Past projects 254
Kings and Queens of the Playground!
Funded Sep 29, 2022I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your invaluable support in helping us get our Bright Day Big Blocks. Your generosity and dedication have made a significant impact on our students' learning experiences, and we are truly grateful for your contribution.
Originally, our plan was to utilize these foam blocks during outdoor recess, but upon careful consideration, we made the decision to keep them indoors to ensure their preservation and protect them from the unpredictable weather. This choice has proven to be incredibly beneficial for our students, as they have been able to utilize these blocks to their fullest potential in our block center and dramatic play area.
Since incorporating the Bright Day Big Blocks into our indoor activities, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation in our students' creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Their ability to create and build awe-inspiring structures using these blocks has been truly remarkable. Each day, we are amazed at the innovative ideas they bring to life, constructing magnificent architectural marvels that surpass our expectations.
These blocks have become an essential tool in our dramatic play area, where our children delve into imaginative worlds and explore various roles and scenarios. The blocks have enhanced their ideas and allowed them to immerse themselves fully in their pretend play. We have observed firsthand how the combination of these blocks and their vibrant imagination has sparked endless stories, collaboration, and social interactions among the children.
None of this would have been possible without your support and generosity. Your belief in our mission to provide our students with a stimulating learning environment has made a lasting impact on their education and overall development. Your contribution has unlocked a world of possibilities for our children, encouraging them to think critically, dream big, and nurture their creativity.
Once again, we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support. Your kindness has empowered us to create an enriched educational experience for our students, one that will continue to inspire and shape their lives for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation and 2 other donors.Little Free Library for Books and Other Things
Funded Aug 28, 2022I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and generous contributions to our project, "Little Free Library for Books and Other Things." Your dedication has truly made a remarkable impact on our community.
Thanks to your support, we have been able to establish over four little free libraries in various locations throughout our community, and we are continuing to set up more. These libraries have become invaluable assets for our families and residents, providing them with easy access to books and other resources.
The presence of these little free libraries has ignited a love for reading among children, fostering a passion for knowledge and exploration. Young minds are now able to immerse themselves in the magical worlds of literature, thanks to the diverse selection of books available in these libraries. It warms my heart to witness the joy and excitement on their faces as they discover new stories and embark on literary adventures.
But the impact of these libraries goes beyond just books. I am delighted to share that one of the libraries also features a space for trading toys. This unique addition has created a sense of community and camaraderie among the children, allowing them to not only indulge in the wonders of reading but also engage in the joy of sharing and exchanging toys. It has become a hub of interaction, laughter, and play for our young ones.
None of this would have been possible without your invaluable support. Your donations have been instrumental in making our vision a reality and empowering our community with the gift of knowledge and imagination. The ripple effect of your generosity will continue to touch the lives of generations to come.
On behalf of our entire community, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you. Your belief in our project and your commitment to making a difference have brought immeasurable joy and hope to the hearts of our residents.
As we move forward, we remain committed to nurturing these little free libraries and expanding their reach. Your continued support will enable us to enrich the lives of countless individuals and inspire a love for learning that knows no bounds.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. Your kindness and generosity have made a lasting impact on our community, and we are eternally grateful.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation and 3 other donors.Step Up and Get Moving: Pedometers for Pre-K Students
Funded Apr 6, 2023Thank you so much for supporting "Step Up and Get Moving: Pedometers for Pre-K Students!" The impact it has made on my students and their families is truly remarkable. Since receiving the pedometers, my students have embraced the opportunity to make healthier choices and increase their daily step count both at school and at home. It has been incredible to witness their enthusiasm and dedication towards staying active. The pedometers have become a valuable tool in fostering a greater awareness of their physical activity levels.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the data we collect and analyze during our morning meetings. Families have been actively sending in their children's step numbers, allowing us to graph and analyze the data as a class. This has sparked meaningful discussions and empowered my students to formulate hypotheses on how their peers achieve higher step counts. The engagement and curiosity that this project has generated are simply amazing.
Our students take immense pride in sharing their step progress with me throughout the day. It has become a source of motivation and a constant reminder to prioritize their health and well-being. Your support has truly empowered them to think critically about the choices they make to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and belief in our project. Your support has made a significant impact on the lives of my students, inspiring them to make positive choices and cultivate healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come. Your kindness will forever be cherished.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by LOFT.A Thousand Words and So Much More!
Funded Nov 30, 2022Thank you so much for supporting A Thousand Words and So Much More!" Photo paper and photo printer isn't a resource that is flashy to show off a student using. The supplies are often stored away in a closet and used when needed and it's needed every day. Our pre-K program has a special board that engages parents to see what we are doing every day. Our amazing paraprofessional, Helen, takes photos every day and print pictures, writes captions, and changes the board on a daily basis. It welcomes our parents to see what is happening in our classroom without being in the classroom.
For the first time since the pandemic began, we've been able to hang up special photos that features each child in our classroom for their parents to see with a special quote about early childhood. Rather than using stock photos with these inspirational quotes, we feature our kids engaging in something that's natural to them...play!
These pictures are priceless and we are so grateful for your support to keep our paper stocked. At the end of the year, families get a stack of over 100 photos to bring home and reflect on the amazing year they had in pre-K. Thank you so much for giving our families over a thousand words to spark”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 2 other donors.Wobble Seats to Get the Wiggles Out!
