Past projects 22
Help Us Get 9 Square in the Air!
Funded Oct 10, 2024I knew that 9 Square would be a hit, but even I am willing to admit that the enthusiasm for the game this past week has been addicting to even the adults. When it showed up on Monday, boxed and in the office, a number of kids were coming and asking what it was (it was a very tall box). When they heard it was 9 Square, a number of kids knew what it was and started spreading the word... and there was disappointment when I could not get in unboxed in time for Monday's lunch. Some seniors offered to get it up and together for Tuesday, and I gratefully accepted the offer. We had it up for outside lunch, and it was amazing how fast it took off!
One thing I really like about 9 Square is that kids get mixed up quickly. Friends try to start next to each other, but they soon are changing spots in the game and in line. The enthusiasm it creates has kids talking with each other... so much better than just sitting on their phone or playing a game they feel self-conscious about. This game is great for both the athletes and the not-so-athletic: everyone gets involved, gets cheered, and everyone is laughing with each other.
I will admit that it was difficult to take down the first time. The metal buttons that keep the pipes together are definitely secure. We figured out how to "push them in" for quick games that aren't going to be up for long. However, with winter coming fast we moved lunch recess into the gym. Our PE teachers liked the game enough they have requested to keep it up for a few weeks, so we will be leaving it up with buttons for a few weeks before perhaps taking it out of the game rotation for a bit (to keep the enthusiasm going).
Thank you again for supporting our Raiders!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
We Need a Comfortable Room for Counseling
Funded Sep 5, 2024Wow. I knew these chairs were needed, but I didn't realize how much of a difference they would make! Not only are they comfortable and relaxing (yes, I've been using them too), but they have changed the whole atmosphere of the counseling office with their aesthetics. They just make the room feel cozy!
I didn't tell the students they were coming, but once they were in and a few students had used them, I had a number of students coming and asking about them. "Hey, I heard you got new chairs? When can you call me down to talk?" They have definitely helped make kids I already know feel better coming in, but have also been more welcoming for our new students. We are a small school and every student is in the counseling office a few times a year for various reasons. It's great to have it so much more welcoming!
The desk on wheels has also been useful. It's much nicer than having to use a textbook or a clipboard, especially if a student has a lengthier thing to be working on. I have also had students making up tests and other assignments on chromebooks. Keeping them off laps has been a great help and also helps them to stay focused more on the work instead of a literal balancing act.
Again, thank you so much for supporting our students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
This classroom project was brought to life by .Our Girls Need Supplies!
Funded Oct 26, 2023I need to deeply apologize for not getting this thank you letter written over a year ago. What a year it has been, both academically and personally... and I just realized this slipped through the cracks! That is not at all fair to you.
These supplies made a big difference for our girls. We were able to put them out in the bathrooms, allowing them to take what was needed. We also were able to keep the counseling office, the nurse station, and the front office stocked. Students were able to come and ask for them discreetly when emergencies had happened and they needed to use the private bathroom to take care of situations.
Additionally, there were a few individuals who needed supplies at home as well. I was able to send them home with enough supplies for current monthly visits as well as future ones.
This may seem like a small thing, but it really was a big support for a number of young ladies here. Being able to have namebrand and quality items available allows them to feel like they matter while also being able to just focus on the school work.
I apologize for the horrific photos that are just the products (posted soon if not already)... no students were interested in poising with the supplies. I'll be honest... I don't blame them!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation and 3 other donors.Color Me Happy!
Funded Jan 29, 2022Wow! I didn't think this project was going to get funded, but a quick email check today showed a lot of generosity from around the country! I cannot wait to get these posters up for the students! What a fun, laidback thing to do during breaks, alone or with friends! I have the feeling the high school kids are really going to enjoy having these up!
Thank you again for supporting our students at Mazama!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 5 other donors.Help Us Start Out the Year Writing Strong!
Funded Jul 20, 2021Thank you so much for getting composition books and supplies into the hands of my students! Every student in one of my English courses has their own journal. Each week they are given a prompt. Time is given at the end of each class to respond in depth (the same prompt all week). When there is extra time, many kids take extra time to write more.
From fiction to non-fiction, the prompts go along with the class essential question and get kids thinking. It has helped with class discussions as well as in-depth writing for formal essays.
The additional supplies have helped students mark favorite passages that they are proud of or that show parts of figurative language. It is helping a number of students see that they are good writers. Talk about a positive self-esteem boost!
After a crazy year with less writing and drafting, this has been just what the kids need. Thank you so much for supporting us!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex® Brand and 2 other donors.Help Us Read "Earth Abides"
Funded Oct 21, 2021Wow! Thank you for your support on this project (and thank you to the matching grant from Dollar General)! The senior English department is thrilled to have the opportunity to use these novels in our upcoming literature circle reading unit. The themes are ones that will definitely have the students active, engaged, and participating.
Thank you again for supporting our students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and one other donor.We Need to Escape!
Funded Jun 13, 2021I want to thank you for this awesome project you helped to make happen. I'm still discovering more ways to use these Lock Boxes, but I am already very impressed.
They arrived the week after school ended. However, I was teaching summer school for the first few weeks and one of the teachers had a young elementary son that was often coming during the summer school sessions. I found a few simple lock boxes for him to work on. He was instantly hooked. After that, each day he came expecting one ready for him. I began to make them harder, and he found himself asking teachers or even students for collaborative help. It became a team project and made summer school a little more engaging for the high schoolers.
I have now created two different lock boxes for high schoolers, the original plan. The first one was a free created one that I printed. The high schoolers had a blast. I created the second one, and while it worked, I admitted to the kids they were guinea pigs and they gave me some good ideas to move forward in the future.
What I really like about the lock boxes is how engaging and fun they are, but they are rely on prior knowledge and problem solving. There is lots of laughing as the kids use trial and error to figure out the clues. With the stress we have had in teaching and learning this year and last, it's good to see the kids relax a bit and just enjoy being kids.
Thank you again for your support! These will be loved and enjoyed for many years to come! (I already have a couple students coming to class daily, asking if we're doing a lockbox today).”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
This classroom project was brought to life by Allstate Foundation and 5 other donors."The Road" to Reading
Funded Sep 24, 2021Wow! Thank you so much for helping to fund this book set! I cannot wait to tell the seniors that the book is coming. Quite a few know about the project and were really interested in getting the chance to read this book!
On behalf of the senior English Department at Mazama, we really appreciate your support in getting high-engagement books into the hands of our students. This project helps strengthen the love of reading for so many!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
Help Us Present with Easel Pads!
Funded Aug 25, 2021Wow! Thank you so much for helping us start out the school year strong! Our kids are yearning to work together and be back in school. Something is simple as easel pads will allow for great small group collaboration, real learning, a chance for the kids to just be kids for a bit.
Thank you again for your support!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex® Brand and one other donor.Feed Our Minds By Feeding Our Stomachs!
Funded Jul 20, 2021Wow! Your generosity for this project is amazing! Snacks are something that are often thought about for younger kids in elementary school, but not so much for high school students. However, this is still quite a need for teenagers as well and can get in the way of learning. These will go a long way this fall with helping students feel physically comfortable so that can focus on learning.
Thank you for helping my students out!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bandfield
This classroom project was brought to life by Emerson Collective and 2 other donors.