Mrs. Sessa's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 5

• Focused Minds, Calm Hearts: Fidget Toys for Enhanced Learning

  Funded Nov 2, 2024

  I wanted to share the incredible impact your donation has had on my students. Since receiving the fidget toys, I've seen transformations both big and small in how they approach learning and manage their emotions in class. These tools have brought a sense of calm, focus, and comfort that many of my students desperately needed.

  For some of my students, focus is a constant battle. Before, they often struggled to stay engaged, their anxiety or restlessness becoming overwhelming during lessons. Now, with access to stress-relieving tools like stress balls, tactile rings, and silent spinners, those same students are finding it easier to channel their energy productively. One student told me, "This helps me concentrate better. It's like my brain doesn't feel as busy anymore." Moments like these remind me how much of a difference thoughtful support can make.

  Beyond improved focus, the fidget tools have also created a more inclusive classroom atmosphere. Students who may have felt isolated by their learning struggles now feel empowered to participate fully. They have a tangible, healthy way to cope with their needs, and this shift has contributed to a more supportive and collaborative environment for all.

  Your generous donation has truly changed the tone of our classroom. Students are calmer, more engaged, and more confident in their ability to learn. These seemingly small tools have had a ripple effect, helping my students to not just learn, but thrive.

  Thank you for investing in their success and well-being. Your support has had a profound and lasting impact, and we are immensely grateful.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Sessa

• Classroom Set of Books for a New Teacher

  Funded Jun 8, 2023

  The generous donation of a classroom set of Never Let Me Go has had a profound and lasting impact on my 11th-grade students. Reading this novel together as a class has been a transformative experience, particularly for some students who had not previously read a book from cover to cover. For these students, completing Never Let Me Go marked an important milestone, instilling in them a sense of accomplishment and a renewed interest in literature.

  Beyond the mere act of reading, the novel served as a gateway to deep and meaningful discussions about the nature of friendships. The characters and their complex relationships provided a fertile ground for my students to explore the multifaceted nature of human connections. Through our discussions, students gained a better understanding of the importance of friendships and the delicate balance of emotions that come with them.

  Moreover, Never Let Me Go challenged my students to grapple with significant ethical dilemmas. The narrative's focus on cloning and organ harvesting prompted students to engage in critical thinking and articulate their viewpoints on these complex issues. These discussions not only honed their analytical skills but also fostered a classroom environment rich in open communication and respectful debate.

  Overall, the donation of Never Let Me Go has been instrumental in enriching my students' educational experience. It has not only encouraged them to read more but also provided valuable lessons in friendship, ethics, and critical thinking. This novel has left an indelible mark on my students, equipping them with skills and insights that extend far beyond the classroom.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Sessa

  This classroom project was brought to life by Perry and Donna Golkin Family Foundation and one other donor.

• Illuminating Minds: A Classroom Transformation

  Funded Sep 6, 2023

  I can't thank you enough for your support through DonorsChoose. Your generous gifts have completely transformed my classroom into a nurturing space where my students can truly thrive.

  At our Title 1 school, my students face many challenges, so creating a supportive environment is incredibly important. The items you donated have gone above and beyond in making the classroom a place of growth and empowerment.

  The well-organized bookshelf you provided has quickly become the heart of independent learning. Students get excited choosing books that speak to their interests and identities. The soft ambient lighting replaced the harsh fluorescents, creating a calming atmosphere perfect for focus and wellbeing. I wish you could have seen the smiles on my students' faces when they first saw these changes - their eyes lit up, like they were entering a special sanctuary just for them.

  These simple but powerful changes have set the stage for our unit on culture and identity in literature. With a classroom that nurtures curiosity and respects each student's individuality, our discussions have become richer and more meaningful. It's like the bookshelf and lighting remind students to bring their true selves into their learning.

  Your generosity has transformed not just the physical classroom but the energy within it. Every curious mind, every thoughtful discussion is thanks to your belief in my students' limitless potential. As we move forward, you have given us an incredible foundation of community and personal growth.

  From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support means the world to me and my students.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Sessa

  This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 4 other donors.

• Creating a Safe Haven: Empowering Students Through a Trauma-Informed Classroom

  Funded Sep 11, 2023

  I can't thank you enough for your generosity through DonorsChoose. Your contributions have made such an incredible difference in my classroom. Let me share a little moment that shows the impact you've had.

  We were recently working on a collaborative storytelling project, using all the literary tools we've been learning. The comfortable seating you donated became our "collaboration stations" - students naturally gravitated to the spots where they felt most relaxed and creative. The basic supplies like pencils and notebooks were so important for getting those initial ideas flowing - students were able to jot down thoughts freely. When they first saw the new resources, their eyes lit up! I could see the joy and excitement on their faces.

  With the freedom to choose where to work, and without having to worry about supplies, the classroom came alive. Students were more engaged, ideas flowed smoothly, and for a while, it truly felt like our little sanctuary. The snacks you provided gave them the energy they needed to power through. I saw students who are usually quiet jumping right in, their pencils dancing across the pages.

  Thanks to you, we're now excited to dive into our unit on literary analysis. The enthusiasm you've helped create will make exploring complex themes so much more rewarding. By meeting basic needs and making the classroom trauma-sensitive, we've laid the groundwork for reaching higher academic goals.

  In short, your gifts have created an environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically. Every sketch, discussion, and relieved tummy reminds me of your generosity. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. My students and I are so grateful!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Sessa

  This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares.

• Curated Collection of Novels

  Funded Aug 15, 2023

  The impact of this project on our students has been nothing short of transformative. With the addition of these new texts, we have witnessed a profound shift in our classroom dynamics and the way our students engage with literature.

  First and foremost, these new books have allowed us to introduce a wide range of critical skills and lessons to our students. Beyond simply reading the words on the page, they are now delving deeper into the nuances of character development, themes, and social issues presented in these texts. We've had rich discussions on topics such as empathy, diversity, and the human experience, all facilitated by the thought-provoking content of these books. These discussions have not only enhanced their analytical and critical thinking abilities but have also promoted meaningful conversations about real-world issues.

  In our classroom, reading has truly become an immersive and interactive experience. We've incorporated various active reading strategies, encouraging students to annotate and discuss the text as they read. This approach has not only improved their comprehension but has also fostered a sense of shared learning and collaboration.

  Interestingly, we've noticed that certain students, particularly those who might have been reluctant readers before, are now especially enjoying these new books. They've found characters and stories they can relate to, which has ignited their passion for reading. These texts have become windows into different worlds and mirrors that reflect their own experiences, making literature more accessible and enjoyable for all.

  In essence, this project has not only enriched our curriculum but has also enriched the lives of our students. It has empowered them with the skills to critically engage with texts and the confidence to express their thoughts and opinions. Reading in our classroom has become a vibrant and dynamic journey of exploration and self-discovery, thanks to the generosity of our donors and the compelling books they've provided. We are immensely grateful for the positive impact this project has had on our students' educational journeys.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Sessa

  This classroom project was brought to life by The SONIC Foundation and 6 other donors.