Past projects 7
Quilts for Community Care
Funded Feb 23, 2025On behalf of my students and myself, thank you for funding our DonorsChoose project! Your donation will directly impact our ASD students by providing the necessary supplies to create beautiful quilts. This hands-on project will promote sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and creative expression. We appreciate your support in helping our students thrive.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cooper
Stitching Together Success: A Quilting Project for ASD Students
Funded Dec 15, 2024From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Your generous support has brought so much joy and excitement to our students with ASD. They absolutely love the new quilting materials and are thriving in this creative environment. The whir of the sewing machines, the vibrant colors of the fabrics, and the sense of accomplishment they feel are truly heartwarming to witness.
One student, in particular, has blossomed through this project. She faces some physical limitations that previously made certain crafts challenging. However, with the adaptive tools and accessible sewing machines you helped us acquire, she has discovered a whole new world of what she can do! Seeing her confidence grow as she masters new techniques has been incredibly rewarding.
How We're Using the Resources:
We've just completed our first set of "Sensory Squares" – small quilted pieces with different textures and fabrics designed to provide tactile stimulation. The students chose their own fabrics, learned how to use the rotary cutters (with assistance and supervision, of course!), and practiced basic sewing machine skills. One particularly memorable moment was when a student who is often nonverbal spontaneously exclaimed, "Beautiful!" when she finished her first square. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of this project.
First Reactions:
When the materials arrived, the classroom buzzed with excitement! The students' faces lit up as they explored the colorful fabrics, the different textures, and the shiny new sewing machines. There were lots of "oohs" and "aahs," and many were eager to get started right away. Even students who are typically hesitant to participate were drawn in by the tactile nature of the materials.
Next Steps:
Now that we've mastered the basics with the Sensory Squares, we're moving on to a larger project: creating lap quilts for a local children's hospital. The students are so excited to create something that will bring comfort to others. They are currently in the design phase, sketching out their ideas and choosing fabrics for their individual quilts. We'll then learn how to piece the squares together and add the backing. We'll be sure to share photos of the finished quilts with you when they're complete!
Thank you again for making this dream a reality for our students. Your generosity has not only provided them with valuable skills but also fostered their creativity, boosted their self-confidence, and given them a way to connect with their community.
Warmly,”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cooper
Creative Crafting with ASD Students
Funded Dec 3, 2024Dear Donors,
On behalf of all of us at Wilson Commencement Academy and the SEL (Social- Emotional Learning) class want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project. The new art and craft supplies have had a profound impact on our students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
When the supplies first arrived, the excitement in the classroom was palpable. Students were eager to explore the vibrant colors, textures, and possibilities. Their eyes widened with wonder as they discovered new materials like knitting looms, modeling clay, pom-pom makers and more. This initial enthusiasm quickly translated into focused engagement and a newfound sense of accomplishment.
We've been using the supplies in a variety of ways to enhance our students' learning and engagementin the school community. For example, in our recent "Under the Sea" unit, students the oven bake modeling clay to make beads and small ornaments to decorate our classroom for the recent holiday season. Working with the clay helped to enhance their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They meticulously rolled and cut and baked different colors of clay to create a warm festive environment in our classroom and demonstrating impressive focus and attention to detail. This project not only fostered creativity but also encouraged communication and collaboration as students shared their ideas and provided peer support.
The impact of these resources extends beyond the classroom. Students are now more confident in their artistic abilities and are eager to explore new forms of creative expression. We are currently working on a collaborative community project where students are using the supplies to knit and crochet hats and small blankets to donate within the school and broader community. This project is not only a testament to their artistic growth but also a valuable opportunity for social interaction and teamwork.
Thank you again for your belief in our students. Your generosity has empowered them to learn, grow, and thrive.
Sincerely,
Becky Cooper
SPED Teacher
Wilson Commencement Academy”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cooper
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.Math in the 21st Century
Funded Mar 29, 2017Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity! My students will love the chance to have fun with math and science. I cannot wait to show them this subject they struggle with can be enjoyable, to expand their horizons, and to have fun together in our classroom. We are deeply thankful.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cooper
This classroom project was brought to life by Aspect Ventures and 5 other donors.Keeping Warm in Rural Alaska!
Funded Dec 4, 2016When we received the boxes of supplies for our new crafting club, the students that joined the club squealed in delight! Opening the boxes was like Christmas morning for my students. They were so excited to see the materials and supplies for our craft club. They are now even more excited than they were before to learn these new crafts and skills.
We unpacked the boxes and made space in one of our classroom cabinets. My students began organizing and putting away supplies, asking what each thing was for. More excitement filled the room as we began to plan all the projects we would do with our new craft supplies.
For me personally the best part was watching the students plan how they would use their new craft skills to make gifts for friends, loved ones, and most importantly, the elders in our community. The idea of making hats and blankets to share with other thrilled the children. They cannot wait to learn how to create things, and then use those things to give back to their community. Our first charity project is going to be a large blanket that will be donated to the oldest elder living in our village. We cannot wait.
Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cooper
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and 3 other donors.Creating Beauty In Western Alaska
Funded Jan 6, 2017When our materials for our new craft projects first arrived, you would have thought it was Christmas morning for my students. The children gathered together around the boxes carefully opening and picking through each one before working together as a team deciding where all their new supplies would go. Ideas started flowing as students shouted out new and different things they wanted to make or learn to make with all the new craft supplies we now have.
One of the most important and cherished ideas my students had was making gifts for the Elders in the community. Something from the heart for some of our older residents to show how much the younger ones cherish and need them.
My students have begun designing a large project that will take us until next year to complete in total, but right now we are making little surprise gifts to be hidden around the village. Little Easter baskets with chocolate or candy in them, embroidered bandannas, and a very special headband and scarf. The student's plan is to have people who need an extra smile find these items in the hopes that it will brighten up their day.
Thank you so much for helping my students share the beauty and love in their hearts with the rest of the world.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cooper
Alaskan Art Adventures
Funded Mar 14, 2017Thank you for all your generosity and support of my students. I cannot wait to see the beautiful art they create with these tools. New realms of beauty and possibility, the chance to show the beauty of their piece of Alaska to the world, my students now have the chance to do this.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cooper