Past projects 5
Nutrition is Essential to Learning
Funded Jan 13, 2022We want to thank you again for your kind and generous donations. The impact of the donations is far greater than just snacks for our students. As seen in the pictures the students were able to take turns and wait, which is a skill we are working on. Taking turns and waiting for a very preferred item is difficult for the students, but they were able to master this skill with delicious preferred snacks right in front of them. In one picture you can see a student with a snack bag in front of him. In this picture he is placing one hand on top of the other and looking at the adult. This is a modified American Sign Language word for help. Having these items in the classroom allows the students opportunities to advocate for themselves.
We also used the items to make sandwiches. Life skills are a big part of our classroom and teaching the students how to use a knife to spread condiments on the bread, cut the items, and knife safety are just some skills we are able to teach with your donation. Teaching high school, it is important to help our students be as independent as possible. Enabling students to choose food items that they want, gather materials they need to make items and then make their own food is so important. The students felt proud of what they made and that is all because of your generous donation.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. LaPollo
Food for Their Brains
Funded Oct 23, 2019I want to take this time to thank you for your generosity. We are using the donation in many ways. Many of our students do not have access to snacks and the snacks help the students pay attention and stay on task. If a student is hungry it can be difficult for them to stay on task in class, but having access to snacks and water help.
We also used the snacks during our no bake cooking class. The students used rice krispie treats to decorate. During this time students followed directions, shared items and requested items. These Rice Krispie treats were more than just a snack they brought the class together.
Also we are working on communication in the classroom. Students are taught and encouraged to request preferred items. With these snacks students are able to uses their preferred method of communication (sign language, vocal requests, or picture exchange system).”
With gratitude,
Mrs. LaPollo
Winter Is Coming...
Funded Oct 20, 2018I can tell you that when received all the boxes of supplies the students were so excited. They helped to open all the boxes and organize out supplies. They then took the time to break down the boxes and recycle them. The whole process was amazing and they worked as a team to put away all of our wonderful winter supplies.
Normally the students are always sick and that causes them to miss school. Since receiving these items the attendance has increased. We are able to stop the germs from spreading from student to student and also to the adults in the room. The students learn independence with the supplies and now get their own tissues, Lysol wipes and paper towels. Thank you for the generous donations.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. LaPollo
We Need the Basics
Funded Aug 27, 2018Thank you so much for your generous donation. We have used the donations to practice our writing, creating arts and crafts and communicating our feelings and emotions. The students use the white boards to write words about the topics we discuss in the classroom. They can then copy the words and share ideas. Having an individual white board gets the students excited to collaborate together.
Everyone in the classroom was so excited to see the new materials. I placed the paper in a crate so the students can see all the colors we have. I first had them sort the paper by color. Now they can go to the crate and choose the colors they like.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. LaPollo
This classroom project was brought to life by News Corp and 6 other donors.Sensory Items!
Funded Aug 21, 2016My students are in a self-contained Moderate/Severe Autism class. The alternative seating and sensory toys that you provided to my students has made such a difference. Students that were unable to sit during whole group sessions now sit and pay attention. When our students attend general education classes they use the sensory toys to assist in paying attention to the teacher. Before the sensory toys and alternative seating our students would be in and out of their seat and running around the room. Thank you for helping us learn!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. LaPollo