Funded Nov 30, 2022Thank you so much for supporting "Wobble Seats to Get the Wiggles Out!" Your generosity has allowed our classroom to get a wobble chair, a floor seat, and 18 floor cushions for our kids to be able to sit comfortably anywhere in the classroom. When we first introduced the new seats, it was chaotic since it was something that was brand new to our students and everyone wanted to try the new seats. Now that everyone has sampled the flexible seating, we have our usuals and those that prefer certain seats.
The wigglers that are easily distracted on the carpet and need to get some movement in have made great use of the wobble seats. The can listen in to the instructions but also get that movement itch out. The adjustable floor seats are great for our readers who like to adjust to different positions as they read.
The 18 "tushy cushies" are amazing for our kids as they sit on the carpet. Criss cross apple sauce can get quite uncomfortable especially since our carpet isn't as cushiony as it used to be. Now our kids can sit comfortable in a circle or rug spot as they great each other for morning meeting or listen to a story during read aloud.
Thank you so much for helping us get these much needed flexible seating for our students!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 3 other donors.Midday Meal to Suppress the Hunger Feel
Funded Dec 13, 2022Thank you very much for supporting Midday Meal to Suppress the Hunger Feel. Snack projects always make the biggest impact because it's something our children look forward to every day after outdoor play. They eagerly line up to come inside, wash their hands and rush to the table.
Our kids look forward to snack time since they know they will be trying new kinds of unique and tasty treats. Seaweed is always a popular snack in our neighborhood. When the children who weren't familiar with it started to get curious about the snack their friends were bringing in, they were eager to try it. Once they tried it, they wanted more.
There are a lot of unknown types of snacks that our kids are hesitant to try. However, we encouraged all of our kids to be open to trying new things. Many took a bite and devoured them up. Others were hesitant and took a nibble. Once they taste how delicious they were, it wasn't long before the entire bar was eaten all up.
Thank you for supporting our kids and helping them get snacks that most of them would otherwise never be able to try!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 5 other donors.Cardboard Cutout to Reduce Cardboard Waste
Funded Nov 21, 2022Cardboard is an amazing resource. When deliveries are made, most people are excited about the contents within the box. For myself and my students, we see potential in the box itself. That piece of cardboard can be turned into many things. It can become a canvas for painting on or even something to create 3D sculptures on or with. Your support in this project has allowed us to show our parents the potential in recycling and/or reusing cardboard boxes.
Our kids have no issue with using their imagination or creativity using cardboard. Now we have opened the eyes of our parents to see the beauty of cardboard. Because of the materials requested from this project, we hosted a family engagement event where parents were able to create board games in the classroom with their children to take home to play. They were able to see how something as simple as cardboard and cardboard scissors can bring about endless joy and wonder in their child's life.
So many of our art projects depend on recyclable material and using these scissors modify it to our needs. Thank you so much for helping us reduce cardboard waste and at the same time use it to make something beautiful.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by The Walt Disney Company and 6 other donors.Celebrating Lunar New Year: The Year of the Rabbit!
Funded Dec 23, 2022When your school is in the heart of Flushing, Queens, NYC's biggest Chinatown, it should really look like the community, especially during the Lunar New Year. Thanks to your support, we were able to give our classroom a makeover like no other!
If you take a walk through our community, you will see the Main St. and its businesses decorated and covered in red and gold to ring in the new year. That same atmosphere has been created in our classroom and families were able to experience this during our family engagement event where parents and children created their own red envelopes in time for the Year of the Rabbit.
During the week, our students listened to stories about how others bring in the new year and the story about the great race that determined the order of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac. There are stories and traditions that our students have heard and experienced at home. Now, the culture, language, and tradition is being represented in the classroom. Thank you for making this happen!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Express and 2 other donors."I Dream of Popo"
Funded Aug 9, 2022I Dream of Popo is a book that connects with many members of our school community. The language and culture reflected in the story serves as a mirror to many of our students. The characters and the story itself is something we can easily relate to. It is so hard for me to read through the story without having to pause and wipe tears from my eyes. Every teacher has a copy of this book thanks to your support. Many face the same problem as I do since it can get emotional reading through the story.
Our students can point out many similarities and connections to their own lives. Learning should be representative and relatable. This story serves as both. It's hard to find representation through literature for our students but thanks to your support, we've found quality content that allows us to connect with the author and with each other. Thank you so much!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 8 other donors.Future Biologists and Botanists
Funded Sep 29, 2022Thank you for supporting "Future Biologists and Botanists." Microscopes are such a powerful tool in the classroom. The only drawback is that only one curious mind can use it at a time. With a digital microscope, our kids are able to view things together and discuss what they observe on the big screen. These curious minds are able to work together and figure out how to adjust the microscope setting to get the clear picture...just like real scientists! They love experimenting with just what they can magnify on the digital microscope. The plants and fish tank allow our kids to learn about the needs of our living organisms. Each day, a new helper volunteers to either feed the fish or water our plants. The acrylic specimen are a great addition to our collection. So many of our kids were intrigued by what was inside those acrylic blocks. One of the replacement items is a giant glass jar that was used to allow us to watch our jack-o-lantern decompose over the course of two months! Our kids observed all the fascinating changes without the smell or attraction of tiny flying pests. Thank you for making our room so much more scientific to develop these curious minds!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Andy
This classroom project was brought to life by Valhalla Foundation and 7 other donors.