Past projects 43
Books and Blankets
Funded Oct 18, 2017My heart is still so full. A few days ago I celebrated the end of the semester and holiday season with a Charlie Brown Christmas themed party. We grilled hot dogs, played games, read lots of holiday books, and shared some of our fondest memories of the semester. About twenty minutes before the bell rang each student received their gift. They received the blankets that you donated as well as two books each. Their faces lit up with so much joy and they actually screamed with glee when they saw I had personalized them with their names. I even had students to start reading before they were dismissed and even into the hallway. I've had numerous emails and phone calls from parents in complete awe that someone other than them could love their child so much. From the bottom of our thankful hearts, we say thank you and are wishing you the most joyous holiday season ever.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and one other donor.Daily Epic Reads
Funded Aug 26, 2017I can't begin to thank you enough for our front facing book shelf. We use this amazing addition for all of our picture books and it has truly changed the mindset of my students regarding reading. In the past, my students found it difficult to choose a book they were interested in with the book shelves that were provided for us through the school. With this amazing book shelf they have found books more accessible which has led to a love for reading. Every child looked forward to dressing as their favorite book character last month and all the books they chose were located on our front facing bookshelf. This made my teacher heart so happy because over half of my students had low reading scores in August and simply didn't find reading enjoyable. My scholars can't seem to put books down now and academically they have made significant gains in reading.
Thank you for providing my scholars and me with this amazing addition to our classroom. We will never be able to thank you enough.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen
"Kid, You'll Move Mountains!"
Funded May 9, 2017The smiles, tears, and joy would not have been possible without your sincere generosity. Last Thursday I was in complete awe when my students were given their books with a note written in them from me. We celebrated the day by honoring their numerous achievements during our annual Honor's Day celebration with friends and family. After our ceremony we celebrated with an " Oh, the Places You'll Go!" reception. This is when their books were delivered to them. Parents were in tears and the kids felt so special when they read their notes I had handwritten each of them. One student cried and said "Miss Cohen, no one has ever said these nice things about me!" I was speechless. This keepsake allows my students to have a piece of me forever. I can't thank you enough for allowing me to give my students a gift I have wanted to give for so long. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen
Expanding Our Library and Our Love for Reading!
Funded Mar 29, 2017My students and I truly cannot find the words to thank you for your generous donations. We have been swamped with standardized tests, but each day my students have asked to open their boxes of books. I wanted to introduce the new texts to them in an engaging hands-on in way, so we decided to have a "book tasting." We love "setting the stage to engage" in room 1149. I transformed the classroom into an Italian restaurant, and the students had a few minutes to preview each book before diving deeper into the texts days later. The students received a "menu" which included the book rating, genre, thoughts about the cover, and thoughts after reading a few pages of the book.
The students received a placement, reflection napkin, and a bookmark to write their top five favorite books to remember.
The kids were in complete "awe" of all the amazing texts they had to choose from. They kept whispering things like "Ms. Cohen has the best books!" "I''m glad someone donated these books to us!" My heart is so full as a teacher because my students have truly grown a love for reading, and each morning I have to repeat myself at least three times to out their independent reading books away.
They are loving the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, especially my boys. I am beyond grateful for your support and love for our children. Thank you for being a part of the village it takes to mold life long learners.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen
This classroom project was brought to life by Dwight Howard of the Atlanta Hawks and 7 other donors.School Uniforms for Gorgeous Gals and Handsome Studs
Funded Aug 4, 2016Dear Dynamic Donors,
Has anyone told you how amazing you are? My students and I could never thank you enough for the beautiful uniforms. When I informed my students that the call to the office during our reading lesson were brand new uniforms they all cheered. I was informed over the summer that the students entering my EIP classroom lived in 1-2 bedroom apartments with eight or more people, and did not own a washer and a dryer. My students feel so much better knowing that they don't have to worry about having clean uniforms or having access to uniforms because our classroom closet is now stocked with numerous colors and sizes.
We have received so many compliments on field trips and throughout our building from other staff and students on how wonderful we look when we are all able to match when we leave for a field trip or a debate team meeting off campus. I always tell my students that when you look good, you feel good and they sure do look and feel good. They make it a point everyday to tell me how warm they feel when they can't find a jacket or sweater because their electricity is off at home, but they know that they have a sweater or a clean shirt in our closet that they can change into up their arrival at school.
We can never thank you enough for our new uniforms, but please know how our hearts hold a special place for you all because you helped so many children focus on school instead of the worries about clean and warm clothing.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen
This classroom project was brought to life by The Clorox Company and one other donor.Canon Digital Camera
Funded Nov 24, 2015My students and I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to our classroom. The Canon Digital Camera has impacted my students in numerous ways. They now understand how special moments captured will last a lifetime. Not only do I capture these special moments for them, I have also taught five responsible students how to use the digital camera. They all want to take their photography skills to the next level and begin editing their photos.
Many of my students live in very small government housing, and don't cherish photos as memories. As a class we ensure we take pictures of numerous activities each day. Their favorite photos taken thus far are their Christmas stockings, Dr. Seuss week, and their field trip to the Chick-fil-a headquarters. My scholars were so happy to see these photos featured on our classroom website. Their parents were excited that the DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) day program has been documented with this awesome camera as well. Our DEAR day program helps our struggling fourth graders to read and comprehend what they've read.
Two of my students had never participated in a science fair. I ensured I stayed twice a week to help them, and document their journey. I am proud to announce that they received second place for our district. The photos will allow them to look back years from now, and remember this phenomenal accomplishment. While doing their experiment they even learned how to use the camera to video their Ivory soap expanding inside of the microwave. These two scholars are two of the five that are excited to start using programs to edit their photographs. I can't wait to see their creative minds explore the numerous editing options available.
With a few more weeks left of school, we will continue to take as many photos as we can each day to create our individual scrapbooks. My scholars and I can't thank you enough for this powerful camera. We have documented every holiday, field trip, science fair, social studies journey, and even documented the growth of our fabulous fourth graders becoming better readers. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I say this three times because once would never be enough. :)”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen