Ms. DiScala's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 14

• "Color Your Calm: Sanitizing Serenity with Pages and Products"

  Funded Jan 10, 2025

  Thank you for funding this project! I service a population of ENL students who have stories and experiences that most adults would have trouble dealing with. Providing ways to calm them and help them stay sanitary, to prevent any anxiety over illness, will open their minds to what is in front of them. These items will provide a comfortable space for them.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

• Crunching the Language Barrier: Snack and Learn English Bites!

  Funded Jan 18, 2024

  Thank you for donating to my project. My middle schoolers were so excited when they saw me walking in with so many boxes! When they saw the variety of snacks that was available for them to choose from, they were smiling from ear to ear. During our after school program, the students need to stay motivated and energized to focus on their learning.

  All the students in this program are English Language Learners. When my co-teacher and I tell them when snack time is, they hold themselves accountable to complete all their tasks. To be able to reward my students with snacks makes them happy. They want to continue to attend and participate in our program. Thank you again for contributing to make their motivation come to life.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

  This classroom project was brought to life by Someone who cares about New York City and 3 other donors.

• Motivational Mindful Olympics for ELLs!

  Funded Apr 15, 2023

  Thank you for your generous donation to my classroom! My students were so excited when I walked into the room with a big carton! My students improved their English by using active participation in strategic games in a competitive tournament style, in conjunction with the lessons. Learning vocabulary while using their bodies helped them to comprehend and remember the words in context for successful use both in and out of school! The stress balls rewarded the winners of the strategic games because they need these items to stay safe and mentally healthy.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

• The Rhythm of Language Through Books!

  Funded Mar 31, 2023

  Using the books received in this project allowed my students to learn English while reading. They practiced reading for fluency and comprehension. The Weird But True books were a great source of interest for my male students. There are pictures with information. It makes reading a less daunting tasks for those who are reluctant.

  The poetry books allowed students to practice enunciation with pronunciation. The rhythm of poetry was a great way for students to practice in small chunks of text. The images with the poems allowed students to laugh when they learned some of the figurative language.

  "Chrysanthemum" is a book about self-confidence and dealing with a situation where students made fun of the main character. She learned to grow her confidence based on family and school support. It demonstrated a life lesson everyone can use!

  These are the kinds of books and lessons that students remember!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.

• Multiple Language Learners need MacBook for STEM Learning!

  Funded Feb 17, 2023

  Thank you for donating to my STEM learning project. My students have grown accustomed to using technology to help them learn. Using this MacBook provides them access to digital programs. These programs proved multiple ways for my newcomer ELLs to learn English. They will use it to record their voices during conversations, presentations and podcasts.

  They can use it to create projects that require research and presentations. Programs such as FLIP (formerly FilpGrid), ELLII (formerly ESL library) and Google's Applied Digital Skills activities provide students access to technology, language and creativity at the same time.

  Students gain knowledge by doing when they do not have the language to explain. When they have something to connect it to, then they learn to explain.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 7 other donors.

• I Hear You and I Want to Say...

  Funded Sep 29, 2022

  Thank you again for your generous donation to my ENL classroom. They headphones were very well received when I told my students we would be recording! Using the headphones allows them to hear themselves and revise whatever they want to before presenting to the class. They were scared the first time but are becoming more confident in their abilities to communicate verbally. They are learning vocabulary with pronunciation, intonation and fluency. Once they get passed the awkward phase, they gain confidence and ability. I have seen more participation from students who can use the headphones for audio books as well. I have one student in particular who is from another culture and is multilingual. She is really starting to come out of her English shell with the use of this technology you have funded.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Classroom Supporter.

• Organize and Motivate!

  Funded Jan 1, 2023

  My students all come from other countries. Some have had an easy transition to life in America. Others have had harrowing experiences. They have to adjust to a new school very different than anything they have seen. I created this project with them

  In mind, never to have to worry about if they forgot even a pencil. They have enough to think about as middle schoolers!

  When I showed them all the organizational supplies received, they were beyond excited. They helped me unpack the many boxes of material and were telling each other what they were going to use! They willingly helped me to set up each set of supplies!

  Thank you for your generous donations to my project. There is just never enough time in class so having the supplies they need at their fingertips allows for all academic time as opposed searching or worrying about supplies!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 3 other donors.

• Eye Can See the Future-A Time-Line to Vision/Dream Board Project

  Funded Dec 16, 2022

  My students all come from other countries. Some have had an easy transition to life in America. Others have had harrowing ordeals. Middle school students are not blessed with the gift of being able to clearly see what they want for their futures. I wanted them to get the wheels turning in their minds and focus on things they like and what they may want to do in the future!

  One of my favorite parts of an assignment like this is that they all get the same assignment but the interpretations and results are so different!

  When I showed them all the art supplies received, they were beyond excited,

  especially since we don't have a visual arts program in our school. They helped me unpack the many boxes of material and were telling each other what they were going to use!

  Thank you for your generous donations to my project. The experience of thinking about what might be someday allowed for many conversations and cooperation.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 4 other donors.

• If You Start Me Up, I'll Never Stop...Learning.

  Funded Sep 29, 2022

  My students all come from other countries. Some have had an easy transition to life in America. Others have had harrowing ordeals. Middle school students are not blessed with the gift of being able to explain things clearly or without guidance. "I Hear You and I want to Say" is giving them the opportunity to share those stories verbally without having to use written language if they so choose.

  When I showed them all the materials, they were so nervous! After much encouragement, they finally used the microphone to address the class! Once one did it, they all wanted a turn! Using the digital recorder was a new experience for them. They laughed when they heard their own voices recorded! Then, they wanted to sound better so they did the tasks again!

  Thank you for your generous donations to my project. The experience of speaking and recording gave them confidence to improve their English skills. Additionally, they developed relationships of pride and encouragement for others.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. DiScala

  This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex® Brand and 2 other donors.