Help support Ms. Hess' Classroom

The chicken coop, gardens and kitchen classroom has become an integral part of Garfield’s culture. The chickens were incubated and hatched by the previous year’s 5th graders with many of the other grades having visited the chicks. As such, the students are extremely protective of the grown flock with a deep-rooted interest and investment in their well-being. Not only do we regularly use the chickens and their eggs in our 5th-8th grade garden and kitchen lessons, but the coop has also become a place for all teachers to take their students throughout the day. One of our 4th grade teachers routinely uses a trip to the chicken coop as a brain break for her students. She says that her students return to the classroom calmer and are nicer to one another after spending time with the chickens. We often see her students beaming with pride as they delicately bring us the eggs they found. Finally, according to data collected by City Data, approximately 30% of Garfield residents are foreign born with a majority of this population born in Mexico with 60% of our students speaking Spanish at home. Our chicken coop helps us to transcend the language barrier to take part in a collective experience that often fills in generational gaps as many of our students have grandparents that owned or worked on farm property. This wish for chicken coop renovations would ensure that we can continue to make these connections with all of our school’s students.

About my class

The chicken coop, gardens and kitchen classroom has become an integral part of Garfield’s culture. The chickens were incubated and hatched by the previous year’s 5th graders with many of the other grades having visited the chicks. As such, the students are extremely protective of the grown flock with a deep-rooted interest and investment in their well-being. Not only do we regularly use the chickens and their eggs in our 5th-8th grade garden and kitchen lessons, but the coop has also become a place for all teachers to take their students throughout the day. One of our 4th grade teachers routinely uses a trip to the chicken coop as a brain break for her students. She says that her students return to the classroom calmer and are nicer to one another after spending time with the chickens. We often see her students beaming with pride as they delicately bring us the eggs they found. Finally, according to data collected by City Data, approximately 30% of Garfield residents are foreign born with a majority of this population born in Mexico with 60% of our students speaking Spanish at home. Our chicken coop helps us to transcend the language barrier to take part in a collective experience that often fills in generational gaps as many of our students have grandparents that owned or worked on farm property. This wish for chicken coop renovations would ensure that we can continue to make these connections with all of our school’s students.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

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Support Ms. Hess' classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

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About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ms. Hess' Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Hess' classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Share this classroom

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.