Past projects 7
Commitment to Community: Active and Collaborative Learning
Funded Aug 30, 2024Thank you for your generous support in helping us create a more focused and engaging learning environment through this project. The resources you provided—phone charging stations, fidget toys, chart paper, and poster markers—have already made a significant impact on my students' learning experience.
The phone charging stations have been a game-changer in reducing distractions. Students are now more willing to part with their phones, knowing they'll return fully charged after class. This small adjustment has led to noticeable improvements in their focus, allowing them to be fully present in our lessons. Many students have commented on how much more they can engage with the material without the constant pull of their devices.
The fidget toys have also been a hit, particularly with students who need something to do with their hands to stay engaged. One student shared how using a fidget toy helped them concentrate on our class discussions instead of defaulting to their phone for stimulation. These tools have created an inclusive classroom atmosphere where students can meet their needs without disrupting their learning or that of their peers.
The chart paper and markers have transformed our group activities. Students enjoy collaborating on posters and charts to capture their ideas, and the anchor charts displayed in the classroom serve as helpful visual reminders of their learning. One group was especially proud of a poster they created summarizing a key concept, and they were thrilled to see their work appreciated and referenced by their classmates throughout the week.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nickerson
This classroom project was brought to life by United Airlines and 8 other donors.Essential Hygiene Supplies for a Positive School Experience Year 2
Funded Sep 19, 2024Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our hygiene supplies project. This initiative has had a profound impact on our students, removing barriers to learning that many often overlook. By providing essential items like feminine pads, deodorant, lotion, and chapstick, we've created a safe and supportive space where students feel valued and cared for. When basic hygiene needs are met, students can focus on their education rather than worrying about discomfort or judgment from peers.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project has been watching students grow in confidence. Many have shared how these supplies help them feel more prepared and less self-conscious throughout the day. For instance, one student who used to shy away from group activities and class discussions because they felt self-conscious about their hygiene is now fully engaged, contributing their ideas and thriving academically. These seemingly small items have made a huge difference in their ability to focus and participate.
Your support goes beyond providing products; it shows our students that there are people out there who care about their well-being. This trust and care have fostered a stronger connection between us, creating a positive classroom culture that encourages both learning and personal growth.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nickerson
This classroom project was brought to life by United Airlines and 7 other donors.Calculators for All
Funded Nov 12, 2024Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom now has a full set of graphing calculators, and the impact has been transformative. These calculators have become an integral part of our daily learning in our Introduction to Statistics course. By having access to this technology, students can now perform complex statistical analyses that were previously too tedious or challenging to complete by hand. This has allowed them to shift their focus from procedural tasks to engaging deeply with the concepts and applications of statistics, fostering a much richer understanding of the material. What excites our students most is the opportunity to visualize data and make real-world connections.
Several students who initially felt intimidated by math have truly warmed to these new tools. One student, who had previously struggled with confidence in their mathematical abilities, shared how the calculators have made statistics feel more approachable and manageable. They now take pride in independently tackling problems they once avoided, demonstrating the power of having the right tools to support learning.
Your donation has helped foster a classroom environment where all students feel empowered to succeed, regardless of their financial circumstances. These graphing calculators have made a tangible difference in their educational journey, and we are deeply grateful for your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nickerson
This classroom project was brought to life by United Airlines and 2 other donors.Providing Essential Bathroom Supplies for a Positive School Experience
Funded Aug 15, 2023In classrooms, a crucial but often overlooked barrier to learning is whether students feel safe and comfortable. This sense of security is deeply intertwined with meeting their basic hygienic needs. When these needs are not adequately addressed, it can significantly hinder students' ability to focus and engage fully in their education.
With the introduction of the new resources, we have effectively removed this barrier. Students now have access to clean, sufficient materials, and basic hygienic needs are consistently met. This has allowed them to focus on their studies and engage more deeply in classroom activities. The improved comfort level has fostered a more positive learning environment, where students feel secure and valued, which in turn enhances their ability to learn and thrive. By addressing these fundamental needs, we've created a setting where students can concentrate on their education without the distraction of personal discomfort.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nickerson
This classroom project was brought to life by The SONIC Foundation and 18 other donors.The Big Fat Notebook Experience
Funded Dec 20, 2022We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. We are writing to express our utmost gratitude for your generous support in providing our students with the "Big Fat Math Notebooks." Your contribution has had a profound impact on our students' learning experience and has brought about remarkable changes in their academic journey.
One of the most remarkable aspects we've noticed is how certain students have flourished and embraced the new math books wholeheartedly. These notebooks have proven to be especially beneficial for visual learners and those who struggle to retain information from traditional lectures alone. The clear and concise explanations, coupled with visually engaging graphics and demonstrations, have captivated their interest and made learning mathematical concepts more feasible and enjoyable. As a result, we've witnessed a surge in their enthusiasm and engagement with the subject matter, leading to improved comprehension and retention of essential math principles.
Additionally, the "Big Fat Math Notebooks" have played a pivotal role in empowering our students to take charge of their learning. By utilizing the comprehensive notes already present in the books, they have honed their skills in organizing information and extracting crucial details, enabling them to create their own personalized study guides. This newfound ability to compile their notes has not only strengthened their understanding of mathematical concepts but also nurtured their independence and self-confidence as learners.
Furthermore, in the aftermath of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, these math books have served as invaluable resources in bridging the gaps in our students' learning journey. Many of our students faced challenges in their middle school and high school math classes due to the limitations of remote learning. The "Big Fat Math Notebooks" have filled in these gaps and allowed our students to revisit crucial topics, grasp essential foundations, and rebuild their confidence in mathematics. As a result, we've observed substantial progress in their academic performance, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Your generous contribution has made a tremendous difference in the lives of our students, empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in their academic endeavors. We are truly grateful for your support, and we cannot emphasize enough how much of a positive impact these math books have had on our students' education.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your kindness and commitment to our students' futures. With your continued support, we are confident that our students will continue to thrive and excel in their mathematical pursuits.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nickerson
Classroom Essentials
Funded Jul 20, 2021The resources that we were able to get through the help of Donors Choose has helped my students, I think greatly. Students are able to come into class and not have being prepared as something that keeps them from doing well in the class. Students have access to what ever materials they need so that they can focus on doing well in the class.
When I first showed students the materials they were confused and asked why I had bought them all the stuff, and I explained that it came from people donating to our class and if was for the purpose of making sure that they have what they need. Students showed gratitude and told me to tell everyone who donated "thank you!"
Next steps will be to get some manipulative for the class to make hands on learning a little more accessible.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nickerson
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 2 other donors.Breaking Remote Teaching Barriers!
Funded Sep 8, 2020Thank you so much for providing the opportunity to have needed supplies for the classroom. You helped me create the classroom I had envisioned walking into my 1st year of teaching. Unfortunately due to virtual learning, my students and I were not able to to use the requested equipment this year. But I am looking forward to sharing the supplies with my students next year when we are working together in person.
Next steps moving forward is creating a classroom next year that will help incoming freshman and seniors get support in their education for the years to come.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nickerson
This classroom project was brought to life by Stavros Niarchos Foundation and 7 other donors.