Past projects 7
Snacks and Prizes for Hardworking Students
Funded Dec 31, 2024Thanks to your generous support, our classroom store is now fully stocked with snacks and prizes—and the impact has been incredible! My students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the new items. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they explored the different snack choices and fun prizes now available for purchase with their hard-earned "resource room dollars." It was a moment of pure joy that instantly reminded me how powerful small rewards can be in recognizing big efforts.
These snacks and prizes have transformed our classroom incentive system. Students are more motivated than ever to stay focused, work hard, and show positive behavior. One student, who used to struggle with staying on task, proudly saved up his resource room dollars to "buy" his favorite snack—and said it was the best part of his week. These moments are not just about the rewards themselves, but about building self-confidence, responsibility, and pride in their own growth. The rewards are already tied directly to academic and social goals, as students earn their classroom currency by demonstrating perseverance, positive behavior, and engagement in learning.
Your generosity has made a real difference in our day-to-day learning and in the lives of students who are working hard to succeed. Thank you for believing in them and for helping us create a classroom environment full of encouragement, joy, and purpose.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. DiGiovanni
This classroom project was brought to life by Allison and Austin McChord.Tablets of Transformation: Empowering Learning and Saving the Planet #2
Funded Oct 11, 2024Thank you so much for supporting my project. Your generosity has brought new opportunities for my students to engage with learning in meaningful and exciting ways. These tablets have transformed how we approach learning in our classroom, particularly in math.
With the tablets, my students can now access a wide variety of digital math manipulatives, such as base-ten blocks, number lines, and fraction bars. These interactive tools help students visualize and understand abstract mathematical concepts, making lessons more accessible and engaging. For example, during a recent lesson on fractions, students used the tablets to manipulate virtual fraction strips, experimenting with combining and comparing them to deepen their understanding of equivalency. This hands-on approach has been particularly helpful for students who struggle with traditional methods of instruction.
The tablets have also made it easier to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of my students. For instance, students who need extra support can work at their own pace with interactive problem-solving apps, while advanced learners can explore challenging concepts through more complex simulations. It has been incredible to watch students gain confidence and actively participate in math discussions, using what they've learned through these interactive tools to explain their reasoning.
Thank you for giving my students this opportunity to explore, engage, and grow. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on their learning, and I am truly grateful.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. DiGiovanni
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and 4 other donors."Snack Time Delights for Student Motivation and Well-Being."
Funded Apr 22, 2024Thank you so much for your generous support of our "Snack Time Delights for Student Motivation and Well-Being" project. Your contributions have made a significant difference in our classroom, helping to create an environment where students feel valued and motivated throughout the day. I'd love to share how these resources have been making an impact on our students.
The snacks you provided have become a special part of our classroom system. Students earn "resource room dollars" through their hard work, focus, and demonstrating our classroom values. They can then use their dollars to buy the snacks they can afford, making the process both rewarding and educational. This system teaches them responsibility, patience, and the value of effort, as they have to work for their rewards. It has been amazing to see how motivated they are to earn their "dollars" and exchange them for their favorite snacks!
We also used the snacks you provided during our end-of-the-year parties, giving students an extra special treat to celebrate their hard work throughout the year. These moments were filled with joy and excitement, thanks to your generosity.
When the students saw the variety of snacks available, their excitement was contagious. Knowing they had to earn their way to enjoy these treats added to the sense of accomplishment. One student proudly said, "I'm going to save up for the big snacks!" The snacks not only motivate them but also create a fun, engaging atmosphere where they feel their efforts are recognized and rewarded.
As we move forward, the snacks will continue to serve as positive reinforcement for students' hard work and dedication. In addition to academic challenges, we are also preparing for new group projects that require focus and collaboration. The resource room dollars and snacks will keep them motivated and excited to participate, reinforcing the connection between effort and reward.
Your support has transformed our classroom into a more positive, inclusive, and engaging space. Thank you once again for believing in the power of small things to make a big difference in the lives of our students!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. DiGiovanni
This classroom project was brought to life by Power for Good Foundation."Tablets of Transformation: Empowering Learning and Saving the Planet"
Funded Apr 27, 2024Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our "Tablets of Transformation: Empowering Learning and Saving the Planet" project. Your support has helped us take a significant step forward in transforming our classroom into a more dynamic, environmentally friendly, and digitally equipped space. I am excited to share how this project has impacted our students and how we're using the new technology in innovative ways.
While the original tablets didn't work for the specific programs we wanted to use, we were able to return them and replace them with an iPad and a computer. The iPad is essential for using apps that support translation and allow my students—particularly our English language learners—to access curriculum content more easily. It will become an indispensable tool for helping students navigate lessons in real time, improving both their understanding and confidence.
We are also using the iPad to practice multiplication facts and we will explore math concepts through digital manipulatives, which help students visualize and interact with the material in a more hands-on way.
The new computer is also a game-changer for our interventionist, who was previously unable to access important student documents because the school Chromebooks didn't allow her to log in. Now, she can work closely with students, track their progress, and collaborate with homeroom teachers to provide the support they need, all thanks to this upgrade. The students and I are so grateful for this added resource.
The iPad has opened up a world of possibilities for our students, especially when it comes to creativity and collaboration. Students are most excited about being able to use the iPad for interactive learning apps, creating multimedia projects, and exploring content in ways that go beyond traditional methods. For my English learners, it's been a relief to have instant access to translations, helping them feel more included and able to keep up with lessons.
