Past projects 3
STEMsational Outdoor Garden
Funded Oct 17, 2023I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and admiration for the remarkable impact that the outdoor garden at Timber Ridge Elementary has had on our students, faculty, and the entire school community. As a parent/teacher/member of the community, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this green oasis within our educational environment.
The introduction of the outdoor garden has provided our students with invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. It serves as a living laboratory where they can observe the wonders of nature, understand the principles of sustainability, and engage in practical lessons across various subjects. Whether it's studying the life cycle of plants in science class, learning about environmental stewardship in social studies, or incorporating fresh produce from the garden into culinary arts, the garden has become an integral part of our curriculum.
Moreover, beyond its academic benefits, the garden has fostered a sense of connection and responsibility among our students. They take pride in caring for the plants, cultivating healthy habits, and understanding the importance of environmental conservation. The garden has also provided a therapeutic escape for many students, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of school life.
Furthermore, the outdoor garden has served as a catalyst for community engagement and collaboration. Parents, teachers, and volunteers have come together to support and maintain this shared space, reinforcing the spirit of teamwork and cooperation. It has become a focal point for school events, from outdoor lessons and assemblies to gardening workshops and harvest festivals, strengthening ties between the school and the broader community.
In addition to its educational and communal benefits, the outdoor garden has instilled a sense of environmental consciousness that extends beyond the school gates. By witnessing the beauty and fragility of nature up close, our students are developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to sustainability that will stay with them for life.
In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in making the outdoor garden at TRE a reality. It is truly a testament to the power of experiential learning and environmental stewardship in shaping the minds and hearts of our future leaders. I am excited to see how this invaluable resource continues to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.
Thank you once again for your dedication and vision.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Berry
Getting Digital With It
Funded Sep 16, 2020I cannot begin to thank you all enough for the headphone with microphones that you so graciously gave to my class this year. It has allowed me to continue providing small group instruction to my students during this pandemic is a safe way. Each week I am able to meet with my students through google meet for reading small groups and thanks to our new headphones we are able to have amazing discussions without distracting the other students in the classroom.
The best part of having this donation is that it has given all of my students a pair of headphones that they can use during instruction when needed. No longer do I have students who must do their computer work with the volume turned down because their family cannot afford headphones for them. Also, the durability of these headphones had helped them withstand many of my students accidentally mishandling of the material.
In closing, I would just like to thank you all again for your kindness and generous. You have helped to bring a bright spot to what has been a rather challenging year for both me and my students. This has helped to bring some equability to the use of technology in our classroom, so that no one feels left out or less than another classmate. Thank you so much and we will be forever grateful to all of you.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Berry
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose 20th Anniversary Fund and one other donor.Thinking Outside the Box
Funded Mar 27, 2018Our new classroom flex-space table has been a complete game changer in our classroom. The boys and girls in my class love sitting at this table not only to read a great book, but also to work collaboratively in a small group to complete reading, writing, math, and science activities. Every day the students eagerly wait to see what lucky four to six students will be chosen to have the opportunity to use the table first for the day.
This table has helped to bring a sense of community into the classroom and gives me a place to have the students sit on the floor and exchange ideas and carry out group discussions. This table has definitely become our favorite meeting spot for collaborative activities such as math small groups or literature circles. I cannot think of a time during the day when this table does not have students seated around it involved in hands on activities or engaging discussions.
I am happy to say that both my boys and girls love this table. It is the favorite spot for those students who like sitting somewhere that is low to the floor but not directly on the floor. Even when we are not utilizing the table the students enjoy using the floor chairs to seat in during quiet reading time to enjoy a good book. It makes me so happy as a teacher to see my students enjoy a sitting area in our classroom so much. I look forward in the future to possibly adding one more of these tables to my classroom, so that even more boys and girls can enjoy this sitting area at a time.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Berry
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple and 2 other donors.