Mrs. Mancuso's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 4

• Let's "Stick" Together and Make a Mosaic!

  Funded Aug 12, 2024

  We are thrilled to share the incredible impact your generous donations have had on the students at Poinciana High School. The new resources have transformed our Media Center into a vibrant hub of activity, surprising students with offerings beyond books and reading.

  Sticker mosaics have become a beloved activity, fostering teamwork and patience among students. We average about one mosaic per month, with countless students eagerly stopping by to add stickers and see the finished product. Each completed project is proudly displayed on our walls, showcasing the students' collaborative efforts.

  Lanyard keychain making was a new addition that has quickly become popular. Students enjoy learning this practical skill and proudly display their creations on backpacks and car keys. While starting the keychains can be challenging, the students are enthusiastic and eager to learn.

  Giant UNO has added an extra element of fun to our game offerings. The large cards make the game even more enjoyable, and it has become a favorite during lunch breaks.

  Looking ahead, we plan to make the Media Center even more inviting with comfortable furniture and additional maker items. Your continued support will help us create a cozy and welcoming environment that encourages even more students to visit and participate.

  Thank you for making a difference in our students' lives. We look forward to your continued support in creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Mancuso

  This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org Teen Mental Health Initiative.

• Let's Do Some "making"!

  Funded Feb 14, 2024

  The students at Poinciana High School are extremely grateful for their new resources. They continue to be surprised when the Media Center offers something other than books and reading. Thanks to these new resources, there has been an increase in students visiting the Media Center before school and during lunches. There are also students asking for passes to stop by during the day when they are feeling overwhelmed.

  The sticker mosaics were a huge hit! The sunflower mosaic was completed first. There were countless students stopping by any chance they could to add stickers. At times, I had to remind them when it was time for class, or they would have stayed working on it until they got it finished. When it did get finished, we laminated it and displayed it on the wall. The students were very eager to start the second mosaic with the hot air balloons. With the excitement from finishing the sunflowers, the hot air balloon mosaic was quickly completed.

  The puzzles were enjoyed by many students who stopped to work on them. The Birds in The Tree, Reese's, and Hershey's Kisses puzzles were all completed. Thankfully no pieces were lost in the process! Like the sticker mosaic that was laminated for display, the students have also requested that the puzzles be framed to show case their work. I hope to get the supplies over the summer for the framing. This way the student can assist with the process of mounting and framing them when we return to school in August. We'll also be able to start the year with the remaining two puzzles that still need to be completed.

  Both the sticker mosaics and puzzles were great for having the students work together. It took collaboration and patience to get them done. These are two life skills that are always good to practice.

  The students enjoyed the Perler or "melty beads" a lot! They commented on how it was something fun they did in middle school and that they were happy to see it available here. There was a combination of students getting creative and making their own designs and using the pattern pad idea books to follow a pattern. The heat press included in this fundraiser for the Perler beads will also be of use when we have to opportunity to use heat transfer vinyl with the Cricuit (obtained through another project).”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Mancuso

• Makerspace in the Media Center

  Funded Feb 14, 2024

  The students at Poinciana High School are extremely grateful for their new resources. They continue to be surprised when the Media Center offers something other than books and reading. Thanks to these new resources, there has been an increase in students visiting the Media Center before school and during lunches. There are also students asking for passes to stop by during the day when they are feeling overwhelmed.

  The button maker was a favorite among many students. A special custom button was designed for seniors/the class of 2024. This button was a such a hit that the demand was greater than we could get them made. For students who were not seniors, a Poinciana Eagles Rep the P school spirit button was made. Again, the demand was greater than we could get them made. The students loved the button maker and have already suggested and shared custom ideas that we could make next year. Buttons were also made to represent the books for the 2023-2024 Florida Teens Read selection and Battle of the Books.

  The Cricut Explore Air 2 machine was initially out of stock. However, a replacement of the same item was selected. There hasn't been as much opportunity as we'd hoped to get creative with it since it arrived. It took time to obtain a school district device with access to the software needed for designing. A big draw though has been just watching it work and cutting vinyl for Poinciana Rep the P Ps that were applied to reusable cups.

  Mostly popular with the lunch crowd, was bracelet making. Groups of friends came to make bracelets together. The letter beads were included with the project order. The rest of the items were purchased separately due to the clay beads not being available at the time of the project being funded and shipped.

  The next steps for the Media Center include making the space more inviting. That would include more comfortable furniture and seating options for reading and relaxing. Working more with the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the design space software is also something that will take place moving forward. Adding additional maker items and replenishing one time use items are additionally future steps that will be taken.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Mancuso

• Welcome to the Media Center!

  Funded Nov 29, 2022

  The students at Poinciana High School are extremely grateful for their new resources. They were so surprised to see the Media Center offer something other than books and reading. Thanks to these new resources, there has been an increase in students visiting the Media Center during lunch. There are also students asking for passes to stop by during the day when they are feeling overwhelmed.

  Chess and Uno have been extremely popular during lunch. There are even students wanting to learn more about chess and strategies, so they are checking out books on the topic. The origami isn't easy, but the students love the challenge of making a piece of paper into something new. Coloring is also a favorite. The students like the fact they have lots of choices for what to color.

  My next steps for the Media Center include making the space more inviting. That would include more comfortable furniture options for reading and relaxing. The art students are also planning to create a mural on the front face of the circulation desk.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Mancuso

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 15 other donors.