Past projects 16
Paper And Ink Helps Us Show What We Think!
Funded Aug 11, 2017It must seem silly for me to say that paper and printer ink have changed the way my students engage with their work, but believe me, this is not an exaggeration. I cannot begin to tell you how much my students and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in helping to bring technology into the classroom.
Once my students realized that our printer was "Open for Business," there was a palpable enthusiasm in the room regarding their writing and their projects. Now, many of my students want to do their writing because they can use a laptop and can edit and print their work immediately.
I hope you realize that your kindness has had a lasting impact on my 8th grade students, and on our school community.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Wiley
Improving Our Reading Skills With the New York Times!
Funded Nov 19, 2016The inclusion of the New York Times student magazine has had an incredible impact on my students. Many of these students don't follow current events, and feel that anything related to the news is "boring." I am pleased to let you know that the magazines you donated have certainly changed the minds of these young citizens.
These magazines have proved to be invaluable as the students followed major news stories from around the world--especially the presidential election. In addition, it had been incredible to see these students read articles events that are happening back home in their countries of birth. They are able to offer such meaningful insight.
Thank you so much for your kind contributions.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Wiley
Put Down the Smartphone and Pick Up a Book
Funded Nov 17, 2016Your generosity has greatly impacted my classroom this year. As I mentioned in the project description, many of these students really have no experience with owning their own books. Because of your kindness, I have been able to bring some current, engaging and memorable books into my classroom.
Many of the students have been sharing the books among their friends and some are so excited that they anxiously await for their friends to finish the book so they can get started reading it!
The most memorable aspect of this work is to see how the faces of these young people light up once they get a new book in their hand.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Wiley
Becoming Inspired by "Unbroken"
Funded Oct 22, 2015I can't thank you enough for purchasing "Unbroken" books for my classroom. This was a challenging read for many students, but they all rose to the occasion and were thoroughly engaged with the book. It is so hard to find a book with which eighth grade boys will engage in a meaningful way. I was so shocked and happily surprised to see how boys, in particular, enjoyed this book.
I know that this book will remain with these students for a very long time. Please know that because of your generosity, these students engaged in awesome debates and conversations, and explored a vital story of an American hero.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Wiley
Getting Creative with Romeo and Juliet
Funded Jul 1, 2015I can't tell you how much your generosity has impacted my students and my classroom. As I mentioned in my original project request, many of my students do not have the basic supplies needed to execute their wonderful ideas. So while paper and markers might not seem like a particularly unique and interesting request, my students couldn't have been more thrilled to receive them.
When I opened the HUGE box of markers, many of my 8th graders squealed with excitement. I am not sure if you all realize this, but kids love to use markers!! Even 8th graders, who are always trying to be "cool," can't wait to take one of every color back to their table.
In addition, many of my special needs students find color coding their texts and work really helpful; having these markers at their constant disposal means that they are able to consistently practice their annotating skills, which can ultimately make them better readers.
Once again, thank you so much for your kind donation. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and I know my students are grateful for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Wiley
Books that Can Change a Life!
Funded Dec 2, 2014There really is no way to describe the impact that these books have had on my students, other than to say that your generosity put real books into the hands of real readers. For some, these may have been the first brand-new books they have ever owned. For others, these books have opened doors into the world of challenging and meaningful literature. I can assure you that all of my students have benefited from this gift and have had incredible experiences and conversations regarding the themes, characters and conflicts so magnificently represented in the books.
I am so impressed with much of the tangible work that has come from this unit of study. While reading TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, for example, we looked at how characters "take a stand" (or stand up) for what they believe. As a teacher, I was expecting my students to ultimately realize how Atticus stands up for Tom and stands against racism. But, when I put my students to the task of finding as many examples as possible, they so surprised me with their analysis--they ended up interpreting much of the material in ways I had not expected. That, as many of us know, is the beauty of being a teacher--to be taught be one's own students.
I believe that these novels will resonate with these students for years to come, and it is my absolute hope that, because the works were challenging, that these readers will now know that they are able to persevere through challenging texts and situations. I am so touched and grateful for your gift, and I want you to know that your generosity has quite possibly inspired a plethora of new readers.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Wiley
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia and 12 other donors.Paper and Ink Needed in Brooklyn!
Funded Nov 22, 2014I am so incredibly grateful for your generosity and kindness in providing my 8th grade students with ink and paper for our classroom printers. While at first glance this project might not seem like the most exciting project, its impact has been incredible. Many of my students do not have the ability to print their work at home, and they become incredibly frustrated because their families either do not own printers or cannot afford the ink and paper necessary to print out their work. Thanks to your generosity, my students can now simply print their work in my classroom without any sense of stress or anxiety. We have plenty of paper and there is always ink available in my printer.
My students also love using the classroom computers, and we have currently been analyzing Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. The students are creating projects in which they dig deep into the speech, and find its major themes and allusions to other works or historic events. In doing so, the students are looking for images online that help clarify the major themes and ideas in the speech. They are creating posters and PowerPoints to share their work with other students and other classes. Being able to print their posters and images has been incredible motivation for my students.
My students have continually voiced their appreciation for the materials we have received through Donors Choose. They recognize that the ink and paper that you have donated has really had an impact on the immediacy and creativity of their work.
I am also so thankful--for to see my students working in teams to design and print their projects makes me realize their incredible potential. Furthermore, it helps me to see how an act of kindness by generous strangers can impact a classroom in a meaningful way.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Wiley