Ms. Stork's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 25

• Current Gamers, Future Readers

  Funded May 5, 2010

  Thank you so much for contributing to my classroom last year! It has meant the world to me that people from all walks of life, every imaginable situation, has donated to public schools through Donors Choose.

  This particular project offered a DJ Hero bundle to a student of mine. He was entered into a raffle of students who had read over 50 books for the year.

  When I called his name down to my room to announce he had won, he was ecstatic! One of the greatest things to see is when a child is rewarded- whether it be intrinsic or extrinsic- for his or her hard work!

  Thank you for letting me share this moment with my student, your support means the world to us in the Arkansas Delta!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and one other donor.

• Organization System for High School English Classroom

  Funded Sep 14, 2010

  Thank you so much for your donations to my classroom! We've been able to use this system for a year and a half now, and it has made a world of difference.

  Every period, my students are able to take ownership of a small slice of our classroom- their box. They know their journals, workbooks, and assignments will be right where they had left them.

  It has cut down on the time needed to find supplies, and lost workbooks are at an all-time low! I know most people would think something like a cardboard box for a high schooler was silly, but it truly has been a godsend! I am only able to see my students for 45 minutes per day, so every second counts. The more time I have for instruction, the greater chance our kids have for success.

  Thank you so much, you have truly blessed our school in the Arkansas Delta!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and 14 other donors.

• Basic School Supplies for Secondary Students

  Funded Aug 9, 2010

  Thank you so much for your donation to my classroom last year! I don't know if words could ever be enough to show my gratitude.

  Your pencils, erasers, and other supplies were invaluable both last year and this year. It meant the world to me to be able to pass a student a pencil when he or she needed one, without worrying about the financial strain it would put on me.

  One single pencil adds up so easily with our students, as I see about 160 per day! I am so grateful for your generosity.

  Thank you from both me&my students- you have blessed our little school in the Arkansas Delta!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and 3 other donors.

• Digital Prizes for Digital Kids: 25 Book Campaign

  Funded Apr 28, 2010

  Thank you, thank you, thank you! Because of you, our school's 25 book campaign was successful!

  It's often very difficult for us to motivate our students to read. They typically test anywhere from a 3rd grade to 10th grade reading level, which adds to their frustration. This past year we were able to take your prizes and use them as incentives for our students.

  While we are always looking to improve on the participation levels and amounts of reading done, we felt this year was successful because of increased participation over past years.

  I truly appreciate your support; the Arkansas Delta needs it now more than ever.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and 9 other donors.

• The Little Prince

  Funded Apr 5, 2010

  We started reading The Little Prince this past Wednesday and it has been such a joy to see my students' interest in this novel!

  When I first passed out the books, I asked each student to tell their first impressions. They ranged from "this is a baby book" to "wow! outer space!". I merely asked for my kids to trust me, that this book would rock their world. We finished class by talking about the differences between adults and children, what friendship means, and what they thought was the meaning of life... all very deep topics for 16 year olds! After class one of my favorite students walked up to me and said, "I'm scared to read this book. I think it's going to make me question everything." And that's exactly what I wanted. I want my students to take simple works, ones they deem "baby books," and see that even the simplest things can be analyzed. Life has such deeper meanings that what we often see, and I hope in the coming weeks my students will continue to see that.

  Thank you for making this project possible. Many students have said that they enjoy the story line, and my struggling readers have found success reading at a lower level. I have even had some of my struggling readers volunteer to read aloud! Your donation has made all of this, and potentially so much more, happen!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and 4 other donors.

• Terrific Tutoring + Successful Students = Memphis Maniacs!

  Funded Mar 11, 2010

  Thank you SO much for sending my students to a Memphis Grizzlies game! Each of the students on the trip attended at least 12 hours of tutoring beyond school hours and were incredibly excited to see their hard work rewarded!

  I know our tutoring sessions would not have been as successful if we didn't have this trip to offer as an incentive. Many students attended because they genuinely wanted to score well on our state test, but many more were there to earn hours towards the Grizzlies. Thank goodness for you, donors!

  At each tutoring session our students listened to a short lecture, reviewed past tests, and worked both individually and in groups to improve their literacy skills. Regardless of their motives for attending, every single student participated to his or her fullest.

  Seeing my students watch the Grizzlies was an immense joy. We screamed when our name was on the score board, we lunged for t-shirts thrown into the crowd, and we hollered as the Grizzlies defeated the Hornets.

  Thank you for giving us this experience; it is one we will never forget. ”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and 3 other donors.

• Basic School Supplies for Secondary Students

  Funded Dec 14, 2009

  Thank you all for you donation of pens and pencils for my students! I have steadily been distributing them to students in need of a writing utensil, and as prizes for winning class games.

  So often I am forced to supply basics such as these for my classroom. In the past I have finagled pens from local doctors offices, the military, and visiting colleges. When these supplies dwindle, I have to supply them out of my own pocket. With over a hundred students entering my class each day, and an incredibly high poverty rate for our area, the cost of supplies adds up quickly!

  It means the world to me to know that when a student requests a pen or pencil, I can easily hand one over without draining my personal funds! Thank you for giving my students the supplies they so desperately need!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and 2 other donors.

• College Trip for Ravenous Readers!

  Funded Feb 2, 2010

  Thank you for helping bring a group of kids from the Delta to the University of Central Arkansas (and closer to academic success.) We had an amazing time touring the campus, asking questions, and even eating in a college residence hall's cafeteria! During the visit we were able to meet with professors, students, and staff who all made us feel welcome on campus. Thank you for giving these students the opportunity to live the life of a college student for a day; many of the students in our area never receive a chance like this.

  We hope you enjoy the pictures that are already posted and the thank you notes that are coming soon!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and 5 other donors.

• "The Hand You're Dealt" A High Interest Novel

  Funded Nov 13, 2009

  The Hand You're Dealt is one of my favorite books, and I am so grateful that I could share this incredible novel with my students. Thank you for helping to donate copies of this novel to my classroom!

  So far each of my eleventh graders have read The Hand You're Dealt in order to explore friendship, jealousy, and vengeance. As a class we discussed the major themes of the novel, then students delved into supporting these ideas using symbols, imagery, figurative language, and tones from the novel. Their analysis was also an opportunity to cite quotes from the novel and add commentary to fully explain these quotes.

  Thank you again for your donation. It truly means the world to us that people from all over the United States are willing to support education in Arkansas!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by The APSRC and Walton Family Foundation and one other donor.

• High Interest Volponi Novels for High School Students

  Funded Oct 6, 2009

  Thank you so much for donating a collection of Paul Volponi's novels to my classroom! We have used them in copious ways since their arrival!

  So far each of my eleventh graders have read The Hand You're Dealt in order to explore friendship, jealousy, and vengeance. As a class we discussed the major themes of the novel, then students delved into supporting these ideas using symbols, imagery, figurative language, and tones from the novel. Their analysis was also an opportunity to cite quotes from the novel and add commentary to fully explain these quotes.

  I am looking forward to using the additional novels, such as Rucker Park Setup and Rooftop with my other students during the fourth quarter!

  Thank you again for your donation. It truly means the world to us that people from all over the United States are willing to support education in Arkansas!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Stork

  This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and 7 other donors.