Past projects 49
Reading to Teach Even Better Readers
Funded May 5, 2020Philadelphia is still in the midst of the reopening process, however, I was able to retrieve these lesson-changing books that you have so generously gifted to our school. When planning with my colleagues, I have these texts near by to better support our young readers. Whether we are planning small group lessons, guiding our advanced readers, or developing whole group instruction these texts are a staple and clarify many literacy concepts. I wish these were issued to all elementary teachers! Until then I celebrate the success we are seeing in our classrooms.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 3 other donors.Learning, Unlearning, and Action
Funded Jul 7, 2020Thank you for these books as they have guided me and my students. My class is beginning a change makers unit and so these picture books have been reflective of the hope we have for our future and nation. Many of my students watch the news with their families and for young children it is critical to help them realize that there is hope and that change is possible! Reading these books with them like What Can a Citizen Do? and Equality's Call have been helpful and engaging texts to support their learning and application.
Some of the books such as Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You and So You Want to Talk About Race have been influential as I have conversations with my colleagues in how to better plan and relate to our students. I am still making my way through the others that were requested and use some as references as it shapes my approach to teaching in learning. Without your support, this could not be possible. Thank you so much for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 4 other donors.Mirrors and Windows: Diverse Books for Diverse Readers
Funded Mar 3, 2020Our students have really developed a love of reading and more so thanks to your generosity. Children's literature is my favorite; especially because of the unique opportunity to engage our students in a world like their own and ones that are vastly different.
One afternoon we read Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, a sweet story of perseverance and practice as a young girl tries to perfect the art of making bao. Almost none of my students had ever heard of or seen this tasty treat, so I brought some in for them to try. They shared stories of how they help their families cook at home and how happy they were for the character to have successfully made the perfect bao on her own. After reading Amy Wu, my students insisted I read all of the new books at once. Unfortunately, we didn't get to before the school closures, but they were able to enjoy them during their own reading time.
This window into a different culture and push for more reading time would not have happened without your contribution. Thank you so very much for your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 4 other donors.Building Meaning in Literacy
Funded Dec 3, 2019We are in strange times; reflecting on your impact prior to the schools closure, provides some normalcy, for which I thank you.
I distinctly remember their shrieks of excitement when the packages arrived. They curiously looked at the letter tiles, the cvc puzzles, the lamination pouches, and other supplies while speculating their uses. I couldn't contain my excitement and that same afternoon with two of my small groups we used the letter tiles and they were so excited! In that moment, the word patterns they were studying came alive. They were so careful as to not disturb their peers who were not using them at the time and whispered about their findings. Before the school closures, we created games, posters, and small group activities using the resources that were provided by your generosity.
Thank you so very much for bringing my students tangible tools and joy as they discover nuances in literacy.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and one other donor.Overlooked Classroom Essentials
Funded Feb 29, 2020Thankfully, my students were able to enjoy the supplies provided by your generosity before the school closures. They were thrilled to receive their own water pouches so that they can drink water freely throughout the day, especially after vigorous activity during their recess period. My students couldn't believe that again people who do not know them could be so generous and blessing them with all of these snacks and supplies.
A new part of our routine since the arrival of the supplies was to unpack, call attendance, have kids who needed to grab their oral hygiene kits do so, and brush their teeth. It was kind of endearing to see some of my students encourage each other to wake up earlier so they wouldn't have to brush their teeth at school. Whether it was because they had a genuine need or woke up too late, my students were equipped with essential supplies so that they could feel confident and like their best selves at school.
Thank you so much for bringing this project to life.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
They Look Like Me!
Funded Feb 18, 2020I wish you could hear and see the moment I unboxed some of the new books. My curious onlookers came to my desk to investigate the new books. As a crowd formed by my desk, I brought the new pile of books over to the carpet and they gasped at the quantity of books.
As I gave a brief synopsis and displayed some of the illustrations, I heard a low murmur, some squeals, and plenty of hands raised calling dibs on a book for their independent reading time. It is so exciting to see them excited about books and reading especially because some of them previously despised reading. Since receiving the new books, one of my more reluctant readers complained that we didn't have enough time in the day to read!
Thank you for supporting and inspiring my students. This love of literature could not have been possible without your generosity and kindness.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 2 other donors.Strong Foundations for Future Mathletes
Funded Dec 3, 2019I have such a sweet 'problem' to address now that we have received our project supplies. My students are SO excited to use the manipulatives that they are not aware of how loud they are talking to their peers while working. Ha! These items have been a game changer during math instruction for all of the different ranges of tasks and skills they're working on. From counting by ones to fractions, my students are able to use these bright and engaging manipulatives to think and problem solve together and independently. They are so engaged and having so much fun that they forget they are indoors and working on math! Thank you so very much for gifting my students with tools that foster joy and excitement towards learning.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and one other donor.Uniform Skirts and Jumpers Keep Us Present
Funded Jul 3, 2019I was in the middle of instruction, when I received a call that one of my students was in need of a change of clothes and was too embarrassed to return to class. These things happen and fortunately, my school was equipped to support this student and many like them. Quickly, a staff member grabbed a skirt and gave it to the child to change into. The student was able to return to class without much an issue, thanks to your contribution.
Whether it was a case of an emergency or financial hardship, students at my school had a need that was met thanks to your generosity. Having a clean school uniform was one less thing students and families had to worry about. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 5 other donors.Rocking New Pants and Shorts
Funded Sep 23, 2019Shortly after the project materials were delivered, there was a student with an emergency. Someone from our support team visited my classroom in hopes to find a clean pair of pants for one of our students. Thankfully, we had a pair in his size and were able to save him from further humiliation. With some support, he was able to return to class without much of an issue.
Though this is just one account of how your contributions have supported our students, there are many more. From families facing financial hardship to bathroom emergencies, these pants have helped our students substantially.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 9 other donors.Clean Essentials: Socks and Underwear
Funded Nov 10, 2019Thank you sincerely for funding this project. Since the items were from Amazon, they quickly arrived and were in the hands of those who needed these articles of clothing. The moment the boxes came in, I quickly stopped what I was doing to unbox the items and got them to the guidance counselor's office.
That same day, the counselor housing these items was quickly able to support students and families who requested socks and students who unfortunately had accidents requiring clean underwear. As the weather transitions, it is essential for our students to have warm, clean socks to wear, and for those who did not previously have them, now they are equipped. For some, they can quickly return to class without shame of an accident.
Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ryan