynamic experience. Students eagerly browse the shelves, place holds on books they've been waiting for, and excitedly recommend titles to their peers. Since receiving these new books, I've seen students immediately dive into the pages, discussing plot twists and character arcs with their friends. One student, who had been waiting months for The Hunting Moon, couldn't contain their excitement when they finally got their hands on it, reading it between classes and even during lunch. Another student, who previously struggled to stay engaged with books, found themselves hooked on Futureland: The Nightmare Hour, rediscovering their love for reading through the thrilling adventure.

  This project has not only filled gaps in our library collection but has also reignited excitement and passion for reading among our students. Thank you for making this possible!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Dowd

  This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Foundation and one other donor.

• "Leveling Up: Building Community In Our Library Through Games"

  Funded Sep 20, 2023

  Thank you for helping gamify our library! The students absolutely love the new games added to our program. A fan favorite is the giant Connect Four-- students (and even staff members) can't help but play a quick game as they walk by. Also, the giant playing cards and UNO are a hit, and for once, playing cards aren't getting lost (it's not as easy to lose/leave out giant cards!).

  I also appreciate the plastic bins for organizing our games and pieces. They look nice in the cabinet and will help keep the longevity of our games. Overall, having engaging and high-interest games is inviting to all students, and I cannot thank the donors enough for helping create a space where all students want to be!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Dowd

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.

• Makerspace in a 21st Century Library

  Funded Nov 29, 2022

  It's been so fun being able to host a variety of tutorial sessions in the library! Traditionally, the library has been seen as a space for only readers, but this year, my goal has been for the library to be seen as a place where all students belong--reader or not. I've been able to run friendship-bracelet-making, a community water color project, and button-making during our school-wide tutorial sessions. And students had a blast! Now students visit the library knowing they can find books and their passions. My tutorial sessions have been so popular that students often ask me when the next time I'm hosting is so they can be sure to sign up!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Dowd

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and one other donor.

• Makerspace in the Making

  Funded Nov 9, 2021

  Thank you for helping us launch a makerspace in our library! I’m so fortunate to work in such a giving and forward-thinking community. I’m very excited to expand the library program. Libraries offer more than just books, so these supplies will help transform the library into a place where students can explore and grow through both experience and reading!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Dowd

  This classroom project was brought to life by San Ramon Valley Education Foundation.

• Flexible Seating for Flexible Learning!

  Funded Jan 29, 2020

  Students LOVE the ability to choose where they sit! Comfy chairs has become a staple in our library, so much so, that students are disappointed when the cozy chairs are already taken (they go fast!).

  Having flexible seating not only makes the library a more welcoming space, but also gives students the opportunity to collaborate or move their seat to another part of the library to work or read alone.

  Flexible seating is minor adjustment that has made a huge difference in our library. I'm so excited to continue rearranging and modernizing the space! Thank you again for your generous donations!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Dowd

  This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 2 other donors.

• The Right Book for Every Student

  Funded Oct 22, 2020

  Thank you so much for helping diversify our shelves! As the teacher librarian of our school, my primary goal this year has been to get books into kids' hands. So having high-interest books makes this a lot easier.

  Many books are currently being featured in the reading challenge I'm hosting, and I'm always sure spotlight new books on the library website and book talks. Even with remote learning, students are able to enjoy these books through the Curbside Pick Up service I run each week.

  Several students have commented on how excited they are that our library contains many trending, new titles — so thank you for helping create readers at our school!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Dowd

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Donor and one other donor.

• The Library: A Space for Learning!

  Funded Nov 16, 2019

  Thank you for helping transform our space! Students are loving the improvements that have been made! First, students love getting cozy on the bean bag chairs-- that is the most popular spot in the library! Also, since I am teaching various classes in the library, it's great having a whiteboard. The letter board has also been another way to communicate with students. I love posting quotes, and funny book puns/ jokes. Also, practically speaking, it's been convenient having a key pad that student can use to type in their ID number while checking out books. Thank you again for contributing to the learning and growing happening in our library.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Dowd

• The Welcoming Library

  Funded Oct 9, 2019

  Our library space has become such a much more welcoming place because of "The Welcoming Library" grant awarded to our library. Almost everyday, students make positive comments about our evolving space.

  Firstly, the rug has been a popular corner of our library! Everyday, without promoting, groups of students congregate on the rug to read, work on homework, or hangout with their friends. The vibe has changed from boring and office-like to trendy and coffee-shop-like.

  Secondly, I used the brochure holder to display bookmarks. What I love about this, is now our school and district initiatives that us librarians use bookmarks to promote, are now prominently available for students easily take.

  Overall, our library is becoming a place where students WANT to be! With aesthetic and logistical changes being made, information is more accessible to our students.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Dowd

  This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron Fuel Your School.