Past projects 9
Help Our Students Print Their Written Masterpieces!
Funded Mar 31, 2024My Donors Choose project has had a powerful impact upon my students. Almost immediately, students began writing more and spending more time making sure that their writing excelled. Seeing their work in print provides motivation and clarity as they continue to evolve into masterful writers.
The purchase of toner for our printer enabled students to see their printed work.
Now, they edit and revise more clearly. Finally, their written masterpieces can be printed and displayed to inspire younger students from our school community.
Supporting student writing has a rollover effect.
This Donors Choose grant has impacted student effort and comprehension in literature, social studies, science, math, and the arts. Seeing their work in print helps students feel a sense of pride and satisfaction encouraging them to continue to explore new strategies to make their writing shine!
Thank you so much for your generous support!
Mr. Dennis Hagen-Smith”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith
Students Design Solutions to Address Problems Caused by Climate Change
Funded Jan 11, 2022Donors Choose – 2022 – Impact Letter
Students Design Solutions
to
Address Problems Caused by Climate Change
This Donors Choose grant had a powerful impact upon my fifth grade class. First, they read inspirational stories of youth working in various locations around the world. The young people featured in Old Enough to Save the Planet are working in a variety of ways to impact positive change upon the world environment. From planting gardens to recycling, fighting deforestation and ocean pollution, children across the globe are taking action to try to stem the negative impacts of climate change. My students were inspired by these stories as they realized that they too can have a positive local impact upon this overwhelming global issue.
Following these inspirational stories, students created wish lists stating goals for bringing about positive changes on the environment. Making these goals realistic is always a challenge. Working in collaborative groups, students began a school-wide campaign to promote sustainable living practices. As the oldest students on campus, my fifth graders took it upon themselves to share their ideas with younger students. Finally, they began awarding students with Anti-Global Warming Earth Stickers when "caught taking positive actions" upon campus.
Students also read Adventures in Engineering during class. Funded by this Donors Choose grant, these books feature collaborative projects promoting group work and innovative solutions. Students learned that engineering involves multiple steps in the design process. And that by following these steps and creating the hands-on projects, they gained a sense of satisfaction and pride from the empowering feeling that comes with taking action.
These projects were accompanied by teacher-created lessons about architectural history, design, and innovations. Students read about and viewed a variety of architectural innovations that have made contemporary design more sustainable. Students incorporated ideas like wind power, solar panels, wind chimneys, green roofs, and innovative water insulation tubes into their three-dimensional Smart House designs. They saw these ideas come to life in the SmartLab Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House projects funded by this grant.
The resources provided by this 2022 Donors Choose grant have been invaluable. My students have gained a greater sense of the possibilities that await as they grow into young professionals ready to take on the challenges created by global climate change. Thank you for making all of this possible!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 10 other donors.Jaclyn Hyde - the Perfection of Imperfection
Funded Nov 1, 2019Thank you very much for providing the funds for our class to purchase a set of Connor White & Annabeth Bondor-Stone's fantastic young adult novel, Jaclyn Hyde. Reading this book provided an exciting and evocative experience for the students. The story captured their interest in a powerful way.
This humorous and exciting novel enthralled students by immersing them in a unique retelling of a classic tale, "bubbling over with secret potions, great plot twists, and life-saving friendships." This novel shares a timeless message - that nobody's perfect - or needs to be" with our students. This empowering idea helps liberate youngsters from the often paralyzing role of "expectations." Instead of comparing themselves to some abstract standard, reading "Jaclyn Hyde" taught students that the key to leading a successful life entails to do your personal best ... being true to your own beliefs, being a good friend, attempting to understanding others, being inquisitive, and not giving up - especially when times get tough.
In addition to reading this novel, students answered questions based-upon the Common Core State Standards and wrote a multi-paragraph letter to the authors. In addition, we used this novel as the basis for creating a student-led script. Finally, the authors - Connor White and Annabeth Bondor-Stone - have agreed to visit our school to do a presentation for our students later this year!
This entire experience has provided intrinsic motivation for students to develop their reading and writing skills. It also built self-esteem, strengthened their sense of identity, and addressed mental health issues created by youngsters who often feel overburdened by the stress of perfect expectations.... They have learned to exchange the wings of unreal dreams, for the wheels of achievable dreams.
