Past projects 2
Big Kids Need Seating Choices Too
Funded Jan 22, 2019I'm so humbled by all of the generous donations and I can't wait to get this project going! With your help, I get to continue taking my classroom out of the 1900's and making it a place where students can learn AND work comfortably. My students are going to be able to spread out to work and hopefully release some pent up energy in the process.
You all are inspiring change!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ford
This classroom project was brought to life by Carol Kupers Whalen Memorial Fund and 4 other donors.De-Stress With Crafting Club
Funded Nov 21, 2018Since receiving the materials for Crafting Club, I've been able to hold weekly after-school meetings for any student needing time to decompress. I have 4 students who regularly attend and another 9 who come in as their schedule allows, with more students interested but too busy to attend at this time. Painting has been the most requested activity in Crafting Club, and we've been able to experiment with many styles including following a Bob Ross tutorial and painting with balloons, but the most popular by far has been acrylic pouring.
When students enter my room for Crafting Club, they seem to forget about the outside world. Because painting is so messy, they put away their phones and detach from social media until they're finished cleaning up. They talk about issues in school and how their sports teams are doing. Many times, the students who attend club meetings are only acquaintances or complete strangers, yet by the end of the time they're helping each other through "mistakes" (although I argue with them that there are no mistakes in art) and fawning over each other's work.
It has been rewarding to see students of all walks come together for an hour a week to be creative with people they never interact with, and I believe it shows the power art has to create connections between people. Some of the students who come to paint aren't academically strong but often leave with pieces that they are excited to show to their other teachers and their parents. It was exciting to hear one student exclaim, "Finally, I'm good at something!" I have even seen some pieces of art from Crafting Club hanging in other classrooms!
Some of the members of Crafting Club have talked about trying to sell their art as a way to raise money to further support the club, but also to help others in our community. As we continue creating unique pieces, I would like to see these students show off their skills to a wider audience, so a craft show may be in our future.
Thank you again for helping me get this project off the ground and especially for giving these students a place to be creative and successful.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ford