Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 29

• Support My Classroom With a Few Snacks, Etc

  Funded Dec 16, 2024

  Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! When the boxes of snacks and drinks arrived in our classroom, the students' eyes lit up with excitement—they could hardly believe it. From the moment we unpacked the variety of chips, Pop-Tarts, Capri Suns, and Grandma's Cookies, it felt like a celebration. These snacks have quickly become a cornerstone of our classroom reward system, and they've made a huge impact on motivation and morale.

  One of the most memorable moments came during a recent group project where students had to collaborate on creating a marketing plan for a fictional snack company. As they brainstormed and presented their pitches, they got to actually sample some of the real snacks from our new stash, which made the experience feel authentic and fun. It sparked deeper engagement, laughter, and creative ideas—they even took inspiration from the actual packaging!

  Looking ahead, we're continuing to use these snacks as incentives for academic progress and positive behavior. Students are already asking about the next "Snack Store" day where they can trade their class points for their favorite treat. These small rewards have created a positive classroom culture that celebrates effort, kindness, and achievement. Thank you for giving us this joyful boost—it's made a real difference!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and one other donor.

• Unlocking Excellence: Empower & Educate with Cutting-Edge Tech

  Funded Oct 16, 2024

  I am incredibly grateful for the support of this project, which has had a transformative impact on both my teaching and my students' learning experiences. The new HP laptop has given my students the opportunity to access a wealth of resources and educational tools that were previously limited by outdated technology. With a faster, more reliable device, I'm able to incorporate more interactive lessons and activities that engage students on a deeper level. This laptop has made it easier to integrate multimedia, research, and digital collaboration into the classroom, which has really elevated the overall learning experience.

  A favorite moment that stands out is when one of my students, who had struggled with writing assignments in the past, was able to use the new laptop to organize their thoughts more efficiently. They were able to create a well-structured project using online tools, and their confidence soared as they saw their ideas come to life on the screen. This moment was a reminder of how crucial it is to have reliable, up-to-date technology to support students in their learning journeys.

  Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue exploring ways to integrate technology to further differentiate instruction for my students. With the laptop, I can now offer more personalized learning opportunities, allowing students to work at their own pace and focus on areas where they need the most support. I'm also looking forward to using this tool to foster collaborative projects, where students can work together digitally, building teamwork and communication skills. Thanks to your generous donation, my students have a resource they need to thrive, and I'm eager to see how this technology continues to inspire and support their growth.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and one other donor.

• Help Me Provide Essential Hygiene Products for Our Students

  Funded Nov 13, 2024

  Thank you so much for your generous donation to help provide essential hygiene products for my students. Your support will make a huge difference in their daily lives, ensuring they have the basic necessities to feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. Many of my students face challenges outside of school, and your contribution helps alleviate some of those stresses, allowing them to focus on their education without worrying about personal hygiene.

  With your help, we can provide students with items like soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and other hygiene essentials, ensuring they feel respected and cared for while they learn. These products may seem small, but they have a big impact on their well-being and self-esteem.

  Your kindness not only supplies my students with these necessary items but also shows them that there are people who care about their success and happiness. I am incredibly grateful for your generosity, and I know my students will feel the positive effects of your support every day.

  Thank you again for making a difference in their lives. Your donation is a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, working to create a better future for these wonderful students.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and one other donor.

• We Write With a Purpose

  Funded Jul 9, 2024

  Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed with a new set of high-quality pens that are already making a huge impact on my students. The assortment of gel pens, including the Pentel EnerGel RTX and Rollerball Pens, has provided my students with a wider range of writing tools to enhance their creativity and productivity. Whether they are journaling, taking notes, or working on assignments, they now have pens that offer smooth, consistent ink flow, making writing more enjoyable and efficient.

  One of our first projects using these pens was a creative writing assignment where students crafted short stories. They were so excited when they first saw the colorful pens – many students commented on how the pens made their writing feel more personal and unique. The pens allowed them to express their ideas more fluidly, and the variety of colors helped them organize their drafts and highlight important details.

  Looking ahead, my students are continuing to use these pens for an ongoing history research project. They're taking notes, drafting outlines, and annotating sources with different colors to keep their ideas organized and clear. These pens have not only improved their writing experience but have also helped them develop a greater sense of pride in their work. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference, and we can't wait to see where these new resources will take us next!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by Michael Jordan and The Jordan Brand and 2 other donors.

• Empowering Education: Utilizing HP Laptops for Accessing Online Learning Tools

  Funded Aug 7, 2024

  Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we've been able to equip our students with HP laptops, opening doors to a wide range of online learning tools that are transforming their educational experience. The integration of technology into our classrooms is allowing students to not only access digital textbooks, videos, and interactive activities, but also engage in real-time collaboration with peers and teachers. Online platforms for math, reading, and science now personalize learning, allowing each student to progress at their own pace and receive immediate feedback on their work. This ability to adapt to individual needs is particularly exciting for my students who previously struggled with traditional, one-size-fits-all instruction.

