Past projects 16
Threads of Calm: Crafting Stress Relief for Students
Funded Jan 30, 2025We are so excited to share the incredible impact that the new materials have had on our students! With these resources, we've created a weekly crochet club that has quickly become one of the most beloved spaces on campus. Our club now has over 20 enthusiastic members, and we're thrilled to have high school students volunteering as mentors to teach and guide them. This collaboration has been so special, fostering a supportive and positive environment where students feel safe and encouraged to learn.
When our students first saw the materials, their excitement was contagious. It took them a minute to get the hang of it, but they were eager and determined to learn this new skill. Now, they've become absolutely obsessed with crocheting! Many students have been asking their parents if they can pick up more materials because they can't get enough. They've even been requesting to take their supplies home so they can keep practicing and creating outside of club time.
What's been even more heartwarming is how this club has become a safe haven for students who are new to the school or have had difficulty making friends. The welcoming and positive atmosphere has made it easy for them to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. Many of these students are also noticing the therapeutic component of crocheting, finding it calming and a great way to relieve stress. Through this shared activity, they've formed new friendships and strengthened their social connections. The club has sparked so much creativity and kindness — students are already making gifts for their friends, family, and staff members. They are so proud of their progress and inspired to take on more ambitious projects.
As we look ahead, we're excited to support their growth and creativity even more. Our next steps include teaching more advanced techniques and exploring collaborative projects like making blankets or community art pieces. Thank you so much for your generosity — you've helped create not only a creative outlet but a warm and supportive community for our students. We can't wait to see what they'll create next!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
HEPA Air Purifiers for Classroom
Funded Jul 9, 2024The donated HEPA air purifier has become an integral part of our middle school classroom, especially during our recent project on air quality. Students actively monitor the air quality using a tracking system we established, which includes daily readings from the purifier's built-in sensors. They are incredibly thankful for this resource, as it allows them to engage with real-time data and understand the science behind air filtration. Recently, during the wildfires that affected our area, students expressed their gratitude for the purifier, using it to observe changes in air quality and leading to insightful discussions on the importance of clean air and the impacts of pollution.
When my students first saw the air purifier, their reactions were filled with curiosity and excitement, accompanied by expressions of gratitude. Many had never seen such technology before, and they were eager to learn how it worked. Their initial enthusiasm quickly transformed into engagement as they took turns checking the air quality readings, frequently voicing their appreciation for having such a valuable tool in our classroom. This experience not only empowered them to take ownership of their learning but also fostered a collaborative environment, where they shared their findings and discussed how different factors can affect air quality, all while recognizing the generosity of our donors.
Looking ahead, our next steps include an in-depth exploration of air quality and its relation to public health. Students will conduct experiments to compare air quality in different environments, using the HEPA purifier as a control. They plan to document their findings and create presentations to share with the school community, expressing their gratitude for the resources that make this learning possible. This project will reinforce their understanding of scientific methods while encouraging them to advocate for better air quality measures within our school and beyond. Through this work, they will continue to appreciate the support from our donors and how it enriches their educational experience.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and one other donor.Illuminate: Enhancing Classroom Atmosphere with Wall Lights & Chargers
Funded May 26, 2024I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution of lighting and extension/power supplies to our classroom. Your support has made a tremendous impact on both me and my students, and I am thrilled to share how we have been utilizing the new resources.
Since the installation of the new lighting and power supplies, our classroom has transformed into a more vibrant and conducive learning environment. With the improved lighting, my students are now able to engage in various hands-on activities and projects with greater clarity and focus. The extension/power supplies have allowed us to set up interactive learning stations, enabling students to actively participate in experiments and demonstrations that were previously limited by the lack of power sources.
When the students first saw the new materials, their reactions were priceless. Their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity as they immediately began brainstorming ideas for projects and experiments that they previously couldn't have imagined due to the constraints of our old lighting and power setup.
Looking ahead, this hands-on approach will provide the students with more immersive learning experiences.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your generous support. Your contribution has enriched the learning experience for my students in ways that will have a lasting impact on their educational journey.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex and one other donor.Care Corner: Access to Hygiene Products and More!
Funded Feb 2, 2024I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation to our school. Thanks to your contribution, we were able to create a care corner for our students.
As you may know, the care corner allows students to access materials such as bandaids, hair brushes, snacks, and other essentials. This small but important area has made a big difference for our students. Many of them come from low-income families and may not have access to these items at home. With the Care Corner, they can focus on their studies and not worry about minor inconveniences. Immediately upon receiving the packages, the students were eager to set up and maintain this space. They have shown respect for the supplies and resources, understanding that these donations should be utilized by those who need the supplies. They are so touched by the fact that a community outside of their own would want to contribute.
Your donation has truly made a positive impact on our school community. We are grateful for your kindness and support. It is donors like you who make it possible for us to provide the best education and resources for our students.
Thank you once again for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by A New York City Parent and 4 other donors.Auditory Support? Music to My Ears
Funded Feb 8, 2023I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation towards providing headphones for our middle school classroom. Your contribution has made a remarkable impact on our students' learning experience, and we cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support.
Since the arrival of the headphones, I have noticed a significant improvement in our students' ability to concentrate and engage in class. The headphones have helped them to block out distractions and focus on the task at hand. The benefits have been shown during independent work, where students can now work with more focus.
Moreover, the headphones have made it possible for our students to access online learning materials and educational videos in a more immersive and engaging way. This has enriched their learning experience and allowed them to explore a wide range of subjects with greater depth and understanding.
