I would like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to all the generous donors who came together to fund my "Classroom Basics" project. Your support has truly made a significant impact on my ability to provide essential resources for my students. As a middle school math teacher, it's important to me that I create a learning environment where every student feels supported, confident, and equipped to succeed. Thanks to your contributions, I am able to offer my students the basics they need, such as pencils and erasers, to help them engage fully with their education.
When my students walk into my classroom, one of the first things they notice is that they have access to all the materials they might need for the day. This includes pencils, erasers, and other supplies—ready and available for anyone who needs them. I want to create a welcoming atmosphere where no student feels embarrassed or reluctant to ask for materials. Many of my students come from low-income communities, where resources are often limited. For these students, something as simple as a pencil can be a barrier to their learning. I never want that to be the case in my classroom. By ensuring that all the necessary supplies are available, I am able to remove one more obstacle that might stand in the way of their education.
The resources you've helped fund are not just about ensuring students have the tools to complete their work, but also about fostering a sense of inclusivity and fairness. Every student, no matter their background or financial situation, deserves to feel like they belong in the classroom and have an equal opportunity to succeed. Your donations make this possible. When students don't have to worry about the basics, they can focus on learning and growth instead of feeling embarrassed or self-conscious.
In addition to providing students with the necessary materials, I want to address something that is often a significant challenge in a math classroom—math anxiety. For many students, math can feel intimidating, and there is often a deep fear of making mistakes. In math, even the smallest error can drastically alter the outcome of a problem, and this can make students afraid to take risks or try new things. This fear of failure can lead to a lack of confidence and a reluctance to engage fully with the subject.
To combat this, I've established a classroom culture where mistakes are seen as an essential part of the learning process. We live by the motto, "Mistakes are proof that we are trying." This motto encourages students to embrace errors as opportunities for growth, rather than something to be feared or avoided. It is through trial and error that we learn, and I want my students to understand that mistakes are not a reflection of failure, but rather a step toward improvement.
That's where the erasers come in. The simple act of having an eraser available helps students feel more at ease as they take risks and try new things in math. With your support, I now have an ample supply of erasers, which is crucial for fostering a learning environment where students are not afraid to make mistakes. Every time a student uses an eraser, it is a reminder that it's okay to not get everything right the first time—and that's perfectly fine. The erasers symbolize the freedom to try, learn, and grow without fear of judgment.
In conclusion, I want to thank you once again for your incredible generosity. The supplies you've helped provide are not just items for the classroom—they are essential tools that help create a positive and empowering learning environment. Because of your support, my students can walk into class with confidence, knowing they have everything they need to succeed. Thank you for making this possible and for being a part of the positive change in my students' educational journeys!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Galindo