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Mr. Rael's Classroom Edit display name

  • Ridge Lawn Elementary School
  • Chicago Ridge, IL
  • More than three‑quarters 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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My students are mostly made up of lower income families. We are an open section 8 community, and there is a lot of gang, drug, and violent activity throughout the neighborhood. I know that there are good people in our community who are just trying to get past a mistake here and there, but the kids have to grow up fast. Often times I find myself having to address more of the community issues rather than the academic issues. My students, however, are resilient. They are just trying to learn as much as they can and do the best job they can in a crazy environment. Unfortunately, they do have to go without, because there is just no revenue or tax dollars in our district. We are always having to cut back on costs, which usually means supplies.

About my class

My students are mostly made up of lower income families. We are an open section 8 community, and there is a lot of gang, drug, and violent activity throughout the neighborhood. I know that there are good people in our community who are just trying to get past a mistake here and there, but the kids have to grow up fast. Often times I find myself having to address more of the community issues rather than the academic issues. My students, however, are resilient. They are just trying to learn as much as they can and do the best job they can in a crazy environment. Unfortunately, they do have to go without, because there is just no revenue or tax dollars in our district. We are always having to cut back on costs, which usually means supplies.

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About my class

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