Past projects 87
Let's Get Organized!
Funded May 2, 2023Thank you for contributing to my project and helping me to create a more organized and safe learning space for my students. Before this project was funded, most of my supplies and materials were stored in cardboard boxes that were stacked along walls. The materials from this project were especially helpful in getting rid of some of those boxes, the clutter, and for storing the snacks and candies for students in safe, convenient locations. This is an ongoing and long-term project, that although not finished, has gotten off to a good start. Thank you for your support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and 3 other donors.2023...I'm Ready!
Funded Dec 30, 2022Thank you for your generosity and for supporting my students. All of the items received have been useful in celebrating and rewarding students as well as in creating positive relationships and a positive learning environment.
The letters were used as decoration for our school's Student of the Month celebration, and added a special touch to improve school spirit. The candies have been used to create treat bags and to reward students for conduct and work completion. The kids especially loved the gumballl machine!
One of the items that I really liked were the affirmation cards and the journal. I am trying to teach students about gratitude, affirmations and positive thinking. I asked them to grab a card with a quote or affirmation that they needed for themselves. Then another day I asked them to pick a card to give to someone else who they thought needed some inspiration and positivity. In this way, I'm hoping to improve their mood, self-esteem and teaching them about how to be kind and pay it forward.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
This classroom project was brought to life by Center for Disaster Philanthropy and 2 other donors.Focus on the Positive
Funded Feb 6, 2023Your contributions made such a positive impact on my students' work ethic, habits, and overall morale. Students at this age want almost immediate gratification and work better when they feel that they will be rewarded with something tangible. Knowing that they could receive treats and prizes motivated them to work harder and attend classes more regularly and on time. The names of students who met certain attendance and/or academic criteria were entered in a wheel of names for an opportunity to win a prize; treat bags with snacks and some included the bonus gift cards. Word started spreading around campus and now more students want to be entered for an opportunity to win. Pictures of the winners were shared with teachers and on social media. Thank you for allowing me to do this.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
I'm On Time And Ready To Learn!
Funded Apr 15, 2023Thank you so much for believing in my project and in my students. Attendance and punctuality is a challenge for the school as a whole. Rather than focusing on students who are not doing the right thing, I decided to reward those who are. I ran reports on students who were on time to classes and entered their names into a wheel of names. I recorded a video spinning the wheel to choose winners and winners were called out of class to receive their prizes. The look on their faces was priceless. The videos were emailed to teachers and they showed it to their classes. Students cheered each other on and asked how THEY could win a prize. The word is spreading, and tardy rates have gone down. Thank you for the support and allowing me to provide fun incentives for our students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
Lucky Us!
Funded Mar 12, 2023Thank you so much for your contributions. The items received were used in multiple ways. We had an attendance and punctuality challenge and the classes that made the most improvement received a class prize, which was a class breakfast. This is what the cereal and granola bars were used for. Another important topic and theme for this year, aside from building a positive school climate, has been to show appreciation and gratitude for each other. I purchased thank you cards and set up a few stations at lunch. Students were encouraged to write Teacher Appreciation cards and in return, they received granola bars, candy, and other treats. These incentives and activities would not have been possible without your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
It's a Win Win Situation
Funded Dec 24, 2022Thank you for contributing to my project and helping me support my students. We did not have earphones in our class; we had 5 and only 2 worked which was a struggle since multiple students needed them. Students were also highly distracted by the use of their cell phones in class. By providing a charging station, students were able to charge their phones and focus on the lessons. Each student was assigned a pocket number for the charging station. Each student was also given their own set of earbuds to use in class. They were very appreciative. All of the items from this project have made a positive impact on my students' motivation and achievement. Thank you for making this happen.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
This classroom project was brought to life by Center for Disaster Philanthropy and 12 other donors.Panther PRIDE Celebrations
Funded Jan 22, 2023Thank you for believing in my vision and in the positive impact it would have on my school and its students. I believe that celebrating students is important and building positive relationships is also important. Creating opportunities where both of these can happen is special and matters to me. Students and staff were impressed with the ambiance at their lunch celebration. The frames were used as centerpieces with positive quotes and images. The table runners added an elegant touch to the tables. These materials will be used for future celebrations and I thank you for allowing this to happen.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
I'll Work For Food!
Funded Sep 20, 2022Thank you so much for supporting my efforts to motivate my students. Many people are not intrinsically motivated but will put forth more effort if they know they will receive a reward; that is the case for my students. My students love food! Using food as an incentive was effective in that they began to work harder and attend tutorials and study sessions to raise their grades. On the week of their final exams, I used some of the gift cards to buy them food to make sure that they were well fed and could focus on passing their exams and their classes. They were very appreciative and grateful for the food. Thank you for helping ME help motivate my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 5 other donors.That's a Wrap!
Funded Nov 29, 2022Thank you for the opportunity to have my students experience such a fun game for the holidays. Neither my students, nor I, had ever played this game so it was a fun learning experience for us all. The balls were filled with candies and snacks but also with some useful items such as cell phone chargers, socks, deodorant, hand sanitizers, lotions, toothbrushes, fidget toys, and even gift cards. It was nice to hear students saying "oh, I've been needing this" and to know that now they have something they've been needing or wanting. What surprised me was their interactions and the kindness they showed one another. Some students did not unwrap as much as others, and those that got a lot, were willing to share. Some students gifted each other from their winnings.
My students were very happy and grateful for this activity and their prizes. I could not have done this alone, so I am truly grateful for helping me make this happen.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 12 other donors.Beat That!
Funded Sep 1, 2022My students aren't always confident in their ability to complete challenging tasks. These kits gave them an opportunity to work collaboratively and experience productive struggle. Giving up is not an option! Having their peers assist and problem solve with them made the task more manageable and engaging. Overall, it was a good learning experience that started with confusion and frustration but ended with a feeling of accomplishment, pride, and satisfaction. Hopefully this will be an experience that will boost their confidence and make them realize that they are capable of more than they give themselves credit for. Having snacks and incentives is also helpful! Thank you for allowing me to provide these engaging learning opportunities for my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Espinoza
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 10 other donors.