Past projects 23
Turtley Awesome: Exploring Aquatic Life and Conservation!
Funded Feb 14, 2025Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our aquatic turtle tank project! Because of your support, my students now have an exciting and interactive way to learn about the lifecycles of aquatic organisms, conservation efforts, and habitat management. When they first saw the tank being set up, they were filled with excitement, eager to explore this new addition to our classroom.
This project has given my students hands-on experience with aquatic species beyond traditional aquaculture. By observing and caring for turtles and other aquatic organisms, they are gaining a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics, conservation practices, and responsible stewardship. This experience not only enhances their scientific knowledge but also sparks curiosity about careers in wildlife conservation and environmental science.
Looking ahead, we plan to incorporate the turtle tank into lessons about habitat preservation, endangered species conservation, and even the potential for reintroducing species into the wild. Your generosity has provided my students with a unique and engaging way to connect with the natural world, and we are incredibly grateful for your support in making this project a reality!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
Watertight Learning: Waders for Fish Sampling Success!
Funded Dec 12, 2024Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our waders project! Because of your support, my students can now fully participate in fish sampling surveys without worrying about damaging their uniforms. When they first saw the waders, their excitement was evident—they were eager to get out in the water and experience hands-on learning in a way they hadn't before.
This project has given my students the opportunity to engage in real-world scientific fieldwork. By wearing waders, they can safely and comfortably explore aquatic environments, collect data, and gain valuable skills in environmental monitoring and conservation. This experience not only enhances their understanding of aquaculture but also helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that will serve them well in future careers.
Moving forward, we plan to use the waders for more in-depth water quality assessments and ecosystem studies, expanding our students' knowledge and hands-on experience. Your generosity has made a lasting impact by providing the tools they need to succeed in both their education and their future endeavors. Thank you for making this opportunity possible!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
Plunging Into Plankton: Hands-On Marine Exploration!
Funded Dec 12, 2024Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our plankton net project! Your support has given my students the opportunity to explore the hidden world of microscopic aquatic life, deepening their understanding of marine ecosystems in a hands-on and exciting way. When they first saw the plankton net, their excitement was contagious—they couldn't wait to get to the water and start discovering what was unseen to the naked eye.
This project has transformed our classroom into a hub of scientific exploration. Students have been able to collect plankton samples, analyze them under microscopes, and identify the tiny organisms that form the foundation of aquatic food chains. Seeing these microscopic creatures firsthand has helped them connect textbook lessons to real-world applications, making abstract concepts tangible and engaging.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our research by monitoring different water sources and studying environmental factors that impact plankton populations. Your generosity has not only provided an incredible learning tool but has also ignited curiosity and a deeper appreciation for marine science. Thank you for making this project possible and for investing in our students' education and future.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
Refreshingly Eco-Conscious!
Funded Nov 14, 2024Thank you so much for funding our "Refreshingly Eco-Conscious" project! Your generosity has provided my students with a water cooler and aluminum water bottles, ensuring they stay hydrated while working in the greenhouse and Aquaculture lab. These tools have not only improved their comfort but have also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in their daily lives.
This project has made a tangible impact on both their well-being and their learning experience. With easy access to cold water, students can focus on their hands-on projects without the distraction of heat and dehydration. The reusable bottles have also sparked conversations about sustainability, helping them understand how small changes can reduce waste and benefit the environment.
Your support has transformed how my students approach their work and their commitment to sustainability. Thank you for helping us create a healthier, eco-conscious learning environment that empowers students to thrive in their studies and make lasting positive changes.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
This classroom project was brought to life by Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation and 3 other donors.A New Food Fight, Fighting Food Insecurities in the Community!
Funded Oct 22, 2024Thank you so much for your generosity in fully funding our community food garden project! Thanks to your support, my students have been hard at work this spring building raised garden beds and planting a variety of vegetables and edible plants. This hands-on experience has given them the opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening practices while actively serving their community. The excitement and pride they feel in creating something meaningful and lasting have been truly inspiring to witness.
This project has become a powerful blend of education and community service. The food garden not only provides my students with essential skills in agriculture and teamwork but also offers fresh, nutritious produce for families in need. It has become a resource for addressing food insecurity while promoting healthier lifestyles within our community. Additionally, we are planning educational workshops where students will teach local residents how to apply these gardening techniques at home, spreading the benefits even further.
Your support has made a tangible impact, turning our vision into a reality. By empowering my students to take on this project, you've helped them connect classroom lessons to real-world challenges, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility and care for their community. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us grow a brighter, healthier future for everyone involved.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation.Cracking Into Hatchery Management
Funded Jul 31, 2024Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our project to acquire incubators for our Aquaculture program. These incubators have provided my students with the unique opportunity to witness and participate in the entire life cycle of baby chicks, offering a hands-on experience that many in our urban area would otherwise never encounter. The moment my students saw the incubators in action, their excitement was undeniable. They were thrilled to take part in a process that allowed them to connect with agricultural practices in a tangible and meaningful way.
