Past projects 2
Looking Sharp
Funded Jan 26, 2018It's amazing how a small thing like a pencil sharpener can make such an impact. Gone are the days of running to my teammates room to sharpen during my prep period. Now I can keep a steady supply of sharp pencils ready for my students at all times. We came up with a simple system of taping a smoothie straw to the desks to keep out new sharp pencils from rolling away. Two rules-no students use the machine and no colored pencils! I want to make sure this sharpener lasts my whole career. Thank you so much!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Thurston
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 2 other donors.Headphones for All
Funded Oct 8, 2017My class has been lucky to have access to several programs on the computer that align with our reading, math, and social studies concepts. Using the computers, although highly engaging, used to be a hassle. Before we had these headphones my students were so distracted by the 20+ sounds of computer programs it was hard for them to enjoy the benefit of their individual assignment. Students would look over at what their neighbor was doing and not complete their tasks. I had initially requested that students bring in their own headphones but only a very few were able to do so. Those who did had issues with the headphones not fitting well or breaking. Things were not going well.
When the new Sony headphones arrived my class was thrilled! They were so proud to use these high quality headphones, and now everyone had the same. During our times on the computer students were intensely focused and emerged in their work. Now they could listen to the tutorial and pause or repeat it, if needed, without distracting others.
A few students requested to put their headphones in baggies with their names on it. I was happy to oblige, it was my original plan anyhow. By having their names on the bags students felt ownership for these materials and have treated them so well. Normally 6-year-olds are pretty rough on things but in this case even those students who struggle to keep a sharpened pencil on their desks are caring for this school supply so well.
Your generosity with this donation is so appreciated. I think of your kind act so frequently as I see the joy on my students faces as they use them.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Thurston