Past projects 32
New Year, New Gear
Funded Jul 19, 2022When the school year started, I had the pleasure of informing families that they would not need to go shopping for supplies. This is a huge weight off their shoulders, not having to stress over gathering supplies off a list.
My scholars were so excited to receive materials that were brand new and personalized for them! They came in to a class where they had everything they needed to learn. Something special that was just for them. It really made our class a place where learning is equitable and fun. They have sturdy folders that should last all year, and whiteboards and markers, among a few other items for each student. Your selfless act of kindness made a group of third graders extremely happy!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex® Brand and 8 other donors.Home Sweet Classroom
Funded May 6, 2022The library is the heart of our classroom. Kids love to cozy up to a good book there to learn about the characters they love, places they hope to visit, historical events, and a plethora of other topics. My students were so excited to see the organization the book bins provided. Now we have classroom librarians that sort books according to class' interest, which creates a love for reading. Students have taken ownership of their learning and continue to explore their identities are readers.
My scholars are growing as readers, and giving them a place that is calm and comfortable not only lowers the affective filter, but also gives them independence. They take such pride in keeping the space clean and organized, and I have allowed them to take the lead on how and where to put the materials. This learning space would not have been possible without your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by Neukom Family Foundation and 4 other donors.TPT for Three!
Funded Jan 20, 2022My students have greatly benefitted from having a plethora of resources outside of the district provided curriculum. They have been able to do things like digital escape rooms, and digital interactive notebooks thanks to your generous donation. The scholars in my third grade class have worked collaboratively and engaged in activities that are fun but also academic. Students that are occasionally reluctant to try things found success through the use of the various learning resources I was able to acquire from the funding of this project. Thank you for helping me create a learning environment that is engaging for all learners!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 2 other donors.Sacks for Success!
Funded Jan 17, 2022Since the arrival of the seat sacks we have noticed a tidier environment in our classroom! Students were given a choice as to how they wanted to organize their materials. Some use the sacks for their reading books, while others put the items they use most frequently in them. It has helped them work on keeping their workplace in order.
When we got the announcement that materials had arrived we sent students for the box. They were all so curious about the gift our class had received! The curiosity turned into a celebration when we unboxed them and put them on their chairs- they take great pride in the fact that a kind person would buy them something to make their lives as students easier.
In addition to helping us be more organized, it has motivated them to read! They are eager to get books from all genres now that they have a designated space to store their books.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 5 other donors.Headphones On. World Off!
Funded Aug 8, 2020Imagine yourself being an elementary school student and having your routine interrupted drastically. School is now happening through a computer screen and you are working from home, or another remote location that is most likely nothing like a traditional classroom. This is what students are experiencing during the current pandemic, and having headphones has truly helped my students focus better and drown out the outside world.
Many of my students are learning from home alongside their siblings or parents who are also working from home. The use of headphones has helped with engagement, for my kids are no longer dealing with interruptions that may arise with distance learning. As a teacher, I have seen a shift in students' focus, and for that I am so thankful!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by A Generous Donor and 6 other donors.Distance Learning With BOOM!
Funded Sep 16, 2020When the COVID-19 pandemic began, teachers had to get creative with finding ways to assess student learning in a virtual learning model. Upon receiving access to this learning resource, I was able to get instant information on my students strengths, as well as find ways to help them be successful with topics they needed to improve on. Another perk was the fact that students receive instant, real time feedback and are able to try multiple times.
My students were excited to use this learning tool because its design is game like, so it makes learning and practice fun for them. We look forward to continuing to find fun and creative ways to keep kids engaged during such uncertain times!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose 20th Anniversary Fund and 3 other donors.Assessment + Teaching = Student Growth
Funded Mar 6, 2020Having a system to help us identify our students' reading strengths and needs makes such a huge difference! The information I can gather helps me plan lessons based on areas students need help with, as well as group them accordingly for things such as book clubs. Also, the fact that students have actual books, both fiction and nonfiction that they can manipulate is a huge plus for them.
We all love that they are also given an opportunity to show us what they know in regards to identifying genre, which is always a big part of the beginning of the year. Students feel a great sense of pride to be able to apply concepts they have learned, as well as self monitor and set their own goals as to how they want to grow as readers! We are infinitely grateful for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 8 other donors.A Meeting Place for All
Funded Dec 19, 2019When the delivery truck pulled up, my class started cheering. They knew their rug was in there! They take so much pride in having a nice area to meet, that they even suggested "no shoes" policy so we can keep it clean. Every day they make sure there is no debris on it and remind each other to pick up after themselves.
Our read aloud, math warm up, and readers workshop is now centered around a space where everyone longs to be. We have a sign up for students who want to read at the rug so they rotate and have an opportunity to stretch out. In addition to that, students now have another option for seating during independent work time, and also for those who want to be closer to the board during lessons.
The sense of community in my classroom has increased since getting a rug, and students are able to interact with different classmates. Who knew a rug could make such a difference?! On behalf of my global awareness scholars, we thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
Can You Hear Me Now?
Funded Sep 27, 2019Today's learners are accustomed to technology in all forms. As teachers, it is our responsibility to maintain engagement as often as possible. In my classroom, I try to embed multimedia presentations in many subject areas. For example, in English Language Arts, I present short films to help with concepts such as inferring, characterization, cause and effect, just to name a few. We also use a science program that has many up to date videos that my students can relate to. Having a speaker makes doing these things accessible to everyone.
The speaker we had before was tiny and not very loud. Students would have to huddle close to hear the kid-friendly news, or science mini lessons. When we connected it, the students went wild! They no longer had to move around in order to hear what was going on. The sound is crisp and clear (and loud).
Many of my more active students now have another format in which information is presented, and they too feel successful when participating in interactive, technology based lessons, and indoor P.E! It is amazing what one speaker can do for so many kids! They take responsibility in making sure it is charged and ready to use. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making 29 faces light up with excitement!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by District Partnership Program and 3 other donors.Privacy Please!
Funded Aug 14, 2019My students have become such advocates for themselves since having these privacy folders. They know that during independent work time these are available to them in order to be productive, or if they know they are easily distracted. Many of them are even using them so they can focus on computer programs and digital assignments! This just go to show how handy these can be, and not just tools for testing.
When we received the packages the students were thrilled to help open them. We decided, as a class, where we would set them up and how to care for them. They had never seen a rack for these folders before so they were excited about that. They also feel very special be the first class to use these. They were impressed with the strong quality and keep reminding each other to take care of them so they can last a long time. You have really helped establish a nice work environment in our class. Thank you so much!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Picazo
This classroom project was brought to life by #ISeeMe Campaign.