Mr. Elias' Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 36

• Blue Books, Pencils, Ready, Set, Go

  Funded Feb 7, 2025

  Thank you so much for your generous donations. This will really be helpful for our literacy initiatives and writing projects. These books last a long time and the students love using them! Thank you so much and I will be sure to update you on what we ended up using the books for!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

• Podcasting for A More Compassionate Community

  Funded Jun 28, 2024

  Thank you so much for funding our mobile podcasting studio! It's been such a game-changer for our school and has let us do some really cool projects that brought students together in ways we've never done before. The core was compassion and I think this format really is amenable to showing how podasting about experiences shows compassion.

  In one part of the project, ESL students and Honors students had conversations about big topics like environmental sustainability and the social issues in their home countries. They also opened up about what it's like to be immigrants here. The best part? They recorded podcasts to share their stories and experiences. It was amazing to see kids from completely different worlds finding common ground and really listening to each other. It was especially cool because it is ongoing and allowed us to then encourage them to volunteer with the local Afghan community at a nearby NGO. So more podcasts!

  In another version, some of our local Black American students in a trades program shared how working with union-trained skilled workers inspired them. The podcasts focused on how connecting with people from different backgrounds but the same interests made them see the power of teamwork and diversity.

  Without your support, none of this would've been possible. The podcasting studio gave students a voice and a chance to explore new ideas while learning from others. Thank you for believing in us and making this happen. You didn't just fund equipment—you made real conversations and connections happen. This is what we wanted and it worked perfectly.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Compassion Project and 5 other donors.

• Financial Literacy Is Fun and Games

  Funded Oct 9, 2024

  Thank you so much for the donation for these games that will be instrumental in teaching Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) to our students. They really will benefit from this chance to unwind and relax but learn concepts.

  These games are designed to make complex financial concepts more accessible and fun. With your support, students will gain hands-on experience in managing budgets, understanding investments, and making informed decisions.

  Your gift enhances our classroom and also empowers our diverse group of students, many of whom are new to these critical concepts.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

  This classroom project was brought to life by Charles Schwab Foundation and one other donor.

• On the Move for Education

  Funded Mar 27, 2024

  Thank you so much for your donation. This last year ended very strongly and it was all thanks to the resources I've gotten on Donors Choose. In particular, the speaker and the projector were very helpful. I will explain why.

  We were able to have multiple cultural or academic sessions with different groups after school and during school that utilized the speaker and/or the projector. In preparation for the International Night, the Afghan group, the Ethiopian group, and the African student group utilized these resources to practice for their dances and fashion/cultural shows. I was also able to use the speaker with our Heart of Asia club to promote and celebrate Afghan and International holidays.

  At the end of the year, our team won the Champions for Children award. A lot of the reason was our ability to put together these impromptu events and to be mobile and meet the kids where they are. Your generous donation made this possible !”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

• Zooming in on Success with a Telephoto Lens

  Funded May 8, 2024

  I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest thanks and gratitude for the generous donation of the zoom lens for my camera. I love this lens. This lens has truly been a game-changer in capturing the special moments during various ceremonies, including graduations, Afghan student celebrations with NOVA Raft, sports events, and school meetings. The candid shots I've been able to take with this lens have been nothing short of amazing, allowing me to preserve the genuine emotions and significance of these occasions. The emotions help people connect on social media, which makes my posts stronger and school spirit and community unity stronger.

  Purchasing high-quality equipment like this zoom lens can be quite challenging when relying solely on personal funds. The cost of such specialized gear adds up quickly, and it can be difficult to prioritize these expenses. I hadn't been able to purchase this lens without generous donations. I felt really like we weren't using the camera and social media to its potential. Your contribution has alleviated that burden, making it possible for me to continue documenting these important events without the financial strain that often accompanies such investments.

  Thank you again for your support and generosity. Your donation has not only enhanced my ability to capture these moments but has also reaffirmed the value of community support in pursuing our shared goals. I am truly grateful for your assistance and will continue to use this lens to its fullest potential in all the meaningful work that lies ahead.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 5 other donors.

• Building Pathways for My Students

  Funded May 6, 2024

  I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our educational programs. Thanks to your support, we were able to incorporate several online materials into our hybrid classes, which played a pivotal role in achieving a record number of summer graduates this year. The number of graduates helped the high school accreditation process and helped families move towards the next step.

  The impact of these resources has been truly transformative, providing our students with the tools they needed to succeed. They were able to work in the library while I completed the next round of courses. They avoided the stress of a filled class with various levels of students and could focus.

  We are also excited to share that the same resources will be used in an expanded year-long credit recovery program. This program will reach even more students, giving them the opportunity to overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.

  Your commitment to education has made a lasting difference in the lives of many students, and we are incredibly thankful for your continued support.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

  This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and one other donor.

• Tutoring for the Future

  Funded Dec 30, 2023

  Thank you for your generous donations of books. They really have made a difference with our most vulnerable and needy populations, particularly within the refugee community.

  The books from all subjects and topics have most been used by our Afghan community and volunteers. There are also multiple classes at a local recreation center and the volunteers use these books to help bolster their tutoring sessions.

  Additionally, I have used these materials with students on Home Instruction for various reasons including health and disciplinary matters. It's very helpful to have something that is not online to go to when the need arises.

  Thank you for your donations! Rest assured that they are being used and reused in our most needy communities.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

• Welcoming New Students with Dari and Pashto Books

  Funded Dec 8, 2023

  Thank you so much for these books. I wish I could share more photos but the students often don't feel comfortable with their photos being taken. We used these books in class and I allowed students to take them home with them for the first few months. Then, I allocated them to our program at the local Rec Center that works with us to promote Afghan literacy.

  These books have not only served as educational tools but also as bridges of cultural understanding, allowing our students to connect more deeply with the rich heritage of Afghanistan. Your support has empowered us to create a more inclusive and diverse learning environment where every student feels valued and represented. This gift is truly treasured.

  We are deeply thankful for your commitment to promoting literacy and cultural exchange. Your generosity has made a significant difference in the lives of our students, helping them develop language skills and fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity.

  Thank you once again for your kindness and support.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

  This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 2 other donors.

• New Year New Me-dia

  Funded Aug 3, 2023

  The first months of school have been different than any other year. Our projects are more focused. We now have different teams and projects going that utilize the wonderful camera and microphone, as well as the iPads, lenses, audiovisual items-- all from donors choose--that you have all so generously made possible. Let me discuss how the camera fit in!

  We have used the camera with instructional videos for our new incoming Afghan population. We have made Dari and Pashto language videos about procedures, amenities, and homecoming activities.

  I have assisted our students with their documentary project and entrance into a White House competition (which was won) with the camera. I did so by recording interviews and "B-Roll" footage for them. Their activities have resulted in great success, with one student achieving a full scholarship to a well-regarded college.

  I have worked alongside a local non-profit working with at-risk youths to teach skills in the trade industry. I have taken on the role of social media liaison and use the camera and microphone to detail their exploits and successes.

  We have worked with the PBIS team and Latinos Unidos to showcase the diversity and pride in our school. These are just a. few of the projects that we have done with support from our team and administrators.

  Please be on the lookout for more projects and goals! This is jus the beginning!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Elias

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 34 other donors.