Past projects 61
Clean and Healthy: A Hygiene Station for Our Classroom
Funded Sep 12, 2024The impact of the hygiene station has been incredible for our students. As soon as they saw the new supplies—like toothbrushes, deodorant, and hand sanitizer—they were excited to have access to products they don't always have at home. One specific moment that stands out is when a student who was shy about personal hygiene used the antiperspirant wipes for the first time. They later told me how much more confident they felt for the rest of the day, which has been a common reaction among many of our students.
We are using the resources daily to promote healthy habits, and students are already more mindful of their personal care. Having these supplies readily available has not only improved cleanliness but has also created a more comfortable and inclusive classroom environment. With fewer distractions from personal hygiene concerns, students are able to focus better on their work. The next step is to continue reinforcing these habits and encourage peer-to-peer conversations about wellness, helping all students feel empowered to take care of their health.
This project has made a meaningful difference in my students' day-to-day lives, and I'm excited to see their continued growth in confidence and self-care. Thank you for your generosity—it is truly making an impact!”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and 6 other donors.Safari Store Storage: Organizing Rewards for Students
Funded May 8, 2024I am thrilled to share the impact that your generosity has had on our students. As a teacher in a school on the far northeast side of Chicago, where 100% of our students receive free lunch, and most come from immigrant and refugee families, your support has made an incredible difference. With the new storage solutions you helped us acquire, we have been able to revitalize our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, specifically our beloved "Safari Store."
Our students were overjoyed when they first saw the new storage cabinets and shelves. These resources have allowed us to create an organized and welcoming space where students can redeem their earned paw prints for prizes, reinforcing their positive behavior. I'll never forget the smiles on their faces as they carefully chose their rewards, knowing that their good behavior was being recognized and celebrated. The Safari Store has become a focal point of excitement and pride, and it's all thanks to you.
Moving forward, we are planning to expand our PBIS program by introducing new rewards and incentives that align with our core values of respect, responsibility, and integrity. The organized storage space you provided will allow us to keep adding to our prize inventory and ensure that every student has the opportunity to feel valued and motivated. Your contribution has not only sustained our program but has also empowered our students to continue striving for excellence.
Thank you for being such an essential part of our school community and for helping us create a positive and nurturing environment for our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
This classroom project was brought to life by Valhalla Foundation and 3 other donors.7th and 8th Classroom Refresh
Funded May 9, 2024Thank you for your generous support of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program at our school on the far northeast side of Chicago. With your help, we have been able to secure much-needed storage solutions for our Safari Store, which plays a crucial role in reinforcing positive behavior among our students. When the new storage cabinets and shelves arrived, my students were excited to see a more organized and accessible space for their well-earned prizes. The transformation was immediate—students were even more motivated to earn paw prints, knowing that their rewards were now beautifully displayed and easy to access.
One specific moment that stood out was when a student proudly showed off the prize he had earned after weeks of hard work, saying, "It feels so special to pick something out from the new store." This reaction exemplifies how important the Safari Store is to our PBIS program and our overall school culture. These new storage solutions have not only made it easier for us to manage the store but have also enhanced the entire PBIS experience for our students, making them feel valued and recognized for their positive behavior.
Moving forward, we will continue to use these storage solutions to sustain and grow our PBIS program. The new organization has inspired us to introduce even more incentives and activities to further promote respect, responsibility, and integrity in our school. Your contribution has had a lasting impact, ensuring that our students continue to thrive in a positive and encouraging environment.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex and 5 other donors."Sound Investment: Providing Headphones for Engaging ELA Learning!"
Funded Apr 22, 2024Your generous donation of headphones has significantly enhanced our 7th and 8th-grade Language Arts classroom. The technology has allowed students to engage more deeply with the material, providing them with a personalized learning experience. They can now access online resources, listen to educational podcasts, and participate in interactive lessons without distractions, leading to improved comprehension and focus.
Students are particularly excited about how the headphones have transformed their multimedia projects and independent learning. For instance, one student who struggled with focus is now thriving, using the headphones to block out noise and concentrate on his work. Another student has discovered a passion for storytelling through audiobooks and podcasts, inspiring her to create and share her own stories. Your support has made a lasting impact on their education, fostering a more inclusive and engaging learning environment.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
This classroom project was brought to life by Power for Good Foundation.Dividers and Conquer!
