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Today is Ms. VanderToolen's birthday! Make it extra special by supporting her classroom.

Ms. VanderToolen's Classroom

  • Highland High School
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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show projects from all time

Past projects 6

  • Drawing Tablets for use with the Computer

    Funded Jan 7, 2020

    Using drawing tablets in the classroom is awesome. This tool allows students to draw in a more natural way, with a pen and a computer. The photos I uploaded show students working in the classroom on ideas, and sharing sketches.

    The images with the drawing tablets show students holding and drawing with the tablet and pen. Most students were able to quickly adapt to drawing with it. There is a more natural feel, like drawing with a pencil on paper. A few students were hesitant to use the drawing tablets and said, they preferred drawing with the computer mouse, but I asked them to give it at least a try. I only had a couple of students who then went back to drawing only with the computer mouse. The majority were excited to get the tablets and pens out each class period and became very fluent with the drawing tablet.

    The final two images show students completed computer drawings. They used the drawing tablets with Adobe Illustrator to create animals out of letters.

    As computer technology increases, I find that gap of accessibility to it increases. I have a few students who have surface tablets at home, and students who have little to no technology available. These class tablets give all students a better digital drawing experience. Thank you.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. VanderToolen

  • Graphic Drawing Tablets for Commercial Art

    Funded Oct 17, 2016

    We are having so much fun using the graphic pen and tablet. Students are drawing and designing their own emojis, creating sugar skulls in Illustrator, and learning how to illustrate on the computer.

    Having the tablets to draw with is amazing, so much better than a computer mouse. It takes a while to get used to drawing on the tablet surface, but as students practice, it becomes as natural as using a pen or pencil on paper.

    Commercial designers and cartoonists use graphic drawing tablets, so now my students are able to experience tools used by the experts.

    We truly appreciate your help with providing this technology in our classroom and your support of public education.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. VanderToolen

  • Large Paper Cutter for Student Art Work

    Funded Oct 6, 2015

    This large paper cutter has been such a helpful tool. I have four display cases to fill with student work and now cutting mat board and paper is so easy. I have cut mats to put around paintings and drawings, as well as, paper for mounting student photos and computer projects. . Having their work on display is exciting for students, and having it displayed in a professional manner makes everything look great.

    The best thing about this cutter is that I have been able to train my High School students to use it. They are now able to mat and frame their own work. I have Advanced Art students who are required to set up their work in a gallery setting. When 25 students are working on their displays, it is so great that they can prepare their own work.

    I appreciate your response to my request, we use the cutter every day, and student work that is displayed now, and in years to come, will continue to look professional.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. VanderToolen

  • Weaving on a Loom, Native American Patterns and Stories.

    Funded Oct 22, 2013

    My students were so excited to unpack the new weaving looms. We have been learning about how different people create fabric, so they were anxious to begin their own projects. We began by studying Navajo rug patterns and designs created in Persia. Students created a sketched design before they could begin weaving.

    The new looms are very easy to use. Attaching the warp thread is simple with the split openings on each end. It also holds the warp thread securely to help keep the sides of the weaving even and straight.

    Students could not believe they had brand new looms to work with. They liked the size and ease of use. Many were so excited that they took projects home to work on.

    Several students also had an end product in mind for the weaving. Two were designed to be made into purses and one was woven with an opening for a head, to be a dog poncho, others are going to be made into place-mats.

    Your generosity has helped my students become more motivated and creative with their weaving designs.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. VanderToolen

    This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and one other donor.
  • Demonstrating Drawing and Painting On the Big Screen

    Funded Nov 2, 2012

    I have struggled with teaching perspective each year. In a class of 37+ students, I rarely have the time to work with each student one to one. The projector you helped me purchase, has made perspective much easier. I was able to begin each lesson with a step by step procedure, and students followed along.

    More students this year, have demonstrated an understanding of the differences in one and two point perspective and how to begin each. I have also been able to use the projector to show paint mixing techniques, graphing, and specific examples for sketch book assignments.

    I can't thank you enough for this valuable resource in my classroom. Your generosity is overwhelming.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. VanderToolen

  • Drawing Kit Materials for Students

    Funded Dec 14, 2011

    Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the arts. My students and I received the art materials that we requested and have already put them to good use.

    The new compass's are such a great design, easy to manipulate, and make creating a perfect circle of any size, easy for everyone. I have had my Foundation Art class using them to create positive and negative drawing of car motors as well as in our perspective work.

    The heavy weight paper holds up to the markers as well as the layered drawing that is required in using the prismacolor pencils. My advanced class is so excited to be using the prismacolor pencils in their drawings.

    Thanks again for providing the quality materials needed in our perspective projects.The materials will continue to be useful through out the rest of the school year.

    With gratitude,

    Ms. VanderToolen

    This classroom project was brought to life by Friends at the Eccles Foundation and Wells Fargo and 3 other donors.
I teach at a Public High School. We have a very diverse population with many immigrant and non-English speaking students. Our community combines an inner-city population with suburban. My students are fabulous and I learn new things from them every day. Their needs and problems are as diverse as they are and we work together to find creative solutions.

About my class

I teach at a Public High School. We have a very diverse population with many immigrant and non-English speaking students. Our community combines an inner-city population with suburban. My students are fabulous and I learn new things from them every day. Their needs and problems are as diverse as they are and we work together to find creative solutions.

About my class

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