Past projects 44
Twilight for Our Readers!
Funded Apr 12, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The Twilight books were a huge hit for silent reading time. Earlier today, a girl returned the first book and checked out the next book. This student traveled from home to take out the next book. I use this example not only to illustrate that the books you donated interest students in reading, but to show you how hungry students really are for engaging literature. This girl paid $4.50 for a two way bus ticket, spent two hours both ways on the bus, and showed up to school in the summer. She clearly wants to read and you made that very laudable goal possible.
Many students begin the year by telling me "I don't like to read!" I respond with a smile, "Great! Let's go find a book that you will like." Every student in my class last year finished at least one book. The class average was three books. These are books in addition to the class novels we read together. Student reading levels grew over three years in one year. YOUR books made that small miracle possible. Before your donation, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." Now that students have books that interest them like the Twilight books, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them.
As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. I know that my students would not have met me at school in the summer if she had another way to obtain books that interest them. However, you should feel glad that your generosity helped fill a small void in her life. As high school students, they have been historically underserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that rules the neighborhood. In school, they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success.
Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they did not read a Twilight book, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and 9 other donors.Boys Will Be Boys - So They Need Books Just For Them!
Funded Feb 25, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The twenty five books you donated are constantly "checked out" of my library. When I handed out the books, two of my classes audibly cheered. I overheard student conversations: "No more boring books" "This teacher actually has good books now" "I'm actually going to read today." Bryan, one of my most apathetic students, picked up one of the books you donated. After my last class of the day, he tapped on my shoulder. "I finished it. Got any more?" he asked, casually tossing the book on a desk. I sent him home with another book, and he keeps checking them out. I have NEVER seen a student finish a book in one day. While I am not impressed that he slacked in other classes to finish that book, I am excited that she was finally motivated enough to apply himself. YOUR books made that small miracle possible.
Other students tried to take out multiple books at a time. "But, Miss, I want to read them all!" Felipe protested. He was trying to smuggle books under his shirts. These books made my students involved and excited to do schoolwork. Before, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." When asked, the number one reason students were not reading was "no interesting books." Now, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them.
As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my Bronx classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. As high school students, they have been historically underserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that wears red. Then they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success. Spending time reading is the best way to raise your reading levels, I tell them. If they read for thirty minutes every day (fifteen minutes in my class, fifteen minutes outside of class), they can raise their reading level two years.
Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they could not read a book you donated, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.Tears of a Tiger! (Or My Students Struggling to Find Books)
Funded Feb 25, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The twenty five books you donated are constantly "checked out" of my library. When I handed out the books, two of my classes audibly cheered. I overheard student conversations: "No more boring books" "This teacher actually has good books now" "I'm actually going to read today." Bryan, one of my most apathetic students, picked up one of the books you donated. After my last class of the day, he tapped on my shoulder. "I finished it. Got any more?" he asked, casually tossing the book on a desk. I sent him home with another book, and he keeps checking them out. I have NEVER seen a student finish a book in one day. While I am not impressed that he slacked in other classes to finish that book, I am excited that she was finally motivated enough to apply himself. YOUR books made that small miracle possible.
Other students tried to take out multiple books at a time. "But, Miss, I want to read them all!" Felipe protested. He was trying to smuggle books under his shirts. These books made my students involved and excited to do schoolwork. Before, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." When asked, the number one reason students were not reading was "no interesting books." Now, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them.
As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my Bronx classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. As high school students, they have been historically underserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that wears red. Then they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success. Spending time reading is the best way to raise your reading levels, I tell them. If they read for thirty minutes every day (fifteen minutes in my class, fifteen minutes outside of class), they can raise their reading level two years.
Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they could not read a book you donated, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.
”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.Twilight for Our Readers!
Funded Jan 27, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The twenty five books you donated are constantly "checked out" of my library. When I handed out the books, two of my classes audibly cheered. I overheard student conversations: "No more boring books" "This teacher actually has good books now" "I'm actually going to read today." Bryan, one of my most apathetic students, picked up one of the books you donated. After my last class of the day, he tapped on my shoulder. "I finished it. Got any more?" he asked, casually tossing the book on a desk. I sent him home with another book, and he keeps checking them out. I have NEVER seen a student finish a book in one day. While I am not impressed that he slacked in other classes to finish that book, I am excited that she was finally motivated enough to apply himself. YOUR books made that small miracle possible.