One of my students, who has struggled with English, has especially warmed to the new technology. The translation features have allowed them to fully participate in class discussions and assignments, something that was previously difficult. This student's newfound confidence in accessing the curriculum through the iPad is heartwarming and inspiring. It's incredible to see how this technology is helping them thrive.
In conclusion, while the project took a different path than we originally planned, the outcome has been even more impactful than we could have hoped. The iPad and computer have enhanced our classroom in ways that support both student learning and teacher collaboration. Your support has truly empowered us, and I am forever grateful!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. DiGiovanni
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and one other donor.Empowering Inclusive Learning: Mathematics for Every Student
Funded May 7, 2024I cannot thank you enough for your generous support in making our classroom a place where every student feels empowered and excited to engage with mathematics. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and I'd love to share a bit about how these resources are already transforming our learning environment.
How We're Using the New Resources:
As soon as the materials arrived, my students were full of curiosity. We began integrating the adaptive math tools and tactile manipulatives into our lessons immediately. For example, in one lesson, we used fraction tiles and number lines to break down complex math problems. One of my students, who often struggles with abstract concepts, had a breakthrough moment when they used the manipulatives to solve a problem independently. It was a beautiful reminder of how hands-on learning can truly change the way students perceive and understand math.
In addition to the academic tools, some of the resources have made our classroom a more welcoming and functional space. The new clock is helping us stay on track with our lessons, and the students absolutely love using the timer during activities. It's helped them stay focused and adds an element of excitement to completing tasks!
The Students' Reactions:
The excitement was palpable when the students first saw the new resources. One student exclaimed, "This is like playing a game!" while another said, "Now I get it!" The joy on their faces and the enthusiasm they brought to solving math problems with these new tools were heartwarming. They are now eager to tackle math challenges because they can interact with the concepts in a way that makes sense to them.
Next Steps in Our Learning Journey:
Moving forward, we are deepening our exploration of key math concepts such as fractions, multiplication, and geometry. With these new resources, we can create small group activities that cater to each student's needs, ensuring that no one is left behind. The manipulatives are also helping students build confidence as they experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Because of your kindness, my students are not only learning math; they are learning to love it. These resources, along with the enhancements to our classroom space, will continue to inspire curiosity, collaboration, and a love for learning throughout the school year.
Thank you once again for believing in my students and in the power of inclusive education. You've made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are forever grateful!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. DiGiovanni
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and 4 other donors.Organized Learning + Fresh & Safe Snacks
Funded Dec 4, 2023I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your support has had on our classroom through the "Organized Learning + Fresh & Safe Snacks" project. Your generosity has truly transformed our learning environment and enhanced the experiences of our exceptional students.
The storage bins you provided have revolutionized our classroom organization. With everything in its designated place, we now easily access materials for various activities. The neat and tidy environment has created a conducive atmosphere for creativity and focus, making a noticeable difference in our daily lessons and projects.
Although the mini fridge was unavailable, your flexibility and understanding allowed us to adapt the project to meet our immediate needs. We used the money for the mini-fridge to buy well-needed snacks. Our students were overjoyed when they first saw the array of new and delicious snacks available to them. This empowers them to stay focused and energized during after-school sessions.
The snacks, now used as positive rewards, have become an integral part of our classroom dynamics. Students earn resource room dollars for demonstrating positive behaviors such as participation, kindness, completing assignments, and embodying core values. This innovative approach not only fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere but also serves as a powerful tool for teaching our students valuable money-handling skills.
Your contribution has not only enhanced our classroom environment but has empowered our students to navigate the complexities of real-world scenarios with confidence. Thank you for being an essential part of this transformative journey. Your support is creating lasting positive effects in the lives of our students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. DiGiovanni
This classroom project was brought to life by A family that cares about Boston.Fueling Success: Empowering Middle Schoolers through Rewarding Snacks
Funded Sep 20, 2023I am overjoyed to extend my deepest gratitude for your incredible support of our project, "Empowering Middle Schoolers through Rewarding Snacks." Your generosity has brought about transformative changes in our classroom, and I am eager to share the remarkable impact your contributions have had on our students.
The snacks you provided are not just tasty treats; they have become powerful tools for teaching valuable life skills. Students earn resource room dollars from our classroom bank through various positive behaviors, such as active participation, kindness, completing assignments, and embodying core values. The introduction of this reward system has not only encouraged positive behavior but has also become an engaging way to teach our students essential money-handling skills.
As students accumulate their hard-earned resource room dollars, they are learning the intricacies of money management. The ability to save, make choices, and handle transactions is a crucial life skill, and your support has made it possible for our students to learn these concepts in a practical and meaningful way. They can now make decisions about whether to spend their earnings immediately on a favorite snack or save for a bigger reward, fostering financial responsibility and decision-making.
The enthusiasm and excitement among the students during this process have been truly heartwarming. The "Snack Shack" has become a hub of learning and positive reinforcement, creating a sense of accomplishment and pride among our students. Your contribution has not only enriched our classroom environment but has also empowered our students to navigate the complexities of financial literacy with confidence and joy.
Looking forward, we are continuing to expand this project to reinforce and deepen these skills, incorporating more real-world scenarios and challenges. Your support has opened up new avenues for our students, providing them with practical experiences that will undoubtedly serve them well in the future.
Once again, thank you for your incredible generosity and belief in the power of education. Your support is shaping the future of these middle schoolers in ways that extend far beyond the walls of our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. DiGiovanni
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.