Mr. Alex's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 5

• Therapeutic Tools To Support Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma

  Funded Dec 22, 2023

  Thank you so much for the materials I requested for use in my work as a social worker in a school serving students who are new to this country and who have experienced trauma. The kids LOVE the materials, in particular (so far): the therapy sand tray, the jellyfish lava lamp, and the deep sea sand art circle.

  The lava lamp sits on my desk and acts as an invitation (everyone thinks the jelly fish are real when they first see it) into my room. For the kids are in my room individually or in a group, many enjoy looking at the constant movement of the fish. It calms them and gives them something to focus on outside of themselves. The sand tray has been very useful as a narrative therapy tool, especially for those students who have trouble or are uncomfortable expressing their emotions. Lastly, the deep sea-sand art circle is my go-to tool for kids who are having panic attacks or moments of intense anxiety. Manipulating the sand and following it's flow calms my students down and helps them regain a sense of control.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Alex

• Help Our Migrant Students Tell Their Stories

  Funded Aug 30, 2023

  Thank you! Our students love new technology, especially technology that is not always accessible to them, and that allows them to put their voices and ideas front and center. The microphones, headphones and podcast recording devices you donated check all of those boxes. We have already used the materials to record personal narratives about immigration, and we are in the planning stages of producing a school-based podcast centered around issues that are both relevant to teens and important to their socio-emotional health.

  The kids love love love the materials and I'm excited to keep integrating your donations into our daily work.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Alex

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 8 other donors.

• Soccer Balls and Basketballs of Their Own

  Funded Mar 2, 2023

  Thank you so much for your generous donations. Most of our students arrived in this country and in our school with literally little more than the clothes they were wearing. Your donations have allowed them to reconnect with the sports that they love so much. Playing sports has helped them express themselves physically, pursue passions that keep them in touch with their former lives, and has kept them out of trouble during the hours when they are not in school.

  The looks on their faces when they received the balls and equipment you donated were truly uplifting for them and for us as staff.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Alex

• Knitting a Healthy Future

  Funded Oct 26, 2022

  The materials you donated to our school have had a big impact on a number of students who were in need of just what this project offered: a space in which to destress, a skill they can use throughout their lives, and an opportunity to do something fun and productive after school hours.

  I opened the boxes of supplies along with the kids, and their faces as they reached into the box of yarn were amazing to see. The brilliant colors, the soft textures, and the knowledge that someone had provided them with such quality materials energized and elevated them.

  We originally planned just for one day of knitting club, but do to demand, we offer it three days a week most weeks. Kids can be seen sitting quietly in the club after school, and often during downtime between classes or during lunch as well. The club and your donation have been a great success.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Alex

  This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and one other donor.

• Beat Connection

  Funded Feb 25, 2022

  My students have absolutely loved the materials you supplied them with through "Beat Connection." The speakers, Midi devices, mic and audio interface gave them the ability to pursue their passion for music in school, and a core group of them responded by coming every Wednesday and Friday during lunch to work on audio production, to talk music, to share ideas and to record.

  "Yo Mr. Alex, we going to the Stu' today?" Was often the first thing I would hear on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The access that the audio equipment gave them to the world of *making music themselves*, was intoxicating, for them and for me. Thank you so much.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Alex