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Ms. Valbuena's Classroom

  • PS 153 Maspeth
  • Maspeth, NY
  • More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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Gift Ms. Valbuena's classroom the essentials

$10 fruit snacks

for Ms. Valbuena in
Maspeth, NY
show projects from all time

Past projects 154

  • ‘Hepa’ Make Our Classroom Air Quality Safe-Part Deux!

    Funded Sep 26, 2024

    Thank you so much for your generosity and support. Your contributions helped to make this project a reality for my classroom and for my students.

    Having another air purifier with a HEPA filter is helping all my students, especially those with allergies and asthma. My kids are a great bunch! They come to school eager to learn and do their best. Adding this additional air purifier has allowed them to do so in a safer environment. It has made such a difference for my students!

    Thanks again for all of your support. It is appreciated more than words can say.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 7 other donors.
  • Crusaders for Climate Change and Protectors of the Environment!

    Funded Aug 14, 2024

    Thank you so very much for your generosity and support of this project. Because of you, these important resources are making such a difference in my students' lives.

    Fourth graders are emerging into a world where climate change and environmental issues are becoming increasingly impossible to ignore. Unlike some adults who might feel overwhelmed or distant from the problem, this new generation is uniquely positioned to be passionate about the environment. Their natural curiosity and sense of wonder about the world translates perfectly into a fascination with the amazing diversity of life on Earth. They're at an age where they're readily absorbing information and forming strong connections with the animals and ecosystems they learn about. This inherent love for the planet can easily spark a fire in their hearts to protect it.

    However, this passion needs to be nurtured with the right tools.Here's where engaging books come in. Informative and age-appropriate books can provide them with the knowledge they crave to understand the complexities of climate change and environmental issues. Through captivating stories and vivid illustrations, these books can paint a picture of the natural world's beauty and the potential threats it faces. But more importantly, good environmental books empower fourth graders. They can showcase real kids taking action, inspiring young readers to believe they too can make a difference. By learning about solutions and success stories, my students will equipped to turn their passion into action, sparking a lifelong commitment to protecting our planet. Thanks again for making this all possible.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.
  • Financial Literacy for Fabulous Fourth Graders!

    Funded Sep 20, 2024

    Thank you so much for your generosity and support. The books and games have arrived and we are learning so much!

    Introducing fourth graders to financial literacy is crucial as it lays the foundation for responsible money management in their future lives. At this age, children are developing their understanding of basic math concepts and starting to make more decisions about how they spend and save their allowances or earned money. By learning about financial principles early on, they can grasp the concepts of saving, budgeting, and making informed choices, which can set them up for financial stability as they grow older. This foundational knowledge not only helps them manage their personal finances effectively but also instills a sense of responsibility and discipline.

    Books and games tailored to young students can be instrumental in teaching financial literacy. The students are enjoying both so much! They are learning a lot and it is having such a positive impact on their lives. Thanks again!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by Charles Schwab Foundation and 4 other donors.
  • Books to Bolster Acceptance, Empathy, and Understanding!

    Funded Aug 2, 2024

    Thanks so much for your generosity and support. All the books have arrived and they are already making a big difference in my classroom and in the lives of my students.

    We launched our school year by exploring the concept of identity, and pondered the question, 'What makes us who we are?' We continue to explore how our characteristics, culture, and experiences weave together to form our identity. In turn, we also exploring the identities of our fellow classmates.

    This exploration is helping us to embrace acceptance, empathy, and understanding of others. We are on a path of a year-long social-emotional journey where we learn to embrace ourselves and others for what makes us all different and unique, as well as what unites us as one. The books are helping my students on their year of discovery and growth. Thanks again!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

  • Opening Hearts and Minds: A Journey of Compassion Through Literature

    Funded Jun 20, 2024

    Thank you so very much for your generosity and support. This project is already quite a difference in my classroom. By introducing a diverse collection of children's books, we have embarked on a journey where my students are learning to see the world through another person's eyes, understanding the challenges they face, and developing a desire to alleviate suffering.

    We have been discussing the characters' feelings, analyze their situations, and explore the things that make us all fundamentally human. These discussions are challenging my students' perspectives and encouraging them to step outside their own comfort zones and 'walk in the shoes' of others.

    By fostering empathy today, we're investing in a generation of compassionate leaders who understand the interconnectedness of our world. With your help, these books are becoming more than just stories – they are catalysts for positive change. Imagine a classroom where students don't just read about the suffering of others, but actively seek solutions. This project is a step towards making that vision a reality. Thanks again for making this possible.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Compassion Project and 3 other donors.
  • Supplies! Supplies! Our Kingdom For Supplies!

    Funded Sep 1, 2024

    I am profoundly grateful for your generous support of my project to obtain essential supplies for my classroom. Your contributions have enabled us to acquire much-needed items such as calendars, folders, a pencil sharpener, pencils, tape, and various types of paper. Each of these supplies plays a vital role in keeping our classroom organized and running smoothly, ensuring that both students and teacher have the tools necessary for a productive and engaging learning environment.