Other students tried to take out multiple books at a time. "But, Miss, I want to read them all!" Felipe protested. He was trying to smuggle books under his shirts. These books made my students involved and excited to do schoolwork. Before, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." When asked, the number one reason students were not reading was "no interesting books." Now, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them.
As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my Bronx classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. As high school students, they have been historically underserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that wears red. Then they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success. Spending time reading is the best way to raise your reading levels, I tell them. If they read for thirty minutes every day (fifteen minutes in my class, fifteen minutes outside of class), they can raise their reading level two years.
Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they could not read a book you donated, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.Fist, Stick, Knife, Gun: Let's Make Reading Fun!
Funded Jan 28, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The twenty five books you donated are constantly "checked out" of my library. When I handed out the books, two of my classes audibly cheered. I overheard student conversations: "No more boring books" "This teacher actually has good books now" "I'm actually going to read today." Bryan, one of my most apathetic students, picked up one of the books you donated. After my last class of the day, he tapped on my shoulder. "I finished it. Got any more?" he asked, casually tossing the book on a desk. I sent him home with another book, and he keeps checking them out. I have NEVER seen a student finish a book in one day. While I am not impressed that he slacked in other classes to finish that book, I am excited that she was finally motivated enough to apply himself. YOUR books made that small miracle possible.
Other students tried to take out multiple books at a time. "But, Miss, I want to read them all!" Felipe protested. He was trying to smuggle books under his shirts. These books made my students involved and excited to do schoolwork. Before, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." When asked, the number one reason students were not reading was "no interesting books." Now, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them.
As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my Bronx classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. As high school students, they have been historically underserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that wears red. Then they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success. Spending time reading is the best way to raise your reading levels, I tell them. If they read for thirty minutes every day (fifteen minutes in my class, fifteen minutes outside of class), they can raise their reading level two years.
Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they could not read a book you donated, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.Boys Will Be Boys - So They Need Books Just For Them!
Funded Feb 5, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The twenty five books you donated are constantly "checked out" of my library. When I handed out the books, two of my classes audibly cheered. I overheard student conversations: "No more boring books" "This teacher actually has good books now" "I'm actually going to read today." Bryan, one of my most apathetic students, picked up one of the books you donated. After my last class of the day, he tapped on my shoulder. "I finished it. Got any more?" he asked, casually tossing the book on a desk. I sent him home with another book, and he keeps checking them out. I have NEVER seen a student finish a book in one day. While I am not impressed that he slacked in other classes to finish that book, I am excited that she was finally motivated enough to apply himself. YOUR books made that small miracle possible.
Other students tried to take out multiple books at a time. "But, Miss, I want to read them all!" Felipe protested. He was trying to smuggle books under his shirts. These books made my students involved and excited to do schoolwork. Before, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." When asked, the number one reason students were not reading was "no interesting books." Now, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them.
As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my Bronx classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. As high school students, they have been historically underserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that wears red. Then they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success. Spending time reading is the best way to raise your reading levels, I tell them. If they read for thirty minutes every day (fifteen minutes in my class, fifteen minutes outside of class), they can raise their reading level two years.
Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they could not read a book you donated, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.Help Us Read to Succeed!
Funded Feb 2, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The twenty five books you donated are constantly "checked out" of my library. When I handed out the books, two of my classes audibly cheered. I overheard student conversations: "No more boring books" "This teacher actually has good books now" "I'm actually going to read today." Bryan, one of my most apathetic students, picked up one of the books you donated. After my last class of the day, he tapped on my shoulder. "I finished it. Got any more?" he asked, casually tossing the book on a desk. I sent him home with another book, and he keeps checking them out. I have NEVER seen a student finish a book in one day. While I am not impressed that he slacked in other classes to finish that book, I am excited that she was finally motivated enough to apply himself. YOUR books made that small miracle possible. Other students tried to take out multiple books at a time. "But, Miss, I want to read them all!" Felipe protested. He was trying to smuggle books under his shirts. These books made my students involved and excited to do schoolwork. Before, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." When asked, the number one reason students were not reading was "no interesting books." Now, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them. As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my Bronx classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. As high school students, they have been historically underserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that wears red. Then they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success. Spending time reading is the best way to raise your reading levels, I tell them. If they read for thirty minutes every day (fifteen minutes in my class, fifteen minutes outside of class), they can raise their reading level two years. Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they could not read a book you donated, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.Number One Reading Hustler
Funded Jan 23, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The twenty five books you donated are constantly "checked out" of my library. When I handed out the books, two of my classes audibly cheered. I overheard student conversations: "No more boring books" "This teacher actually has good books now" "I'm actually going to read today." Bryan, one of my most apathetic students, picked up one of the books you donated. After my last class of the day, he tapped on my shoulder. "I finished it. Got any more?" he asked, casually tossing the book on a desk. I sent him home with another book, and he keeps checking them out. I have NEVER seen a student finish a book in one day. While I am not impressed that he slacked in other classes to finish that book, I am excited that she was finally motivated enough to apply himself. YOUR books made that small miracle possible.