As you can see, the students had a wonderful time while learning many new ideas. It was truly a wonderful learning experience that will continue to inspire my students long into the future.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith
Film Forward: Students Transform Their Persuasive Ideas Into Powerful Films!
Funded Sep 21, 2018Thank you very much for providing the funds for our class to purchase the materials necessary to support our Film Forward enrichment class. The individual storyboard notebooks, collaborative poster boards, colored pencils, stop-motion animation kit, reference books, and microphones are helping our students develop their ideas into films. Created collaboratively, these films are immersing students in topics that are both relevant and controversial. Participating in Film Forward has already led to thought-provoking conversations in which students express strong viewpoints supported by evidence. Equally important, students listen to one another respectfully, and dialogue about differences in opinion. Their conversations are often inspirational: a role model for some of our current leaders. By developing their ability to collaborate and organize ideas, students are building skills that will assist them long after the conclusion of our Film Forward program. Thank you for helping to make this experience possible. The following comments represent a sampling of the students' sentiments:
• This class brings me the joy of learning about very important events going in the world today.... These items help us film. During filming, we share opinions and expand our own. - Dylan
• I've learned to look at two perspectives.... We appreciate the money and resources you sent us. We will make good use of them and hope you can see our work! - Isabelle
• Everybody loves this enrichment class, and it is truly a blessing...... This is most exciting for me because I love movies, so making one is very special. – Aidan
• Film class helps us show our creativity, solve problems in the world, share opinions, make PSA vibes, take film notes, choose future jobs, learn acting, directing, and editing ... and have FUN! - Journey
• We got to watch short clips like "The Great Dictator" by Charlie Chaplin. When we discussed it, we shared (our ideas).... With all of the resources, our movies will be outstanding. - Jazmin
• The individual journals help my class plan out scenes and clips which help plan out our thinking..... I love Film Forward because I am able to push my creativity skills to the next level. I also love Film Forward because when I have an opinion, it's never wrong. I get to express my creativity while solving problems. – Isabella
• I really love this class. It is really fun to be a part of this enrichment. We get to cover serious topics and use our creativity. I speak for everybody when I say this is really fun & enjoyable.... Without people like you donating, we wouldn't have this class - Riley
• I have learned lots of new ideas about how to make a film. I can't wait to finish our movie.... Finally, I learned to do research for two different sides.... Thank you again! – Luke
As you can see, the students are having a great time learning new skills & ideas. Thank you for making this truly wonderful learning experience a reality for our students.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith
Author Visits Students to Share Exciting New Novel!
Funded Dec 17, 2016Thank you very much for providing the funds for our class to purchase a set of Dana Middleton's excellent book, The Infinity Year of Avalon James. Reading this book provided an exciting and evocative experience for the students. The story captured their interest in a powerful way. They were attracted by the humor and authenticity of the protagonist's voice, and further enriched by the realistic situations she experiences in the story. The fresh, humorous style further encouraged their interest and enthusiasm. As a result, students developed their reading fluency and comprehension by reading this book.
Finally, the classroom visit by author Dana Middleton was both thought-provoking and inspirational. Students learned about the work involved in bringing a story to fruition as a book. This experience has encouraged our students to read increasingly challenging chapter books. Additionally, students have exerted more effort upon their writing skills. The following student statements represent just a sampling of the comments expressed after your classroom visit:
• Thank you for providing this amazing book, The Infinity Year of Avalon James, to our class. It's a very suspenseful, silly family-friendly book. I appreciate your generosity in caring about our reading!
• I learned lots of new ideas about writing and Avalon James.... I learned you have to trust yourself to be a writer .... Even though someone is better than you at something, you should always try your best.
• It was an awesome experience being able to meet the author who has written such an interesting book..... I learned that "to be creative, get bored." This is a great thought because when you're bored, you can write, build, draw, sing, or act out anything with your imagination, and (you) won't care what others think. .... Trust your creativity because it may make your creations spectacular.
• I learned to let my imagination fly, and not to doubt my ideas because they give me ideas to create book..... Reading a great book and learning about it from its author is really cool.... Thank you!
• This book taught me that I shouldn't do what other people are doing, but what I want to do. I should trust my creativity and use my imagination.... It is also great to unplug your phones, not play video games, and stay active because it helps your mind stay healthy.... I wish to grow up and become a writer!
