Growing our Learning

Funded Jun 15, 2016

Dear Donors,

Thanks to you, my students have begun the year in a comfortable and stress free learning environment. The morning my packages arrived, I quickly rushed them down the hall. I was excited to see the look on my students faces as they entered their classroom and saw new items that they were able to call their own. I unpacked each item and set them up in their new home. The paraprofessional arrived and noticed the new materials. "They are going to love it!" she mentioned and I couldn't have agreed more. Breakfast had just concluded, so I made my way downstairs to pick the students up. I didn't say a word as we walked up to the 2nd floor. The students lined up in front of the classroom as we do each and every day and proceeded into the classroom. But this day, unlike every other day, my students raced to their new seats. Smiles grew across their faces as they recognized each new edition to our classroom. It was almost as if they knew each item just belonged. It was truly an amazing experience for each student and myself alike.

Thank you for your recent generous gift of a room divider, two stools, labels, and a stand for our pocket charts. Your willingness to help these children makes all the difference in the way they learn and look at their classroom. Thanks to you, we have established a classroom with a place to grow, learn, and feel safe.

The children eagerly come to school each day knowing that their needs are considered. They look forward to doing their work and communicating with their peers around them.

But let me tell you what your donations at our school mean to some of the children who come to our class.

• One little boy with autism was over stimulated by the size of the classroom and other distractions. With the room divider sectioning off a "calm space", he is able to direct his attention to the teacher and learn in a limited distraction area.

• A young girl who was unable to independently navigate the classroom, has been using the classroom labels to independently get what she needs throughout the day as well as organize her materials.

• Another young girl with autism was unable to remain seated during independent reading. The discomfort of a chair limited her ability to stay still. With the stools provided, she has been reading independently for 20 minutes without standing up as the stool allows her wiggle space without distracting her peers.

Although these victories may seem small to the average person, you know that they are not. That's why you gave, and why we and the kids we serve are full of gratitude for your generosity.

Again, thank you for all you do for our students. You are a part of their lives too.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Rodie