Past projects 19
Social Studies Curriculum
Funded Jan 20, 2023Thank you for your generous contributions to our class. This project will expand upon our social studies curriculum to include resources we would otherwise not have. Our educational program thrives because of the donations from members of our school community, and we appreciate your dedication to our school and our futures.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
More Amazing Books!
Funded Dec 1, 2020As we persevere through this global pandemic, teachers struggle to instill in their students a sense of community, of belonging, and of connection. I continue to try and initiate ways to bring our class together, even when we are far apart.
One of the things I have always loved about reading is the way books can bring people together. A complete stranger becomes an instant friend when you can bond over your love of the same book. It is that bond I am working to build between and among my students. Your generous donations help me to further that cause.
From all the members of our learning community, thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 8 other donors.Awesome Books!
Funded Nov 9, 2020Thank you so much for helping me to raise the funds necessary to purchase these sets of books. My intention in purchasing book sets is to provide my students with the materials they need to have book clubs, both during the recent school closure and once we return to the classroom, whenever that might be. Activities such as this can help bridge the distance between students during this challenging time and can help to create a sense of community. I am confident my students will love reading these books. Thank you for helping me introduce these stories to them.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
I'll Take "Fun" For $100!
Funded Oct 27, 2019Teaching today has become more than just presenting lesson and assigning tasks. I work closely with beginning teachers, and we often talk about how teachers are now faced with students who don't have the attention span they once did. Whatever the reason, teachers now have to capture the attention of students more than ever. That's why teaching tools such as Educational Insight's "Eggspert," is a wonderful tool to use in the classroom. It was clearly designed with teachers in mind because it also helps with classroom management while playing a fun game. Thank you so much for providing this wonderful tool to our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
Mountains of Math!
Funded Oct 26, 2019Thank you so much for your generous donations to our Donors Choose project to fund 3rd and 4th grade Mountain Math this year. I have used the Mountain Math program since I discovered it at the California Math Council conference in Palm Springs 16 years ago. Since that time, my students actually enjoy math! In fact, students from previous years often come to visit my classroom. When they see those colorful math cards on my board, they almost always comment on how much they loved Mountain Math. By having access to the online version, that will allow me to utilize technology in the classroom and demonstrate to my students that the internet is for more than YouTube videos.
Once again, thank you for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
Mr. E! You're a Better Door Than a Window!
Funded Aug 23, 2018Thank you for your very generous contributions to our classroom technology project. The purchase of the new LED projector will allow me to reconfigure the classroom to optimize student learning. This is a crucial year for students to learn about things like taking notes and organizing notebooks. Through the use of a projector, I can more effective display what intend for them to learn. Rather than write on a white board and expect the students to know how I expect their pages to look, I can model solid work habits and study skills that will last them a lifetime. Once again, thank you so much for your support of our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 11 other donors.Hot Stuff!
Funded Aug 17, 2018Thanks to your generous support, Dixie Canyon Community Charter is taking another step toward providing our students with a wold-class education. The digital infrared thermometers we ordered will give students across the grade levels the opportunity to feel like a real scientist. They will collect real data, analyze that data, and by interpreting their findings, gain a deeper understanding of their world. These experiences will invariably foster within many of our children curiosity, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Who knows? Maybe the next scientist to grace the cover of Time Magazine is studying at Dixie right now!
Science instruction at the elementary level has come a long way from planting seeds in paper cups, building potato clocks, and exploding papier mache volcanoes. Some might think, "Digital infrared thermometers? Why when I was a kid, ours were filled with mercury and we liked it!" However access to technology such as this is not an extravagance. Advancements in technology have intrinsically changed the way our society operates at the most basic of levels. These advancements demand that our children be offered an education considerably different than what was offered a generation ago. That means making the effort to provide kids with the tools necessary to meet their needs. Ergo, digital infrared thermometers!
Again, thank you for your generous support. We couldn't do it without you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
The Emerald Matchbook
Funded Oct 6, 2017The books have arrived, and I am already hard at work preparing lessons for teaching, "The Emerald Matchbook" in my fourth grade class. Though the language is challenging for them, I think the story is accessible and engaging. Students at this age very often ask, "Is that a real person?" when reading a story. Not only is Chaya a real person, but a very important person to me. The "Common Core" has made quite a mess of literature in classrooms today. It is my objective to clear up some of that mess with this engaging story through interactive, meaningful lessons. Thank you so much for contributing to the purchase of these books. I encourage everyone to get a copy for themselves! This is a book readers will absolutely love. Again, thank you for your generous support. And please, call me Scott.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
What Do We Do When We're Done?
Funded Apr 27, 2016It would seem that schools have plenty of money these days. It is frequently reported that millions, if not billions, of tax dollars are poured into the American educational system each year. Not to mention all of the businesses touting programs that contribute to local schools, such as Wal-Mart and Target, just to name a few. And what about all that lottery money?
In reality, school budgets are dwindling. You might be thinking, so where is all of that money? It's an excellent question. At my school site, I see money being used to fund out-of-classroom positions, purchase materials that are mandated by the District that sit in the book room untouched for years, and produce signage all over the school posting rules and regulations. Meanwhile, fewer people with fewer resources are being asked to more and more each year, if not each day. Teachers certainly aren't getting rich off of their salaries, and benefits packages continue to be cut year after year. Next on the chopping block seems to be our pensions.
This is why DonorsChoose has been so successful. People want to invest in education. People understand that kids need financial backing. So teachers turn to generous folks like you for seemingly silly, little things like books and highlighters. I guess I could save my pennies and just buy the books myself. Of course, I already spend about $1500 a year (and have the receipts to prove it) on my classroom.
So please understand that, "Thank you," while a simple phrase, carries with it the appreciation, frustration, exhaustion, relief, and true appreciation of a public school teacher.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman
Look At Those Potatoes Go!
Funded Jun 1, 2016Dear Donors,
My students love these new, brightly-colored "potato sacks!" Not only do they promote cardiovascular health, they also help foster senses of sportsmanship and teamwork in the students. Some students "jumped right in" (pun intended)! Others needed some practice. Everyone had a great time! As a teacher, I also truly value the chance to get outside and simply play with the kids, where the central objective of the lesson is to have fun! They seem pretty durable, so I hope they will last a good long time.
We're looking forward to many hours of fun with our new physical education equipment!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Engelman