Ms. Fortgang's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 42

• UKE Can Do It!

  Funded Nov 30, 2021

  We are ready to rock out with our Ukulele's once we come back from Spring Break! We have been working hard to learn as much as we can leading up to this big moment! The beautiful ukuleles are currently safe and sound in their cases THANKS TO YOU!! I can't stress how much easier these cases make the entire process. I have less to worry about knowing that the ukuleles aren't sitting out in the open where someone can easily break them. Plus, it adds a level of professionalism - which is even more exciting for our scholars.

  Thank you all again, we appreciate you!!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 12 other donors.

• Still Building the Band!

  Funded Dec 1, 2021

  Thank you so much for your help and generosity and making my students dreams turn into a reality. Our students are working hard, practicing and making new goals for themselves. Playing on a new instrument has been extremely motivating for them as well. Their confidence is soaring as they are making gains more easily on brand new instruments.

  With the pandemic finally starting to subside, we are excited to look forward to live performances this spring. We will be marching in a parade and playing a concert for a live audience. These new instruments will help as look and sound 10x better. Thank you again!!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 17 other donors.

• All We Do is DRUM DRUM DRUM No Matter WHAT!

  Funded Feb 12, 2021

  We have been drumming like crazy in the music room this year! And it has been SO much fun! Drumming has been a great activity, lesson, rhythm builder and outlet for both myself and wonderful scholars during the pandemic. They are easily sanitized and accessible for all.

  We love it too! We have been drumming to all different kinds of music- learning more about Hispanic music during Hispanic Heritage Month, using different drum patterns for Black History Month, AAPI month and learning new techniques native to the different countries and areas of the world.

  Can't wait to explore even more! Thank you so much for your help!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

  This classroom project was brought to life by Allstate Foundation and 22 other donors.

• Ms. Fortgang, Can I Join Band?

  Funded Sep 24, 2021

  Thank you all so very much! We are back to school, back to work but most importantly, back to making music! We have the materials we need to be successful and that is all thanks to you.

  When presented with brand new instruments, my students were overwhelmed and so excited to learn and practice. They have a goal set and are working diligently to be ready for our spring concert - their big debut!

  So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for helping us get one step closer to success. Both myself and my wonderful scholars appreciate it so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 17 other donors.

• Lights, Camera, TECH!

  Funded Dec 1, 2020

  We had an INCREDIBLE (virtual) Winter Arts Showcase! And this was all made possible thanks to you! I was able to record, edit and produce an entire concert all with the help of my new Mac Book Air. We were pressed on time so we couldn't unlock the computers full potential.. but not to worry... there will be PLENTY of more concerts and activities completed with this new fancy computer!

  Our scholars were so excited to be able to put on a concert and have a concrete recording they could watch over and over again... They were encouraged to work harder, practice more and be the best they could be... And I cannot thank you enough for helping them CRUSH their goals!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

  This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 5 other donors.

• Teachers Helping Teachers

  Funded Oct 19, 2020

  Thank you for helping out and donating to my classroom! With your donation, I was able to secure $300 in gift cards to Teachers Pay Teachers! If you're not sure what the website is, it's where teachers can post activities, games and worksheets and other teachers can purchase those materials to use for their classroom. It really helps us out so we are not constantly recreating and starting from the beginning.

  The resources I have purchased have been sheet music, games and other fun things my scholars have truly enjoyed. It helps to make sure our lessons are NEVER boring!!

  So thank you, from me and my scholars. We truly appreciate it!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

  This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In.

• Still Here, Still Drummin'

  Funded Oct 14, 2020

  We are having SO much fun drumming in music these days... We are taking the right precautions, sanitizing our materials and making a musical environment full of creative sounds!

  The scholars love exploring different kinds of rhythms, different beats and different sounds on their drums. We love expressing ourselves in different ways - performing different drum patterns based upon our moods, songs we are hearing and different emotions we are feeling. All while staying active, fit and safe during this pandemic.

  Thank you for all of your help in making this possible. We appreciate and thank you!!!!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

• Keepin’ it Clean

  Funded Sep 22, 2020

  We are "Keepin in Clean" the best we can in the music room this year... and that is ALL thanks to YOU! Every time a student walks in to the classroom, they are greeted with hand sanitizer, a clean yoga mat and a very warm smile.

  They love coming in to the classroom for a change of scenery and a new space for creativity. They feel comfortable knowing that safety precautions are in place, and they can enjoy music to the best of their ability.

  At the end of class, they look forward to wiping down their mats with paper towels and spray completing the first round of disinfecting and I follow behind with the wet jet, more spray and another round of sanitizing! So thank you, for allowing us to stay in school and keeping our space clean!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

• When in Doubt, Drum It Out...

  Funded Aug 11, 2020

  WE ARE HAVING FUN! That's right, you read that correctly... we are finding ways to HAVE FUN while staying socially distant, following the guidelines and doing the right thing.

  It's been a rough start to the year... not being able to do anything I used to do in the classroom was really a struggle. I've been trying my best to not let it get it to the kids. I am still trying to give them the best experience possible. When I finally started using our drums IT CLICKED! All of my students were so engaged, we were able to connect and vibe together - even the kids at home (they used pillows with wooden spoons LOL) and we had the best time.

  So thank you! Thank you for bringing more life and energy in to my classroom. We needed this extra spark and I appreciate it SO incredibly much!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 11 other donors.

• Ms. Fortgang, Can I Join Band?

  Funded May 5, 2020

  This year has been absolutely crazy to say the least... I think a lot of us thought it would be easier being back in the classroom as opposed to home. But we are realizing that it is quite the opposite.

  Despite all of the challenging times, my students were able to get NEW instruments, and more students were able to JOIN BAND!! Watching my students unwrap the brand new instruments was PRICELESS. They were truly amazed and elated with these materials - it almost felt like Christmas morning!

  They have been truly enjoying band this year. While it looks very different, it has been a constant in their routine that you can tell means so much to them. So THANK YOU!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Fortgang

  This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and one other donor.