Past projects 4
Flexible Seating for Flexible Learners
Funded Jan 23, 2019I can't begin to thank you enough for your generous donations to my flexible seating area. I created a reading nook to help get my students excited about reading and writing. We use a rewards system to choose who gets to sit where. Students who perform good deeds or help other students are able to use the bean bag chairs or the wobble seats at their desk.
My students faces lit up when they got to see the new area by the books, and they were super excited to use the new furniture. The furniture helps keep my students more focused and ready to work. My normally unsettled students love the wobble seats to rock back and forth, and students love "relaxing" in the bean bag chairs to help them take tests.
I would like to continue to build my classroom to become more home-like and warm. My students come from many backgrounds where they are stressed, and I want to make sure they feel safe and welcome in my classroom, so they are ready to learn.
Once again, I can't thank you enough!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McHale
This classroom project was brought to life by Carol Kupers Whalen Memorial Fund and 4 other donors.Basic Supplies to Promote Equity in the Classroom
Funded Oct 6, 2017I cant begin to thank you enough for your donations to my classroom and to my students. My students are now able to not worry and stress over having basic supplies to be successful. With the computer paper and printer ink, my students are able to experience 21st century learning, using Google in the classroom, collaborating on the Chromebooks, and printing out projects and essays. When we aren't using the computers, the new notebooks and pencils help students feel prepared and ready for the days lesson. The notebooks are used for everyday learning targets and do knows, and also for first drafts of essays.
My students were most excited about having fresh supplies, like the notebooks and pencils. The Post It notes were also exciting because many students can't afford the cost of Post It notes. As you can see in the pictures, students were excited to annotate their novels to help dig deeper into the text! The bags of mini Oreos come in handy when teams compete for who earns the most in skill quiz competitions.
Students will continue to learn how to navigate Google in the classroom, and how to properly use the internet to collaborate on projects. The printer ink and paper is invaluable to being able to showcase student work, so my student shave pride in what they produce. Again, I can't thank you enough for your generous donations!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McHale
Technology for Our Future!
Funded Dec 20, 2016Words cannot express how grateful my students and I are for these new computers! Teaching special education, I am continually assessing students progress towards their goals. With these new Chromebooks, I can now have immediate feedback to better help educate my students. Students are able to track their own progress, work in groups on Google Classroom, and learn how to type formal reports to help prepare them for high school. Students are excited that the technology is new and up to date, and they are also excited to learn how to properly write an essay. Many of my students have an inclination toward technology, so having these computers will help hold their attention, while learning at the same time. Students are now more invested in their learning, and are able to complete the differentiated work that I can send them. Having these Chromebooks saves paper, and keeps the students interest. I can't thank you enough!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McHale
Help Middle School Students with Dyslexia Read to Succeed!
Funded May 18, 2016First and foremost, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for fully finding my project. I noticed my students were extremely resistant to read independently. I am dyslexic myself, so I recognized the hesitation. These students needed more than just guided reading. I have been trained in Orton Gillingham, so I know how important it is to immerse students in multisensory learning. I teach literacy, so I have my students for eight periods a week. Five periods a week, we do the curriculum, and the other three periods, I do interventions with my students, using Orton Gillingham. The resources you have provided me with have proven invaluable to helping immerse the students in language. Many students I have are also learning English for the first time, so the reading comprehension games reinforce basic skills that they need to build upon.
My students were so excited to get brand new "games" for them to play. Working in a low socioeconomic neighborhood, most of my students are not used to seeing new things that are just for them. They were very excited to jump right in, and didn't even realize they were learning games. I will continue using these games throughout the year to reinforce the skills taught in Orton Gillingham. The games and materials you have provided me with will help the kids use multiple ways to learn new concepts, as well as reinforce old concepts. You have provided countless growth opportunities to students who may not have gotten them otherwise. I thank you again.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McHale