Past projects 4
The Road for AP Juniors
Funded Nov 1, 2021In under 12 hours, friends, former students, colleagues, and family contributed to this project, bringing it to completion. I, personally, appreciate your support and generosity and willingness to influence the learning that happens in my classroom and with my students.
I look forward to sharing an update after we read the book.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Davis
Technology Work Station
Funded Aug 15, 2019Thank you for sponsoring our technology work station! I am excited about having a station where students can access current technology that will more closely model what they will use in a workplace setting. The table and chair will make it comfortable for them to fluidly toggle between the Chromebook, audio, iPad, and easily see the screen and audience simultaneously. In the past, we’ve used a music stand and the computer has been behind the teacher’s desk which has interfered with mobility. This will also enable me to implement more collaborative projects so students can improve soft skills and 21st century skills such as speaking, project planning, scripting, using multiple mediums such as Google Slides, videos, and even professional use of their cell phones. I am teaching a new class this year, AP Research, which requires students to deliver multiple presentations. I am looking forward to sharing how they use our new station!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Davis
They Asked Me for Books
Funded Feb 15, 2019It is my honor to take a moment and thank you for giving my students copies of the books In Cold Blood and Out of Darkness. They named their group: they are the "Books and Breakfast" club. Each week, a different student serves breakfast and leads the discussion.
We created bookmarks that have a schedule and discussion prompts. They also share a question they come up with each week to discuss.
Today we wrapped up our discussions of In Cold Blood. In addition to to discussing Capote's style, which I love to do as an English teacher, the students embraced thinking about the characters. The student who led today shared that Criminal Minds had a quote from Perry (character in the book) on last week's episode which led to a deep discussion about justice/injustice and restitution. Here's the quote: "I didn't have anything against them, and they never did anything wrong to me, the way other people have all my life. Maybe they're just the ones who have to pay for it."
They all said that they wanted to read more. Next week we begin discussing the other book, Out of Darkness, that is set in New London, Texas, during the time of the school explosion, and we are going to the memorial museum there on Saturday, May 11th at their request. The book delves into the racial diversity of East Texas during the 1930s as a result of the oil boom.
I look for the size of the book club to grow to include around 15 students with the new book because word has spread and other students are asking to join. Two more teachers have joined in, and we are considering creating another book group that meets in order to keep the size of the group personal. One of the girls said that her younger brother has helped begin a book club at the middle school. Being united by books may seem silly to some, but being able to read and be touched by what we read is universal, and I am so grateful that my students have been given this opportunity. Through this gift, students who would otherwise been unable to have this experience have been forever touched, and I have been able to share it with them. I am including a few pictures I snapped during two of our meetings.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Davis
Listening to Literature
Funded Feb 4, 2009Thank you for the Listening Center. It will accommodate a total of 12 students for each class. The product is not only theoretically sound, but has been and will be useful for allowing students to read a novel using the method that is best for each student. Some students prefer to read silently while others prefer to listen and follow along. Each listening center accommodates four students. In a classroom setting, this means that groups of four can find a comfortable place to set up and listen to the novel while other individuals can find a place to read silently without disturbing each other.
Unlike older models, this particular set-up uses SD cards, so multiple stories can be downloaded onto one card. How convenient!
Thanks so much for your support of me, my students, and our classroom!
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With gratitude,
Ms. Davis
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.