Past projects 5
Birthday Celebrations!
Funded Feb 9, 2024I am grateful for all the classroom birthday incentive donations. It is my goal to recognize students' birthdays, which will help foster a sense of belonging and community within the classroom. When students feel valued and celebrated on their special day, it reinforces their connection to their peers and the classroom as a whole. This sense of belonging can contribute to a positive classroom culture where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and engaging in learning activities. So far, we have had one birthday celebration and it was priceless. I am looking forward to celebrating ALL birthdays between now and the end of the school year.
Taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate each student's special day demonstrates care and investment in their well-being beyond academic performance. I thank you for helping me provide this kind of bond between myself and all students. I am attaching pictures of students receiving these incentives on their special day so you can celebrate with us all the great things that you have granted.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cazares
The Future is STEMy!
Funded Oct 25, 2022It was an exciting time at Rodriguez Elementary! The smiles began to soar as the boxes were being unpacked right in front of my little kindergartners' faces. One box at a time, item per item, the excitement grew and the cheers got louder and louder!
All the STEM toys were worthy of a thumbs up or a joyous gesture. By the time we got to the last box, the students were ready to get to work. As a class, we went over the instructions for a couple of toys and then decided to place these in the STEM center.
All the toys were particularly attractive and pleasing to the students. Every group of four was able to explore and manipulate each and every game/toy. The games and toys provided opportunities to practice critical thinking skills and expand interest in how things work.
I know this center will provide much more than just laughter and smiles, and I am most certain it will help enrich my students' cognitive skills.
Thank you so much to all the donors!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cazares
This classroom project was brought to life by The Meadows Foundation and 3 other donors.Comfy and Cozy Corner!
Funded Oct 12, 2018It is with great joy to be able to share with you the excitement my students feel when they visit the comfy, cozy, corner! They are able to read in a comfortable way with our new friends, Uni and Juanito. These two bean baggimos have squeezed into the hearts of our students, making them feel relaxed and motivated to read and write.
In addition to our two new friends, we have a diffuser with essential oils, such as lavender, lemon, and peppermint filling the room with fresh, uplifting scents. This combination is one my students will remember for years to come! Thank you again for your generosity and for making this experience a reality.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cazares
Science Under the Microscope
Funded Dec 18, 2017We have been very excited and super busy discovering new things in science. The special microscope has been a great addition to our center. Students use the prepared slides to learn new concepts related to plants and insects. Additionally, they often sneak a preview of their own fingertips and the reaction is priceless! Many students share their findings in a group and illustrate/write in their science journals.
I am extremely thankful for your generosity and I wish you the best as we continue to observe and follow a path to new discoveries.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cazares
A Mindfulness Moment Is a Lifelong Investment
Funded May 31, 2017Our Mindfulness area is up and ready! I chose a cozy little area in our classroom with items readily accessible to all students. I slowly added materials to complete a captivating effect. The students were mesmerized and full of curiosity each and every day i would add a new item. When i finally opened the Mindfulness Center, they were beyond excited!
Our Mindfulness Center has a tapestry displayed behind a shelf with a "Be Amazing!" message. This certainly is an amazing experience for our students to have in the classroom. My kindergarten students rotate this center throughout the day. Here, they find calming activities, such as painting on the Enso boards and shoveling sand around in the Zen gardens, engaging and fun! Student's eyes light up when it is their turn to enter this center!!
Mindfulness in a kindergarten classroom is a place where students feel safe and supported of their emotional development. It is a dream of mine that has become a reality to be able to provide my students this wonderful experience. It is true that mindfulness moments like these are a lifelong investment in our students' health, happiness, and prosperity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cazares