Past projects 37
From Vision to Execution in our STEAM MAKERSPACE
Funded Dec 4, 2024I'm amazed - In just two short days, you brought this project to life! Talk about vision to execution! My students will be thrilled to know they can get to work right away improving our classroom Makerspace.
Truly there is no better feeling that having what we need to make great things happen in the classroom, and the truth is, I couldn't do it without you. In this season of giving thanks, thank you for believing in me and in my students.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
This classroom project was brought to life by Con Edison and 5 other donors.Growing School, Growing Technology Needs
Funded Dec 23, 2023I know this note is long overdue, as it has been a few months since this project was funded. Nevertheless, it seems an appropriate time to express my gratitude for your support, this being the eve of thanksgiving.
The computers you donated have made a tremendous impact, perhaps more than I even imagined. As our school has grown, the need for devices has increased with each year of incoming students. What's more, may students do not have devices at home to complete their schoolwork. These devices not only have benefitted many students in the classroom, they have also helped us to build a device loaner program to ensure that students have a device to complete computer-based assignments from home.
As you enjoy a bite of turkey or mashed potatoes or green-bean casserole tomorrow evening, know that I am thankful for the support you have given to my classroom, my students, and my school. We appreciate you!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
A Strong Start for the STEAM Lab
Funded Aug 26, 2024I created this project to ensure that our classroom was well equipped for the new year. Basic supplies like tape, staplers and a paper cutter may seem just that, basic, but they make it possible to make the really important things happen, like displaying exemplary student work and allowing students to complete creative projects. It's not glamorous, but it keeps the learning alive from day to day.
Thus far this year, the materials you donated have made it possible to showcase our first big project of the year - a student designed RC boat project, hang student work in the classroom, and develop anchor charts to support students in developing proficiency in challenging math skills.
All this is to say, on the eve of the eve Thanksgiving, THANK YOU!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 6 other donors.3D Printing Our Way to a Brighter Future
Funded Apr 23, 2024Eleven years in the classroom has taught me that the most valuable and transformative projects are those that are conceived and implemented by our students themselves. I've put a fair few projects on donors choose, but I am proud to say that this one was fully driven by one student's mission to make 3D printing a bigger part of our school. I can happily report that as a result of your support this student's goal was not only met, but exceeded.
The 3D printers and filament allowed this intrepid student to start their own after school program where a dozen or so students met weekly to develop their own 3D models. They were also instrumental in completing several STEAM projects during class time, including components of fully functional model wind turbines. Next year, we hope to take our use of these high-tech machines to the next level as we stage our 2nd annual remote control boat building contest.
As always, I am deeply thankful for the support you've given me, my students, and my classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and 5 other donors.Food for Thought!
Funded Dec 22, 2021This thank you note is long, long overdue. Still, in my mind, it's never too late to express gratitude, and I'd like to share some updates on the far reaching effects this project had on my classroom. Long story short, since you all funded this small hydroponic setup, growing edible plants with my students has become a major part of my teaching. Shortly after this project was funded and I set up the system in my classroom, I made a leap of faith changing schools. In my new classroom at my new school, I've been given an opportunity to take my hydroponics work with students to the next level; Our school received a grant from NY Sunworks to transform a classroom into a full scale hydroponics lab space.
This aerogarden system now stand proudly as the herb garden in our new, state of the art, hydroponics classroom. It has produced countless peppers, thai basil leaves, and helped to grow a love for growing healthy food among my students.
While I wish I thanked you sooner, I'll take this as an opportunity to share that the impact of your support with projects likes these can have an impact that spans over many years. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
This classroom project was brought to life by Con Edison and 9 other donors.Advocating for Environmental Justice with PurpleAir
Funded Jun 8, 2023Record smashing air pollution in New York City the past two days as a result of Canada’s wildfires brings into focus the importance of monitoring our air quality, especially in communities that already bear the greatest burdens of environmental hazards, including air pollution.
Thank you for believing in my students to lead the charge in bringing the issues to light and to advocate for healthier places to live, work and go to school.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
This classroom project was brought to life by Neukom Family Foundation and 9 other donors.Wildlife Watching at the Water's Edge
Funded Nov 30, 2022It's here! Spring migration, that is, and that means weekly trips into the field, which promise to be full of excitement, thanks to your support.
While we've already taken our binoculars and spotting scope out several times, the coming weeks promise numerous opportunities to identify and observe the vast diversity of species that use our city as a stop on their migratory journey each year.
I can't thank you enough for making it possible for my students to form a deeper sense of curiosity and connection to the natural world around them. It's one of the big reasons I became, and remain, an educator. Thank you, as always, for believing in me and for giving the great gift of learning to our young people.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 7 other donors.Middle School Birding in Brooklyn!
Funded Sep 17, 2021It seems all too appropriate to write this letter of appreciation on this day in April, as the the arrival of countless migratory species to New York City, a key stop on the Atlantic Flyway, is really ramping up.
In the beginning months of the school year, our after school program took flight (see what I did there?) because of your generous donations. We made several field visits to our local birding site, the historic Green-Wood Cemetery, and started off a new generation of fledgling birders and conservation enthusiasts.
Throughout the winter, we've been building bird feeders and houses using the knowledge gained from the resources you provided.
In the coming weeks, we'll be setting out to find and identify new species and simply develop a deeper connection with the natural world that thrives in our big city. I'm incredibly grateful to work in this capacity with students, as I believe that developing a connection to nature and sense of stewardship early on in life is essentially valuable. I can say with confidence that these donations are appreciated not just by me but by my students.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
Make Our Classroom a Well-Oiled Machine!
Funded Jan 24, 2020Thank you SO much for the supplies! I can't believe our project came to completion in just two short days. You're donations will make our classroom a more organized, more harmonious, and more effective learning environment. There's really no other way to say it: I feel like I wouldn't be able to do this without your support, at least not as well. You help me to do right by my students and give them the education they deserve. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
In the STEM Classroom, Cleanup is a MUST!
Funded May 13, 2019These cleaning materials have made it possible to keep our classroom going, enabling us to finish last year strong (and tidy) and getting us through to this school year's winter break.
While it might not seem like much, simple supplies to keep the classroom clean and organized are essential, and often not provided by our schools. Our custodial staff does their best to keep up with 1500 students, but our classrooms and hallways are simply at maximum capacity.
At the end of the day, my classroom relies on your generosity to function at the highest level; I'm fortunate we both agree my students deserve the best. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Zimmermann
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 4 other donors.