Past projects 13
Planting Roots in ELA and Science: A Garden of Growth
Funded Oct 23, 2024Thanks to your generosity, our classroom garden has become an exciting hands-on learning experience that blends science and literacy in a meaningful way. My students were thrilled when they saw the hydroponic growing systems alongside traditional planting materials, and they immediately began making predictions about which method would be more efficient. We are currently measuring and comparing growth rates between soil-based planting and hydroponic systems, tracking changes daily, and discussing how different variables impact plant development. This real-world experiment has sparked curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of sustainability and resource use.
As we continue this project, students will analyze their collected data, draw conclusions about plant growth methods, and connect their findings to broader discussions about food production and environmental impact. The garden has also inspired creative writing activities, where students imagine themselves as botanists or farmers solving real-world agricultural challenges. Your support has turned our classroom into a living lab, enriching both science and literacy in ways that engage and empower our students. Thank you for planting the seeds of curiosity and growth—your generosity is making a lasting impact!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by Johnson Ohana Foundation and 3 other donors.Periods Shouldn’t Pause Learning: Restocking Our Hygiene Closet
Funded Oct 20, 2024Thanks to your generosity, our hygiene closet is fully stocked, ensuring that no student has to miss valuable learning time due to a lack of period products. When our supplies arrived, my students were incredibly grateful, with many expressing relief that they now have access to essentials without embarrassment or worry. It's heartwarming to see them feel more comfortable and confident in their learning environment, knowing they have the support they need. Your donation has removed a barrier that too often disrupts students' education, allowing them to focus on their growth rather than on discomfort or unpreparedness.
This project has already made a meaningful impact, and I know it will continue to do so throughout the school year. Having these resources readily available promotes a culture of care and support in our classroom, reinforcing that all students deserve dignity and respect. Moving forward, my goal is to continue fostering open conversations about health and well-being, ensuring that no student feels ashamed about their needs. Thank you for making such a difference in their daily lives—you are truly helping our students feel seen, valued, and empowered to learn without limitations.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and one other donor.Reading for Empathy: Inspiring Compassion in Fifth Graders
Funded Jul 15, 2024Thank you for your generous support of our project! The books you provided have sparked excitement and deep discussions in our classroom. Titles like "White Bird" and "Brilliant Bea" have resonated with students, fostering empathy and understanding. "Last Stop on Market Street" and others have helped us explore themes of kindness and community. The books have also been popular with other classrooms and students who visit our vibrant new library. Your donation has truly transformed our reading time into a meaningful and inclusive experience, inspiring the love of reading in all of our students at Van Buren. Thank you for making a difference!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by The Compassion Project and 9 other donors.Empower 5th Graders with Essential Back-to-School Supplies!
Funded Jul 25, 2024I cannot thank you enough for your generous contributions to our project. Thanks to you, our classroom has become an even more dynamic, engaging, and supportive environment for my 32 fifth graders at Van Buren Elementary.
When my students first saw the new supplies, their excitement was palpable! The dry-erase whiteboards have transformed the way we approach math lessons. Whether practicing fractions or solving equations, each student can work out their problems on their own whiteboard, allowing for instant feedback and collaboration. The XY Axis Dry Erase Boards were a big hit as well, making graphing lessons more interactive and helping students visualize concepts in both math and science.
The Science Decodables have also sparked a curiosity in students who might not usually gravitate towards non-fiction, and they've been incredible for supporting our budding readers. We've incorporated them into reading groups, and students are now more engaged with science concepts while building literacy skills.
Thank you for making a difference in our classroom. You are truly helping to shape future leaders, problem-solvers, and compassionate individuals!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
Fresh Air, Fresh Minds: Hepa Filters for Our School
Funded May 31, 2024Thank you for your generous contributions! Our new HEPA filter has made a big difference by providing clean air for my 5th graders and creating a healthier environment. Students, especially those with allergies or asthma, have noticed the improvement and are able to focus better. During our ELA lessons on ecosystems and climate, the air filter has sparked great discussions on air quality. Students were shocked to see the filter once it indicated that it needed to be changed as well! Your support has truly impacted their learning and well-being. We are deeply grateful!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and one other donor.Seeds of Success: Essential Classroom Supplies
Funded May 31, 2024On behalf of the 5th-grade students at Van Buren, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations. Your support has truly transformed our classroom, making a significant difference in our learning environment. With your contributions, we were able to acquire essential items that have greatly enriched our educational experience.