Other students tried to take out multiple books at a time. "But, Miss, I want to read them all!" Felipe protested. He was trying to smuggle books under his shirts. These books made my students involved and excited to do schoolwork. Before, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." When asked, the number one reason students were not reading was "no interesting books." Now, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them.
As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my Bronx classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. As high school students, they have been historically underserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that wears red. Then they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success. Spending time reading is the best way to raise your reading levels, I tell them. If they read for thirty minutes every day (fifteen minutes in my class, fifteen minutes outside of class), they can raise their reading level two years.
Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they could not read a book you donated, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and 2 other donors.English Books for English Learners!
Funded Jan 24, 2009I cannot tell you how deeply your generosity has impacted our classroom. The twenty five books you donated are constantly "checked out" of my library. When I handed out the books, two of my classes audibly cheered. I overheard student conversations: "No more boring books" "This teacher actually has good books now" "I'm actually going to read today." Bryan, one of my most apathetic students, picked up one of the books you donated. After my last class of the day, he tapped on my shoulder. "I finished it. Got any more?" he asked, casually tossing the book on a desk. I sent him home with another book, and he keeps checking them out. I have NEVER seen a student finish a book in one day. While I am not impressed that he slacked in other classes to finish that book, I am excited that she was finally motivated enough to apply himself. YOUR books made that small miracle possible.
Other students tried to take out multiple books at a time. "But, Miss, I want to read them all!" Felipe protested. He was trying to smuggle books under his shirts. These books made my students involved and excited to do schoolwork. Before, independent reading time was half nagging, half farce. I spent half the time nagging students to open a book, and half the students still only went through the motions of reading. Their eyes were open and looking at the book, but they were not reading. Glazed-over eyes stared at "Crime and Punishment." When asked, the number one reason students were not reading was "no interesting books." Now, independent reading time goes much easier. Students now know they will actually find interesting books, books that appeal to them.
As I tell my students, their reading time is critical. Not only is reading a life skill, but my students have to take the SAT and New York State Regents next year. My students are on average three years behind their suburban peers. The sad truth of education in this country is the inequality some students face every day. The students in my Bronx classroom face many obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success. As high school students, they have been historically undeserved. As you can tell by their letters, they lack the essential skills they should have learned in elementary and middle school. Their home lives are far from ideal, as eighty five percent of my students live below the poverty level. Some of my students run home because the blue uniform makes them a target for the opposing gang that wears red. Then they are expected to read, comprehend, and compose an essay about Shakespeare. Every obstacle is not an excuse, but presents another temptation to quit or give up caring altogether. I try my hardest to express to every one of my students that I know they can reach success. Spending time reading is the best way to raise your reading levels, I tell them. If they read for thirty minutes every day (fifteen minutes in my class, fifteen minutes outside of class), they can raise their reading level two years.
Due to my student's resilience and motivation, and now your generosity, they are on their way to academic success. I cannot stress how greatly you have helped our class. Students meet small successes everyday. Your gift has literally opened up the world of reading to my students. They see that reading can be exciting, that their learning can be applicable to the real world, but perhaps more importantly, that someone out there cares about them. The very idea that a stranger would spend time and money on them surprised and perplexed my students. Even if they could not read a book you donated, they left class that day knowing that someone cared enough about them and their education. You gave them the greatest motivation possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for giving my students the tools for success. It is thanks to the generosity and caring of people like you that reaches America's forgotten children. Know that you truly made a positive impact on many students that they will not soon forget.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.Boys Will Be Boys - So They Need Books Just For Them!!
Funded Dec 1, 2008I cannot tell you how deeply my students and I both appreciate your gift. My students are truly hungry for knowledge. They always ask for new books. They ask for "interesting" books that they can "relate to" almost every day. The number one excuse for not reading in my class is the lack of interesting books. You are giving them the gift of knowledge and a chance at success in the future. Also, the books you funded have important life lessons. They will learn literacy by reading and empathy through the characters' experiences. Thank you for everything you have given my students.
Sincerely,
Ms. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. McAvoy