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Ms. Cilento's Classroom

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Past projects 24

  • Double the FUN!

    Funded Dec 11, 2024

    Thank you so very much for your generous donation to our class. By adding the dividers to our gross motor space, the students now have more structure and are able to process the smaller space more effectively.

    When my students entered the gymnasium, their jaws dropped as it completely changed the dynamics. With the gross motor area being divided, we are able to share the space with other classes at the same time allowing all students in our building to have more access and time to practice gross motor skills such as jumping, running, and more.

    The dividers had a positive impact on my special ed students because the prior space was too big and overwhelming for them to process. By limiting the space, they feel more secure and aren't as overstimulated by the larger area.

    Thank you for thinking of us and for your kindness in choosing to support my students.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

  • Let it Show!

    Funded Aug 6, 2024

    Words cannot express how grateful I am for your generous donation for my bulletin board. The bulletin board highlights our "Green Team" movement in our school and displays students work revolving the movement. Even though my students are young, my goal is to teach them how to conserve energy and make better choices to keep our Earth and environment healthy and happy.

    When my students saw their recycled self portraits on the board, they clapped their hands in excitement and pride in the work they created. This meant the world to me. When my students see and take ownership for their hard work, I know I am being successful in my teachings. Thank you.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

    This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex and 2 other donors.
  • Sensing Our Feels!

    Funded May 8, 2024

    Thank you for your very generous donation to help my students. The sensory items that you purchased for my classroom have made a tremedous impact on my students.

    We use the trampoline to help students when they are getting overstimulated. When they need a brain break, they utilize the trampoline as an outlet to receive the sensory input they are seeking.

    The body sock has been a big hit! At first, students were apprehensive about using it. Once they realized the benefit, it became a regular item they seek to use for their benefit.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

    This classroom project was brought to life by Valhalla Foundation.
  • Looking Good!

    Funded Oct 26, 2023

    Thank you very much for your generous donation for our school. The beautiful decorations and wall art help brighten up our school building.

    The students absolutely love seeing the wall decals on the walls. As they walk by, especially the crayon decals, the look and point and recite the colors. Teachers also use it as a teaching point when they pass it in the hallway.

    The beautiful backdrops helped bring our holiday season to life. Our gym walls went from padded blue to colorful and cheery. Thank you for your generous donation.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation and 4 other donors.
  • Sensory Table Fun!

    Funded Aug 18, 2023

    My students love the new purchases you donated for our class. They absolutely love the kinetic sand. It is very soothing and relaxing for them. They find it very therapeutic and is helping address their sensory needs.

    The other items such as the shells and water beads provide the students with different sensory input. It is building up their tolerance to different textures while exploring different content related to our curriculum.

    When the students were presented with the kinetic sand, they loved it! They are always seeking to use the different materials. Thank you for your generous donation.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

  • Magnadoodles for Guided Writing

    Funded Apr 6, 2023

    These magna doodles are a hit! During our guided writing time, I introduced the magna doodle and showed them how to use it. They were all eager to try it and were begging for a turn. When I took out all of them, their jaws dropped. When they realized they would all be getting their OWN magna doodle to use, the biggest smile appeared on their face.

    My students are at an important time in their development and fine motor skills need to be honed. The magna doodles are a fun, engaging way for them to practice their early writing skills and name writing practice. I am very grateful for your generous donation in helping my students.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

    This classroom project was brought to life by LOFT.
  • Feeling Our Way through Learning!

    Funded Mar 30, 2023

    Reading is an essential part to a successful education. My students are at an important time in their development and I want to foster a love of reading with them. Transitioning is usually very difficult for my students so I use the books during transition times. While they wait for their friends to finish cleaning and join meeting, they take a book and browse through the pages. Avoiding idle time at all costs is key to preventing undesired behaviors.

    These books are engaging and also provide sensory input for students who need it. These books are interactive, desirable, and fun for my students as they are introduced to pre-reading skills. I am truly grateful for your generous donation in helping my students!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

    This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.
  • Help Keep Us Warm & Hydrated!

    Funded Dec 7, 2022

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation to my classroom. The materials came at a great time! Just as the weather began getting colder, we received the blankets and crib sheet for their mats. Students who were sleeping on a cold mat without a blanket were now provided with warm, comfy materials to keep them warm.

    My students also loved the requested cups. During snack and meal times, they were able to fill their cup up with water and drink it without making a mess.

    Thank you again for your kindness and curiosity.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

  • Fuel Our Minds and Tummies!

    Funded Oct 3, 2022

    There aren't enough words to express how grateful I am that you chose to donate to my classroom and students. The snacks were a wonderful resource for my students to enjoy. During snack time, when my students do not have anything, I give them one from your donation and a smile lights up their face. They munch on the snack right away and it helps curb their appetite. I allow the students to choose which snack they prefer which gets them excited also. It is like a vending machine for them. Thank you again very much.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and 3 other donors.
  • Get Your Body Moving!

    Funded Sep 29, 2022

    Wow! I was completely blown away by your support and generosity in helping my students. They absolutely loved the addition of the caterpillar to our gymnasium. The students love crawling in it and peeking their heads out of the little windows. The caterpillar also provides them a chance to climb in a safe way. The caterpillar is very colorful and engaging for my students and is helping them strengthen their physical skills. We are still waiting for the little climber to be delivered but I am sure that my students will love that just as much! Thank you for your kind donation.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Cilento

    This classroom project was brought to life by Valhalla Foundation and 2 other donors.
My name is Maria Cilento. I am a fifth grade special education teacher at P.S. 18 in Staten Island, NY. P.S. 18 is located in a low income area which is very diverse. Many of the students are English Language Learners. Many of the students live in public housing which is located across the street from the school building. A high percentage of our students come from impoverished families. We also have students who live in homeless shelters. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, it is very difficult to receive supplies and support from student's families. My goal is to assist my students in moving forward and establish a love for learning. Any help would be greatly appreciated by the students. Thank you in advance.

About my class

My name is Maria Cilento. I am a fifth grade special education teacher at P.S. 18 in Staten Island, NY. P.S. 18 is located in a low income area which is very diverse. Many of the students are English Language Learners. Many of the students live in public housing which is located across the street from the school building. A high percentage of our students come from impoverished families. We also have students who live in homeless shelters. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, it is very difficult to receive supplies and support from student's families. My goal is to assist my students in moving forward and establish a love for learning. Any help would be greatly appreciated by the students. Thank you in advance.

About my class

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