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I don't know about you, but my memories of school are full of color; they are vibrant! I remember classrooms rich in supplies and full of inspiration. My father was enlisted in the military and the schools I attended were relatively well supplied. My family has known poverty as well, however, and it has been my life's work to ensure that children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have a chance to experience the best education that I can offer. Now, imagine for a moment, the classroom I walked into yesterday, colorless, bare and lacking almost completely any organizational materials. Most of the literacy materials are over twenty years old and there are no literacy games. The seating is not adequate for a dual language program that switches classes halfway through each day. Now, imagine the classroom we are going to create for these kids. It will be bright, colorful, organized and cheerful. It will welcome deep thought and creativity through a flexible work environment. Let's get rid of the desks that go in rows or groups; we aren't training future factory workers anymore. We want our students to be leaders in thought and technology. Let's show these kids that they matter to us by creating a dynamic and inviting classroom, designed by a well educated teacher (me), and funded through caring strangers (you); strangers whom they will never meet, but who will have given them a gift that will last a lifetime. First grade only happens once. Let's make it magical for them.