Past projects 3
Game On!
Funded Jun 28, 2022Your generous donations have had a wonderful impact on our students. During our lunch period students visit the library media center to enjoy the games that your contributions helped us acquire. As the days and months go by, I see the difference that the interactions and connections created by the games are making. Students come together to play but leave with a sense of belonging and acceptance. These young adults have the satisfaction of interacting with others, and the opportunity to be creative, and to make memories with old and new friends. Our library has become a place where old and new social bonds have begun to cement.
Many students come every day having found an "oasis" where they can relax and recharge. Others come first to see what it's all about, and then begin to come regularly. Personally, one of the most satisfying parts of the project is to see those students who last year would normally sit by themselves in the courtyard during lunch but who have now become a part of a thriving community that actively interacts and exchanges ideas. Our students leave with a smile and so many have expressed how grateful they are to have a place to meet with friends and classmates or just disconnect from the pressures of the school day or learn something new. In a world of change, our library offers a continuous and constant accepting presence in their school lives.
This project is a vision come to life, and it could not have become a reality without your generous contributions. Thank you so much for believing in it, but mostly, for helping the young people in our school find a place to connect, create, and belong.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sanchez
Six Degrees Of Separation
Funded Oct 29, 2013Let me begin by thanking you once again for your generous donation which allowed us to acquire four new tablets for our classroom. My students are genuinely grateful as well. This has proved to be a learning experience at many different levels. Many of my students were surprised by the fact that a large corporation such as Chevron would donate so generously; this is something that some of them had not experienced before, and as young adults it has left a significant impact.
The tablets are used daily in the reference center. Students are assigned to the center on a rotating basis for 30 minutes every day, but may also use the tablets at any time during whole group instruction. At the center, students complete mini-research projects. However, students are encouraged to use the tablets as needed. Students utilize the tablets to look up words Ondine during reading/writing time, research topics presented in class, or investigate ideas sparked during class discussion. More importantly, these tablets have helped students feel connected to the world. The tablets provide immediate access to information that is both relevant and current. Many students also use the tablets to research career and college resources.
One of our most recent assignment was an in-depth look at the Harlem Renaissance sparked by the poetry of Langston Hughes and Claude McKay. Over a period of several weeks, students created lap books based on the lives and works of famous Harlem Renaissance greats such as Zora Neale Hurston, W.E.B. DuBois, and Aaron Douglas. The tablets allowed students to view videos, examine art pieces of the time Online, listen to recordings of great jazz, and even watch interviews of some of the great artists of the period as they compiled information for their projects. In other words, they were able to conduct comprehensive investigations of the Harlem Renaissance without leaving the classroom.
Thank you so much for helping us bring the world into the classroom and allowing my students the opportunity to reach out and learn beyond the walls of our room. Additionally, your support serves as a great example to my students. Your generosity has taught these young men and women the importance of giving back to the community, helping others in need, and supporting public education.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sanchez
A Different Perspective: Color and Life in Middle School
Funded Apr 1, 2011Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our school. As we begin the new school year, with a plethora of budget cuts and curriculum related issues, the materials that we were able to purchase because of you will be put to good use.
Already, the TV production class has started to interview new students and staff. Our morning news will include clips of extra-curricular activities in an effort to recognize the contributions of our student athletes and scholars, as well as, those of the dedicated members of the faculty, staff, and community who give of their time to make our school a success and help our students triumph beyond the confines of the classroom.
During these difficult economic times, your generosity is truly inspiring. As a seasoned teacher, it is heartwarming to know that there are so many of you who are willing to support public education and help us take it up a notch.
Once again, we are truly grateful for your support. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sanchez