Past projects 4
Calm Space for Neurodiverse Learners
Funded Nov 12, 2022Words cannot express how grateful I am for the funding to help my students have access to more sensory tools. This was a lofty project that I wasn’t sure would get fully funded and thanks to each of you, my students, for years to come, will benefit immensely! I cannot wait to add these items to our calm space!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ponti
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 10 other donors.The Future of the World Is in Our Classrooms!
Funded Aug 12, 2021These books have been a treasure to our classroom. I selected these texts because they all had inspiring themes to guide rich classroom discussions. These books have done just that. A class favorite that we have reread many times is the book Trying by Kobi Yamada. It is beautifully written and illustrated with the messages of perseverance, bravery, and overcoming self-doubt.
The fifth grade standards around theme are challenging for students to master. Having these texts to identify and compare themes has made a huge impact on the mastery of these standards. I have been able to focus heavily on teaching theme while also providing invaluable social-emotional learning instruction. A win-win.
Students have also had many opportunities to self-select from these books to dig into the themes and share favorite and inspiring quotes. This, too, has driven deep conversations around all things that matter most: Their hearts, their minds, and their relationship with themselves and others.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ponti
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 12 other donors.Our Carpet is Almost 40 Years Old!
Funded Nov 3, 2018The first rugs that arrived had been mislabeled on the website we purchased from. When they arrived, my students were so excited to have new rugs but a bit confused about how we would all fit on them. They came and were very small. I contacted DonorsChoose and they were wonderful to work with. My students eagerly helped me choose new rugs for our classroom. This time, MUCH larger! We all loved these bright happy rugs that perfectly match our tropical beach decor. We ended up have a little extra money left in the exchange, so we purchased four more wiggle cushions.
We meet at carpet everyday during our intervention time for math and ELA. There is plenty of room for all of my students on these soft and inviting rugs. Students often choose to work here even when they have choice to sit anywhere in the classroom. It has been wonderful to have this new, clean, and comfortable space for my students.
I have many students who both love and benefit from the wiggle cushions. I now have 6 round and 6 wedge cushions. Students take them around the room and they are a great way to meet sensory and kinesthetic needs without being quite as wiggly or bouncy as our yoga balls.
I believe that students learn best when they are comfortable and all of their basic needs are being met. I do not enjoy sitting in a chair all day, so I do not expect them to. We have a wide range of seating choices that I am continuing to add to. Thank you for helping us add new spots to sit, in a space where we all spend lots of time!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ponti
Help Us Choose Kindness!
Funded Aug 11, 2016Thank you donors!
In combination with Google Classroom, we are learning to support our thinking with text evidence. Students are engaging in high level questions and having powerful conversations. Some of these conversations are taking place online and others are taking place orally. Students are working hard making inferences about point of view and character traits. They are also learning empathy, compassion and the importance of Kindness. Students can't wait to read more and to find out what happens next.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ponti