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Mrs. Usouski's Classroom

  • Pittsburgh Perry High School
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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We'll charge your card today and send Mrs. Usouski a DonorsChoose gift card she can use on her classroom projects. Starting next month, we'll charge your card and send her a DonorsChoose gift card on the 17th of every month.

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Current requests

Snacktizing Math

Help me give my students incentive snacks & drinks to keep them motivated to learn Geometry. I utilize the PBIS awards system in my class to earn points towards purchasing snacks. In my class, Friday is Buy-Day!
Mrs. Usouski
Pittsburgh Perry High School
Pittsburgh, PA
  • Be the first to support this project
  • $511 still needed
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Past projects 3

  • Snacktizing Math

    Funded Aug 15, 2024

    I cannot thank you enough for your continued support for my kids. Utilizing the PBIS incentive program to support positive outcomes is a game changer with the snacks you provided. Students in need of food come to me discretely and ask for snacks to hold them over. I can provide that support with your donations. Others are encouraged to do well to earn points for their snack incentive. I cannot tell you how much this has helped with behaviors in my classroom. I also do not think I would have been able to provide the variety of snacks and drinks I can provide with your donations. Thank you so much!!!”

    With gratitude,

    Mrs. Usouski

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 3 other donors.
  • Math-yum-izing Effort!

    Funded Dec 28, 2023

    I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative in the classroom. Your generosity has had a profound impact on the learning environment, and I am thrilled to share the positive outcomes we've observed since the implementation of this program.

    Our PBIS system centers around the PRIDE acronym, with each letter representing a fundamental value: Prepared, Respectful, Integrity, Determined, and Excellence. These core values serve as guiding principles for our students, fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere within the classroom. It is truly inspiring to witness how these values have become ingrained in our students' daily interactions and behaviors.

    One of the most exciting components of our PBIS program is the Friday Buy Day, where students have the opportunity to redeem points they've earned through their exemplary behavior. The anticipation and enthusiasm that fill the room when the cabinet is opened are palpable. Students beam with pride as they carefully choose items from the diverse selection of snacks, thanks to the project's recent focus on beverages.

    The introduction of drinks to our PBIS incentives has added an extra layer of enjoyment to Friday Buy Day. Students now have the option to pair their favorite snacks with a refreshing drink, enhancing their overall classroom experience. The positive impact of this project extends beyond mere enjoyment; it has also created a sense of community and shared achievement among the students.

    I am delighted to report that the PBIS incentive has been a game changer in my classroom. Since its implementation, we have witnessed a significant decline in behavior issues, with a remarkable 25% reduction. This positive shift is a testament to the power of incentivizing positive behavior and instilling a sense of pride in our students.

    Friday has become a highly anticipated day in our classroom, as students eagerly look forward to their Buy Day. They hold me accountable, reminding me to open the cabinet so they can use their hard-earned points. This heightened sense of responsibility and ownership over their behavior is truly heartening.

    What is even more remarkable is the camaraderie that has developed among the students. They not only strive to earn points for themselves but also generously use their points to purchase snacks and drinks for their friends. This selfless act of kindness has created a supportive and encouraging environment where students collaborate to achieve common goals.

    I want to express my deepest gratitude for your support in making this PBIS initiative a reality in our classroom. Your belief in the power of positive reinforcement has positively transformed our learning environment, creating a space where students thrive academically and socially. The impact of your support goes beyond the tangible rewards; it extends to shaping the character and values of the young minds in our care.

    Once again, thank you for your generosity and commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. Your support has made a significant difference in the lives of our students, and we are truly grateful for the positive changes we continue to witness.”

    With gratitude,

    Mrs. Usouski

  • Snackinticing Math

    Funded Nov 8, 2023

    I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support and contribution to my project. The impact of your donation on my students has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am excited to share the positive outcomes it has brought to my classroom.

    Your donation has been integrated seamlessly into Perry's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, creating a powerful tool for engagement and motivation. On Fridays and special occasions, students are now able to utilize their hard-earned PBIS points to purchase snacks provided by your thoughtful contribution. This has not only enhanced the students' enthusiasm for learning but has also instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment as they see the direct correlation between their efforts and rewards.

    The reaction from my students when they first saw the new resources was truly heartwarming. The sheer amazement on their faces as they realized they could use their PBIS points to access nutritious snacks was a priceless moment. It has created a positive and empowering atmosphere in the classroom, reinforcing the idea that their hard work and positive behavior have tangible, rewarding outcomes.

    As we move forward with this project, the next steps for our students involve incorporating the snacks into various classroom activities. I plan to integrate discussions about healthy eating habits, tying it back to math lessons by exploring concepts like nutritional values, percentages, and budgeting. This not only aligns with our academic goals but also fosters a holistic approach to education, promoting health and well-being among students.

    Your contribution has not only provided snacks but has opened up new avenues for learning and growth. I am committed to ensuring that the positive impact of your generosity continues to resonate in my classroom, inspiring students to strive for excellence in both their academic and personal lives.

    Once again, thank you for making a significant difference in the lives of my students. Your support has created an environment where learning is not only educational but also enjoyable, setting the foundation for a bright and promising future.”

    With gratitude,

    Mrs. Usouski

    This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors & Young Sheldon on CBS and 5 other donors.
My students are fun and energetic. They come to class with the eagerness to learn. I love watching them grow mathematically. They strive to do well, but lack the resources. It is my goal to provide those resources to make their dreams come true. Thank you Donors Choose for helping me make this happen!

About my class

My students are fun and energetic. They come to class with the eagerness to learn. I love watching them grow mathematically. They strive to do well, but lack the resources. It is my goal to provide those resources to make their dreams come true. Thank you Donors Choose for helping me make this happen!

About my class

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