Past projects 2
Socioemotional Books for Amazing Elementary Students!
Funded Dec 31, 2018My students and I are so appreciative that you gave us access to such wonderful books. I am happy to say that as of last week, the books purchased with your donation reached every single student in the school and we are continuing to use them each day in different settings.
Both in small group and in large class settings, students showed tremendous enthusiasm and interest in these new books, which makes me extremely excited! In the past, many of the same students told me, "I just don't like reading," or "books are too boring." These new resources are fostering a love for reading! The primary goals of this project were to create excitement around reading and to develop students' socioemotional skills; both are clearly happening as a result of your generosity.
Many of my students were particularly interested in books where they felt like they could relate to the character they saw on the cover. For example, many students gravitated towards "Nadia, the Girl who Couldn't Sit Still" or "The Invisible Boy." Seeing themselves in the characters allowed them to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Students have also been able to learn about influential African Americans who they would not typically hear about, such as Jean Michel Basquiat and DJ Kool Herc. They need to continue to learn about new heroes who look like them and who came from similar backgrounds.
As we read and reflect on these stories together, I've seen students gain a greater sense of respect and empathy for themselves and others. I can't wait to see the continued impact of these stories.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hartnett
Mentored for Brilliant Mentees
Funded Dec 3, 2015We greatly appreciate the opportunity to use the Mentored program. Students loved the way it allowed them to take charge of their own learning. It gave them the ability to seek help appropriately both inside and outside of school. Furthermore, the program gave students the individual teaching attention that they so desperately need and deserve.
Students especially loved the Mentored visit to our school. The presenters were friendly and kind and they made students excited about the prospect of having free, individualized tutoring. While using the tool, students spoke about how friendly and helpful the tutors were during their sessions. The Mentored tutors gave them instant feedback on writing, or helped them to work through difficult math problems. They were also able to give students study strategies that they could apply to their long-term learning.
As a teacher, I love Mentored because it allows me to provide shorter interventions to many students while providing others with a tool to address larger, more long-term concerns. Additionally, it helps me to address logistical tutoring problems. There are many students who are unable to stay after school for extra help, so Mentored allows them to take the extra help home with them. Mentored effectively eliminates the excuse, "I didn't understand my homework."
Lastly, I've reached out to Mentored for help with codes a few times and the staff was always extremely courteous and responsive.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hartnett