Once again, thank you for your support and for making it possible for our students to have access to these valuable learning tools. Your kindness and generosity will always be appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 4 other donors.Scope for Relevant Reading
Funded Jun 21, 2022Thank you for the generosity that you have shown to our classroom. The Scope magazines from Scholastic have provided an immense opportunity to engage my students in a variety of writing styles, which has inspired many to take up new genres that they might not have considered previously. The materials have shown poetry, narrative, and nonfiction that have high interest, which has driven many students to be on the lookout for new issues to arrive each month. In particular, one of the favorites of the classroom focuses on "The Odyssey," which sparked a focus on mythology and Greek/Roman history! Thank you for bringing the spark back into the classroom.
Many of the students love this resource because it provides not only an opportunity to read highly engaging material, but also supports many of my students through multiple means of representation. The students are provided with videos, audio, and imagery to engage further with the text. Many of the materials provide students with a chance to read out loud and practice their speaking skills. At a time when many students are struggling to engage with learning, thank you so much for providing a resource and opportunity for my classroom to succeed.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and 2 other donors.Sensory Items to Relieve Stress & Anxiety
Funded Feb 2, 2022My students and I greatly appreciate the new resources that have made their way into our classroom! The fidget toys immediately went into use when the fidget bands were placed on each student's desk. The immediate reaction was pure silence, as the students bounced their feet up and down with glee. Other teachers came in to marvel at these magical rubber bands after they heard about them from their students.
When they first saw the materials, it was like Christmas day. These resources added a variety of instruments to support my class socially and emotionally. The sensory items provided an eclectic collection that gave students the opportunity to find a resource that gave them the support they needed.
The next step in this project building would be to expand this to provide resources for my students that they would have access to throughout their entire day, rather than just during my classes. This next step would provide access to resources that assist their learning to provide the best possible environment for my students and help them be successful. Thank you for making this project come to life and for giving the classroom an opportunity to thrive.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 5 other donors.Hands-On Novel Study: Connecting Through Crochet
Funded Nov 30, 2021Thanks to your generosity, my students and I were able to use these resources to make a physical connection to the text. The activity provided not only a link to the book but a skill that could last them a lifetime. The new resources allowed each student to have access to yarn and crochet needles to practice and hone in on the art of crocheting. When my students first saw the materials, they were overwhelmed with excitement. The resources immediately drew them in because of the hands-on nature of the help. We started by distributing the materials and watching tutorials on crochet basics.
Some students already knew or had asked their families, so they began to help the struggling students to get a grasp of it. It was students supporting each other in a way that allowed them to learn without judgment or fear. The incredible thing was that this drew the class together by allowing them an opportunity to make a mess, make a mistake, and know that their classmates wanted to see them be successful. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. Every student took part in this without coaxing or prodding into trying this skill. It became "cool" in the classroom to learn how to crochet.
The best part of this experience was that the students developed a connection to the theme of our text and repeated the quote of our text, "do not be afraid to start over" and "rise above" your struggles. There was frustration, mistakes, and the constant need to pull out all of the work they had done, but they persisted at the end of the day.
Thanks to your generosity, my class and the other 6th-grade magnet classes received resources to make this a hands-on activity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.Recharging Station for Education
Funded Nov 10, 2021Thanks to your immense generosity, this gift was brought into our classroom and immediately utilized. The three charging stations went to each of the sixth-grade homeroom teachers so that all of our new students were supported during their transition from elementary to distance learning to middle school. By having one in each room, all of our class lines have a charging station available to use throughout the day. This charging station is fast charging, so this supports any student immediately with a quick boost in their charge since most of their day requires that their iPad is available. With so many of our students breaking, losing, or having their chargers taken away, this provides a safe and secure place for them to have consistent access to power.
The most exciting part of this new product is that it provides immediate access to power their devices, so there is not too much wait time before it is up and ready to function again. With this, I have been able to provide the students with a specific time that they can charge their devices during class so that they do not have to worry about if they will be able to complete the work. This technology consistently allows the students to have the security that they can access and complete their assignments without fear of missing out. This resource supports an equitable classroom that provides support to students who may not have access to this at home. The students have taken charge of this resource and take pride in maintaining the device so that it can continue to be used. Thank you for supporting this classroom and providing stability to my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by #TeachHealthy with Nature Made and one other donor.Continued Clean Air
Funded Oct 17, 2021Thanks to your immense generosity, the new resources have provided continuous clean air in the classroom. This material has been unique in the classroom in that it is actively working from the minute we start school to the moment we leave. While silent and undetected, the air purifier works incessantly to support our classroom environment. The air purifier provides the classroom with the comfort of knowing that there is an extra layer of support in promoting a cleaner classroom. Because of the replacement filters, there has not been a concern or worry about when this will end because there was an immediate clean filter ready when necessary. Thank you for providing that security and stability to the classroom in such an unstable time.
Many of the students were unsure what the air purifier was until I explained the purpose and intent of the machine. They were grossly satisfied to see the results of what the filter shields our classroom from. From that point on, the students often make sure to see that the outer filter is clean and running. While it is not something that the students have hands-on engagement with, they enjoy the environment created from the material.
Ultimately, this has made a difference in my classroom because my students have vocalized that they feel better and think that they are breathing easier in my room. My goal is to make the students feel more at ease, and your generous donation has created this for the classroom. Thank you for being why this project came alive and made a safer and more welcoming environment.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by #TeachHealthy with Nature Made and 2 other donors.