Past projects 18
Books Galore
Funded Mar 17, 2025I am so grateful for your generosity. My students love reading and these books will be loved for years to come! We will use these books in many different ways and I can not wait to explore them. Again, thank you for supporting my students and their love for learning!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
Learning Happens When Needs Are Met
Funded Aug 14, 2024I can not begin to explain how impactful this project has been for my students. I took time explaining the different items available (deodorant, lip balm, etc.). I could tell they were excited. On the first day, I was able to help a student in need. She started her period unexpectedly and I was able to give her a discreet bag containing feminine products to get her through the remainder of the day. She wrote a thank you know to express her gratitude.
Several of my students have asked for deodorant and lip balm, and I feel it has made them feel more secure and confident with themselves. One student asked for a toothbrush and said he didn't want his mom to worry about replacing the one he broke that morning.
All of the items may seem trivial to most, but my students appreciate their availability. It eases some of their worries, and that means the world to me.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 5 other donors.Small Group Magic
Funded Jun 30, 2023Our new stools have been an excellent addition to our classroom. One of my favorite ways to meet students' individual needs is to pull students into small groups. During this time students feel more comfortable to take chances and have rich conversations. I am also able to ensure students fully understand content and I can provide individualized support.
The stools have provided a comfortable seating option to allow my students to work around our small group table. Before they had to pull their chairs back to the table, and this was inconvenient and wasted time. Now they come back, sit on a stool, and we can get right to work.
We greatly appreciate your generosity and support. Thank you from all my current and future students!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Foundation and 9 other donors.Reading Extravaganza
Funded Dec 25, 2022My students have absolutely loved these new books! They have been a great addition to our classroom library and the illustrations are fabulous. These books each have a valuable lesson for my students to learn as well.
Over the past few weeks we have been studying to books and completing a Mock Caldecott Award event. The students have been reading and analyzing the books to choose their favorites. My students have been having wonderful discussions!
Thank you so much for your supporting my students and sparking their interests in literature!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 5 other donors.Stay Calm and Learn
Funded Sep 30, 2022My students were thrilled when we opened the boxes containing our new materials. We have placed the items in a basket in our quiet area and the students can use them as they see fit. Some of my kids will take the fidgets or calming devices back to their seat, and sometimes they will take a five minute break and use them in our quiet area. Their favorite items so far are the infinity cube and the liquid motion bubbler toys. Both of these bring a calming sense to the students.
My class greatly appreciates all your generosity. Your support means the world to us!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
Rocking Into Learning
Funded Jan 9, 2022Thank you for your generous donations. We were able to purchase two stadium seats and two lap desks. The students absolutely love having the option to sit on the floor while they are learning. You can see they are comfortable and in their element. Flexible seating allows the students to focus on their learning. These seats help to create an inviting environment for my students. It has become one of the most requested spots in the room. Each week they are able to switch their seats, and many have asked to sit on the floor now that we have these new seats.
Again, thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.Diversifying 5th Grade
Funded Jan 8, 2022Thank you for your wonderful donations. The new books have been a great addition to our library. This year I have a diverse group of students and they have loved being able to see themselves in some of the different books.
We have been reading several of the books over the past few weeks. A favorite of the students so far is Strictly No Elephants. My students also enjoy reading about different cultures around the world. Some of the books describe ways other people around he world. We have a student from the Philippines this year and he has enjoyed discussing his some of his traditions that are displayed in the books.
Overall, all thank you for helping my students see the world through the wonder of books. We all greatly appreciate your kindness.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
Book Bonanza
Funded Nov 29, 2021My students have loved the books we received. We have used them in multiple ways to help increase learning. Some of the books have been used to help with grammar. We read the book at the beginning of the week and then use a sentence from the book to work on key grammar and writing skills. The books have also been used to work on comprehension skills such as sequencing, theme, and main idea. Another ways these books are used is during silent reading time. Even at 5th grade the kids love picking out a picture book and reading during this time.
Overall these books have helped bring a love of reading into our classroom and I could not be more thankful for that.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
Books to Inspire
Funded Oct 2, 2021My students are loving the new books! Picture books add a new dynamic to our 5th grade classroom. We have been using the books in so many different ways. Our class is studying the Industrial Revolution and we used the book Have You Thanked an Inventor Today to discuss many new inventions. Then the students used the book as inspiration to think of an invention they would love to invent to solve a problem.
The picture books are also used for grammar and reading. I read books to key in on comprehension skills such as inferencing. It helps the students to use picture books to break down the skill before we apply it to more complex text.
Thank you for bringing literature into our room and inspiring my students to become stronger readers.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess
Morning Success
Funded Aug 10, 2021My students love the new materials we have for our morning bins! Their favorite so far is the Connect Four game. Every morning that is the first thing chosen. They are also enjoying the different logic games. These games are really making the students think critically and challenging them to think in new ways.
The bins provided with the other materials allows our classroom to stay organized. It is easy for the students to choose a bin or a game and take it back to their table in the morning. We have used the bins to store Lego, Plus Plus Blocks, and many other manipulatives.
Overall, these materials have helped my students engage in meaningful activities each morning, and this ensures we start our day ready to learn.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hess