I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in funding our Donors Choose project. Your contribution has made a tremendous impact on our Tiger Den counseling room. It has helped me create a space where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to make positive choices.
With the board games and activities you provided, my students are engaging in meaningful interactions that promote social skills, teamwork, and critical thinking. We have been using the games as part of our PBIS reward system, where students who demonstrate positive behavior and good choices are invited to participate in our school-wide PBIS Lunch Bunches. One memorable moment was seeing two groups of students who rarely interacted come together to play Tapple and Don't Break the Ice. As they worked through the games, they not only learned to communicate and collaborate but also celebrated each other's successes—creating connections that might not have happened otherwise.
A particularly special addition to our Tiger Den is the giant life-like tiger, which has been a big hit and is loved by all students who come to visit. They have even given it a name and enjoy petting it, finding comfort in its presence. The tiger has become a symbol of our space—welcoming, calming, and a reminder that everyone belongs.
When the materials first arrived, the students were filled with excitement and curiosity. Their eyes lit up when they noticed the new games now filled our shelves and eagerly asked when they could start playing with them. It was heartwarming to see their joy and anticipation, knowing that these resources would create opportunities for them to relax, have fun, and build positive relationships.
Looking ahead, the next steps for our students involve incorporating these games into small group counseling sessions, where we will continue to foster social-emotional learning and teamwork. These activities will help students practice important life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy, all while reinforcing the values of our PBIS program.
Your generosity has not only provided games but has also helped create an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to be their best self. Thank you for believing in our students and for making a lasting difference in our school community.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Castro