  The new HP laptops have brought a new level of excitement to my classroom. Students are especially eager to use tools like educational games, virtual labs, and multimedia presentations, which make learning more interactive and enjoyable. The portability of these laptops also allows students to seamlessly continue their work from home, enabling them to access assignments, video lessons, and discussions at any time. For many students, this flexibility is empowering, helping them stay connected to their education even when they are away from the classroom. They no longer feel limited by traditional classroom hours, and this has sparked a renewed sense of independence and responsibility in their learning.

  One group of students who have truly embraced this new technology are those in our special education programs. The accessibility features of the HP laptops, such as screen readers and speech-to-text functions, have made a significant difference in their ability to engage with the curriculum. These tools are helping students who once faced challenges in reading and writing to participate fully in class activities, boosting their confidence and motivation. Seeing these students thrive with the help of technology has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project. Thanks to the continued support of donors like you, I am able to provide these transformative learning experiences to all our students, fostering a generation of learners who are equipped for success in the digital age.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by Michael Jordan and The Jordan Brand and one other donor.

• An Approach to Building Self Worth!

  Funded Feb 13, 2024

  We are immensely grateful for your generous support towards our project, "An Approach to Building Self Worth." Your contribution has made a significant difference in the lives of our students, fostering a positive and empowering learning environment.

  With the new resources provided, we've been able to implement various activities and discussions aimed at nurturing self-worth and confidence among our students. One particular classroom project that has been incredibly impactful is our "Self-Worth Birthday Recognitions" initiative. Each student has been the opportunity where they can reflect on their strengths, accomplishments, and moments of growth since birth. Through this, they've been able to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and appreciation for their unique qualities.

  When our students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless. Their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity as they explored the new resources. It was truly heartwarming to witness their enthusiasm and eagerness to engage with the materials.

  As we move forward, the next steps for our students involve delving deeper into our current classroom lessons on self-worth. We plan to facilitate meaningful discussions and activities that encourage self-reflection, empathy, and resilience. Additionally, we're exploring opportunities to invite guest speakers or organize workshops focused on personal development and mental well-being.

  Your support has not only provided us with the necessary resources but has also instilled a renewed sense of confidence and belief in our students. We are profoundly grateful for your generosity and commitment to empowering the next generation.

  With heartfelt thanks,”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex and 6 other donors.

• Snacks for Success!

  Funded Feb 16, 2024

  I hope this message finds you well and filled with the same gratitude and excitement that my students and I have experienced during the 2023-2024 School Year. Thanks to your generous contributions, our classroom has undergone a transformation that has not only impacted our daily routines but has also sparked a new sense of enthusiasm among my students.

  With the new resources you've provided, we've been able to embark on some exciting projects and moments. For instance, our recent classroom project involved creating personalized reusable water bottles for each student using the Rolling Sands Sports Water Bottles you generously supplied. The students were thrilled to see their names or school's bulldog printed on the bottles, and they immediately embraced the idea of reducing plastic waste by using their own refillable bottles.

  The reaction from my students when they first saw the materials was truly heartwarming. Their faces lit up with excitement and anticipation as they realized the potential for creativity and learning that lay ahead. It was a moment filled with joy and inspiration, and I am grateful to have been able to witness it alongside them.

  Also in our classroom, we dove into a project centered around nutrition and healthy snacking habits. With the assortment of snacks you provided, including Welch's Fruit Snacks, Rice Krispies Treats, Cheez-It Mix, and Nabisco Cookie Variety Packs, we were able to explore the importance of making nutritious choices while still enjoying tasty treats in moderation. Our discussions and activities did not only promote healthier habits but also encouraged students to make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle.

  Once again, I cannot express enough gratitude for your support and generosity. Your contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of my students, providing them with invaluable learning experiences and opportunities for growth. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping us create a brighter future together.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

• Dignity and Wellness for Sure!

  Funded Feb 23, 2024

  We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your dedication to ensuring that feminine hygiene supplies are readily available in our school's restrooms. Thanks to your commitment and proactive approach, you're not just making a difference; you're championing dignity, comfort, and inclusivity for everyone in our school community.

  Your actions exemplify empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of responsibility towards others' well-being. By prioritizing access to these essential supplies, you're not only addressing a basic need but also fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and respected.

  Your kindness and thoughtfulness don't go unnoticed. Your efforts contribute to creating a more inclusive and compassionate school environment, where everyone can thrive without barriers or limitations.

  Thank you for your remarkable initiative and for embodying the values of empathy and equality. Together, we're making a positive difference, one small act of kindness at a time.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by A New York City Parent and one other donor.

• Snacks and Clean Surfaces!

  Funded Feb 2, 2024

  "Snacks for success" has revolutionized my classroom environment and positively impacted my students in numerous ways. Implementing this initiative has not only provided my students with nutritious fuel for their minds but has also fostered a sense of community and responsibility among them. By offering healthy snacks during class time, my students have experienced increased focus, energy, and productivity, leading to improved academic performance. Moreover, the act of sharing snacks has encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and empathy among peers, creating a supportive and inclusive learning atmosphere. Overall, "snacks for success" has proven to be a simple yet effective strategy in enhancing both the physical and emotional well-being of my students, ultimately contributing to their overall success in the classroom.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Shondra Byars-Smith

  This classroom project was brought to life by Center for Disaster Philanthropy.