Past projects 6
Real World Centers For STEM Proficiency
Funded Dec 14, 2016The kids were so excited to see the boxes of materials delivered to our classroom! We are a STEM focused school, so the first materials that caught their attention were the STEM challenge kits. Through the kits, they solved different "problems", including building a bridge, rescuing an animal from a well, and protecting homes from a flash flood. They worked in teams to accomplish these different tasks. We were also lucky enough to get materials to help us progress in our reading. I requested high level reading comprehension cards to help push our learning forward. The kids are inspired to use these 3rd grade level reading materials, even though they are in 2nd grade. The cards help them practice careful reading and looking for evidence within a text. These are important skills to learn in elementary school. Your generosity to our classroom and our school is greatly appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Killacky
STEM books
Funded Mar 9, 2016Dear Donors,
Thank you so much for your generous gift. Our school has a STEM focus and these books support and extend our learning. As you can see in the class photos, we use both our classroom and the outdoors to learn. The fabulous non-fiction STEM books as well as the weekly Scholastic News that you funded, gives us resources to learn more about the world around us. Each week the students are excited to see the articles and vibrant pictures in the Scholastic News, it is especially helpful that we also have the "Science Spin" component of the news. Since students receive a new Scholastic News Science Spin each week, they are always learning about current scientific topics. Being able to read, write, observe and experiment with science topics is an invaluable learning opportunity. It warms my heart to see how excited the students are about science.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Killacky
Print It Up!
Funded Jan 25, 2012Thank you so much for the printer. It was very tough to run a classroom without a printer. Having a classroom printer made my learning center classroom run in a much more efficient way. Students were amazed that they could type and then print wirelessly both from the computer and the i pad. If I needed a copy of a particular assignment, I was able to easily make one in the class, so we could continue on with our work without interruption.
In addition, if a parent wanted a copy of their students progress or a list of supplemental information on learning materials, I was able to quickly provide that information. I know I would not have gotten this printer without your generous donations. Thank you for helping me create the best possible classroom environment for my students. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Killacky
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 19 other donors.Bodacious Book Club
Funded Jan 13, 2012Book club was a success! My students were so very happy to stay afterschool and take part in our "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Freckle Juice" book club. Meeting after school with the sole purpose to read and enjoy these delightful books was a wonderful experience both for the students and myself. The kids were so engaged and had the funniest insights into the stories. Even though they didn't realize it, we were continually improving reading comprehension and expanding vocabulary in each and every book club meeting. Without your generous contribution of books, I wouldn't have been able to give them this opportunity. They were also delighted to take the books home and share them with their families. I love seeing kids get so excited about reading and I know you do as well. A big thanks from my students and I. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Killacky
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and one other donor.Hey Good Lookin'! Want To Help Kids Read?
Funded Dec 31, 2009We have been using the Readers Theater plays for several weeks now, and I couldn't be more thrilled! The plays are fun and interesting for the kids. They seem to enjoy them so much, they forget they are learning! In the learning center classroom, we have kids from grades 1- 5 come in, and it's great to have a set of plays for each reading level. The plays are just hard enough that the kids have to stay focused and decode words, but they are leveled so that they never get too frustrated while reading. I know that they are helping the kids learn to read fluently and with expression. When kids are reading a play together, they listen to each other carefully and I love to see the cooperation between them. Often, we will read a play and then reread it on a different day. By the second read, the kids are quickly and accurately identifying all the words and fully comprehending the topic. It's then that I see their dramatic flair really take hold. Watching students confidence in reading grow has been the best part of Readers Theater.
Thank you so much!!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Killacky
Kindergarten Kids Need a Class Carpet
Funded Mar 7, 2009Our carpet has arrived! The students and I were very excited when the rug was brought to our class. The beautiful "calming colors" rug has a spot for every student. It is in the center of our classroom and the first place that students sit in the morning. We use the rug all day every day.
As a teacher, I have tried my best to create a nice environment for my students. They are so sweet and so smart and deserve the very best. This carpet has filled a key role in making our classroom a pleasant space for learning. Thank you so much for helping us get our classroom carpet!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Killacky