Past projects 8
Serenity Garden
Funded May 3, 2022Your generous gifts have made our classroom a scene of wonder and discovery as we excitedly view new species of birds visiting our sanctuary. This project was a real team effort as our class did all of the planning and implementation of it from the start to finish. First, we researched and voted on what we needed to include to attract birds and butterflies. We looked at what kind of birds were likely to be in our region at different times of the year and what kinds of food they like to eat from feeders. Each student drew a map with accurate dimensions of where we should place the feeder, birdbath, and garden bed. After voting on a layout, students weeded, leveled, and dug the spot where our bed would go. Students assembled the bed, dumped in the soil, and planted wildflower seeds. We decorated the birdbath with our names and excitedly awaited the birds. Since adding our sanctuary, we have seen juncos, finches, chickadees, mourning doves, a Northern Flicker, hummingbirds, jays, and more! It was a surprising moment recently when I was teaching a lesson and a huge Flicker woodpecker perched on the window feeder!
We look forward to next spring when our tulip bulbs will come up and continue to add to our appreciation of nature and the world around us. Thank you so much for making this happen.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Griffith
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 8 other donors.Books to Ignite Interest in Reading
Funded Mar 6, 2020Thank you so much for donating to this important project! These carefully selected books that are recognized by the ALA as outstanding for children and teens and encourage original, creative work.There is something for everyone! The title of the project, "Books to Ignite Interest in Reading" shines a light on my intention of using these books to generate excitement in reading, even for the most reluctant reader.
Students in my class are encouraged to read a "Book of Your Choice" picked from our classroom library. My students were so excited to receive these new titles that they created a sign-up sheet so they would know when it was their turn to read the much-anticipated books! I intend to make these books available for my students to borrow despite being limited to on-line school this fall. Thank you so much for supporting my students and for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Griffith
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 2 other donors.Books for All Interests!
Funded Mar 4, 2020Thank you so much for donating to this important project! The books you helped purchase include action, humor, historical fiction, and social justice themes. There is something for everyone! The title of the project, "Books For All Interests" shines a light on my intention of using these books to ignite excitement about reading different genres and topics.
Students in my class are encouraged to read a "Book of Your Choice" picked from our classroom library. My students were so excited to receive these new titles that they created a sign-up sheet so they would know when it was their turn to read the much-anticipated books! I intend to make these books available for my students to borrow despite being limited to on-line school this fall. Thank you so much for supporting my students and for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Griffith
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 5 other donors.Experience the World Through Books
Funded Mar 2, 2020The timing of this project was so prolific as it came just before the killing of George Floyd and the nightly Portland protests since then. Many students in our school have limited experiences with people whose realities are different from theirs. The world of books has always been a favorite way to learn new things and to appreciate new perspectives. Through these books, students will explore different races and ethnicities, children with disabilities, people who are bullied, and a girl whose family problems threaten to challenge her well being.
The title of the project, "Experience The World Through Books" shines light on my intention of using these books to teach tolerance, grow empathy, and share insight on people's experiences other than our own. The books are also intended to reflect experiences some of my students have personally felt by being black in a primarily white school. The presence of these books in our class helps to demonstrate that black lives matter.
Students in my class are encouraged to read a "Book of Your Choice" picked from our classroom library. My students were so excited to receive these new titles that they created a sign-up sheet so they would know when it was their turn to read the much-anticipated books! I intend to make these books available for my students to borrow despite being limited to on-line school this fall. Thank you so much for supporting my students and for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Griffith
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 4 other donors.Crucial Chromebooks
Funded Apr 6, 2019Thank you so much for your donation to our classroom. We now are closer to our goal of having enough Chromebooks that every student is able to use one at the same time. When a student is inspired to find an answer to a question, I want that student to have access to a computer as soon as possible. When a student finishes an assignment early, they should be able to continue their learning independently on an easily accessible computer. When a student is struggling, I want computer adaptations available right that instant. With your donation my students are doing these things every day.
I use computers for math practice and concept development. We have adaptive math programs that meets the student where he/she is and helps them practice needed skills. I use computers to teach grammar skills, keyboarding, and reading comprehension. I strongly believe computer programming is an essential skill but I cannot teach it without computers. We use Google Classroom to manage assignments, share documents and give feedback without ever having to use paper. These additional Chromebooks will greatly assist student ability to investigate, study and create their independent IB exhibition project this spring!
Thank you so much for your incredible generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Griffith
Robotics Revolution! Sphero and Ozobots Take Over!
Funded Aug 23, 2017I cannot thank you enough for your generous support of our technology program. These new robotic materials have caused tremendous excitement for all students who see them. The BB-8 Sphero and Ozobots are so appealing and cute that students cannot wait to use them. We have been busy learning about what robots are and their impact on our world. We have experimented with different commands for the robots and are beginning to program them to perform a string of tasks. The robots demonstrate instant results students can quickly analyze, assess then correct if needed to complete the task at hand. This is very satisfying especially for younger students who don't have as much patience and find computer programming to be somewhat boring.
This project also included an ipad mini which we use to control and program the robots. It is also a great resource for taking video, photo and countless other apps that can assist students with math and reading.
I feel so fortunate to teach at a school with so much community support for technology education. Every week I have parents come volunteer their time to assist in tech class. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your care and contribution to this project. It means so much to the kids. They love these robots!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Griffith
This classroom project was brought to life by 3M and 8 other donors.MakerSpace Mania! Projects that Inspire Through Technological Innovation.
Funded Oct 8, 2016Ever since last year I have been hearing about "MakerSpace". It is a trend that caught my attention as a way to entice and engage even the most reluctant students. Technology is intimidating to many of us and can feel frustrating and overwhelming especially to kids who have not had much exposure before. The intent of my project, "MakerSpace Mania! Projects that Inspire Through Technological Innovation" is to add technologies to my class that will attract as many different learners as I can.
The MakerSpace movement embraces creativity and imagination using a model that lets the student steer the experience. The kids in my Technology/Design class have loved the new materials I have brought in thanks to your generous donations. They are using them in combinations that are unique and impressive, for example a self driving car that is filmed and put in a movie. I have heard comments that express surprise and excitement where before some felt reluctant and anxious about a class that was primarily coding. Now I can supplement that coding knowledge with hands on tools that are so fun and engaging that students don't want to leave at the end of the class period!
I cannot thank you enough for the generous gifts you have given us. Who knows, you may have inspired a future famous inventor!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Griffith
Technology: Coding and Innovating with LittleBits!
Funded Aug 1, 2016Dear Donors,
Our school is very lucky to have a computer lab where students are learning to code beginning in kindergarten. There is a lot of material to learn by the time we send them off to high school. It can be a challenge to get some students to buy into the importance of coding. My goal with this project is to find ways to make coding more meaningful to our kids. The littleBits have the instant gratification some students need to get them hooked and hungry to learn more.
The three littleBits kits have already become a favorite in class. So far I have only introduced them to our middle school Technology and Design class. One of the main assignments for the quarter was to combine two kinds of technology to create an original product. The littleBits are such an essential tool because they are very versatile and user friendly. Students were excited to learn how to code with the Arduinobit and use the cloudBit to make their invention interactive.
The littleBits really are attractive to a few kids in class who do not enjoy coding or working on the computers. Previously, they didn't feel confident about their ability or motivated to try. Both or these student were able to create an invention using the littleBits that was exciting to them and gained the admiration of the entire class! I can tell their confidence has increased and I believe they will be more open to trying new technologies in the future.
On behalf of our students, I sincerely thank you for your generous donation and for supporting our school.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Griffith