Past projects 4
The Showstopper!
Funded Dec 15, 2023We have been so fortunate to receive your gift of supplies this year. We made 55 costumes, painted a backdrop and built a tree stump for our show, A Bouquet for Spritz. It took us a while to learn how to sew, use patterns and draw out templates, but the students soaked in the information like sponges!
When the packages first started coming in, we would start our classes by showing off the new supplies and talking about where to set them up and how to use them. Every new box brought joy and excitement. The best part was that they got to see their hard work pay off in a sold-out play production, and many of the students are excited to continue their experience in theatre classes next year.
We plan on expanding next year to creating more than one production and even writing some plays. The students liked doing a Children's show, so we will probably adapt a folk tale and maybe tackle Shakespeare in the Spring.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Spoor
Quilting Library
Funded Nov 10, 2017Your generous gifts have transformed our classroom. My students have realized the many creative outlets the supplies afforded them. Quilting was a tip of the iceberg for our classroom. We were able to create centerpiece ideas for school functions, make coasters, design quilt squares, and begin sewing their designs into felt pictures. The Cricut paper cutting machine has been used to make patterns and help students visualize their designs.
When packages arrived, we would open the boxes together, and discuss the ways we would be able to use each of the supplies. They were particularly excited about the Cricut, the sewing machine and the fabric cutter. technology is very exciting, but this technology was also useful in allowing students to express themselves creatively.
Our class is now in the process of sewing their designs, and once the individual squares are finished, they will work together to create the wall hanging for the library. Our class is learning a skill that they can transfer into other art works and even costume design. My hope is that they learn how to use their creative problem solving to explore even more art forms, and take pride in seeing their art displayed.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Spoor
Because Writing Matters
Funded Sep 2, 2015I am so pleased to inform all of you that your gifts to our classroom have made this year very exciting. Students would jump up and down every time a new box would arrive, and they couldn't wait to start writing. I have never had a year where Owl Mail was so successful, or so highly anticipated. We were able to create in-class projects, presentations and we are going to start making our writing portfolio books this semester!
My sixth grade classes made a special writing project that included a creative invitation to a themed party. They were able to make paper cut-outs and really decorate the invitations, and had so much fun in their writing groups, that their descriptions of the imaginary parties were incredible. The eighth grade classes used materials to present mini-research projects on famous people who have overcome obstacles. In creative film class, they used materials to create puppet shows.
Our hope is to have enough time this year to gather stories, poems and essays for classroom anthologies. This may be a pipe dream because the year is going by so quickly, and at the very least, we will put together books of each student's writing! Thank you again for making our dreams come true!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Spoor
Our Idea Factory
Funded Jan 26, 2012Having a publishing center in our classroom made such a difference for us this year! We had such a good time creating projects, ABC books, tee shirts and artifacts with all of the supplies. Our class embarked on an ambitious Harry Potter themed unit, and the publishing center enabled the students to create house books, a graffiti "Diagon Alley" wall, house shirts, dioramas, projects and artifacts. We even had an end of the year "Haleworts" party, and used the center to create awards, games and prizes. As a teacher, I know that this center got my students excited and truly inspired their imaginations. Thank you for this wonderful gift of learning! ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Spoor
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 36 other donors.