Ms. Breen's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 10

• Organization in U.S. History

  Funded Sep 18, 2024

  I gave two of my three classes their new binders yesterday (they did not arrive in time for me to give to the last, and they'll receive their's on Monday). I have never seen students be so excited or grateful for a simple school supply. One girl actually told me this is her first binder, her mother has never been able to get one for her.

  These binders will help my students stay organized. They will be able to learn these organizational skills moving forward into their years in high school, college (if they choose), and employment.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 14 other donors.

• Say Yes to the Dress -- Prom Edition!

  Funded Sep 29, 2022

  My student prom committee and I have been prepping and planning for our first prom boutique since this project has been funded. We have been collecting dresses and other items ahead of our May opening and we are so excited to also be collaborating with Rent the Runway to outfit our many, many students that are unable to afford prom dresses and other clothing items and accessories.

  This project will hopefully allow us to have the first of many prom boutiques for years to come and we are so grateful for your help funding us!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Classroom Supporter.

• Immersing Ourselves in History

  Funded Feb 16, 2023

  I cannot tell you how amazing these items have been for my students, especially those that are still learning the English language.

  When I put up the Spanish posters, one girl's entire face lit up because she was finally seeing a language she was comfortable with. My students were thrilled to see the flags from the various different countries they were born in hanging in my classroom.

  It has truly been amazing to give the students I teach the ability to feel included in their classrooms. It is extremely important for them to feel like they are welcome and an important part of the class.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 7 other donors.

• Tools to Promote Mindfulness

  Funded Aug 9, 2022

  I was so excited to utilize these tools during my advisory class, only to get my schedule this year and find I don't have an advisory class this year!

  Initially, I was worried about how I would be able to use these amazing items, until I had a new class added to my schedule. I meet each week with a small group of students and we work together to decide how class will go.

  These students truly love these mindfulness items. It is a great break to their day, and they love doing yoga poses and picking the cards to do different exercises.

  This is truly my favorite donors choose project I have ever done.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

  This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 6 other donors.

• Hang Up the Phone!

  Funded Apr 11, 2022

  My sincerest apologies for the delay. I want to thank you all immensely for funding this project. Students actually love parting with their phones for a period and focusing on the task in class.

  Technology, while an incredible tool, has become such a distraction to students, and they cannot find it in themselves to part with it so often on their own.

  The added bonus point tickets that come with turning in their phone is a fun incentive as well! While sometimes in our day to day activities, I totally forget to "do the phones" students will always remind me that it is time to hang them up!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

• A Snack and a Smile

  Funded Jan 27, 2022

  My students were thrilled to received these snacks, and demolished them in record time! Being from low income families, they depend on the food they receive at school to sustain them beyond the school day, and these snacks help them concentrate on their work, as well as motivate them to do their best.

  I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for your donation, and they time you took to view our project. Moving full speed ahead through the pandemic has been challenging for students both physically and emotionally, and small treats like this go a long way.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

  This classroom project was brought to life by A New York City Parent and 2 other donors.

• Comfort Snacks for Students

  Funded Dec 10, 2021

  My students truly appreciate the snacks and comfort foods your donation provided. The past couple years have been truly trying, and children are still struggling to adapt to the demands of middle school.

  With snacks, students were motivated and able to participate more after being more energized. They loved seeing that people truly cared about their well being!

  Moving forward, I know that the best thing we can do for students is to be human and meet their basic needs first. This project was a major help.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

• Reusable Water Bottles for Students

  Funded Nov 30, 2021

  I cannot express how grateful I am for your generous donations for my class project to get my students reusable water bottles. My students had a blast choosing the stickers to put on their new bottles, showing a little bit of their personality in what they chose.

  They were so excited to receive the bottles, and could not wait to fill them up and use them throughout the school day. Students are visiting the water fountains less, and utilizing fewer single use plastic bottles, benefitting the environment as well.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 12 other donors.

• Helping kids in remote learning

  Funded Dec 2, 2020

  With the pandemic still raging, and my students in remote learning since before Thanksgiving, it was a challenge to retrieve the devices from the school, and then deliver them to my students in need. Finally last week I was able to accomplish this task.

  The five students live in very different circumstances from each other. One in a homeless shelter, two in apartment buildings, and two in apartments within a house. It gave me the opportunity to see them, if only for a minute or two, and while maintaining our social distance.

  The 5 students that received laptops are beyond grateful to have a device with a fully functioning keyboard, as well as the ability to not depend on a Google Classroom app to operate off of. Since getting these laptops, they have been able to complete work faster, and be more present in our daily Google Meet, with the ability to open multiple tabs at once.

  Thank you all once again for your generosity in such tough times. There are so many people that are struggling, and I am honored you chose my students and I to help.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

  This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 13 other donors.

• Help Students Adapt to the English Language!

  Funded Dec 3, 2019

  I started this school year planning for one honors class, two Gen Ed classes, and one class of newcomers. Quickly, that changed. Now, I have one honors, and three classes containing students that are new to the English language. As teachers, we know how to adapt, and these kindles have been a tool to help with that.

  Students are, understandably, most comfortable working with those that speak the same native language as they do, and not many want to be pushed out of their comfort zone. With these kindle devices, students were able to use translation apps to communicate with each other. It's fun to see students type a message in Nepali, translate it to Chinese, show their partner, and then switch to English to write down the information! The visuals I can incorporate, such as charts, political cartoons, maps and videos, allows small group instruction that targets the skills students need to focus on, rather than a teacher centered lesson.

  Students are becoming more comfortable working in what I have come to call "mixed language groups". They realize it is ok to make mistakes, and they are finally starting to branch out and become friends with people who come from different parts of the world. Test grades have improved, as well as overall motivation in class!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Breen

  This classroom project was brought to life by Anonymous Supporter and one other donor.