Past projects 283
Calm Corner Inspired by Nature
Funded May 2, 2023This project, didn't turn out as I had intended, and for that, I greatly apologize. I was excited to switch to a new room that had windows at the ground level. My previous classroom had windows close to the ceiling. In that room, we could see the sunlight but not look out the windows as they were too high. Unfortunately, when I moved to my new room, I saw that the windows were lightly frosted and you can't really see out of them. I decided it was best to give the birding supplies to our Family and Consumer Science teacher. She plans to use the bird seed to make hanging feeders with her class and the bird houses/feeders will be used by the garden she planted.
As you can see in the photos, I was able to use the remaining supplies. The TeachersPayTeachers gift card allowed me to download and print calming materials for students. Those items have been placed in two areas, the pegboard in the back and the corner space with the stool. Students can access the materials whenever they need them. The laminating sheets, cardstock, and binders were also used to create calming items for students.
Donors, please know that I take your support seriously and I apologize for not noticing the windows prior to writing the project. I tried to make sure all of the materials were used, even if not originally as intended. Donors, I appreciate all that you do for my students and the calming materials have been a great addition to my classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and one other donor.We Care About Our Air
Funded May 6, 2023Thank you so much for supporting our project. The cleaning supplies helped me to get my new classroom ready for the year. I love that the new room has pegboard on one wall. I was able to hang the duster, broom, and dustpan so they are easily accessible. I placed the Dustbuster in the closet closest to the pegboard and the outlet below.
The plants add a tremendous amount of comfort to the room. In my previous room, students and staff would often mention how light and bright things felt in the room. I was worried about creating a similar atmosphere in my new space. The plants (and a whole wall of windows!) really make the space feel welcoming.
The health and wellbeing of the students in my room is incredibly important. The cleaning supplies allow me to clean after each day to make sure that dust and germs do not accumulate. Of course, our wonderful custodians do most of the work, but if I dust and wipe things down, it allows them to focus on deeper cleanings. The plants help to clean the air and make the room feel nice. I often open the windows to keep the air flowing in the room. This also helps to eliminate some of the viruses that may be present.
Donors, you are the best! Thank you for all that you do!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and 3 other donors.Improving My Teaching Through a Social Lens
Funded May 15, 2023Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow this summer. I read three of the books completely and I am part of the way through a fourth. Braiding Sweetgrass was an easy read and filled with so much wisdom. It definitely made me think about my level of consumption and the impact that it has on the planet (any myself). The Second by Carol Anderson was so good, but I had to put it down a few times. The past few years have been very difficult in our school community as we have lost several students recently to gun violence. I finished the book and learned so much. The background and insights were helpful and make me feel less helpless to create change. Rise for Racial Justice mentioned bravery and accountability often. The difficult conversations are uncomfortable but necessary. I want to work on creating a safe space for my students but making sure that we don't mistake safe for comfortable.
I truly appreciate you supporting me on my teaching journey. I want to be accountable to my students, their families, and our community. I want to know how best to handle tough subjects and these books have helped. I know learning is a process and there is still much for me to do, but these books have certainly helped me on my journey.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
This classroom project was brought to life by Neukom Family Foundation and 2 other donors.Don't Erase Student Voice
Funded Aug 15, 2023Thank you so much for supporting our project to honor student voice. Our school has accomplished a lot over the past few years and so much of it has been due to listening and learning from our students. Our students have amazing ideas and with the support of donors, we have been able to implement several positive changes.
The dry erase paint will allow me to transform the tables in my classroom so that students can always write down their ideas. The colored pencils and journal pens will help inspire students to be creative. Thank you again and again for helping our class. We truly appreciate it.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
This classroom project was brought to life by VanTrust Real Estate and one other donor.Breakfast for Breaks
Funded Apr 1, 2023Thank you so much for supporting our project for summer food packs. Our wonderful parent consultants organized a family appreciation night before the end of the school year. We were able to give families a bag of food to help with summer breakfasts and lunches. Your donation made it possible for families to have extra food to supplement their summer meals.
The pictures feature my second period college and career readiness class as we prepared the bags. The students did a great job organizing a system and efficiently filling the bags. I love that this project helped families with food and it allowed my students to complete an act of service.
Donors, I appreciate you more than I could ever put into words. Year after year, project after project, you continue to support my students. It makes it infinitely easier for me to teach and for my students to have access to needed resources. As always, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
Summer Food Packs
Funded May 6, 2023Thank you for supporting our project to give food packs to our families. Our fabulous parent consultants organized a family appreciation night where we distributed most of the bags. We set a few bags aside for families that may need them but we're unable to attend the event. In the photos, you see students from my second period college and career readiness class putting the bags together. Students organized the whole procedure. It was interesting watching the innovative ways they problem solved in order to complete the task efficiently. Families were very appreciative, they especially loved the family sized boxes of cereal.
Donors, you're the best. I truly appreciate all that you do. As always, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
Individually Curated Resources for Musicians
Funded Jan 12, 2023I loved creating these books for my students. I was able to very specifically meet the needs of my students. We worked on scales, rhythms, sight reading, note reading, and more. The colored tabs you see at the top of the books help to divide each section. This helped students to know exactly which sections we were working on each day it and it helped students to find the sections easily. This year, my group of students are some of the best sight readers I've ever had. I'm quite certain that it is because we were able to practice sight reading small sections every day.
My students loved the personalized covers and I could tell it made them feel special. Any time we can make students feel valued, it is worth the effort. One student remarked that their book had their real name listed and how it made them feel when they saw it in writing.
Donors, you are the best! I truly appreciate all that you do. My students have had a much better classroom experience thanks to you. As always, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
Holiday Happenings--Art Supplies
Funded Nov 30, 2022Thank you for supporting our project to bring art supplies to our school holiday store. Many of our students are artists and the art supplies are always a big hit in our store. These art supplies also gave students something to do over the winter break. When we came back from break, several students proudly shared pictures that they created. I always love to see the ways that are students choose to be creative.
Donors, thank you once again for all that you do for my students. Your support has given students the opportunity to not only be creative, but to also share their voices and their gifts. Thank you for encouraging our students and giving them a therapeutic outlet. As always, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 2 other donors.Holiday Happenings--We've Got the Beat
Funded Nov 29, 2022Thank you so much for contributing to our holiday store. The speakers were a huge hit with our students. Speakers are often the first items selected because students can enjoy them by themselves or with family and/or friends. Music is also a calming influence for many of our students.
Our students truly enjoy earning points and shopping at the holiday store. It gives them a sense of pride to earn items for themselves or to give them as gifts. It's important to our staff to make sure every student earns points and every student is able to shop for a gift.
Donors, once again you have made the day to day lives of my students more enjoyable. Thank you for providing them with some joy throughout their days. You are the best!
As always, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 3 other donors.Holiday Happenings Three
Funded Dec 17, 2022Due to a untimely snowstorm, not all of our games arrived before the holiday season. We were able to use some items in our school holiday store. The other items we will save for next year's store or for our family nights. I apologize for not implementing the project as it was fully intended, but rest assured, the items will be used for next year. It is nice to know we already have a head start on collecting items for next year.
Donors, you have done so much for our students. I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do. Please know that you are appreciated! As always, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Batdorf
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 8 other donors.