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Ms. Beres' Classroom

  • Interdistrict Discovery Magnet
  • Bridgeport, CT
  • 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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Past projects 13

  • Game On: Cooperative Connections

    Funded May 19, 2024

    Thank you! The games we received—Perfection, Connect Four, Uno, Checkers, Battleship, Mancala, Trouble, etc—have been invaluable during our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) time. These resources help students develop cooperation, communication, and teamwork skills. For instance, in games like Battleship and Mancala, students must strategize and think ahead, all while learning to work together toward a common goal. Similarly, Uno and Trouble have been great tools for practicing turn-taking and managing emotions in a fun, structured environment.

    The students were so excited when they first saw the games, and their enthusiasm for SEL time has only grown. They look forward to this part of the week, where learning how to collaborate and support each other feels like play. The variety of games also caters to different interests, ensuring that everyone is engaged and actively participating.

    As we continue using these games, they will play a key role in reinforcing the SEL lessons we teach, helping students build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts, and develop empathy. These skills are just as crucial as academic learning, and we're grateful to have such engaging tools to support this growth.

    Thank you for your support in fostering a cooperative and emotionally healthy classroom environment!”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

    This classroom project was brought to life by Dalio Education and 3 other donors.
  • Building Bright Minds With STEAM

    Funded Mar 20, 2024

    The new resources have transformed my classroom and sparked incredible excitement among my students. When they first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with enthusiasm. They couldn't wait to dive into hands-on projects, and I immediately saw how eager they were to explore and learn!

    Students have used the Snap Circuits to build basic electronic circuits. One memorable moment was when a group of students successfully built and wired a working display light. Their excitement was contagious, and it turned into a valuable lesson in collaboration and perseverance. The LEGO sets have encouraged creative problem-solving, with students using them to build structures that reflect engineering concepts.

    Looking ahead, we'll be incorporating the Gravity Maze into our physics lessons to deepen their understanding of motion and energy. These materials have enriched our STEM curriculum and boosted student confidence in tackling complex challenges. Thanks to your generosity, my students are now more engaged in their learning and are developing critical skills for future success.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

    This classroom project was brought to life by The Dalio Family and 4 other donors.
  • Hard Work On Display

    Funded Feb 20, 2024

    I am thrilled to provide you with an update on the impact your generous support has had on our classroom and students through our recent project, Hard Work on Display.

    Thanks to your donation, students are now able to create beautiful project display boards! With the new resources you provided, including colorful duct tape, precision tools, and other supplies, our students have transformed their projects into true visual representations of their learning. The boards serve as a showcase of their hard work and ingenuity, capturing the attention of their peers and visitors alike.

    Looking ahead, we will continue to incorporate these resources into classroom projects. Our student science project experiments and invention convention projects allow them to apply their science skills and creativity to tackle real-world challenges and explore innovative solutions.

    Once again, I want to express my thanks for your generosity and commitment to our students' education.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

  • 8th Grade Hygiene Haul

    Funded Apr 17, 2023

    I wanted to take a moment to update you on the wonderful impact your support has had on my students through our Donors Choose project. Thanks to your generosity, I have been able to provide discreet access to essential hygiene items that have made a significant difference in their lives.

    Having access to a variety of hygiene materials has had a positive impact on my students' health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. These supplies are discreetly available for any student who may need them, ensuring that they can maintain personal cleanliness and comfort throughout the day. By feeling clean and cared for, my students are better able to focus on their learning and participate fully in the classroom. This not only promotes their physical comfort but also boosts their confidence and contributes to overall well-being.

    Your support has also taught my students important lessons about self-care and personal responsibility. Through the availability of these hygiene items, they are learning the value of taking care of themselves and developing healthy habits that will benefit them beyond their time in our classroom. By empowering them to prioritize their well-being, your contribution fosters a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.

    I am incredibly grateful for your contribution, as it has created an environment where my students can thrive and succeed. By promoting their physical comfort and boosting their confidence, your generosity has made a tangible impact on their lives.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

  • Turning a Classroom Into a Science Lab

    Funded Nov 15, 2022

    Since receiving the new resources, my students have been able to conduct experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions in a much more efficient and accurate way. The triple beam balances and graduated cylinders have allowed us to measure mass and volume with greater precision, which is essential in chemistry and physics. One of the most memorable projects we did was testing the effect of different types of liquids (water, oil, and syrup) on the speed of a toy car. We used the balances to measure the weight of the car and the graduated cylinders to measure the volume of each liquid. Then we timed how long it took for the car to travel a set distance on each liquid covered surface. The students were amazed to see how the viscosity of the liquid affected the speed and acceleration of the car. This project not only taught them about the properties of matter but also about the importance of controlling variables and making accurate measurements.

    When my students first saw the new materials, they were ecstatic! They couldn't believe that they would get to use triple beam balances and graduated cylinders like real scientists. They eagerly helped me unpack and organize the equipment; some even took pictures with safety goggles on. It was heartwarming to see their excitement and curiosity.

