Past projects 16
A Theater to Cultivate Our Critical Thinking & Creative Expression
Funded Nov 2, 2023Thank you so very much for contributing to our black box theater floor. It's been an incredible last few months.
As you will see from the photos, my colleague and I put down the floors, which really helped transform the space from classroom to theater. Then my students and I started brainstorming what they wanted to create for their theater of the oppressed-style plays. When it came time to perform, the students felt such an incredible sense of community. They were glowing, confident, and really needed this.
In the last photo, you'll see our reflection circle, where we drew back the curtains and were amazed at how far we'd come, as all our notes from initial interview stories to brainstorm to story structure were all over the walls. When we did our shout outs in the circle, each classed thank our donors who helped make our performance feel more professional.
We couldn't have done this without you, and we truly appreciate all your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 10 other donors.Seniors on their Financial Literacy Journeys
Funded Aug 12, 2022I wasn't sure what to expect on our financial literacy journey this year. Last year was the first year I ventured into this area. Our final big project of the year just ended, and it was a huge success, thanks to your support. We did an entrepreneur project, where students started a small business for a 2-day, total of 3 hours, marketplace event. Think senior flea/ farmers market... They sold different products and services ranging from handmade jewelry to chicken tostadas to henna services (to everything in between). It was so much fun, and they learned a bit about the challenges of starting a business, whether to work independently or with a partner, budgeting, meeting deadlines, and so much more.
Please see our pictures for a look into all the fun.
Thank you again for all your support! We appreciate you and are so grateful we are ending the year on a successful and fun note.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 2 other donors.Graduating With Style
Funded May 9, 2022Yall are amazing! Thank you so so much for bringing so much extra joy, beauty, and sparkle to our graduation.
Their graduation caps were BEAUTIFUL! They really helped each graduate have their own unique moment - in photos and on the stage. Together, they were a rainbow of colors, positive messages, and shine sitting in the front rows.
We had so much fun creating them and even more fun celebrating on graduation day while wearing them.
Thanks for making this happen! We are so appreciative of you and hope you enjoy the pictures.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
Seniors Plan Their Dream Lives
Funded Apr 7, 2022Thank you so very much for supporting our vision boarding collage project. The last couple weeks of senior year can be tough - lots of emotions and "senioritis," but this project gave us a way to talk about all the feelings around moving on from high school, and share all the fears/ hopes/ dreams that come with that.
Students came to class excited to look through magazines and arts and crafts. They spread out to think first about what they really wanted in the short and long term for themselves. They were encouraged to DREAM BIG. Then they planned it out and pasted it on boards of their color and size choice.
Thanks to you they had plenty of materials to truly make these their own. Most students took them home and will put them in their rooms, adding to them as they wish. We are so appreciative you helped to make this happen.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose community & an Anonymous Partner and 2 other donors.Updated Tech
Funded Feb 14, 2022Thank you so much for funding our new class projector and color printer!
The projector has made a world of difference! Students were unbelievably excited to finally be able to clearly see the class materials projected. We were also able to reimagine our space since the projection could be seen from anywhere, so the students rearranged the whole classroom to how they wanted it.
Also, the color printer has been an incredible addition to our class. The first thing I printed were the Black Lives Matter Guiding Principles. These beautiful posters are laminated and decorate one wall of the classroom. I'm now able to print student work that was in color and post that as well. Please see the pictures of their incredible AI-inspired artwork.
We are all so appreciative of your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
Our Dream Classroom: The Students Have Spoken
Funded Sep 23, 2021My students and I are incredibly grateful for you. With your support, we were able to start the year on a positive note and welcome each other back warmly in the midst of a challenging time. You helped students create their dream classroom.
The first project of the year had students brainstorming what they need to make this space their home away from home. Other than a few things we couldn't accommodate, such as a swimming pool (!!), we were able to meet all their needs thanks for your generous support. Most of them wanted snacks, a tea station, fidget toys, and other mental health items. As live plants and other goodness started to trickle in, students clapped with joy each time.
Overall, we are so thankful to have supporters like you who make us feel better about the state of the world. THANK YOU.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 8 other donors.A Sea of Books We Actually Want to Swim In
Funded Aug 26, 2021My students and I are incredibly grateful for you. With your support, we were able to start the year on a positive note and welcome each other back warmly in the midst of a challenging time. You helped supply students with a variety of books that they can actually see themselves in, which is an invaluable gift.
Watching students go from, "Miss, I don't like to read," to "Do you have more books like ___?" has been beyond amazing. It's also help me connect to students who don't open up so much in class - we'll start talking about a book they're reading, and then the floodgates open. The value of a good book goes well beyond what they're holding in their hands - so thank you for helping to open new paths for us.
Overall, we are so thankful to have supporters like you who make us feel better about the state of the world. THANK YOU.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation and 11 other donors.A Space to Call Our Own
Funded Aug 13, 2021My students and I are incredibly grateful for you. With your support, we were able to start the year on a positive note and welcome each other back warmly in the midst of a challenging time. You helped supply students with a variety of flexible seating and work options.
When students walk in, they have the option to sit at a desk, on a floor cushion, in a bean bag, or in a flexible back cushion chair. They love the variety and the options, and it's been a great way to transition back from remote learning where they were similarly able to work from beds, couches, and floors.
Overall, we are so thankful to have supporters like you who make us feel better about the state of the world. THANK YOU.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
This classroom project was brought to life by Emerson Collective and 7 other donors.A Smooth Start for Seniors
Funded Aug 12, 2021My students and I are incredibly grateful for you. With your support, we were able to start the year on a positive note and welcome each other back warmly in the midst of a challenging time. You helped supply students with plenty of arts and crafts options, their own school supplies, journals, and fidget toys.
The fidget toys are in two drawers that are frequently used. Students know they can grab them at any time they need and even take them for the day. The same goes for the art supplies - if a students needs anything, they know where to go and that they're always welcome to get lost in the art.
We've also enjoyed the journals as a way to open class, get settled, and have the option to share with each other.
Overall, we are so thankful to have supporters like you who make us feel better about the state of the world. THANK YOU.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
This classroom project was brought to life by Emerson Collective and 6 other donors.For the Love of Reading
Funded Sep 28, 2020Thank you so very much for supporting this project. While it has not been easy to foster/ encourage a love of reading in students during distance learning, there have been a handful of students who have benefitted.
I have sent a book to students, and we read it together, making time to discuss important themes, question characters' actions, predict what will happen, and so forth. It's been a great way to connect and escape the monotony of zoom pandemic school life.
With our school reopening again, I'm hoping that more students will pick up these books. I also have hopes for a book club where we can discuss together, Socratic discussion style.
So thank you so very much for the opportunity and the support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sheila
This classroom project was brought to life by Equal Justice Initiative and 4 other donors.