Funded Apr 14, 2024I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom project. Your support has made a significant impact on my students' ability to engage with our English Language Arts curriculum effectively. With your help, we were able to provide binder dividers to all of my 120 students, ensuring they have the necessary tools to stay organized and succeed in their studies.
Since receiving the new resources, my students have been using the binder dividers to organize their work according to the sections outlined in our curriculum. One specific project that stands out is when we delved into a literature unit on poetry. With the dividers, students were able to separate their poems, analysis, and reflections into distinct sections within their binders. This not only helped them keep track of their work but also allowed for easier reference and review when studying for assessments.
When my students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless. Many of them were thrilled to receive such a practical but essential resource. For some, it was the first time they had access to something as simple as binder dividers. Their excitement and appreciation reminded me of the impact even small gestures can have on students' lives, especially those from underserved communities like ours.
As we move forward, the next steps for my students involve diving deeper into our current lesson on persuasive writing. With their newly organized binders, they can easily access the various resources and materials needed to support their arguments and craft compelling essays. I'm confident that having these tools readily available will empower them to excel in their writing and critical thinking skills.
Once again, thank you for your kindness and generosity. Your support has not only provided practical resources but also instilled a sense of pride and confidence in my students, knowing that they have what they need to succeed. Your contribution has made a lasting impact on their educational journey.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
High Interest Books for Reluctant Readers
Funded Feb 24, 2024I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support towards our classroom library enhancement project. Your commitment to fostering a love for reading and learning among our students is truly commendable and deeply appreciated.
The acquisition of new books for our classroom library is a significant step towards achieving our goals of promoting literacy, critical thinking, and inclusivity among our students. These books will not only spark a passion for reading but also provide diverse reading choices that resonate with the interests and experiences of our students. Through these texts, we aim to engage students in meaningful reading experiences, boost academic achievement, and cultivate a strong sense of community within our classroom.
Our students, with their diverse backgrounds and unwavering enthusiasm for learning, are the heart and soul of our classroom community. Your support empowers them to thrive in their educational journey, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Your generosity not only enhances our classroom library but also uplifts our students, inspiring them to dream big and reach for the stars.
Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and support. Your contribution has a profound impact on the lives of our students, empowering them to become lifelong learners and confident individuals.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
Empowering Our Newcomers: Filling Shelves with Spanish Treasures
Funded Dec 30, 2023I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support towards our classroom library enhancement project. Your dedication to nurturing a passion for reading among our students, particularly our newcomers from Venezuela, is deeply appreciated and truly invaluable.
The acquisition of new Spanish books is a monumental step towards fostering bilingual literacy and cultural appreciation among our students. These books serve as a vital bridge between their native language and English, facilitating their journey towards proficiency in both languages. Through these texts, our students not only develop language skills but also gain insights into diverse cultures, broadening their perspectives and nurturing a love for reading and learning.
In our classroom, reading is not just a solitary activity but a communal experience that fosters collaboration, empathy, and shared learning. Students engage in group discussions, peer-led activities, and interactive reading sessions that encourage critical thinking and analytical skills. The new books have enhanced these experiences, providing students with enriching content that resonates with their cultural background and personal experiences.
I am delighted to witness the enthusiasm and joy with which our Venezuelan students embrace the new books. For many of them, these texts serve as a source of familiarity and comfort in a new environment, while also igniting their curiosity and excitement for learning. Seeing their faces light up as they immerse themselves in stories that reflect their own culture is truly heartwarming and reaffirms the transformative power of literature in their lives.
Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for your generosity and support. Your contribution has not only enriched our classroom library but has also empowered our exceptional students to embrace their cultural heritage, develop language skills, and embark on a lifelong journey of learning and discovery.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
Books for Bright Futures: Enriching Our Classroom Library
Funded Dec 2, 2023I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your support has had on our students through our classroom library enhancement project. Your generosity has truly transformed our learning environment and enriched the educational experiences of our deserving students in profound ways.