    Your kindness has made a significant difference, allowing us to focus more on teaching and learning rather than worrying about basic necessities. Your support not only enhances our classroom but also demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering educational success. Thank you for investing in our students' future and making a positive impact on our educational journey.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 3 other donors.
  • Classroom Basics Make Us Soar!

    Funded Aug 13, 2024

    I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible generosity in supporting my project for classroom essentials. Your contributions have enabled us to acquire a variety of important supplies, including notebooks, calendars, a pencil sharpener, binders, labels, stickers, pencils, tape, and Post-it Notes. Each of these items plays a crucial role in creating an organized and dynamic learning environment for our students. Your support also allowed us to provide baggies for books, mounting squares, and a plan book, further enhancing our ability to keep everything in order and facilitate effective teaching.

    Your kindness and commitment to education is deeply appreciated, and it makes a significant difference in the classroom. Thanks to you, we are now better equipped to foster a productive and engaging atmosphere that supports our students' learning and growth. I am truly grateful for your support and the positive impact it will have on our educational community.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and 3 other donors.
  • Compassion Can Be Contagious!

    Funded Aug 31, 2024

    Thank you so very much for your support of this project. Thanks to your generosity, my students are building their compassion and spreading it wide and far!

    The books are allowing me to introduce stories featuring characters who demonstrate kindness and empathy, facilitating discussions about how these actions impact others. My students are exploring different perspectives and practicing responding with kindness. We are having discussions about emotions and how they affect people and this helping my students recognize and relate to the feelings of others, fostering a deeper understanding of compassion.

    Demonstrating compassion involves practical actions that my fourth graders can easily adopt in their daily lives. I am will encouraging them to help classmates who are struggling, whether with schoolwork or personal issues, teaching them to offer support and kindness. They are utilizing simple acts, like sharing supplies, including others in games, and offering a comforting word to show compassion. The card materials and snacks are a hit and they are using and sharing them.

    Again, thanks so much for your generosity and support. It is making a true difference in the life of my students!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Compassion Project and 3 other donors.
  • ‘HEPA’ Make Our Classroom Air Quality Safe and Allergy Free!

    Funded Jun 19, 2024

    Thank you so very much for helping me to secure the new air purifier with a HEPA filter. It is up and running and making such a difference in our classroom!

    If the recent past has taught us anything, we now know the importance of clean and filtered air. Many of my students suffer from allergies and asthma. I strive to make our classroom as comfortable and safe as possible and set the stage for optimal learning. This includes making our classroom feel like a second home, one where my students can flourish.

    Having this air purifier with a HEPA filter is helping all my students, especially those with allergies and asthma. My kids are a great bunch! They come to school eager to learn and do their best. Adding this air purifier is allowing them to do so in a safer environment. This is making such a difference for my students! Thanks again for your generosity, support, and for making this project a reality!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and 3 other donors.
  • Pursuing Our Passions With Pride!

    Funded Apr 23, 2024

    Thank you so very much for helping to fund this project! The gift certificate has aided me in finding materials for each of my students' individual passions.

    The Teacher Pay Teacher site is wonderful as it is made up of materials made by teachers! I turn to this when I need a bit of assistance in finding materials to individualize instruction for my students. As many of my kids are functioning well above grade level, I am able to search for materials that align with their needs. My students are the best, and I work hard in supplying the best for each of them. These gift certificates have allowed me to do so.

    Thanks again for your support. We are very grateful.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Valbuena

    This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and 2 other donors.
My students attend a Title-1 public school in New York City, where more than 65% of the student population qualifies for the free lunch program. My students are a diverse group of intellectually-gifted fourth graders, and many of them are functioning well-above grade level. Their interests are unique and varied, yet they share the trait of innate inquisitiveness. Our classroom is a place of discovery and inquiry. We strive to tap into our higher order thinking skills on a daily basis; pushing ourselves to explore and think deeply. They arrive every day with a passion to learn. I try my hardest to give them all that they need, but we need assistance in procuring all the materials required to help them along their way. It really does take a community, and we are most appreciative of any help we are given.

About my class

My students attend a Title-1 public school in New York City, where more than 65% of the student population qualifies for the free lunch program. My students are a diverse group of intellectually-gifted fourth graders, and many of them are functioning well-above grade level. Their interests are unique and varied, yet they share the trait of innate inquisitiveness. Our classroom is a place of discovery and inquiry. We strive to tap into our higher order thinking skills on a daily basis; pushing ourselves to explore and think deeply. They arrive every day with a passion to learn. I try my hardest to give them all that they need, but we need assistance in procuring all the materials required to help them along their way. It really does take a community, and we are most appreciative of any help we are given.

About my class

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