Past projects 114
Snacks and Treats
Funded Dec 14, 2022Around 9:00 this morning, at the end of my second period class, one of my juniors hung back after the bell rang. He apologized if his question was inappropriate, but he explained that he hadn't had a chance to eat breakfast and that his stomach was growling. If it wasn't too much trouble, did I have a snack that I could give him?
A few weeks ago, a senior was having a bad day. He was almost in tears when he told me that he really didn't want to be in school that day, but it was better than being at home. During these emotional, and sometimes awkward, exchanges with students, I often can't do much but listen and try to make my classroom a more welcoming place. I find that it helps to offer students a treat or snack to show them that someone cares and things will get better.
And finally, sometimes these snacks have been used as "pick me ups" for an entire class. When the class looks sluggish and like they just can't write another word, I pull out the snack box to energize them.
These snacks really do work miracles in my classroom and in the lives of my students. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
Cards and Candy to Spread Holiday Cheer
Funded Nov 30, 2022We had a blast delivering holiday cards and candy canes last month! Members of student council set up a card-signing table outside of the cafeteria. During lunch periods, students stopped by to write a message to a friend or teacher. It was a joy to interact with the students and help them find the perfect card. The day before student council delivered the cards and canes, we met as a group to attach a candy cane to each envelope and pack up the delivery cart. One cheerful moment was the realization that we had almost as many cards for teachers as we did for students. I think that sends a nice message about the school climate this year.
Thank you for helping us spread holiday cheer during our 2nd annual cards & canes delivery. We hope to make this a yearly tradition.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and one other donor.Student Council: Teaching Life Skills
Funded Sep 6, 2022Student council's popcorn sales are the highlight of my week. I love watching the student council members interact with each other, their peers, and their teachers. (I also love the way my classroom smells during the popcorn sales.) The money box has helped us stay organized during our sales, and the ledger is helping our treasurer keep track of our profits. The three-tier cart is perfect. In addition to storing our popcorn supplies, students use it to wheel bags of popcorn down the hall to deliver to teachers after school. I'm very proud of our student council members and their commitment to making our school a better place for all students. Thank you for helping us make this happen.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation and one other donor.Classroom Supplies
Funded Oct 24, 2022The day after I unpacked these goodies, my students took notes on Edgar Allan Poe's The Cask of Amontillado, which some say is Poe's greatest story (and one of my favorites). Because we rely on our one-to-one Chromebooks, some students were unprepared for taking notes using paper and pen. Thanks to your generosity, I had plenty of supplies for students who needed them. Before these supplies arrived, I only had black ink pens available for student use. The arrival of these supplies helped me learn that many of my students prefer blue ink. It's the little things that make taking notes more enjoyable. The folders will be given to students who are having trouble getting (and staying) organized.
And of course, the gum was a hit. I'm not a gum-chewer myself, but the students tell me that the sweet watermelon is delicious. Because chewing gum fights drowsiness, I urge my sleepiest students to take a piece. All of my data is anecdotal, but I am seeing an improvement in focus from the students who accept a piece of gum.
Thank you for supporting my students by supplying them with paper, pens, folders, and gum.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
Popcorn Fundraiser
Funded Apr 21, 2022Our first popcorn sale of the school year was an overwhelming success for a number of reasons. First, many of last year's student council members graduated, leaving us with a new crew of students to take over. They stepped into their new role smoothly, even two freshmen who volunteered to join our club this year. Second, we were able to share this healthy after-school snack with students, faculty, and staff. Nothing beats bringing a little joy to a student's life at the end of the school day. Third, we were able to raise a little money for next year's homecoming supplies. We can rest easy knowing that we will be able to purchase flowers for our senior athletes next fall. Thank you for making this possible.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
Healthy Snacks for Focused Students
Funded Sep 20, 2022Receiving these snacks was such a treat! Last week I had a small group of seniors doing research in my classroom at the end of the day. Because it was the end of the day, as you can imagine, some of the students were struggling to stay focused and productive. I knew I had to do something to help the students energize and get back to their research. As soon as I opened that yellow snack box and let each student choose a treat, the mood in the room changed. The students perked up and started engaging with their work. It was like switching a light switch, and I was amazed that it was really that easy to help students get out of the afternoon slump.
Thank you for providing this "light switch" for my students, which helped them to be productive through the end of the school day.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
Classroom Basics to Finish Strong
Funded Aug 10, 2022Never have I ever had so many students in need of paper and a writing utensil. Thank you for providing these basic classroom supplies for my students. I know that some people believe that a student coming to class unprepared should be his problem. I disagree. Withholding classroom supplies from students prevents them from learning and keeps them from being successful. In addition to being grateful for the pens, pencils, and paper, the students are going wild over the gum and mints. Having gum available for students has made me one of the most popular teachers in the building, and I notice that students are more able to focus when they are chewing a piece of gum or enjoying a mint. Thank you for your commitment to my students and public education.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 3 other donors.Tools to Build Relationships (Part 4)
Funded Mar 4, 2022Thank you for helping me build relationships with my students through food. Whenever morale seems low, I pull out the snacks for students who need a pick-me-up. The Izze sparkling juice was a hit. Students had never seen it before and were excited to try each flavor. Sparking apple is everyone's favorite.
Having snacks available has encouraged some students to come to class instead of wandering in the hallways. One particulare student will pop into my room in the morning to ask if I will have snacks available for his class. If I say "yes," then that student is guaranteed to show up for class on time. Students have even come by after school asking if they can have a snack to take home. I always agree because I don't know what food is available to those students after school hours.
Thank you for making students' days a little brighter.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
Funded Dec 24, 2021What a powerful book! I got chills the first time I read Stevenson's text, Just Mercy, and I am pleased to report that many of my seniors had a similar experience. Toward the end of the introduction, Stevenson provides shocking statistics about the US justice system and those who are incarcerated or on parole. Students were most surprised to learn that "one in every three black male babies born in this century is expected to be incarcerated." This statistic resonated with them, and they came back to it time and again. This fact, along with other disquieting information about incarceration, inspired students to choose research topics related to the socioeconomic status and race of prisoners, juveniles tried as adults, prison as a money-making business, and the benefits of rehabilitation.
Thank you for providing copies of this text for my students to read and keep. I'm sure that this text will resonate with them for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
Lift Others Up by Sending a Thoughful Message
Funded Dec 2, 2021Thanks to your donation, students were able to write messages to their friends and teachers during their lunch periods in early February. On Valentine's Day, members of student council delivered the cards to each recipient. This event was popular with staff and students, and we are already looking for a way we can replicate it in the future.
We will be working to overcome the impact of the pandemic for the years to come, but being able to provide students with the opportunity to write each other uplifting messages is a step in the right direction.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Marquart
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.