The new books you've helped us acquire have not only ignited a love for reading but have also introduced valuable skills and lessons to our students. Through these texts, we've been able to delve deeper into critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation of literature. Students are learning to engage with diverse perspectives, explore complex themes, and develop empathy through the stories they encounter.
In our classroom, reading is a vibrant and integral part of our daily routine. From independent reading sessions to lively discussions and group activities, students are actively immersed in the world of literature. Your support has enabled us to create a welcoming and inclusive reading environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and expand their horizons.
I am delighted to report that many of our students, particularly those who may have struggled with reading in the past, have found newfound joy and enthusiasm in the new books. These texts have resonated deeply with them, sparking curiosity, imagination, and a renewed sense of confidence. It's heartwarming to witness their excitement as they eagerly dive into the pages of these captivating stories.
Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for your generosity and commitment to nurturing a passion for reading among our students. Your support has not only provided them with access to high-quality literature but has also empowered them to thrive in their educational journey.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 2 other donors.It Is Game On When Learning English!
Funded Nov 29, 2023I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the same joy and gratitude that you have brought into our classroom. Thanks to your generous contributions through DonorsChoose, our 6th-grade Language Arts classroom has undergone a positive transformation, impacting the lives of our students in profound ways.
One of the most exciting aspects of our new resources is the introduction of high-interest books to our library. Seeing the expressions on my students' faces when they first laid eyes on these books was priceless. The sheer joy and excitement were palpable in the room. Many of our students, who had previously expressed disappointment due to the lack of quality reading materials, were now eager to dive into these new additions.
We have seamlessly integrated the games focused on grammar and parts of speech into our English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum. Learning a new language can be challenging, especially in middle school, but incorporating these fun and interactive games has made the process enjoyable for our English Language Learners. The games not only reinforce important language skills but also create a positive and engaging atmosphere in the classroom.
One memorable moment was when we organized a classroom project using these resources. Students worked collaboratively, applying their newfound knowledge of grammar and parts of speech to create unique stories. The creativity and enthusiasm displayed during this project were heartwarming. It was evident that the games not only enhanced their understanding of English but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the students.
As for the next steps in our classroom, we are currently delving into a comprehensive lesson on narrative writing. The skills acquired through the games are proving invaluable as students embark on crafting their own narratives. The newfound confidence in using English has translated into improved writing abilities, and I am excited to witness the growth of each student throughout this project.
Your support has not only provided resources but has also instilled a renewed sense of excitement for learning in our classroom. I am immensely grateful for your generosity, which has undoubtedly contributed to the academic success and personal development of my students.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making a lasting impact on the lives of these incredible young learners.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.Star Reader Chairs: Comfortable Seating for Young Readers
Funded Dec 30, 2023I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support towards our classroom project. Your kindness has made a significant impact on the lives of our students here at [School Name], on the far northeast side of Chicago.
Thanks to your contribution, we were able to acquire two office chairs that now proudly serve as our designated "Star Reader Chairs." The joy and excitement these chairs bring to our students are truly indescribable. Imagine the beaming smiles on their faces as they are recognized as the "Star Reader" for the day and get to enjoy the privilege of sitting in these special chairs during independent reading sessions.
The transformation in our classroom environment is remarkable. The "Star Reader Chairs" not only make our honored students feel extra special but also provide comfortable seating for all, elevating the overall reading experience. The positive impact on student motivation and engagement has been immediate and inspiring.
In a recent project, we incorporated these chairs into our daily routine by having each student take turns being the "Star Reader." The pride and sense of accomplishment that radiated from each student were palpable. Your support has enabled us to create a physical representation of the honor bestowed upon our young readers, fostering a love for reading and learning in our diverse and vibrant community.
As we move forward, the "Star Reader Chairs" will continue to serve as a source of motivation for all students to excel in reading. We plan to expand our reading initiatives and integrate these chairs into various classroom activities, ensuring that every student feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.
Once again, thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students. Your generosity has created a lasting impact that goes beyond the classroom, contributing to the growth and success of our young learners. We are truly grateful for your support and look forward to keeping you updated on the positive developments in our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. DelDotto
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.