Mrs. Topp's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 10

• Flexible Seating

  Funded May 14, 2019

  Thank you for the Learn Fit Sit-Stand desks. The students were very excited to get the desks. A couple of students have already claimed the desks as "theirs". They enjoyed the task of unboxing and putting the desks together. It was a great learning experience.

  These desks help the students with staying on task while having the ability to move and stand when needed. The focus of the students increases when they have a learning environment that meets their needs. I have seen several students ask to use the desk instead of sitting at a traditional desk. To have the ability to advocate for their own learning needs is heartwarming.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

  This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 6 other donors.

• Osmo's For Learning

  Funded Sep 7, 2018

  Thank you for the OSMO Mindracers, Coding Jam, and Pizza. We are using the daily in our classroom. The students are assigned an OSMO game to play each day. On Wednesday we have free day pick and the Mindracers and Coding Jam go fast!

  They were so excited to open them. The students started playing right away. The upper class-men have been showing the new students how to play the games and becoming leaders in the classroom.

  By using the OSMO's we have been working on hand-eye coordination, working as a team, coding music, spelling words, and counting. There are some new games coming out to teach about history and finding items! We can't wait to get another project together to try the new game!.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

• Working With Wonderful Robots

  Funded Nov 29, 2015

  Thank you so much for the Wonder Workshop robots. The students haven't stopped asking about them since they came in the mail.

  The robots are teaching the students about sharing, taking turns, programming, following directions, and making learning fun. Students are working in groups to learn about what each robot, (Dot and Dash) can do. They have to document what they are doing using pictures. They are working though the different programs that come with them and are moving very quickly.

  One student had the biggest smile on his face when he found out that he got to use the robots. He even accomplished all of his work. I wish you could see his excitement. He was asking what this and that did. All I could say was we will have to find out. I don't know anymore than you. He then started to show me things and teach me!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

  This classroom project was brought to life by Wonder Workshop and 2 other donors.

• Inventing and Learning Circuits

  Funded Dec 30, 2015

  I wish that you could have seen the expressions and excitement in the students eyes when we opened the package. I tried to get some pictures but it just doesn't do justice. They were trying to open packages, put things together and explore before I could give instructions.

  The littleBits Kits have been amazing. The students are building new things, learning about making connections, and documenting what they have done. We had to make groups and assign times so that everyone gets a chance to play. The students are creating small projects using the directions and pictures in the book that came with the kit. The are helping each other out, giving encouragement to their peers and practicing patience.

  There is so much excitement that we are looking at getting some more kits.

  Thank you for helping us get these wonderful littleBits Kits. The students are excited when they get things right and a few are trying to create their own ideas. You have sparked a great curiosity and thought process for the students.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

• Building Our Future Part 1

  Funded May 15, 2015

  Thank you for the materials to make our desks. The students did a really great job with following directions, problem-solving, and helping each other. We have had many comments on our desks from other teachers, parents, and visitors.

  With the students having their own desk that is light weight we are able to make the learning environment conducive to each student. They have their own space, are able to move if need without making a loud noise, and have all of their supplies at their finger tips. We are able to change our desk arrangements hourly if needed and it only takes a minute. The desks have become white boards, coloring pages, doodling pads when needed without destruction of school property or use of excess paper.

  I am so thankful for this wonderful gift and the chance for my student to shine in what they can do when they have the tools they need.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

• Being "Charged" Up for Learning!

  Funded Apr 9, 2014

  The students are very excited to use the new charging tools that you helped fund. We did not get to use them much this school year but can't wait for next year. We will be receiving more technology to use in our classroom so this project will be expanded to help with the new technology as well.

  I hope that you get a chance to look at the pictures we posted. The students not only helped set up the technology but used their math skills to measure the distances between the wall and tables so that we put the technology in the correct locations.

  Thank you again for all that you have done to help the students be proactive in taking charge of their learning. The more the students learn to be independent and problem solve the more their minds expand.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

• Learning Organization Skills

  Funded Sep 13, 2013

  Thank you for your donations to my project. The boxes and shelves have fit into our room wonderfully.

  When the boxes came the students were very excited to open them. They helped me put the boxes and lids together and shelves together. The shelves were even better than we thought and have been the perfect height for the students to reach the supplies that they need.

  We have put the shelves up around the room. On two of the shelves we put out all of the work boxes for the students to able to access on their own. This has given the students a sense of independence and accomplishment each time they are able to get their own work. The other shelve is holding all of the store items for the students. When they need something or want to buy something they have the ability to look and decided without a teacher taking everything out of the cupboard.

  To see the independence and gain in confidence in my students is wonderful. I wish that there were better words to describe what I see in my students. Thank you again.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

• Let Me Communicate

  Funded May 30, 2013

  Thank you for donating the iPad mini and case to our classroom. The students were very excited when they saw the mini. Each students has received a chance to use the mini and think that it's cool to be the teacher.

  We are using the iPad mini to take pictures of activities in the room and make a virtual scrapbook, to project our activities on the smartboard, and communicate. The ability to have a device that is small, compact, and easy to use is wonderful. I have also been able to use the mini with my staff so that we can take data while working with the student and share it with parents within a matter of minutes.

  This project has made my room so much more manageable and cohesive. The students can easily share what they are doing, staff has been able to work along side with students instead of moving away to take data, and students are communicating with each other. Thank you so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

• We Want To Move

  Funded Apr 5, 2011

  Thank you for the wonderful metal ball chairs. These chairs make a world of difference. The students are more focused and are sharing with each other. I have never seen my kids be so excited to get supplies and participate in setting it up.

  When getting the chairs ready to go the students had to be patient, follow directions, and take turns. This allowed the students to work on their social skills. Each student got to help with the chairs in some way. They also worked on physical and occupational therapy while pumping up the ball, turning the wrench to get the screws tight, and just holding the pieces together.

  Other teachers have come in and borrowed the chairs to try them with students in other classrooms. The students are focusing, sharing, and being polite. Thank you so much for donating to this project and helping the students to gain more skills each day. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp

  This classroom project was brought to life by Experian and 21 other donors.

• Crafts For All!

  Funded Mar 25, 2010

  Thank you for the wonderful craft supplies. These supplies make a world of difference. The students are being more creative and are able to get the supplies themselves. I have never seen my kids be so excited to get supplies and participate in picking up.

  Each student is able to get the craft supplies they need when doing any project. Students want to help themselves instead of waiting for someone to do it for them. Independence is a huge key for my students and to see them be independent is a great accomplishment.

  Thank you again for the craft supplies. These supplies will allow many students throughout the years to become independent.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Topp