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Ms. Martino's Classroom

  • Donna Park Elementary School
  • Hurst, TX
  • More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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Cozy and Comfortable Classroom for Creativity and Success

Help me give my students a cozy classroom environment where they can feel safe to learn and grow!
Ms. Martino
Donna Park Elementary School
Hurst, TX
  • 2 donors so far
  • $152 still needed
show projects from all time

Past projects 7

  • Lego SPIKE Sparks Love for Learning

    Funded Dec 2, 2024

    Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a hub of innovation and excitement! The LEGO Education SPIKE Essential kits have quickly become a favorite among my students. From the moment they unboxed the SPIKE kits, their faces lit up with awe and curiosity. It was a joy to watch them dive right in, eager to create, code, and problem-solve together.

    We get to engage in technology and coding each week, and I love watching my students troubleshoot, refine their designs, and celebrate their successes showcased the kind of real-world problem-solving skills that these resources inspire. They are learning not just coding and engineering concepts, but also teamwork and resilience.

    These hands-on experiences have sparked a love for STEM in my classroom, and I can't wait to see how my students will continue to grow and innovate. Thank you for making this possible—you are truly shaping their futures in meaningful ways.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Martino

  • Critical Thinking in the Classroom

    Funded Sep 18, 2024

    Thanks to your generosity, my students now have hands-on technology and STEM tools that are changing how they learn. Here's how the new resources are making a difference:

    The technology is helping my students engage in hands-on activities that boost their critical thinking and STEM skills. Every "Tech Thursday," they get to build, code, and experiment, making learning more fun and interactive.

    The most exciting part for my students is being able to explore and create. They love using the new tools to solve problems. Several students have really connected with the technology. Some students are now even more engaged and motivated by the STEM challenges.

    Your support is inspiring creativity and helping my students build skills for the future. Thank you!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Martino

    This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and one other donor.
  • Cozy and Comfortable = Focused and Fantastic

    Funded Sep 18, 2024

    Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a much more inviting and comfortable space where students can focus on learning. The lamps have made a big difference in softening the bright, harsh overhead lighting. This has helped create a calmer environment, especially for students with sensory sensitivities who benefit from softer lighting. The space now feels more relaxed, which has been key in supporting students' ability to focus during lessons and independent work time.

    The first day the new lights were set up, the students immediately noticed the change. Their reactions were full of excitement and appreciation. Many commented on how much more comfortable the room felt. Since then, we've been using the softer lighting each day, and I've seen students become more relaxed and focused, especially during quieter, independent work.

    Currently, we are working in collaborative groups, and the cozy lighting has allowed students to feel more at ease and engaged as they work together. The lights help create a calming environment that supports their focus and creativity. Moving forward, I know these changes will continue to help my students feel comfortable and confident in the classroom.

    Thank you for helping to transform our space into a more comfortable and focused learning environment. Your contribution has made a lasting impact on our classroom!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Martino

    This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 3 other donors.
  • Metacognition Makes Learning Memorable!

    Funded Oct 11, 2023

    This project, centered around the works of Emily Hollett, has been a transformative force for my gifted elementary students. Through these carefully selected texts, my students will gain invaluable insights into various thinking skills that will undoubtedly shape their academic journeys for years to come. Hollett's books introduce crucial thinking skills such as metacognitive awareness, critical thinking, problem-solving, and divergent thinking. These skills are foundational elements in students' learning experiences, empowering them to approach problems and thinking with a newfound depth and insight.

    We have integrated Hollett's strategies seamlessly into our curriculum, incorporating activities that encourage metacognitive reflection, critical analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. Students are now eager to share their thoughts, engage in rich discussions, and explore diverse perspectives inspired by Hollett's thought-provoking works. Additionally, my more advanced readers have embraced the intellectual challenge presented by Hollett's works, relishing the opportunity to refine their critical thinking skills and delve deeper into intricate narratives. Emily Hollett's books have truly ignited a passion for thinking and learning, leaving an indelible mark on the intellectual growth and development of our students. Through this project, we are shaping not only proficient readers but also independent, reflective thinkers ready to conquer the challenges of the academic world and beyond.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Martino

    This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 4 other donors.
  • Electrifying Minds: Snap Circuits for Gifted Thinkers!

    Funded Sep 18, 2023

    I wanted to take a moment to share some incredible news with you about the "Snap Circuits Kits for Gifted and Talented Students" project, which you so kindly supported. Many of you are really good with technology at home, but you might not know just how amazing it can be in our classroom. These Snap Circuits kits have been a game-changer for my gifted and talented (GT) students. They let the kids actually build circuits and try out all sorts of neat electrical things!

    When they get to put together circuits and see them light up, it's like a light bulb moment - they're learning by doing! This hands-on approach has made learning about electricity super fun. It's like a big puzzle, and they get to work hard to figure it out.

