Past projects 7
Classroom Library Update
Funded Aug 30, 2024Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is now filled with engaging, high-quality independent reading books that have truly transformed my students' reading experiences. These new books have opened doors to skills and lessons beyond just the joy of reading. They're helping my students hone critical thinking skills as they analyze characters and themes, develop empathy through diverse narratives, and strengthen their vocabulary and fluency. By exposing students to a variety of genres, they're learning to navigate different text structures and deepen their understanding of storytelling.
Reading in our classroom has become a vibrant, interactive experience. Each day, students eagerly select books from our newly expanded library, settling into cozy corners or their desks, deeply engrossed in stories that resonate with them. Discussions about what they're reading now fill our room, with students recommending books to one another and even challenging themselves to explore new genres. One of my students who previously struggled to connect with reading, has discovered a love for horror and suspense and is now sharing his enthusiasm with classmates. Another student has found inspiration in a biography from the collection, which has sparked an interest in writing her own stories.
Your support has truly made a difference. These books are not just resources; they're tools that empower my students to grow as readers, thinkers, and individuals. Thank you for making such a lasting impact on their learning journey.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zeininger
Fresh New Books for the Class of 2023
Funded Aug 9, 2022On behalf of our seniors, I want to say thank you for the contributions you made that allowed us to upgrade our classroom library this fall. We've noticed an increased need for students to get more exposure to nonfiction, and that was a large number of the books we added to our classroom library. From larger, more all-encompassing history texts to some brand new memoirs like "Finding Me" by Viola Davis - one of the most popular books we've acquired - students have had more opportunities to dig into informational texts at a variety of reading levels.
Every day, our students were given 30 minutes to enjoy some uninterrupted independent reading time, and this new, incredible selection of books gave students so many options to find something of interest. It made our reading time so much more meaningful, to find that right pairing of student to text. One of my goals as an English teacher has always been to foster a love of reading for enjoyment, and you helped that happen. Again, thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zeininger
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 9 other donors.Holiday Gifts for the 9th Grade
Funded Dec 22, 2021We just finished our English I LEAP, and many students reported feeling really confident on the test, and I have our time spent reading really interesting independent reading books to thank for much of that confidence!
We know that reading on one's own at an appropriately challenging level drives reading growth. We use independent reading time each day not just as a break from the other stresses of school, but also to keep pushing reading levels up. Being able to make our classroom library up to date and reflective of all the inclusive YA literature out there.
I'm so thankful that our classroom had these new books to choose from so that the stories are ones the students actually want to read and feel investment in. The kids are talking about the books, and recommending them to each other, and creating interest in reading amongst themselves. That wouldn't have happened without your help.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zeininger
This classroom project was brought to life by Michael Jordan and The Jordan Brand and 2 other donors.Fresh Books for the Class of 2025 Library
Funded Aug 4, 2021Wanted to take a moment to thank you for your donation that allowed us to add to our classroom library! In trying to encourage teenagers to make a daily habit of reading, I've built in time in my English class dedicated to reading books that each individual gets to select, and that is always easier, more enjoyable, and more successful when there are new, exciting, relevant titles for students to choose from.
This year was our first year back in the building since March of 2020 and the pandemic lockdown, and it has had its fair share of challenges and setbacks, but a constant source of escape and enjoyment has been our 30 minutes of daily independent reading, made so much more appealing with the new books we received!
We are taking our English I LEAP (the state of Louisiana's standardized assessment that every high school student must take and pass as a graduation requirement) this week, and it will demand hours of sustained, focused reading, both fiction and nonfiction, and the practice of sustained silent reading each day will no doubt prove invaluable to their success. Thank you for being a part of that.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zeininger
This classroom project was brought to life by Emerson Collective and 2 other donors.The Great Classroom Library Upgrade!
Funded Oct 23, 2019We are so appreciative of the excellent selection of books we were able to add to our classroom library with your donations. So many of the titles we added were ones suggested by the students, and others were selected because of their inclusive, diverse casts of characters and variety of perspectives. Truly, the amount of relevance in the books our classroom has to offer has increased so much with these new additions.
Every day, we take time to give students 30 minutes to dial into a book they have chosen. We know that it is not just about increasing reading level or test scores, but also habits around reading for pleasure that can make everyone lifelong readers.
The feedback on the books has been fun to hear, and the interest in expanding knowledge of topics due to these titles is always increasing. Thanks again so much for allowing us to learn more about our world (and those beyond!) with these books.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zeininger
This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron Fuel Your School and 3 other donors.Books for the Class of 2023!
Funded Aug 13, 2019I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support in helping this project get funded! Because of you, our reading growth and identities as lifelong readers will grow exponentially! Thanks again, so much, on behalf of all of the students who will benefit from these new books for the class of 2023.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zeininger
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 15 other donors.Classroom Library Revolution!
Funded Dec 6, 2017The freshmen class at Abramson Sci Academy recently wrapped up their school year, and as part of that wrap-up, completed the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Reading assessment to measure the reading growth they've made this year. As an average, our students saw 1.7 years of reading growth, and that would not have been as successful without the new books we received through your donations.
The day we received the books, everyone was so pumped to check out the new books! Many of my most reluctant readers read the entire Sharon Draper "Tears of a Tiger" trilogy and then asked for more. "The Hate U Give" was the subject of many discussions and debates, not just in class, but in the halls and cafeteria. Students at all levels were asking each other about what they were reading and sharing the subjects, themes, and characters with each other in ways they hadn't up until that point.
As someone who has been a teacher for 12 years, it brought me so much joy to see that spark of renewed interest in where reading can take you, and that burst of energy and investment definitely translated to reading growth and stronger English test results. More importantly, it made so many more kids excited to read more, to discuss what they were reading, to write about it more confidently, and continue pursuing more reading this summer. Thank you to all who made this happen.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zeininger
This classroom project was brought to life by Anonymous Donor and 7 other donors.