Past projects 149
We're Making a Cookbook to Celebrate Diversity!
Funded May 1, 2024Thank you so much for your support of our school's 20th anniversary community cookbook project! Your generosity through DonorsChoose.org made it possible for our students to create something truly special that celebrates both our school's milestone and the diverse culinary traditions that make our community unique.
This project went beyond just collecting recipes—it became a meaningful exercise in cultural appreciation, family history, and collaborative publishing. Students interviewed family members about cherished recipes, researched the cultural significance of various dishes, and worked together to design, edit, and produce a cookbook that now serves as a lasting memento of our school's 20th year.
The pride on students' faces as they held the finished cookbook was absolutely priceless. Many shared stories of cooking their family recipes with parents and grandparents for the first time, creating intergenerational connections and preserving traditions that might otherwise be lost. The cookbook has already become a treasured keepsake for our school families and a wonderful representation of our inclusive community.
Your support made these meaningful experiences possible. Thank you for helping our students create something that celebrates both our school's history and the beautiful diversity of our community!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
We've Got the Write Stuff
Funded Nov 21, 2024Thank you so much for providing our classroom with pencils and pens through DonorsChoose.org! These seemingly simple supplies have become powerful tools for literary analysis and creative expression in our classroom.
Recently, my students analyzed both Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and Steinbeck's "The Pearl" using these materials in innovative ways. For "The Tempest," students created color-coded character maps using different colored pens to track relationships, power dynamics, and character development throughout the play. This visual approach helped them understand Shakespeare's complex web of characters and motivations in a tangible way. When studying "The Pearl," students used the pencils for notes and symbolism tracking, creating visual representations of how pearls, scorpions, and the sea function as multifaceted symbols in Steinbeck's novella.
One particularly memorable classroom moment occurred during our "Tempest" discussions when a typically reserved student used her colored pens to create an intricate map showing Prospero's manipulation of other characters. Her visual analysis sparked a rich class discussion about power and forgiveness that engaged even our most reluctant participants.
Your generous contribution has truly enhanced our classroom's ability to engage with literature in meaningful, multi-modal ways. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to become thoughtful readers and creative thinkers!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
Hey, Kiddo: It's Time to Read
Funded Dec 31, 2024Thank you so much for providing copies of "Hey, Kiddo" for my students! Your support through DonorsChoose.org has brought this powerful graphic memoir into our inclusive classroom where every student can learn and grow together.
"Hey, Kiddo" offers us incredible teaching opportunities. Students are currently developing critical evidence and elaboration skills, and this text provides authentic examples of how an author builds a compelling personal narrative through both visuals and text. The book addresses complex family dynamics, resilience, and finding one's voice through art—themes that resonate deeply with adolescents and provide rich material for thoughtful analysis.
In our classroom, reading is both an individual and collaborative experience. Students annotate texts to identify evidence that supports their interpretations, then share these findings in small groups where they practice elaborating on their ideas. With "Hey, Kiddo," students will work in teams to analyze how Krosoczka's artistic choices enhance the narrative and convey emotion. These collaborative discussions not only deepen their understanding of the text but also build friendships and teach students to value diverse perspectives.
Your generosity has provided an invaluable resource that will help my students grow as readers, writers, and empathetic human beings. Thank you for investing in their education!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
Classroom Basics for a New Year
Funded Mar 18, 2024I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of classroom supplies. Your contribution has played a crucial role in helping us maintain a safe, orderly, and welcoming environment for our students.
These supplies are more than just items—they are tools that support a positive learning experience. My students truly appreciate having their needs met, from the basics that keep our classroom running smoothly to the touches that make our space feel comfortable and inviting. Your generosity ensures that they have what they need to focus on their learning without any distractions.
As a teacher, I'm incredibly grateful for the peace of mind your support provides. Knowing that our classroom is well-equipped allows me to concentrate fully on teaching and helping my students grow. Your kindness has had a direct impact on their daily lives and their ability to thrive in school.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.Way to Go! Prizes for Learning Tournaments
Funded Oct 5, 2023I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of prizes for my students' classroom competitions. Your support has brought an incredible amount of excitement and joy to our learning environment.
It's truly wonderful to see how much they enjoy challenging themselves and each other, all while deepening their understanding of the material. Your kindness has made a significant impact on their educational experience, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
Recognizing my students' hard work is something I value, and your contribution has allowed me to do so in a way that truly resonates with them. The smiles on their faces and their eagerness to learn are a testament to the positive influence your generosity has had.
Thank you once again for your support. It means the world to me and my students, and we are all incredibly grateful.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
Good Job! A Positive Note for Every Student
Funded Oct 5, 2023Every few weeks, I take a moment to recognize individual student contributions. It could be anything: a consistently positive attitude, a breakthrough moment in understanding a concept, or simply the way they encourage their classmates.
The impact has been incredible. Students beam when they receive their postcards, their faces lighting up with pride. It's a small gesture, but it sparks a sense of appreciation and belonging in the classroom. They're more willing to participate, knowing their efforts are valued. There's a newfound respect for each other's strengths, as students celebrate the postcards received by their peers.
These postcards act as bridges, building connections between myself and each student, and fostering a strong sense of community within the classroom walls.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
Hygiene Supplies to Help Us Stay in Class
Funded Apr 11, 2023Thank you so very much for supporting my classroom. I am so excited to have a space that is healthy and safe for students. Band-Aids are used almost daily. Students get bumps and bruises, even in high school. It's a happy day when they realize they can get help right away (and stay in class).
Students have also started carrying pocket packs of tissues during the day. It is a small gesture that makes their lives easier. You improved their day.
You have made this happy outcome possible. We are truly thankful for your support as we finish 2023 and continue into 2024. We will be a little smarter, stronger, and kinder because of your support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
Update the Shelf: New Books for Cool Kids
Funded Mar 30, 2023Thank you so very much for supporting my classroom. I am so excited that we have a literacy rich space. Books make any room more welcoming. I am especially thankful because students have already begun to borrow and read the novels. They can pick up a book if they are lonely, if they need to see new worlds, or just because they love to read.
You have made this happy outcome possible. We are truly thankful for your support as we finish 2023 and continue into 2024. We will be a little smarter, stronger, and kinder because of your support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.The Basics of Academic Reading
Funded Mar 29, 2023Thank you so much for supporting my classroom. We are just a few weeks away from the end of the school year, and now, more than ever, students need a loving push toward the finish line. We will spend time inside and outside our classroom reading, writing, and thinking about who we are and what we have learned.
Students can focus on important learning tasks when they have the necessary tools. Each time a student borrows a pencil, highlights with a colored pencil, or marks their text with a sticky note, I will remember your kindness.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 2 other donors.Pens, Pencils, and Markers (Oh My)
Funded Nov 15, 2022Thank you so much for supporting my students. Coming back to school after the pandemic means, for many of us, logging out of computers and interacting with others. It seems silly to think that pens and pencils help us with this process, but it's true -- we need to get back to the essentials of connecting with other humans in person. One way we do that is by thinking, writing, and interacting using pens and pencils and paper.
These small items mean the world to kids who missed out on so much. We are thankful for your support as we continue forward.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Rowley