Through this project, my students have not only learned about hatchery management but have also developed a deeper sense of stewardship for all living beings. Watching the chicks grow from eggs to fully hatched has been a powerful lesson in empathy, responsibility, and care. For many, this has been an inspiring experience that connects them to the values of FFA and introduces them to potential pathways in agricultural careers.
Your contribution has given my students an invaluable learning opportunity, helping them grow into compassionate, well-rounded individuals who will carry these lessons with them into their communities and future endeavors. Thank you for making this project possible and for supporting our efforts to bring these vital experiences to life in an urban classroom setting.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
This classroom project was brought to life by Michael Jordan and The Jordan Brand and one other donor.Small Things Can Make Big Differences in the Classroom!
Funded Sep 17, 2024Thank you so much for funding our mental health project, "Small Things Make Big Differences." With your support, we've been able to provide tools that address the unique needs of each student, creating a classroom environment where everyone feels supported and ready to learn. Items like sensory stickers, fidget tools, and headphones may seem small, but they are making a tremendous impact by helping students manage their focus and emotions in a busy classroom setting.
The response from the students has been overwhelmingly positive. For many, these tools offer a sense of calm and control, allowing them to stay engaged and fully participate in class. By having resources readily available to meet diverse learning needs, my students are better equipped to succeed academically and personally. I've already seen an improvement in their focus, time management, and overall well-being—proving that these small adjustments truly make a big difference.
Thanks to your generosity, we are building a foundation of understanding, inclusion, and support. Your contribution has helped create a classroom where all students can thrive, regardless of their individual challenges. Thank you for making this possible and for helping us prioritize mental health and wellness as part of the learning experience.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
This classroom project was brought to life by .Building STEM skills for our future scientists
Funded Jul 16, 2024Thank you so much for funding our Future STEM Skills project! Because of your support, my second-year Aquaculture students now have the tools and project kits needed to learn soldering—a skill that will serve them well both in school and beyond. When the students first saw the equipment, they were thrilled at the chance to build and repair, diving into projects with genuine excitement and curiosity.
Soldering is an invaluable skill, useful in fields such as robotics, electronics, scientific monitoring, data collection, and mechanics. Through hands-on practice, my students are mastering techniques that will benefit them in a wide range of future careers. This year, our class is using their new skills in projects like building automatic feeders and data collection devices for our aquaculture facilities, as well as preparing for underwater robotics competitions. These projects bring theory to life, allowing them to see how soldering can be applied in real-world settings and providing invaluable experience that will carry forward into their adult lives.
Thanks to your generosity, my students are gaining a transferable skill that builds confidence and broadens their future career possibilities. We're so grateful for the impact this project has had on their learning journey, equipping them for success in STEM and beyond.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
This classroom project was brought to life by Michael Jordan and The Jordan Brand and 2 other donors.Flow On the Go: Empowering Girls with Period Confidence!
Funded Oct 7, 2024Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our project to provide essential period products and educational materials for our students. Your kindness has already made a huge difference in our classroom and beyond. When the students first saw the stocked supplies, their sense of relief and gratitude was immediate. For many of them, the presence of these products brings comfort, confidence, and reassurance, helping them focus on their education without the worry of unpreparedness or embarrassment.
Having these resources available has created a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel cared for and empowered. By providing period products right in the school, we've been able to normalize conversations around menstrual health, which is an essential part of our commitment to student well-being. For some of our students, especially those who might not have consistent access to these items at home, this project has had an invaluable impact on their comfort and dignity at school.
Looking forward, we are excited to continue fostering this environment of support and preparedness. Because of your generosity, our students can now approach each day with confidence, knowing that their needs are met. Thank you for helping us create a safe, caring space for our students and for making a lasting difference in their lives.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and 2 other donors.Growing Future Farmers: Aquaponics, Soil, & Polyculture Books
Funded Oct 3, 2024I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your generosity has made in our classroom. Thanks to your support, we have received the textbooks on alternative farming methods, including aquaponics, restorative soil practices, and polyculture. These resources have already begun to transform the learning experience for my students.
With these books, my students are diving deeper into sustainable agriculture, a subject that is not only academically enriching but also crucial for the future of our planet. They are exploring innovative farming techniques that challenge traditional methods, and applying this knowledge through hands-on activities. This combination of theoretical learning and practical application is empowering them to think critically about real-world environmental challenges and consider solutions they can contribute to.
The textbooks have opened doors to topics that many of my students would never have had the opportunity to explore otherwise. For some, this is the first time they are truly excited about science and sustainability, and it's all because you believed in their potential. Your contribution is helping to shape future leaders who are passionate about making a difference.
Thank you for investing in my students' education and for making a lasting impact on their growth. We are incredibly grateful.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Stelljes
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Foundation and one other donor.