Mr. Maguire's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 76

• Dry Erase Boards

  Funded Jan 24, 2025

  The saying is "Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you will look back and realize they the big things." This is a fitting description to the dry erase boards you purchased for the class.

  Students are often reluctant to raise their hands and speak answers aloud. When I use the dry erase boards, students are eager to give their answers and even hold them up for all to see. And while I do need to encourage them to speak up, the boards are a nice way to build trust between the students and me. More importantly, the boards allow the students to build confidence in themselves.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

• Restocking the Classroom

  Funded Apr 10, 2025

  Dear Valued Donors,

  Your generous purchase of charging cords, filler paper, and a first aid kit is deeply appreciated. These essential items will directly support our efforts and make a tangible difference. My students use their computers sparingly, but the cords are still needed. I am old school so the filler paper is a must.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 5 other donors.

• Digital Conversions

  Funded Dec 31, 2024

  n today's digital age, Chromebooks have become indispensable tools for education. They provide access to countless resources, facilitate collaborative learning, and empower students to explore their interests beyond the confines of textbooks. However, as with any technology, these devices require power, and unfortunately, many of my students face the daily challenge of lacking access to reliable chargers. This creates a significant barrier to their learning, often leading to frustration and missed opportunities.

  Your donation of both the chargers and the dongles directly addresses this critical need. You've not simply provided chargers and cords; you've provided access, equity, and opportunity.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

  This classroom project was brought to life by Allison and Austin McChord and one other donor.

• Graphic Novel of Virgil's Aeneid

  Funded Dec 2, 2024

  The students L-O-V-E-D the graphic novels. We read them in one day. More impressive than the discussion afterwards was the absolute silence in the classroom while the students were reading.

  The bonus was when I played the I Still Believe in School podcast (Season 2, episode 1, the Latin teachers.)

  A former student had messaged me on Facebook with a link to the episode. I played the episode to my students without an introduction. Boy-oh-boy were they surprised. We even played along with the trivia contest.

  A colleague of mine is now using the books with her students. So on behalf of her students and mine, I thank you. Graitas vobis ago!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

• Snacks for Certamen

  Funded Sep 5, 2024

  Snacks are such simple things that go a long way. After a long day of school, students need a little fuel to keep up their energy. Our certamen team (think of certamen as a quiz bowl competition of the Latin language and of Roman history and mythology) is enjoying the snacks purchased from your donations.

  Our students have lunch at 10am, so they are ravenous by 2pm (which is when our club starts). I am happy to share that over the course of this year the membership in our club has grown; perhaps the word has gotten out about the snacks :-)”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

• A Festive Start to the New School Year

  Funded Sep 8, 2024

  Whoever said that it is the little things with matter most certainly knew what she/he was saying. My project, which you so graciously funded, is full of little items: pencils, folders, and flags. Every day I hang a new flag in my doorway. There really is no way to describe the joy students experience when they see the flag of their family's origin. Very often they take selfies in front of the flags. :-)

  A pencil may be the most basic of school items, but it means so much to a kid who does not have something two write with. I keep them in my Caesar pencil holder, which looks like the Ides of March.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 12 other donors.

• Summer Storage

  Funded May 12, 2024

  A simple "thank you" cannot do justice to the immense help your gift has been. Our school year is just about over, and I am already packing up ... thanks to you. Storing student work is usually tricky; sadly, materials can go missing over the summer. (Never intentionally.)

  Now I can - and already have - pack up the students' work, wheel it to the school's basement, and know that it will be there when I need it again.

  I am fortunate in that many of my students elect to take my class again in their senior year. I can't wait until they do so that I can show them what I am now storing. :-)”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.

• Keeping the Basics On Hand

  Funded Mar 21, 2024

  Honestly, what could be more basic to a classroom than pencils. Believe it or not, as I am typing this letter to you, a student just walked up to my desk to use one of the pencils you gave to us. (On his behalf, I thank you.)

  From my perspective, the facial tissues are the more valuable item. Having a Kleenex available for a student with the sniffles might save someone - even me - from getting that cold. I have gone through about half of the boxes already. (So far, I have not come down with a cold. So thank you again.)

  I told my students about your generosity. They were touched that people who don't them care enough about them to send classroom supplies. I too share their wonder and appreciation.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

• Headsets With Microphones

  Funded Feb 10, 2024

  The students, and indeed the teachers, were thrilled to receive your generous gifts. As you can see from the pictures, our school's language lab is tight on space. Because of you, the students can wear the headphones so that they can block out the noise of the students next to them talking.

  Plus, as one student said, they are comfortable. They headsets do not pinch, they are adjustable, and have soft ear protectors. Honestly, getting the teenagers comfortable with the equipment is half the battle.

  Dare I say that learning is now fun? :-)”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Maguire

  This classroom project was brought to life by Someone who cares about Boston Public Schools and 10 other donors.