    The most exciting thing for my students is getting to try things out for themselves. They love seeing how it all works and putting their ideas into action. Some of the kids have really taken to this new tech. They're quick learners and dive into their studies with so much excitement.

    Because of your generous support, my GT students have had the chance to explore STEM subjects in a whole new way, especially electrical engineering. These kits have boosted their creativity and teamwork skills. They're not just learning facts - they're becoming little scientists and engineers right before our eyes!

    But it's not just about the circuits - your help has given them confidence. They believe in themselves and their abilities to tackle tough STEM concepts. This confidence will stick with them as they grow and learn.

    I can't thank you enough for making all of this possible. You've opened up a world of opportunities for my amazing GT students. They're on their way to becoming future leaders and innovators, and it's all thanks to you!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Martino

  • Lights, Camera, Action! Unlock Endless Creativity in the GT Classroom

    Funded Aug 23, 2023

    The impact of the Donors Choose project on my gifted and talented (GT) students has been nothing short of remarkable. The new resources, including the green screen, microphones, and tripod, have opened up a world of learning possibilities that have captured their imaginations and enhanced their educational experience.

    One specific classroom project that stands out is when my students used the green screen and microphones to create their own newscasts. They researched events related to the setting in a novel we were reading, scripted their own news stories, and then used the green screen to transport themselves to various settings related to the real-world events and novel-related events they were reporting on. The microphones allowed them to present their news reports confidently and clearly, honing their communication skills. This project not only encouraged them to dive deep into the novel but also helped them develop a profound understanding of media production, storytelling, and presentation techniques.

    When my students first saw the new materials, their reactions were a mix of excitement and curiosity. The green screen, in particular, captured their attention as they immediately began brainstorming all the different places and scenarios they could explore without ever leaving the classroom. Using the microphones and adjusting the tripod gave them a sense of professionalism and empowerment, making them feel like true content creators. Witnessing their enthusiasm and eagerness to start using the equipment showcased how much these resources meant to them and how they were eager to embrace this new way of learning.

    As we move forward, the resources from this project will continue to be integrated into our curriculum, enabling my GT students to delve into subjects in ways that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The ability to produce high-quality multimedia presentations and projects will remain an integral part of their learning journey, equipping them with skills that are increasingly important in the modern world.

    In conclusion, this Donors Choose project has not only provided my gifted and talented students with tangible tools but has also ignited a passion for learning and creation that will stay with them throughout their lives. This generous donation has enabled me to offer extraordinary learning experiences, shaping the futures of these exceptional young minds in ways that wouldn't have been possible without this generosity.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Martino

  • Fueling Brilliance: Empowering Gifted Minds Through Hands-on Stem and Robotics

    Funded May 23, 2023

    The impact of this project on my students has been truly remarkable. With the support and resources provided by generous donors, I've been able to create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment that caters to the unique needs of gifted and talented students. Here's a glimpse of how these donations have made a difference.

    Thanks to these donations, I've been able to introduce a range of hands-on STEM materials into the classroom, including interactive activities and robots. These resources have allowed me to design lessons that promote active exploration, critical thinking, and collaboration. For instance, we recently started a project where students were tasked with building their own simple machines using the hands-on kit we received. Witnessing their excitement as they assembled, experimented, and problem-solved was truly heartwarming.

    When my students first laid eyes on the new materials, their faces lit up with curiosity and enthusiasm. The tangible nature of these resources instantly captured their attention and ignited their desire to learn. They were eager to dive into the STEM challenges and discover new things, and it's been a joy to see their motivation continue to flourish.

    With the introduction of robotics and coding activities, my students have been working together in teams to tackle complex problems and learn the basics of coding. The process of coding and seeing the robots respond to their commands has been both empowering and challenging for them. I've noticed increased collaboration and a growing sense of ownership over their learning journey as they navigate through these exciting challenges.

    This donation has helped me facilitate an environment where gifted and talented students can thrive and explore their potential. Through these engaging STEM experiences, they're not only building valuable skills for their futures but also cultivating a love for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. This generosity has made a lasting impact on my students, and I am incredibly grateful for the support in helping to shape the next generation of innovators and leaders.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Martino

Meet the talented students in my K-6 Gifted classroom! They love to explore, learn, and ask questions. Each day, they come to school excited to discover new things and share their unique talents. With their creativity and passion for learning, they inspire us all. Together, we create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. We celebrate their achievements and encourage them to dream big. Our classroom is filled with love, support, and endless possibilities!

About my class

Meet the talented students in my K-6 Gifted classroom! They love to explore, learn, and ask questions. Each day, they come to school excited to discover new things and share their unique talents. With their creativity and passion for learning, they inspire us all. Together, we create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. We celebrate their achievements and encourage them to dream big. Our classroom is filled with love, support, and endless possibilities!

About my class

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