Thanks to your generosity, we now have an Amazon Basics Thermal Laminator, which allows us to preserve our projects beautifully, fostering our creativity and pride in our work. The 3-Tier Rolling Utility Cart has become our go-to organizer for art supplies, making it easy to access materials and keep our space tidy. The bulk supply of pre-sharpened pencils and the many sharpener options ensure we're always ready to write without worry.
The teaching clock kits and math posters have also made learning concepts like time and multiplication engaging and fun. Our new markers, including Mr. Sketch scented options, have brought excitement to our art projects, making them more colorful and enjoyable.
Your donations have equipped us with vital supplies and alleviated worries, allowing us to focus on our education and creativity. We genuinely appreciate your kindness and support, which has made this school year unforgettable. Thank you for believing in us and investing in our future!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex and one other donor.Hands-On Learning with 5th Grade STEM Bins
Funded May 24, 2024I am deeply grateful for your generous donations and interest in my classroom. Your support means so much to us, especially at our low-income Title 1 equity-focused school, where resources are limited. Once the school year begins in August, these STEM bin supplies will provide my new fifth-grade students with invaluable opportunities to explore and engage in hands-on STEM learning.
Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated. These materials will open up new avenues for learning and inspire our students in ways we couldn't have achieved otherwise. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on their education and future.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon on CBS and 3 other donors.Active Minds, Active Bodies: Fueling Success Through PE Equipment
Funded May 8, 2024I am beyond grateful for your generosity in fully funding our DonorsChoose project. Your kindness has enabled us to receive the much-needed physical education equipment, and I couldn't be more excited!
Unfortunately, the materials arrived a bit later than expected so that we couldn't use them before the end of the school year. However, my students were still very appreciative. I assured them that as they move on to 6th grade, they will return to play a game against my new fifth-grade students.
They are thankful that the incoming fifth graders will have access to the materials they didn't have and that their year will start off fun and strong thanks to DonorsChoose and all our donors. Your support has enriched our current classroom and paved the way for future students to enjoy and benefit from these resources.
Thank you for believing in our project and investing in the well-being and happiness of our students. Your generosity has truly made a difference, and we are deeply appreciative.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.Green Guardians: Equipping 5th Grade Leaders For Earth's Future
Funded May 12, 2024I am profoundly moved by the overwhelming generosity of those who donated to our "Earth Day is Everyday" project. When the donations began arriving, my students were filled with awe and gratitude. Their heartfelt reactions, like "I cannot believe people are kind enough to donate all this to us" and "Wow, I am just so grateful for these new books and science kits," were a testament to the immense impact your contributions have had. These Earth Day materials are resources they would not ordinarily have access to, making this an incredibly meaningful and transformative experience for them. Thanks to DonorsChoose and the kindness of our donors, we have been able to provide our students with valuable educational tools that will deepen their understanding and appreciation of our planet.
As the school year draws to a close, we are not able to fully explore the amazing kits that were donated, but the excitement and anticipation among my students are palpable. They are eager to see how much the upcoming fifth graders will learn and grow with these wonderful resources. Your generosity has not only enriched their current learning experience but has also laid the foundation for future classes to benefit from these materials. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making such a profound difference in our classroom and for empowering our students to become passionate advocates for the Earth. Your kindness will resonate in their lives for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon on CBS and 5 other donors.Building Bridges, One Kit at a Time!
Funded Apr 29, 2024I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your incredible support of our project. The heating pads you provided have been a tremendous help for our students who experience cramping. This is a resource that our school campus previously lacked, and your generosity has brought much-needed relief and comfort to many young learners. One particular story stands out to me—a student approached me, seeking a toothbrush for themselves and their siblings. They initially believed our kits contained only menstrual products, but were overjoyed to discover that, thanks to your kindness, we could provide their family with new toothbrushes and toothpaste. This simple yet essential provision has eased one significant worry for that child and their family.
The impact of your donations is felt deeply in our classroom every day. When my students receive these materials and essentials, their reactions are filled with love and gratitude. It's heartwarming to see the relief in their eyes, knowing that they have one less thing to worry about each night. Your support not only meets their immediate needs but also fosters a sense of care and community that will stay with them for years to come. Thank you for making such a profound difference in their lives.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ballesteros
This classroom project was brought to life by Center for Disaster Philanthropy and 2 other donors.