Ms. De Friese's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 12

• Graphic Novels Are Fire

  Funded Dec 1, 2021

  Thank you for supporting our readers and their desire to be creative with their reading. Students used the graphic novel of Ray Bradbury's FAHRENHEIT 451 as part of our dystopian unit. They drew from the images, themes, and characters to analyze the text and make connections. The images especially supported our reluctant readers.

  Due to the events occurring in the United States right now regarding the banning of books, the text remains timely and students were able to draw connections to real world events and policies in question. In response to the text, some students wrote speeches or essays on the topic of censorship, while others expressed themselves through art via mixed media.

  Thank you again for supporting our students!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.

• A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

  Funded Dec 1, 2021

  Thank you for supporting our students with the materials that they love most - books with pictures. For our students learning English, these graphic novels have assisted with clearer comprehension. The images paired with the text have provided a foundation for characterization for both appearance and behavior.

  Additionally, the text was used as inspiration for student work. We conducted political cartoons based on the speeches and irony in "Animal Farm." Some students even created panels, while others shared a single layout or splash page. Their engagement has been greatly improved.

  Thank you again!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.

• Global Read Aloud: Perseverance and Hope

  Funded Jul 26, 2018

  We began our journey into Alan Gratz's REFUGEE with inference, questions, definitions, and prior knowledge. To begin, students examined the cover of the novel. In small groups, students took their visual observations of the cover and began to infer as to where our story will take us. Then, students compiled a list of questions about the text. Since we had recently read Linda Sue Park's A LONG WALK TO WATER, students discussed what they collectively know about refugees.

  The chilly bumps came over everyone after students viewed the book trailer for REFUGEE. Together, we viewed it a second time because the students were enthralled. Next, students began to share their connections to the historical conflicts and wars depicted in the novel. One student shared his grandfather's struggle during World War II as he and his family were forced to flee Transylvania. Another student shared her parent and grandparents journey from Cuba to America. The next day she brought in old Cuban coins to share with the class.

  Your generous donation helped us learn the stories of the character and the stories of the families in our community. Due to purposeful storytelling students are reconnecting with grandparents, great-grandparents. Their memories live on in the stories shared. Our goal, as we continue, is to document testimonies and interviews with those who remember the events of our past.

  Thank you again for giving us this gift.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese

• Overcome Stage Fright with Puppetry

  Funded Oct 9, 2015

  It is with bubbling pride that I may share my deepest thanks for your kindness and generosity, which granted my students the opportunity to design, construct and perform William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" using sock puppets.

  Our project became a community effort receiving the help of parents, friends and faculty members to assist in the building process. Creativity percolated as puppet features were analyzed by students based on the characteristics of the role they were to portray. Student engagement was at an all time high throughout this memorable experience. As predicted, when it came time for the performance, students were focused and projected their voices with added inflection. Again, since the "sock puppet" was performing many students displayed less stage fright from previous presentations.

  In middle school, the take away is typically a memorable field trip or promotion dance. Rarely do students reminisce about an assignment; however, thanks to your philanthropy our students will remember this lesson and have a memento from their triumph.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese

• Do You Want to Build a Snowman MASK?!

  Funded Nov 6, 2014

  We cannot thank you enough for bring the gift of hands-on textile mask-making to our theatre arts class. Thanks to your generosity current students and future students will have the outstanding and unique opportunity of designing and constructing Commedia dell'Arte masks. Wow!

  Our students have truly embraced the process of researching authentic and modern interpretations of Italian masks like Maginifco, Il Dotorre, Pantalone, Brighella, Arlecchino, Capitano, and Zanni. The next step for the students is to incorporate the specified kinesthetic mobility of each stock character while wearing their newly made masks in performance.

  Thank you for bringing the joy of behind-the-scene techniques to our student performers.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese

• Fueling with Technology Theatrically

  Funded Oct 24, 2014

  Thank you for your generous support of our high school Theatre Arts classes. By way of your gratitude, our students that work behind the scenes of our class productions may shine just at bright as those students acting on stage.

  This grant is aiding our students in the performing arts aquatint and experience the technological tools that they will be expected to master in college and in the work place. Not every child wishes to the be the center of attention. Thank you for giving a voice and furthering leadership roles to our more reserved students by way of the tools received. The night camera allowed our student stage managers to properly call lighting cues during all blackouts. They never had to question if actors were at "places" because she could actually see them during the blackout!

  It is with great excitement that our students are beginning to utilize the Apple equipment we just received. Again, this equipment will further strengthen our student stage crew with the necessary skills they need to meet state standards and professional expectations. Your support and kindness is the "applause" they greatly deserve and humbly accept.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese

• Speak the Speech!

  Funded Apr 29, 2014

  Thank you again for your generous supply of theatrical literature for our theatre arts students. My students are thrilled to have the opportunity to utilize both new and classic material. When the books arrived the kids were so excited to put them in alphabetical order by author on the shelf in order to make them easily accessible.

  This school year our students will be participating at several theatre arts festival at various high schools, and for the first time, the California State Thespian Festival in March of 2015. Students are checking out plays from our new library and reading for poignant scenes and monologues to share with their peers.

  As an educator it is a great feeling when students are physically leaning with engagement, when students are sharing their personal story because of a story they read, and when students find a place where they can feel free to be themselves. Thank again for granting us the opportunity to captivate, communicate, and celebrate diversity.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese

• Disney, Let's Seize the Day!

  Funded Oct 25, 2013

  My students and I are beyond thrilled for your support and generosity. We have been actively drilling the audition process and now we will have the opportunity to archive our performances. Your support through this project promotes critical thinking, a global awareness of the arts, and encourages students to solve problems creatively.

  Students in the beginning, intermediate, and advanced theatre classes have been able to perform and view their performances. This project, with your backing, our students have met newly instated Common Core standards through evaluating their performances upon viewing. They have been able to identify their strengths and areas for improvement because they may now observe their achievements.

  Thank you again for your kindness.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese

• Home Grown Future Disneyland Performers Say Cheese! (Part 2)

  Funded Nov 7, 2012

  Thank you for your generous donation and support of arts education. Our theatre arts program is made up of high school students sharing their creative talents within the community.

  Many of our students wish to continue their creative endeavor as they continue their education in college. In order to be at an even playing field with other college applicants, our students must develop a portfolio highlighting their previous experiences. Thanks to your assistance our students are now able to develop a professional portfolio that will follow them into higher education.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. De Friese