Past projects 19
Adapted Swing for Exceptional Preschoolers
Funded Nov 28, 2017The original swing we planned to order was no longer available once this project was funded. Fortunately, we were able to select some replacements that were even better than I could have imagined. The nest swing that you see in the pictures has changed our playground for the better. It can seat one child who needs to lay down or up to 8 preschoolers who can squeeze in together. It's allowing our children to build social skills by fitting into a tight space together and it feeds their physical needs for swinging.
In addition to the net swing, we were able to purchase additional straps for our existing adapted swing, so that we will have replacements if they get damaged by the community who use it after school hours. We were also able to purchase new balls, wheelbarrows, and some classroom toys with the remaining funds. What an exciting surprise!
We love our new playground equipment and I am always happy to have resources to help my students learn and grow. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. Our entire preschool team has benefited from this gift.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and one other donor.Family Music Night
Funded Jun 16, 2017Thank you so much for supporting this amazing evening! We had a fantastic turnout- so many families were able to attend! We had multiple generations represented in several families, grandparents who wanted to come to learn the English songs their grandchildren are singing each day in order to bond and help the children grow. It truly was a family evening!
I was impressed by how many parents were able to sing along, despite not being fluent in English. Songs are such a great way to learn a language. Many parents chose to video the songs, so they could practice and work with their child at home after the event ended.
I know the children were thrilled to dance the Hokey Pokey, teach their parents our Handwriting Without Tears songs, and sing some all time favorites, like Icky Sticky Bubblegum and 5 Little Monkeys.
Our whole preschool team appreciates your generosity! We can't wait for our next event!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and 14 other donors.All-Weather Outdoor Play for Preschoolers
Funded Apr 20, 2017We have had a cool, wet, and muddy spring in Alexandria! Our new jackets have been a great asset on drizzly days and damp mornings. When my class goes out in the mornings, it is often much cooler than the projected daily high temperatures, so parents may not have sent in an adequate jacket. We also face the morning dew on our playground equipment. School jackets have meant that children stay drier and get to enjoy the outdoors more freely. Today we had yet-another drizzly day and my class was eager and well-equipped as we ventured out on the playground.
Thank you again for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia
This classroom project was brought to life by Life Essentials Supporters and 17 other donors.Connecting Preschool Families to Learning Toys
Funded Mar 30, 2017We held our family night last night. It was an amazing evening. Children and their families were so excited to share a meal together and have time to learn through play. It was exciting to watch children and parents building together and using rich vocabulary to describe their play.
The children loved playing with a variety of building toys and were especially excited to choose a new toy to take home. They studied their choices carefully and picked their favorite to keep. Parents were happy to have handouts and articles to read about ways to foster development through play.
Our entire preschool team worked together to make the evening a success. It was a great event and we are excited to plan more family nights for next school year. Thanks to our generous donors for making this event possible and I hope you will continue to support our school in the future!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia
This classroom project was brought to life by Aspect Ventures and 17 other donors.Warm and Cozy for Outdoor Play!
Funded Feb 7, 2017I was worried our winter had come to an end just when our hats and mittens arrived, but DC weather is anything but predictable! We have had several cold days in the last few weeks (including a late season snow storm) and the hats and mittens have come in handy! It was especially cold and windy out this morning, but I felt comfortable taking my students out to run and play knowing they had warm hands and ears. Other classes chose to stay inside, but we enjoyed having the playground to ourselves and getting some great exercise and fresh air. It was lovely not to have any children upset over being cold because they were so warm in their hats and mittens.
The kids were so excited to pick their mittens and hats- there was a style for everyone. I know their families appreciate the gear to keep their children warm at school. Thank you to our generous donors who helped make this possible for our students! We appreciate your commitment to outdoor play.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia
This classroom project was brought to life by Life Essentials Supporters and 13 other donors.STEAM Supplies For Preschoolers With Disabilities
Funded Dec 4, 2016Our students were so excited to see what each new box would bring! Questions about where they came from and who bought them abounded. The children send their thanks to our new friends on the computer who wanted us to have more cool toys. They already loved school, but it's just a little more fun now!
I think the Lego have been the biggest hit among the children- particularly the alligator, whose mouth opens and closes. The other animal Lego and cars and trains are also very popular. Each day the children are eager to build zoos, forests, and Lion King habitats for the animals.
Personally, I am happiest about the Wedgits, since we now have enough to share among several children. It is so exciting to see the interesting structures and creations the children make while they play. Our learning centers and table times are much more popular with these amazing new toys.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia
Preschoolers With Special Needs Want to Move!
Funded Aug 23, 2016Dear friends,
Thank you for your generous donations to my classroom. Our new equipment cart and toys have been used every day since school started. My students love helping to push the cart out to the playground- a task that requires some teamwork from 3- and 4-year-olds (it's big!). As you can see from the photos, we have appreciated having new toys for indoor recess on rainy and cold days. Basketball is a huge hit with my class.
All the preschool classes at our school share the new equipment and toys, so your kind gift has affected the lives of many young children! Teachers know the value of active play for our young students and we work hard to provide new and fun opportunities to move during the school day. The children are building their motor skills and their social skills while playing games and getting exercise.
Many thanks to all of you for contributing to our active learning project! We will continue to play and learn each day!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia
This classroom project was brought to life by Target and 6 other donors.Photographing Preschool Special Education
Funded Mar 10, 2016Dear friends,
Thank you so much for your generous donations to my classroom. Our new camera has been used to document our busy days at school. I love being able to print photos for children to look at and to share with families. We have made many photo albums and class books using the supplies from this project.
In the Spring I was able to document exciting events like having a visit from the petting zoo and taking nature walks. I also documented every day events like music class and playing on the playground. The children love to look at photos and use words to label their friends and activities. It is amazing how much language children can use when talking about their friends!
I will continue to photograph the events and adventures I have with my class each and every day thanks to your kind gifts!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia
This classroom project was brought to life by #BestSchoolDay and 10 other donors.Art Supplies for Preschoolers with Special Needs
Funded Nov 13, 2015My students and I are so grateful for your generosity! I don't think the children knew what to make of the giant pile of boxes that arrived in our room, but my assistants and I knew what they were and our excitement was contagious. As of Winter Break, I believe we have used each supply at least once. It is so refreshing not to need to shop for special paint or paper every time I plan a project. We especially love having a variety of papers to use for each project I plan. The liquid watercolor paints are my favorite to work with and everyone who enters our room comments on the vibrant artwork we have hanging up. It has been so much more fun to write my weekly lesson plans knowing that I have access to the art supplies I need.
Thank you for supporting our classroom. We will continue to make lots of messes and beautiful artwork for the rest of the school year because of your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Julia