Past projects 8
Comfy, Cozy, Calming Space for Me & My Feelings
Funded Dec 4, 2024Thank you for funding my project so that my class would have a comfortable, pleasant space when they need it! Before the funding, our "Calm Corner" was just a bean bag chair, some pop-it (fidgit) toys and a feeling faces chart. Students sometimes sat there with a teacher or for some alone time; but this didn't happen often.
Many of our students live in families that experience daily stressors like fragile socio-economic status, subpar housing, joblessness and incarceration of a parent. We work to create a joyful and safe experience at school so that children trust school to be reliable, consistent and loving. We teach the students ways to regulate their feelings and express what they need. Part of this approach is our Calm Corner; where children learn there is a safe space to be sad, angry, joyful or frustrated.
We now have a colorful, super-soft area rug to sit on in the space! They love the sweet and soft axolotl plush toys and sensory tubes which are calming to watch. In addition, the funding provided a felt feelings faces activity that helps with our social-emotional learning. Thank you so much for providing these well-loved materials!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feyes
Reading and Seating!
Funded Feb 14, 2022The day that we received our games and stools was such an exciting day! The students received new word, spelling, and phonics games. In addition, we got stools that are easily moved about the room and stackable.
The games have been an enjoyable way to gain and practice essential language and literacy skills. Students who speak different languages have been able to play and learn at the same time and it has been a joy to see this happening!
Students are so engaged that they use their laptops and translate apps while playing the games so they can understand each other. We appreciate your kindness!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feyes
It's the Little Things!
Funded Feb 8, 2022I'm writing to let you know the wonderful impact that our new materials have made!
We got storage boxes in which to store our new games, more film for our cameras, new headphones and a laminator!
We've worked hard all year to grow our English and Reading skills and we've learned so much. Meeting the diverse needs of students can be difficult. But using cameras and playing games equals learning that is fun!
Laminating visuals for the classroom makes everything look brighter and preserving student work with lamination makes everyone happy. Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feyes
It's All About the Books For Me!
Funded Nov 16, 2021Our classroom library was small, but now it's really growing! The students have been enjoying easy-to-read books about sports and adventures. One of my students enjoyed a "Super Secret Diary" book so much that she asked to borrow it so she could keep reading. This was a first for her!
Many of my students speak Spanish at home and some of those students can read and write in Spanish. When these students are given the opportunity to read in their home language and in English their literacy skills grow! One of my students was thrilled to borrow a book to read with her Spanish-speaking family at home.
These materials make my job as a teacher more fulfilling. I love watching them get into a book!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feyes
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and 3 other donors.Our Amazing School
Funded Nov 30, 2021I'm writing to let you know the wonderful impact that our new materials have made! The students received new headphones that are comfortable and have microphones attached.
Our district invested in amazing software programs that enable the students to gain and practice essential language and literacy skills. These headphones are perfect for independent work time especially since they can make recordings of themselves reading!
Now that we are back in the classroom and doing more paper and pencil work, students love their time on the laptops and the programs are very engaging to them! They get to create avatars and feel like they're playing games while they are learning.
We also received Fujifilm instant cameras and my students are amazed by this "older" technology! Newcomer students who have only been in the U.S.A. for a few months took pictures of themselves and their classmates and wrote encouraging notes to each other. We look forward to using them again to pair with writing activities. Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feyes
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 5 other donors.Inspiring Independence in English Language Learners
Funded Aug 28, 2021It has been a busy time with all of the beginning-of-the year tasks like assessing present levels, creating groups for optimal learning, and developing/reinforcing routines. Consistency and routine is so important to English Language Learners!
The materials that you helped purchase have helped me to organize my small classroom for small group and independent learning. The shelves, bins and mobile drawers keep materials separate since 4 different groups of children use this space.
Every day, the students experience more independence and I hope this will help them to realize their potential and believe in their ability to do amazing things! We thank you sincerely!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feyes
What Could Be Better Than a Backpack Full of Books?
Funded Dec 21, 2020I was honored and excited yesterday as I delivered brand-new backpacks full of books to my students! On Thursday and Friday, they browsed their choices over our Teams meeting (we're still completely remote) and happily chose their backpack design and color. They were relieved to see that the backpacks can hold their laptops too!
The books they received reflect their diversity. In addition, some of the books tell the story of refugees, immigrants and people of color facing and overcoming challenges. My students have been in the US for several years and come from countries in Africa or Ecuador and Honduras. Their early life experiences were not typical, and still, now, they live through hardship. Representation is so important and I'm hoping that they'll find comfort, inspiration and joy as they read books with characters and real-life people who look like them!
Reading English is a challenge for them (I can't imagine having all my classes and textbooks in a language other than my first language!) However, helping them to have their own books at home is a beautiful way to boost their academic spirit in these very important years before middle school. Your gift is truly appreciated!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feyes
Let's "Keep It Together" While Learning At Home
Funded Nov 20, 2020My husband and I delivered the materials to my students one weekend before our winter break and they were excited and happy to receive them! In class on Monday, they shared that they were using the new portfolio and pencils and keeping their supplies organized.
Due to the pandemic and our online learning, it was difficult to get photographs to share with you and this was the first time we had seen each other "in real life". However, it was great to have this opportunity to visit my students briefly and give them something they truly need!
Thank you again for helping me to provide materials to my students especially during this difficult time. Wishing you health and happiness in 2021!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feyes