Past projects 7
Great Stories That Act as Mirrors
Funded Aug 9, 2024Our learners have now read two of the class novels you have provided. Felice and the Wailing Woman was a total hit! Kids loved seeing words in Spanish and having elements of the cultures they celebrate show up in a class novel. One of my favorite days of the unit was having a group discussion when learners described themes from the novel. One boy discussed the feeling he has when he is close with his mom, how safe she is for him and how the main character gets to feel that same feeling after her whole adventure. He believes the theme of the novel is that mothers and children will always be connected.
We are now reading the novel The One and Only Ivan and kids are really enjoying it. We are taken the time to stop and analyze specific poems. Kids are finding so much success in connecting with this novel.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Baros
This classroom project was brought to life by Governor Jared Polis.Boys Who Read!
Funded Oct 1, 2024We have made great strides in our goals to become active readers this year and your donations have helped tremendously. We started out as a group of squirelly boys who "hated reading" and thought "all books are boring."
I have seen my learners engage in sustained reading on a daily business and take pride in finishing books! I even have one partnership of boys who are racing to finish the same book. A few days ago they were struggling to get started, they went into the hallway and did wall-sits while reading. Each boy did their wall sit and read, all the while totally focused on the book. At the end of their reading time the boys always ask "What page did you make it to?"”
With gratitude,
Ms. Baros
Middle School Can Be Safe!
Funded Aug 27, 2023In the creation of a new school we needed all the help we could get to create a positive classroom environment. Your contribution filled our classroom with much needed supplies that would have otherwise not been supplied.
The star beanbags in particular were a huge hit! Our learners enter into classes dysregulated and unable to focus on a regular basis. We use the stars to play a game called "Grab!" to engage learners into the work of the classroom while also getting them relaxed enough to dive into classwork.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Baros
This classroom project was brought to life by Colorado Department of Education.Whiteboards for Academic Risks!
Funded Sep 24, 2023My learners have been working so hard using the verticle whiteboard materials you have helped bring to our classroom! We have been collaboratively thinking through big ideas, taking risks in writing and analyzing.
One of the major impacts has been bringing learning closer to different learners. We didn't plan to use the whiteboards this way but it has had a huge impact to bring personalized notes, ideas and learning right in front of a learner. Our kids are getting just what they need to be successful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Baros
This classroom project was brought to life by Gov. Jared Polis & the Colorado Dept. of Education.Revitalize Our Bookshelf!
Funded Mar 30, 2023My students are so grateful to have some fresh books on our book shelves this year! This was an important addition to our classroom as we now 6,7 and 8th graders coming through our ELA class.
Students have gravitated to the graphic novels and stories centering Latino characters. It has been so amazing to get kids excited about book again.
One thing I am really excited to share with my new group of students is how one author can really hook you as a reader! I plan to get a whole new generation of readers by sharing amazing stories by Jason Reynolds! YOU ROCK!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Baros
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.2000 Books Read
Funded Oct 6, 2022My students and I are so grateful for your donations to our classroom. This year our school lost our school library while under construction and classroom libraries have been so important in the effort to get books in kids' hands!
From this round of donations we have a few books that have been well loved:
We Are Liars: Kids are trying to convince each other to read this one! My favorite sentiment shared is "Dude- it's not a love story!"
Unwind: This text is such a twisted dystopian take on what the world could be. I love passing it off to reluctant readers who comment on the length but come back a few days later hooked!
The Hawthorne Legacy Series: My students LOVE hearing Avery's story and imagining a world in which a person can be granted a huge opportunity just for being them.
Again, thank you- we read daily and having a variety of texts supports this mission.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Baros
The Crossover: Science to English
Funded Nov 15, 2021I have to tell you that I have never had such a big impact from a single text in my classroom! Not only did my students read The Crossover- but for many of them, it was the first book they've read during their middle school career.
My students had access to this novel because of it's unique structure- being both a graphic novel and written in verse. Some students were challenged by the structure and others thrived because it reminded them of how music is written.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to bring this text to my students and build a foundation for whole class reading in my class room.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Baros