Past projects 16
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.Scholastic News for Distance Learning
Funded May 27, 2021Thank you for introducing my students to Scholastic News this year! This resource has provided my students with argumentative class debates that they nationally engage in, current events that align with their own interests, and fascinating new ideas to discuss in the classroom. This not only provides my students with an immense resource that is fun-filled, but it also assists with their development in their literacy skills.
Reading in my classroom looks like a class discussion, small groups, and independent progress where the students have scaffolded support through graphic organizers, highlighted text, read aloud, and more.
The students have found the articles particularly interesting because they are relevant and align with their own experiences. Climate change is a discussion topic that has been a large debate in my classroom. With the Scholastic News resource, it became a learning moment where we could discuss our own imprint and impact on the world, as well as resources we can utilize to reduce our carbon footprint.
Thank you for bringing in such a DYNAMIC resource that integrates my students' interests into a literacy setting.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.Clean Air for the Classroom
Funded Jul 12, 2021Thank you for providing this resource in our classroom! Coming back to school can have its challenges and anxieties, so with this resource, we go into the new school year with confidence! This air purifier adds another layer of protection into the classroom during such a stressful point of the pandemic; adding this into our classroom provides my students with extended opportunities to promote a sense of security during the school year.
The air purifier provides the students with another piece of protection that is so subtle, but it makes such an incredible difference. This piece is not something that is commonly seen, but it makes such a pivotal difference in our classroom climate. Beyond removing dust and allergens, it increases the hygienic element into the classroom to reinforce a healthy space for the students.
The goal is to maintain and use this as a staple piece in the classroom to increase the cleanliness as we go through a year of change and transitions. With so much drastically changing over the past year, I can say with absolute gratitude that your generosity has provided the classroom with a sense of security.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by Clorox and one other donor.Personalized Student Rewards
Funded Mar 31, 2021Thank you for bringing this joy and excitement to my classroom! I am so incredibly grateful for your generosity in providing this resource to my students. These resources provided an opportunity for me to create personalized rewards for students who went above and beyond this past year! Over the span of this year, the students received rewards, being recognized for their academic rigor, strong moral character, and high achieving attitudes. These materials allowed me an opportunity to celebrate my students for their successes over the past year!
My students were gleeful and giddy when they received their prizes in the mail. For some, this was the first piece of mail they have ever received, so it was humbling to make it such a positive experience. The students who were awarded the prizes had the opportunity to select the color of the bags, symbols and images on the bag, and the other details that would be selected. Allowing them to be graphic designers for a material they would receive gave them a moment of pride to showcase their achievements.
The next step for this project is giving the students a chance to work with the software and develop their own graphic design style as a reward and recognition for their achievements. Thank you, again, for bringing this into our lives.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by T-Mobile and 3 other donors.Personalized Student Rewards
Funded Nov 23, 2020Thank you for the immense gift and privilege to create a community in my classroom again. Not only has this provided an incentive and unique reward program, but it has given my students something to look forward to each day. Distance learning has created several barriers for these students, and these rewards have provided them an incentive that reminds them that this classroom is student-centered. It reminds them that they are incredible, kind, and bright students who deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their achievements.
My students start every single day with the mindset that their hard work is recognized, and they actively try to participate. Students who are reserved, hesitant, and lack drive this semester have found this small incentive to inspire collaboration and communication. I found that shy students are now advocating for themselves because they feel like their hard work is being recognized. Each winner is allowed the opportunity to assist in designing their bag, by choosing color schemes and decoration choices!
When my students found out that you, the generous donor, had provided this to the classroom, they were absolutely blown away that someone who has never met them would be willing to give them so much. The students provided design ideas, sparking their own creations and exploring new creative outlets they had not considered. The next steps would be to use the students' designs and sketches and allow them to create the materials themselves. I am excited to see how they develop the materials further.
Thank you for giving the students this outlet of creativity during such a challenging time.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by Allstate Foundation.Inclusive Books for Distance Learning
Funded Aug 29, 2020Thank you for your incredible contribution to our classroom. Thanks to you, these students were able to explore a text that brings to life so many important themes that hold relevance in this year more than ever. One of the most important things is that it emphasizes to the students that kindness is a choice. In a world that relies on this empathy, the students worked through the text to define the idea of kindness and how it can be a choice, rather than a personality trait.
The theme focuses on a child that is extraordinary, but feels ordinary and wants to be accepted. Through this text, the students explore the idea of tolerance, and how kindness can allow them to learn about people who are different from themselves. By sharing their unique challenges, the students are able to convey their perspectives, as well as develop an understanding that is different from their own. By doing this, the students have a chance to gain a fundamental skill that is needed now more than ever. This book has not only sparked a curiosity for reading, but a cause to act in a kindness campaign.
The book started with a skeptical point of view. The book cover and background information made the students hesitant. By the end, the students were drawn in and cared about the character, as if he was their friend. This story reminded the students of their own challenges, as well as the fact that every human in the world is struggling with something in their lives. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to read a book that provides so much insight into a concept that is often lost. I have so much appreciation for your choice to help our classroom this year.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by Marks Family Foundation and 4 other donors.Mischief Needs Managing! Magical Texts Wanted!
Funded May 5, 2020Thank you for what you have created. Thanks to your generous donation, my students will have the opportunity to engage with physical books that tap into their imagination. These books create magic in our classroom. With your donation, the students will live through the vibrant worlds that these authors have created. Percy Jackson will allow the students to explore Greek mythology with a modern twist. With this, they will analyze the gods and goddesses of this ancient realm. The projects will include the students taking ownership and presenting a selected mythological legend to the class. The students will learn about their perspective as they shed light on this character and dive into who they are.
Reading in our classroom is very different from distance education. Many students struggle with the constant staring at the screens. This book will give their eyes a break from the screen and some time delving into the literature. This reading provides the students with time offline, off their phones, and into a book that stimulates their imagination.
Since the books have not arrived in the classroom yet, they are eager to jump into the topics. Many students have already sought out information about the author and the background. The students have searched for background information to learn as much as they can. Thank you for giving them this opportunity to explore creativity. Thank you for providing them a new world and giving them a physical book to dive into during such a difficult point in time.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zschaechner
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 4 other donors.