Past projects 7
Constructive, Calm Classroom Climate Creates Educational Excellence
Funded Feb 13, 2025Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom. My students and I truly appreciate the positive impact these wonderful items have on creating a constructive and calm learning environment.
In my math classes, students engage in a variety of activities, including working at desks, collaborating in small groups, using manipulatives, and utilizing technology. In each of these scenarios, the addition of fluorescent light covers significantly reduces the harsh glare from overhead lighting, helping to prevent eye fatigue and discomfort—especially during extended periods of reading or screen time.
Additionally, providing students with headphones allows them to listen to relaxing music while they work or to watch math videos without disturbing their peers. This enhances focus and supports different learning styles. Lastly, the four-function calculators you provided are incredibly beneficial for my sixth and seventh graders, as many students do not have their own. Having access to these tools during homework, quizzes, and tests makes a significant difference in their learning experience.
We are deeply grateful for your thoughtfulness, generosity, and commitment to education. Your support means so much to my students and me.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kolar
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and one other donor.Becoming More Comfortable with Mathematics
Funded Jan 12, 2024Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom. My students are definitely 'becoming more comfortable with mathematics' due to these bean bag chairs and bouncy bands. In my math classes, students may be sitting at a desk, working in pairs or small groups, and even sitting on the floor at times, working with manipulatives. In each case, these bean bag chairs and bouncy bands make learning math much more effective, because they can focus on the concepts, rather than their discomfort.
My students were very excited when they saw the bean bag chairs arrive. They loved the vibrant colors, and they took turns using them during work time or silent reading.
The students were also thrilled with the bouncy bands, which allows them some movement while sitting in desks. It doesn't disturb anyone, and allows students to better focus on the critical, real-world math skills that they are trying to learn.
The buzzers were wonderful for math competition and review. Students are actively engaged and I can easily tell who 'buzzed in' first with the various sound effects I recorded. We greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness, generosity, and support of education, and in particular, my classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kolar
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and one other donor.Hands on Mathematics Wins Hands Down!
Funded Oct 29, 2023Thank you so very much for your support of my classroom project. My students and I greatly appreciate your generous contribution to their learning success.
The students really appreciated the hands-on manipulatives that we were able to acquire, especially the clocks. Many students these days, can read a digital clock, but struggle to read an analog clock. With each student having a hands-on analog clock to use, determining elapsed time was easier, and made sense to them. And making sense of mathematics is certainly one of our goals.
The students also appreciated the dry-erase boards with four-quadrant grids. They could plot points and graph, then erase to do the next problem. Interpreting graphs and projecting points also was easy to do with these boards.
The headphones were a great benefit for students in my class. Many students don't own them, and they are used for various individualized computer math programs and math websites. In addition, I have made classroom videos for students to give homework hints and explain classroom math concepts, which is especially helpful for students who are absent, and the headphones allow students to watch and listen to these videos during work time, without disturbing the learning of others.
Thank you again for your generosity and support for my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kolar
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.Getting Comfortable With Mathematics
Funded Sep 6, 2023Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom. My students are definitely 'getting more comfortable with mathematics' due to these colorful seat cushions. In my math classes, students may be sitting in their desks, working in pairs or small groups, and even sitting on the floor at times, working with manipulatives. In each case, these great cushions make learning math much more effective, because they could focus on the concepts, rather than aches or discomfort.
My students were very excited when they saw the cushions arrive. They loved the vibrant colors, and the cushioned, comfy seats. They couldn't wait to try them, and thought they were wonderful, once they did.
Students are usually sitting in desks for most of their day during school hours, and this was a really nice opportunity for them to get to sit more comfortably, and to better focus on the critical, real-world math skills that they are trying to learn. We greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness, generosity, and support of education- especially my classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kolar
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 4 other donors.Diverse Middle School Math Students Have Diverse Needs
Funded Dec 2, 2022Thank you so very much for your support of my classroom project. My students and I greatly appreciate your generous contribution to their learning success.
The students took great interest in the poster that showed a variety of careers that need a mathematical background, and helped answer the question of, "when are we going to use this?" The STEAM poster showed the connection between Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math and helped students see the problem solving and critical thinking relationships within those curricular areas.
Students were very excited to try different fidgets, since there was a variety of different sizes, colors, shapes, and textures. These were very helpful for students with sensory needs, and also enhanced focus and attention for students who needed that.
The headphones were a huge benefit for students in my class. Many students don't own any, and they are used for various individualized computer math programs and math websites. In addition, I have made classroom videos for students to give homework hints and explain classroom math concepts, which is especially helpful for students who are absent, and the headphones allow students to watch and listen to these videos during work time, without disturbing the learning of others.
Thank you again for your generosity and support for my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kolar
This classroom project was brought to life by 3MGives and 2 other donors.Flexible Seating Helps With Focus
Funded Jan 30, 2022My students were very excited when they saw the Kore Kids Wobble Chairs, and have been using them often, in every class section. I greatly valued the research behind the chairs which indicated that students' focus is improved with continuous movement while sitting. I also appreciated that it would provide an outlet for students with high energy and/or attention issues.
This year, especially, it is challenging to provide students with the best classroom environment for each individual learning style, while still maintaining social distancing. These chairs allow me to better meet my students' needs, with their well-being in mind. According to the company, the wobble chairs are made of 'smart plastic', which has been tested to reduce up to 99.9% of common bacteria, and can be easily disinfected after student use.
Lastly, I appreciate your support of my students, as well as your generous donation towards their learning. As an educator for thirty-four years, it means a great deal to me to provide the best learning environment possible for my students, and your thoughtful donation will do that for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kolar
Flexible Seating Helps With Focus
Funded Feb 11, 2021My students were very excited when they saw the Kore Kids Wobble Chairs. They wanted to use them right away. I appreciated the research behind the chairs which indicated that students' focus is improved with continuous movement while sitting. I also valued that it would provide an outlet for students with high energy and/or attention issues.
This year, especially, it is challenging to provide students with the best classroom environment for each individual learning style, while still maintaining social distancing. These chairs allow me to better meet my students' needs, with safety in mind. According to the company, they are made of 'smart plastic', which has been tested to reduce up to 99.9% of common bacteria, and can be easily disinfected after student use.
Lastly, I appreciate your support of my students, as well as your generous donation towards their learning. As an educator for thirty-three years, it means a great deal to me to provide the best learning environment possible for my students, and your thoughtful donation will do that for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kolar
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 3 other donors.