    As for the next steps in our current classroom project, we're planning to use the Science World magazine subscription to learn more about renewable energy sources and how they can mitigate climate change. We'll be doing a series of experiments to compare the efficiency of different types of solar cells, wind turbines, and hydroelectric generators. The students will work in teams to collect data and present their findings to the class. We'll also be discussing the ethical implications of using non-renewable energy sources and brainstorming ways to promote sustainability in our school and community. I'm confident that the new resources and materials will enable my students to engage in deeper learning and develop a lifelong love for science.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

  • A Whole New (Science) World!

    Funded Mar 4, 2020

    This project happened at exactly the right time. About a week after the project was funded, we were sent home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Little did we know that school would be remote for the rest of the year. Thanks to your generous donation, my students were allowed online access to interesting and topical articles about current events in science.

    When we returned to school in September, I continued to provide online access to my remote students and distributed the paper issues to my in-person learners. Although my school district requires me to teach at-home and in-person learners at the same time, we could all still (quite literally) be on the same page! As an added benefit, the hard copies give my classroom students a much needed break from staring at a screen.

    Reading can be a chore for some of my 8th graders; choosing engaging content is key, especially when looking for non-fiction sources of material. The articles in Science World never fail to capture their interest and curiosity. Many times, an article serves as a fantastic jumping off point to a much larger in-depth conversation about topical issues such as the pandemic, climate change and the very latest developments in technology. Your generosity has truly made an impact on learning in my classroom and I am so grateful.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

    This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 5 other donors.
  • Sounds Like Learning

    Funded Dec 13, 2019

    Thank you so much for your generous donation. This project was funded shortly before our school was closed for the remainder of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    My students were taught at home (from my home) for about three months. Since they were at home with their families, it was often a challenge for to find a quiet space to listen, learn and complete work. These headphones became an invaluable resource for helping students focus on the material at hand while learning from home.

    It has not been an easy situation, but my students are resilient and strong. Your donation has helped make things easier during a difficult time. I thank you again.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

    This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon and 5 other donors.
  • Making Something Out of Nothing: Help Us Build Our Lab!

    Funded Dec 27, 2018

    Thank you so much for your generous support of our science classroom. You have allowed us access to equipment and materials that my students will be using for years to come as they conduct experiments and investigations to better understand the world around them.

    My kids were beyond excited when the materials arrived and couldn't wait to help unbox everything. We rarely get new supplies and it is a major event when we do. Students were laughing and chattering amongst themselves while trying to decide who should be first to use the new equipment. I had to reassure them that everyone would have an opportunity because we now have enough graduated cylinders, beakers and triple beam balances for an entire class.

    You have empowered an entire grade of curious young students to explore the world around them and for that, you have my deepest appreciation.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

  • Microscope Mania!

    Funded Dec 22, 2016

    Thank you so much for your generous donation! We are now almost at our goal of having a complete classroom set of microscopes for my seventh grade students. Microscopes are an essential part of learning basic biology and students are genuinely excited to use them. One of the first things we learn in class is that without the invention of the microscope, cells would never have been discovered.

    We use microscopes throughout the year to observe all sorts of materials such as pond water samples, manufactured slides and student prepared slides as well. Using a cell phone or iPad camera positioned over the eyepiece of their microscopes, students are also able to take pictures of their observations to save for posterity. We have included a student picture of frog blood cells for you to see!

    I have been teaching for 16 years and it is still difficult to describe the reaction when a student learns (after a little practice) to properly operate and focus a microscope. To observe their wonder at seeing the microscopic world for the first time is one of the great perks of my job. Even the most jaded middle schooler can't help but express amazement at seeing blood cells, chloroplasts, or the wing of an insect for the first time. It is especially gratifying to see students ask to view other materials and theorize what they might see.

    You have empowered curious young students to explore the world around them and for that, you have my deepest appreciation.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

  • Jiminy Cricut! Our School Needs A Makeover.

    Funded Nov 29, 2016

    The Cricut machine has been a huge hit with my students! I have a group of several students that stay after school with me several times a month to work on learning how to use the Cricut machine to design materials for our classroom. So far, we have learned to make customized greeting cards and designed a vinyl decal decorated whiteboard that displays the date, daily objective, classroom news and homework. We are currently working on repurposing an old chalkboard to create a science vocabulary word wall so students are able to easily reference scientific terms and phrases as they come up in class.

    When students first saw the machine, they weren't sure what it was. They guessed that we had received a new printer, a fax machine, or even a 3D printer. They were super excited when they realized that it was a machine intended for their use- not just teachers! One of my homeroom students even decided that we needed to create a shared Pinterest board with ideas on how to use the Cricut in the classroom and throughout the school. I absolutely love how involved and creative my students have been with their suggestions. One of our next projects will be to tackle the old bulletin board at the end of our hallway to turn it into an attractive display of student work.

    Receiving these materials has truly inspired both myself and my students to take a look at our school and see where and how we can work together to create beautiful spaces out of drab surroundings. I really can't explain just how much your generous donation has helped our school- and to help my kids feel better about the building they spend their days in. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

    With gratitude,

    Ms. Beres

I love my job! I am a middle school life science teacher for a large urban public school district. I am constantly on the lookout for new ways to engage and inspire my students to explore the world around them.

About my class

I love my job! I am a middle school life science teacher for a large urban public school district. I am constantly on the lookout for new ways to engage and inspire my students to explore the world around them.

About my class

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