Past projects 26
Back 2 School Basics
Funded Oct 26, 2022We were so excited to finally get our hands on some basic, but necessary school supplies this year. These things are often taken for granted until you do not have them.
To start, the tissues and disinfectant wipes have been critical. Little ones touch everything and everyone. When they cry or their nose runs, they will often use their hands to wipe their faces and then proceed to touch everything in the room. The pandemic has stabilized some, however, my kiddos have had the flu, covid, strep throat, and pink eye travel among classes this year. I am teaching, daily, the importance of keeping our germs in the tissue. Without the donation of tissues, I would not be able to keep up. Did I mention, kids do not just grab one tissue at a time? Similarly, the disinfectant wipes, in my opinion, reduced the spread in my room. I was able to wipe down high-touch areas daily, if not more frequently.
Switching gears to the daily supplies needed to participate in learning; materials such as pencils and construction paper allowed so many students to not feel less than because their caregiver was not able to purchase the long list of school items after purchasing uniforms for their kiddos. We used the supplies daily, but especially for our empathy and/or social-emotional lessons. We have already made anti-bullying chain links, cards for children at St. Christophers hospital, and kindness cards.
We are extremely grateful to all donors for understanding the needs of our kiddos. We would never be able, as educators, to reach into our pockets and get the basic things kids need daily. The financial need is high. But we are grateful for your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 7 other donors.Class of 2022: Our Future is Limitless!
Funded May 10, 2022The Class of 2022 were beyond excited to finally see their graduation bags that were filled thanks to your generous donations. Their middle school experience had been lacking so many social experiences due to the pandemic. In-person graduation was in jeopardy for most of the school year. So the idea of putting together something special for them to take with them for graduation was important.
The goal of the project was to fill a gift back with meaningful items that brought a smile to their faces to reward their resilience, but also that they could use in the future. The key chains and lanyards with the "Class of 2022" were symbolic of taking a little piece of their school family with them. The inspirational pencils reminded them that even though they might go their separate ways in high school, they are stronger than they know. We added a Bluetooth speaker that was donated to celebrate all their accomplishments.
The Class of 2022 has a limitless future.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose community & an Anonymous Partner and 9 other donors.Bringing the SEL to You Safely From an iPad
Funded May 3, 2021After almost a year and a half of virtual learning, technology has become an integral facet of the learning process of the school. With that being said, the original Chromebooks that many students were issued at the start of last school year are in desperate need of repair. So, being able to have and utilize the Ipad to work with students is critical.
I am able to work with students at a safe distance in a one-to-one setting to complete career activities, social-emotional learning, and other activities. The younger students find the touch screen simpler to use than the Chromebooks. It may seem small, but removing barriers makes getting to the students easier.
Thank you for all of your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by Ford Drive 4 UR School and 3 other donors.The Learning Will Never Stop With BrainPOP!
Funded May 12, 2021Brainpop is a fun and exciting resource that my students are able to enjoy this school year in person or if the session needs to be virtual, for any reason. Don't tell my students, but I think it is pretty cool too! We love that it is developmentally appropriate for my middle schoolers.
Interactive social-emotional learning has become part of the educational process now. Just going into a classroom or speaking one-to-one with students utilizing a handout is not the only way to provide tools to our students. Topics range from Health, Social-Emotional, Engineering, Trending, English, and many more. We love the worksheets that expand our thinking and have students relate the topic to their day-to-day lives.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by Born This Way Foundation and 8 other donors.Welcome Back to School Dragons (for real this time)!
Funded Aug 19, 2021Any time materials arrive at school, it is an exciting time. Although it is not a surprise, it feels like it. Students come into the counseling office and ask immediately what something is.
Transitioning back to school, in person, has been a work in progress for many. Having the scented dough allows students to take calming deep breaths and refocus their energy. They can take control of their thoughts and emotions. The physical sense of touch also works to release stress and anger that may be built up from situations in the classroom or at home. I utilize the timer to ensure that students stay on task with their academic goals and are able to return to class. It teaches coping skills and learning to have a balance.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by Your friend in Pennsylvania and one other donor.A Mult-Tiered Support to Rebuild our Schools
Funded Jul 20, 2021The new school year has begun and we are thrilled to utilize the new resources your donations help provide for us. Back to school is a major transition for elementary and middle school students. This school year, brought more challenges as we returned from a pandemic forced virtual learning experience.
