Past projects 211
Books That Build in 2021
Funded Feb 11, 2021It is amazing what new books will do in a classroom. This past spring my students loved opening each box and seeing what new titles had arrived. Thank you for inspiring my students to love reading. Their favorites were Shel Silverstein's poem books. They also loved the magnetic bookmarks. You refilled our bookshelves with books they might not otherwise get to read and for that I am grateful.
This fall these books will be again ready for students to pick up and enjoy. Thank you for making sure we have exciting books to read.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 5 other donors.Books That Build in 2021 and Beyond
Funded Mar 17, 2021Thank you so much for bringing these amazing books to our classroom. My middle school classroom is all set up and many of these books are on display for my students to pick up right away. I am so grateful that this project was funded last year so that my students will be able to start reading them right away. As a STEM teacher you might not see how reading and books fit in, but I'm excited to give my students time to read STEM books and more throughout our time together. I appreciate every donations.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 18 other donors.Kickin' It in 2021
Funded May 11, 2021This project was simply amazing. We were able to give 147 kids soccer balls to use at home and practice for the whole spring season, into the summer. When we handed them out, parents and players were so excited and so thankful.
Thank you for helping our kids continue their soccer journeys at home. We can't wait to see how they grow over the year. Thank you for making soccer accessible for all.
We are just about ready to kick off our fall season and our kids are again excited to use their balls during fall practice.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation - Sports Matter and one other donor.Youth Volleyball Spikes Part 2
Funded Apr 2, 2021Spring volleyball was amazing. We watched as players that hadn't played for almost two years came together and made huge growth. On Fridays we had open gym and it was exciting to see how many students still wanted to be involved.
Our girls did a great job this spring and we can't wait to watch these girls as they grow and keep playing.
The balls were exactly what we needed for practice, and the cart was so great. It will be used for many years to come. The new cones helped each team do different drills.
Thank you for investing in the future of Spooner volleyball!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation - Sports Matter and 2 other donors.New Year, New Goals, New Joy
Funded Feb 2, 2021Thank you for always caring about each and every classroom. When I look at this project and the impact in my classroom it is amazing what mamy small items will do in a classroom.
The Joby camera stand was perfect to take on adventures, and also to serve as a prop while we read The Get Rich Quick Club and Punished. Both had cameras as main props.
The bins were amazing for continuing to organize our classroom. The new kindness books were great and these bins helped get them where they should go.
Lastly, I dropped off the first of my #RockingReader signs and the student was so excited. I have two more to drop off tomorrow and 2 more to drop off in the net weeks.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
Smith Tales Basics in 2021
Funded Jan 30, 2021Sometimes it's the basics that make the most difference in the classroom. The book racks, magnetic hooks, and push pins do the most basic things but they are some of the key elements in making our classroom function in an orderly way.
The book racks showcase both our ELA anchor texts and also our charater trait of the month books. Students love to know exactly where to go to find these titles. The push pins safely display our works in the hallway. We are so proud of what we create. The magnetic hooks have a variety of uses, even as a fidget occasionally!
The sensory circles help us calm down and regulate our emotions.
Versatiles are a must for any math station and we love learning in small groups using them.
Lastly the printer has opened up new doors to make each day special and unique. Thank you for your investment in my students and their 2020-2021 learning!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
Learning in Many Ways
Funded Dec 2, 2020Breakout EDU and Flocabulary are used almost daily to enhance our learning. Breakout gives us challenges to continue practicing our skills. Flocabulary puts mnemonic devices in our heads through music raps. I can't imagine our classroom without both of these resources.
The Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has been used to purchase WIN extension activities for both reading and math. Students learn through games and these gift cards have been great for that.
Sometimes I think about what my classroom would be without the items in each project and am just so very grateful for your investment. You have made a lasting impact and made my job that much easier this year!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 2 other donors.Cherish Each Moment
Funded Mar 15, 2021I feel like every project is our favorite, but it's true. Every project contains items that are immediately used as soon as they arrive in our classroom.
The board games were wonderful for our school wide board game reward day and continue to be used on rainy day inside recess days, along with student choice rewards. These were handpicked by my students, so they are definitely well-loved.
The white out was exactly what we needed to finish our solar system self-published class book. We can't wait to get it back from the publisher! Sometimes just a little white out is needed to make sure all eraser marks are gone.
Dominoes are a great addition to our math centers. We love using these to build our fluency. Brain flakes and straw connectors are great additions to our MakerSpace stations.
Lastly, Brain Candy is a fun in our morning meeting and a great way to get our brain up and ready for the day!
Thank you for investing in our classroom. We are so very blessed by all of you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 24 other donors.No Masking Our Fun!
Funded Feb 22, 2021Thank you so much for making this project come alive so quickly. Masks were something our students were having a hard time remembering each day and this project took away the stress of one more thing, plus they match our already tie dyed t-shirts. Now every student is able to grab a mask no matter how many times they forget.
It was very cool to see how each mask turned out differently. It was also great to work on hand eye coordination with this smaller item to tie dye!
Thank you for making sure my students have all they need for the classroom each day.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 4 other donors.Making Memories in 2020
Funded Dec 16, 2020This project had an absolutely amazing impact on my students. The glow party surprise was so inspiring. One student said that the glow day was her favorite day of school ever and that she will never forget it. They just finished filling our classroom behavior bead jar too and will get another glow party too! They screamed for joy today. I can't wait!
The socks were so fun to give away. We had a shoeless day in the classroom during Read Across America week and it made everyone super comfy. Again, it was just an amazing day and one that will not be forgotten. I love when I notice the pair of socks on their feet!
Lastly the calendar is such an important part of our month. Together we fill it out and put important days. Next year I am transitioning to the Middle School and it makes me smile to know I'll be able to do this with my middle school students as well.
Thank you for investing in my students and for the impact you are making. Joy is such an important part of the classroom and you have helped that joy come alive.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Melissa Smith