As you can see, the students had a wonderful time while learning many new ideas. It was truly a wonderful learning experience that will continue to inspire my students long into the future. Thank You!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith
Community Poetry Night
Funded Jan 22, 2016Thank you very much for your generous donations. Our recent Poet's Cafe marked a celebratory culmination to this excellent project. Your donations helped our students develop their reading comprehension, as well as writing and oral language skills.
As they acquired a greater understanding of poetry, our students gained greater command over the written word. They learned to make specific word choices to empower the writing. Additionally, students enjoyed creating their artistic poetry boards displayed during the Poet's Cafe.
During this special evening, students recited their poetry to an audience of friends and family. Students learned first-hand the power of the language to convert meaningful thoughts and feelings into writing, and the power of that writing to impact an audience through the spoken word.
These literacy and speaking skills are essential for the future success of our students. This evening provided an experience that will long resonate with our young poets. Here are a few of their thoughts regarding the project:
"Thank you for giving us these supplies because we got to learn about poetry. One thing I learned is that you can express yourself from blues to glee. I also learned that poems have a lesson, or maybe something about nature.... It is important to learn about poetry because it gives the reader a visual image." (RC)
"I learned that haiku have three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables. I also learned that some poems have stanzas ... diamonds are about polar opposites like intelligence and ignorance, or love and indifference. Learning about poetry helps me understand what people are saying.... I liked the poetry books because they gave us ideas so we could write our own poems. Liking poetry gives me a new hobby!" (ER)
"I learned that poems can be about anything because poems are supposed to be what you like or wonder.... I learned that when you perform a poem or recite it, you need to have projection in your voice because then people will hear you. Learning about poetry helps you write better." (MR)
"Thank you so much for giving us the supplies to go to poetry night. It was a great experience to learn about different types of poetry and recite them. Many people at Poetry Night loved the poster boards we made from your donations.... I learned that if you say a poem slowly, and change your tone, the audience will connect and understand what you're saying. Finally, I learned that you need to use vivid and bright words to make it a good poem. I learned so much from this experience.... Finally, I liked reciting my poem because it gave me a lot of confidence, and it was fun to be dramatic." (CM)
We learned so much about poetry. We learned that poetry is a way of expressing yourself and telling a story. We learned about many poets. One was Langston Hughes. We read one of his poems, entitled "Mother to Son". It was about how a son was thinking about giving up, but the mom showed him she hadn't had an easy, rich life, but that things can be "kinder hard". I think that is true, because nothing is handed to you; you have to work for it.... We had fun performing our poems. We did one by a famous author, and another we wrote. Some of us performed with partners, or played piano or guitar, or even sang. It was really fun. It felt just like a big living room." (RL)
"I learned about many different types of poems, and that if you add emotion to your poem, it will be better. I also learned that poems have to have feelings to not be boring.... I liked using the coloring pencils to create our poetry boards. I liked how people helped with the Poet's Cafe. Thank you!" (TG)
"We used these supplies for our Poet's Cafe posters boards. We printed poems, and glued them on the posters. We used coloring pencils to decorate our posters. We chose different kinds of poems.... We had a lot of fun working together, and helping each other. We all took our time to make our displays great.... We also liked reciting our poems. We even moved to describe the things in our poems, like a girl did a poem about sloths. She went really slowly to describe the slowness of a sloth. Thank you so much again!" (BV)
I learned how to write poems, like haiku and Diamante, in the poetry journals. I learned that you can be very creative and write about what you want in poetry. One more thing I learned was that you can express yourself using poetry. Learning about poetry is important because it helps you to write better. Once again thank you so much." (BG)
As the above excerpts demonstrate, your donations have had a profound effect upon our students. Thank you for supporting this wonderful project! Your kindness brings to mind these words of wisdom: "Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness." - Dalai Lama XIV
Thank you for your compassion and kindness!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith
Community Astronomy Event
Funded Feb 14, 2016April 20, 2016
Dear Donor,
Thank you so much for your generous contribution funding our school's upcoming Star Party. This community event served as a highlight of our school year. Your donation enabled us to purchase the supplies necessary to make this special event possible. The Star Party provided a remarkable opportunity for students and families to gather for a fascinating evening of astronomy-related activities.
The evening started off with students and families viewing an astronomy-themed film providing information about the solar system, NASA, and opportunities for future scientists. Next, our guests were introduced to the astronomers who led the viewing activities (a retired Rocketdyne engineer and members of a community organization called Sidewalk Astronomers). Finally, the sky darkened and it was time to head out to the playground for viewing activities.
