Past projects 6
Make an Inviting Work-Based Learning Environment!
Funded Sep 11, 2023Thanks to your generosity, this project has been fully funded. Thank you. The school year is off to a great start with this space being renovated. Students are excited to be in a welcoming and vibrant space. The sounds of laughter and learning are filling the classrooms and now this space, as well!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Minturn
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 5 other donors.Grad Bag Art Project!
Funded May 29, 2020Thank you for your generous donation to the Grad Bag Project for our 2020 seniors. Your contribution made our graduation meaningful and special for our grads. They beamed with joy when teaches pulled up to their homes with these supplies, and equally so when they were in their decorated caps on graduation day.
With these supplies, students were provided a tangible, authentic art experience that they participated in from their homes. Students received journals and arts supplies that they used to design and create original graduation cap decorations that represented their identities, hopes, and accomplishments as learners.
While our graduation celebration was held virtually, having artwork created by each individual allowed students to connect through a shared experience that celebrated their achievements and dreams.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Minturn
This classroom project was brought to life by #GraduateTogether and 12 other donors.Perform in Style! Costumes for an Annual Dance Concert
Funded May 19, 2019Thank you for your generosity in opening the curtain for my students to perform in a professional theatre this past Spring. For all of my students, this was their first time performing on a professional stage. Throughout the academic year we prepared for this day that as a result of your contribution became a reality.
Students began preparing for this performance by learning dances from multiple cultures. My students come from over 30 different countries and their performance reflected the diversity of their origins. After learning dances such as Merengue from the Dominican Republic, K-Pop from Korea, Djole from Guinea, and Gumboot from South Africa, for example, we then choreographed in these many styles of dance. Dance at our school is seen as a universal language that allows us to learn about ourselves and one another.
We then took our learning from the dance studio to the professional stage. At the same time that we were in the theatre for our dress rehearsal, there were Broadway dancers rehearsing for their upcoming show; students bristled with excitement knowing they were dancing in a professional space. When the house lights dimmed and the stage lights shined, students were waiting with great anticipation in the wings. They took their places in the dark with enthusiasm and then danced with love and excitement. This experience is thanks to you and your generosity. My students and I are forever grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Minturn
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 7 other donors.Open the Curtain: Help our Dance Company Perform!
Funded Mar 14, 2018Our performance at Gelsey Kirkland Performing Arts Center was a true success thanks to your generosity! Students were ecstatic to perform their choreography in a professional theatre. The excitement they brought was palpable as we entered the backstage area.
Students performed original choreography that they had spent months creating and rehearsing. Having the culminating event in such a beautiful atmosphere was a highlight for the students, staff and families that attended.
After the performance, students discussed their desire to continue in the arts and already made plans for their performance next year. This experience would not have been possible without your help and donation.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Minturn
Help Costume the Dance Company!
Funded Nov 20, 2015On Friday, Dec. 23rd we had our after-school, Winter Arts Expo. Curtains and christmas lights were hung. The dance room filled with students, teachers, families, musicians, visual artists and dancers; Our dance room was transformed into a performance space.
Thanks to your generous donation, the Dance Company was able to perform six different dances, wearing a unique costume for each piece. The dancers were ecstatic when they opened their boxes and saw new costumes for their West African, Salsa, Bollywood, Contemporary and Hip Hop dances.
Students at our school are recent immigrants from over 30 different countries. Through learning dance they learn about their own cultures and those of their peers. They also gain access to the rich legacy of dance and culture in NYC.
Students are now learning how dance can be used to advocate for positive change. The Dance Company is preparing to help lead our One Billion Rising event, an all-school flashmob that occurs in tandem with 200 other countries on Valentine's Day to advocate for women's equality.
Thank you for helping to bring arts education to high school students and for costuming our dance company!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Minturn
Making DownDogs Do-Able!
Funded Jan 5, 2015Thank you so much for your generous donation of yoga props to my classroom. Students were ecstatic when they saw the boxes arrive in our classroom. Upon opening them, they were happy and grateful to hear that the props were donated by you to help them improve their yoga practice.
Having blocks and straps has already made a significant difference in my classroom, as well as in an afterschool yoga class. In our dance class students incorporate yoga postures and relaxation into their warmup. Having blocks and straps allows students to approach more difficult poses with assistance. One interdisciplinary class also used the props while making their own Yoga instructional video to share with families and friends.
I am grateful for your support of my students' yoga studies! Thank you for sharing your love of yoga and movement with them.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Minturn