Past projects 6
Differentiating the Environment for Different Learners' Needs
Funded Aug 13, 2023Thank you. I was so elated to have this project funded! For a while, I thought it wouldn't happen, but just a month before my project was set to end, it happened! When the bean bags arrived, my students instantly noticed. They have added so much life to our classroom. Within one day of being in their new home, they were put to work. As my students read, annotated, and analyzed the theme in Stephen Crane's poem "Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind," they enjoyed the comfort of flexible seating! I never knew high school students would enjoy this so much. They love them so much that I've had to implement a timer and schedule for bean bag use! Again, thank you so much for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Foote
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 9 other donors.Books Galore, But Nowhere To Go
Funded Apr 30, 2023Thank you for graciously contributing to what had become a chaotic mess in our school. While we didn't have intentions of it becoming this way, the lack of organizational furniture provided for us is what caused it.
Our high poverty school has often been overlooked with district funding and fair facility provisions. This is one of the many areas where we were failed in our 2018 construction of this new school, which has led to litigation.
However, where there's a will, there's a way. Thank you for being "the way." Because of your generosity we were able to triumph despite the hand we were dealt. I hope the attached pictures prove how much we are willing to work when given the resources we need. We are forever grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Foote
Differentiating for Dynamic Results
Funded Jan 11, 2023When so many counted us out, we were able to count on you.
You do not know the greatness these items have had in my classroom. I have needed these two specific items since September 2022. As with all things in a school district, it just takes time. Unfortunately, the time that it was taking was impeding the reading progress of my students.
In an effort to strengthen their love of reading, I allow my students to read for pleasure, daily, in a hardcopy or with an e-book. These headphones will allow them to utilize the electronic books, if needed. Furthermore, these headphones are used for remediation videos following a quiz or test.
Additionally, the chart paper is used for collaboration, group brainstorming, and anchor charts for quick reference.
Thank you for investing in us. Your donation is helping build literacy skills within our community.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Foote
Organization Is Best
Funded Nov 29, 2022Thank you for opening your hearts and providing for my students. My students work best when things are organized. Additionally, we are an AVID school that emphasizes organization. Although colored copy paper may not seem like much, it helps greatly with helping students get organized. It allows us to color-code things of importance. The colored paper arrived just in time for their semester study guides to become color-coded. Because of this, I had fewer students lose their study material and more students able to locate their material quickly without squandering time.
Furthermore, my students are all set with a color-coded class set of highlighters now. This will help us so much when looking for specific things in texts such as claims, evidence, reasoning, etc. We like to color-code everything to extend our comprehension.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for the doors you have opened for my kids.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Foote
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 3 other donors.Back to the Basics
Funded Sep 21, 2022Thank you for investing in my students. The students I serve attend a Title I school. This means a large percentage of our students come from low socioeconomic homes. As a result, they don't always come with supplies that will assist them in achieving higher level thinking. However, because of your donation, my students have all the resources they need to help them perform at higher levels.
Many people often overlook the need for a pencil sharpener in a classroom, but this undervalued item allows my students the freedom to make mistakes. A pencil sharpener allows the use of pencils. And with pencils come erasers, which means students can try again and again without feeling like they must reach perfection the first time around.
The binders that were gifted allows them an opportunity to maintain organization. Research suggests that organization is tied to student success.
The composition books requested are a hub for all things notes and practice. This is literally where their knowledge is birthed and cultivated.
And finally, the highlighters are their tools to understanding. Many of my students suffer from attention deficit. Highlighters are manipulatives that allow them to consider special points, pinpoint areas of interest, and chunk texts into meaningful bits of information for processing in their brains.
So, your contribution to my class goes much further than you may think. And I am thankful that you choose to gift my students with endless possibilities.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Foote
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.Oh, the Places Reading Will Let Them Go!
Funded Mar 27, 2018For a child that doesn't get the opportunity to travel or experience new places, building background knowledge can be difficult. Often times, grade level assignments and standardized tests are created with the idea that all children have come with some type of prior knowledge or exposure to make meaning out of what's presented. But what if they don't? That's why these books are so helpful!
When I was a child myself with a limited family income, I learned that many of the trips I wanted to take and places I wanted to visit would only be done in my head. Reading a vast variety of books allowed me to gain knowledge that I didn't have the opportunity to experience firsthand. These books have opened my students' minds to various methods of solving problems. The novels have addressed issues such as depression, teen suicide, bullying, and abuse, all topics that adolescents sometimes find difficult to talk about with others. The characters in these novels have shown my students that these issues are universal while introducing them to methods of coping or provoking change.
Needless to say, the students in my classroom that felt they'd never develop a love for reading and didn't understand the purpose of it are now sitting on the edge of their seats wanting to know what happens next and even reading ahead. For once, they are each finally able to take the book home and read in the comfort of their own environment instead of just having their reading confined to the classroom. These books have made reading relevant again and even writing too! My students are more willing to express themselves with the pen now knowing that sometimes putting your thoughts and feelings on paper can be therapeutic. Although this is only a small dent in my push to change inner city kids' attitudes toward reading, it's a start. And for that, I am forever grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Foote
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple and one other donor.