Parents and children alike were enthralled by amazing views of craters on the moon, the birth of new stars in the Orion Nebula, and Jupiter with four of its moons. The "oohs" and "ahhs" served as resounding evidence of the evening's success. Diverse members of our community, students, parents, and even former students, were immersed in the discussion of the celestial celebrities enlightening the night.
In addition to telescope viewing, students and families visited a variety of work stations each directed by a teacher volunteer. These stations each provided activities aimed at increasing their interest and knowledge in the cosmos. At the first workshop, students built their own telescopes for viewing during the event. These telescope kits, funded by the Donors Choose grant, enabled students to make their own personal observations during the star party. Students and parents had a "blast" making and using their telescopes. Other workshops included a drama presentation wherein students role-played objects in the solar system, creating a model solar system from student models, building straw rockets, crater experiments, performing celestial music and lyrics, assembling star charts, and building model space probes.
This Star Party increased student knowledge of the solar system as well as their enthusiasm for science. Specifically, they learned that the sun is composed of hydrogen and helium, and is the source of energy that makes life on Earth possible. In addition, students learned that the Sun provides the gravitational pull necessary to hold the eight planets, and many asteroids and together in our solar system. Finally, this event provided a successful forum for family participation in our school community.
We are very grateful to the Donors Choice and the generous contributors who have made this evening possible. Your kindness will spread knowledge and enthusiasm throughout our school community.
Thanks again ... and Clear Skies!
- Dennis Hagen-Smith
Toluca Lake Elementary School
(LAUSD – Title I)”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith
Star Party
Funded Oct 21, 2014Thank you so much for your generous contribution funding our school's Star Party. This event has been a highlight of our school year. Your donation enabled us to purchase supplies making this special event possible. The Star Party provided students and families a terrific opportunity to gather for a fascinating evening of astronomy-related activities.
Students and families viewed an astronomy-themed film providing information about the solar system, NASA, and opportunities for future scientists. Next, students and families ventured on to our school playground to find telescopes manned by astronomers. A former Rocketdyne engineer and members of a local astronomy club donated their time to share their expertise with our families. All were amazed by detailed images of the moon, and an exhilarating view of Jupiter and its Galilean moons!
In addition to visiting the telescopes, families visited an array of classroom workshops. Teachers volunteered their time to teach students how to make model space probes, assemble telescopes, paint unique interpretations of the cosmos, make mini solar systems and starcharts, create astronomy-based comics, and even dramatize various planets in the solar system. Each station providing activities aimed at increasing student interest and knowledge in the cosmos.
The Donors Choose grant funded the materials needed to make each of these work stations possible. Students and families enjoyed by the many exciting activities offered during the evening. This Star Party increased student knowledge of the solar system. In addition, families were brought closer together learning science!
We are very grateful to the Donors Choice and the generous contributors who have made this evening possible. Your kindness will spread knowledge and enthusiasm throughout our school community. Thanks again ... and Clear Skies!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith
Students Create A Museum!
Funded Mar 21, 2012Thank you so much for your donation to our class project, "Students Create a Museum." Your support has been very important to the students at our Title I school. The supplies that you have funded, coloring pencils and display boards, enabled my students to create and explain their own research with a unique museum project. These projects, in turn, enhanced community building by providing a venue for the public to view the studentsâ hard work. The students felt very proud of their work, and community parents seemed to enjoy the opportunity to see the type of work our young people can create when inspired and motivated.
Students conducted research on a variety of science and social studies topics for our Museum Night. Working in small collaborative groups, each team addressed a significant topic connected to our state standards. These topics included a comparative study of American colonial regions in the 17th Century, the creation of plant habitats to support a human colony on Mars, a survey of American poets, a comparative study of native and invasive plants in a Mediterranean biome, and an exploration of why so many colonists died in Jamestown, Virginia between 1607 and 1619. The studentsâ work on these projects surpassed all earlier work completed this year. Knowing that their efforts would be on public display encourage greater collaboration, attention to detail, and pride in their finished product.
Our Museum Night was a great success. Community members were welcomed to our campus, and students glowed with pride. Thank you for helping to make all of this possible.
”
With gratitude,
Mr. Hagen-Smith