Modeling working through challenges has been the theme this year. The original materials for the "A Mult-Tiered Support to Rebuild our Schools" were available, they were not delivered due to a vendor issue. We had to adjust and reorder replacement materials that would still be a great asset to our students. It was a great learning and teaching lesson. Nevertheless, the materials did arrive, which reflect some of the social-emotional learning topics we are addressing with students. One specific resource focuses on changing your mindset. It included a bulletin board and activities. It is a game changer.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 5 other donors.Student Success Packs!
Funded Jul 9, 2021The new school year has begun and we are thrilled to utilize the new resources your donations help provide for us. Back to school is a major transition for elementary and middle school students. This school year, brought more challenges as we returned from a pandemic forced virtual learning experience. Having "Student Success Packs" provided a small sense of normalcy and relief to our school family.
We used the school supplies to make little student bags or crayons, pencils, pencil cases, and little extras for any student that arrived at school without supplies. We did not want them to return to school feeling as if they did not fit in. We also did not want students and parents to feel guilty if they could not afford the necessary supplies due to financial hardships brought about by recent events.
Lastly, we used some of the crayons and markers in a reflection space. Students can draw, write, or color to express themselves when the transition to school has been a little too challenging at that moment. It allows them to cope and regulate their emotions. These supplies have been such a big help.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
Building Our Safe Space With Social Emotional Learning Tools.
Funded May 7, 2021Thank you for your generosity this school year. We were able to bring some students back into the building with a hybrid model for a few weeks. Students came in cohorts and attending for two days per week. Although the in-person transition was aimed at having minimum disruption, it was still a challenge for some.
Change can be difficult for young students. We were thankful to begin building our resources to support students with addressing this change. The fidget toys were extremely helpful during state testing. Our students worked through hours of state testing on difficult material. When some students wanted to keep leaving the room, they were able to refocus and utilize the tools for a little longer. We were also able to utilize the prompts cards to ease the uncomfortableness, for some, with being back and socializing with peers and adults again.
Utilizing these tools during this short, hybrid learning phase is just the beginning of growing our social-emotional learning program at school.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 8 other donors.Connections Matter
Funded Dec 1, 2020Thank you for having a such an impact in our school community through your "Connections Matter" project donation. This pandemic has challenged the world to more closely examine the availability of resources in some of most under-served community schools.
Your donation afforded me the opportunity to connect with my students virtually, with a new laptop and headset. Prior to your support, my students would often be unable to see me or burdened with auditory delays due to inadequate technology. This was the only way I had to communicate with students and families, who at times, were in need of social emotional support and mental health resources. These were not the times to hope that they received the message, when hope is weary right now.
Engagement with my students has increased. I am able to serve more students each day. They are able to reach me without difficulty. Your donation has demonstrated that technology should not be a privilege any longer, but yet an equitable resource for all students in all communities.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 2 other donors.Let's Focus Daily on Rising Student Achievement, Not Virus Counts.
Funded Nov 23, 2020Thank you for helping to support my students and returning the focus back to them and their achievements. School has tried to open to an in-person model twice this school year, but has been unsuccessful due to the virus and that has been the focus for our students. However, your donations allowed the focus to shift.
Beginning with second marking period, we ramped up our incentives to get students excited about school again. Students who made achievements academically and socially in class were eligible for Class Dojo points. I then mailed home laminated awards and gift cards to our winners.
The students and families were excited and surprised! I did not tell them what was inside the mailing. Students were able to get awards addressed to them, some who never received mail before. Then, when they opened the package, it was laminated to last and had an unexpected gift card. Many of the gift cards arrived around the holidays or right after. This was also a blessing as many of our families are struggling more than before with the pandemic.
Your kindness and generosity has meant so much to the students. Thank you is an understatement.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Haynes
This classroom project was brought to life by Allstate Foundation and one other donor.