Past projects 9
Delicious Smoothies for a Healthy School
Funded Dec 3, 2024My students are enjoying making smoothies and selling them after school. It is teaching them how to wash, cut and mix ingredients to make a delicious product. It teaches them how a business is run. It is still early, but in time, they will become efficient and more independent.
The students were a little nervous at first, when they saw everything, but with adult supervision and guidance it will get better. The next step is to continue with the smoothie business and then expand on it. Possibly more to shakes in the future. It will be simple switching into smoothies, since we are already set up. I have uploaded pictures for everyone to see.
We are so appreciative of all the donations and hope to add on to this current project. We use this business for their Unique Skills class in the hopes that they will all understand what it takes to run a small business. The experience is wonderful, and they enjoy the process.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 7 other donors.Organize Our Lives Supplies
Funded Jul 12, 2021The binders and dividers did the trick! Every student has a binder for data collection, morning work and their IEP goals. We used the dividers to separate each goal as seen in the photos forthcoming. My students love their binders and feel more organized with their work. They each have a nice cover with their names and the school year.
I would need to continue with this project every year, because we get new students who also need binders as well in order to organize their lives. I have one particular student who is able to set out everyone's binders each morning. He loves his new job!
Again, thank you so much for caring and donating to help my students literally organize their lives in the classroom. It's people like you that truly make a difference in the world.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 3 other donors.A little Bit of Everything for Students with Autism
Funded Jun 14, 2021The Teacher Pay Teacher gift cards have been used to obtain materials to back up the topics from the pacing guides for students on a Modified Curriculum. My students are mostly low functioning, and the books provided are too high for them. I have been able to utilize ALL of the materials I have found using the TPT cards you have given us.
With the TPT cards I can search for almost anything I am teaching, put in the levels of my students and find materials that better match their ability. These are the most beneficial for my students.
We are still awaiting for the 4 medium lab coats from this project. At the present, I do not have enough for all of my students. I am waiting to get an answer as to when we will be receiving them. They will be used on a weekly basis for our science experiments. I can't wait. The lab coats we have received so far are very nice and will be used often.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 2 other donors.Headphones for World Connection
Funded May 24, 2020My students are able to use their headphones for assessments and instruction. It keeps the noise out and they can focus better while they are working. I shared with other classes as well and they LOVE them!!! Thank you so much for this gift you provided for our students. They use the headphones on a daily basis throughout the day.
They are also able to take them home during the Pandemic, because they don't have any at home. I am looking forward to using them again next school year with our incoming 6th graders. The most exciting part of the headphones is that they each have their own pair and they don't have to rely on anyone else.
ALL of my students absolutely love their headphones and take care of them to the best of their ability. It has taught them responsibility, it has helped with their learning both at home and at school.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler
Project AUTISM Communicator
Funded Mar 27, 2018Technology is being used for reading comprehension, math and vocabulary skills. In addition, my higher functioning students use technology for research. The new technology is useful for my students to be able to print out their work. They are also able to access the resources that we use on a daily basis for students on a modified curriculum
My students who are non-verbal are able to better access their curriculum with the touch screen lap top. We are having the Speech and Language teacher put the communication apps in the lap top for use in the classroom with my students who are unable to communicate verbally. The lap top is the class favorite.
We are in need of a class set, therefore, we will be writing additional grants in order to obtain one lap top for each student. Their are a variety of resources used for students such as I-Ready, Starfall, Coolmath, Myon and Unique Learning. The students are able to follow the stories in the lap top as it is being shown on the Smart board. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you do for our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple.Peace of Mind through Physical Engagement Part Two
Funded Mar 27, 2018Our Peace of Mind Gym is slowly coming together thanks to you. My students really enjoy working out on the machines. It helps to calm and make them feel better. We are still in need of a class set of machines. We have been lucky thus far to obtain 4, however, each class has 8 students.
Our goal is to work on weight control and shaping behaviors. We will see more of an impact as we receive additional machines. The students are rotating at this moment. The look on their faces is priceless. It really makes them happy.
There are some students that prefer the treadmill, and others that like the bikes. We are aiming for more treadmills and some elliptical machines as well. Thanks to you and Donorschoose.org, our dream for a gym is coming true.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple.Peace of Mind through Physical Engagement
Funded Oct 23, 2017The equipment that you gave us is being used to manage behaviors and at the same time work on fitness. We only have two pieces of equipment, but that is a start. They were very happy to see the equipment set up. My next step is to submit another grant, so that we could build up the room to where there are enough pieces of equipment for all the students. The way our routine works is during their Physical Education block, we take the kids to the room to either get on the machines on a set time or dance using the GO Noodle program on-line. Again, we only have the two pieces of equipment, so we need to build the program.
In addition, working with non-verbal ASD students you run into a great deal of behaviors that impede their learning. We have used the equipment as a method of calming the student, so they are able to come back to the classroom and resume with their schedule.
Again, thank you so much for your generous contribution.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot!
Funded Feb 28, 2017The items that you donated to my students help them with gross motor skills and at the same time, make them very happy. They use the items every week during physical education class. I can't tell you how much this means to all of us. They especially love the drumming buckets. We play music as they hit the balls with their drumsticks to the sound of the beat. I would love to see them improve with their gross motors skills with further practice using these materials.
They had smiles on their faces when they began to drum on the ball. It is a very stimulating activity to all of them.
Thank you again so much for your donation.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler
The Sky's the Limits Through Sensory!!
Funded Nov 28, 2016I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to my students. The listening station for my new student who is blind, mute and has Autism has already made a difference. I am sending you pictures of her on her new ball while listening to the music we programed for her. Her behaviors are improving already, because she is engaged in something she loves. In addition, the sensory beads are being used for another student, a male who is in major need of a sensory diet. He loves the gel beads. It calms him when he is upset or agitated. Sending you a picture of him as well.
All of the other equipment is being used for different students depending on their individual needs. I recently submitted another project, because we only were able to get the sensory swing, but we did not have a frame. The project is called Swing Low, Sweet Chariot!!! This would complete what is the beginning of our attempt to set up a sensory room for all of our students in great need. Working with children on the spectrum is both fulfilling and challenging. Without the right tools, it is very difficult to reach the needs of this diverse
population. Your donations are helping us reach our goal one step at a time.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dressler