Past projects 8
The World Through Our Eyes
Funded Jan 14, 2023Again, I want to thank you for the resources that you supplied to my classroom. My class takes students around the world to learn about different countries. WE learn what's called ESPN. This stands for economics, social/ cultural, political, and environment. My students then use this in research about a country that they would like to learn more about.
My students then create projects using the research showcasing what they have learned about their countries' ESPN. They first made books online, and then they created pictures highlighting their countries' features, a travel poster if you will. The art supplies helped them highlight the information and allowed some 3D elements to their projects.
My students were very grateful for the supplies that they did not have themselves. This allowed them to be creative without having to worry about where they would get the supplies. I hope this class inspires them to learn even more and maybe even travel one day.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. T. Jones
The Motivation Station
Funded Dec 18, 2019My students enjoy knowing that they will be recognized for their hard work. When we complete work products, they cannot wait to see who will be recognized. They all know that they have a chance to "be seen".
When I first gave out the medals, my students "oohed" and "aahed", and for middle schoolers this is a miracle. They are rarely excited about anything. They wore their medals around for weeks. They tried to be cool by keeping it in their pockets, but they made sure to be seen. They also make sure that other students know that they got the special pencils.
We have incorporated the student of the month into our classroom, so students now strive harder to be better students and classmates. They never know who or what will be recognized, so they work hard on everything. It is a complete turn around for some of my students. I can only see this continuing as they have more and more hurdles. Thank you for everything.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. T. Jones
This classroom project was brought to life by Perry and Donna Golkin Family Foundation and one other donor.Shine a Light on Reading Reinforcement in Social Studies
Funded Sep 11, 2019My students have been able to utilize the learning station and tablet in more ways than even I imagined. The students decided that the station could do double duty for classwork and then be used to play work-time music. They have taken ownership of the resources. They use it freely in the classroom. They can access technology at all times.
My students are excited about the products because they have access to technology that most of them don't have at home. They "own" the technology and the materials. We have come up with a really nice system to use the listening center and the tablet. They also get to study the maps so the world seems closer to them and they learn.
I am most excited that the technology has been used in an additional way in that my students have gotten the chance to work on projects together and use the technology to do research. My expectations have been far surpassed. I can only thank the donors who have helped my scholars gain their independence.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. T. Jones
Technology Access for All
Funded Oct 2, 2017My class is world culture studies, so in essence, we travel around the world in one year. Most of my scholars have never left their community. This technology is allowing us to see places and experience world events that we would never have been able to experience otherwise. Our lessons this year are computer based. Our resources are computer accessible, so it helps having student dedicated tablets and a laptop in the classroom. It gives the students opportunities to go deeper into a topic that has interested them or to review something that has given them trouble. They would not have that opportunity on their own, as not every child has technology at home and a phone screen really does not do the images justice. The other day, we were learning about the Ring of Fire and the students had a chance to see actual images from the regions. They were fascinated to see that what we read about in the class was real. It had come to life.
Another reason the tablets are so wonderful is that they allow the scholars to do online review about class topics. We can assign readings online and they can each get a turn to go online and read and review. We know this is working because we did a retest on a unit taught in class and the 2nd set of scores was at least 10% better in each class. This is major for our scholars who have never really taken social studies seriously. Some have even said that this class doesn't feel like a regular class. We are able to bring our subject to life with your help.
It is with the most heartfelt appreciation that I send this letter. You have allowed my scholars to see the world, and a few of them are talking about really going to some of these places one day. We may have just awakened a few world travelers.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. T. Jones
Using Technology for Literacy in Two Languages
Funded Oct 6, 2015Thank you once again for your donation! A large percentage of my students are English language learners. What this means is that they have to process the language before they can accomplish the required tasks set before them. The tablets that I acquired allow the students to have an instant translation into their native language. They can then do the required work. This makes the students more independent, and the academic work takes precedence over the language.
My students are very tech savvy so there was no learning curve. They jumped right in and were grateful to have the new "translators". They are also able to go online to a web based program that allows them to improve their language skills at their own pace. They have gained a new confidence. This is an extension of what they thought they knew about technology. They see it as a useful tool now and not just a toy.
My beginning English language learners have seen the most benefit. They can communicate now by using the translation application. They are no longer learning in silence. They can communicate with their peers in real time. They can become a part of the conversations with minimal delay, and they have independent work that they can now get accomplished. It has been great to see. Our only wish is to acquire more in the future so more scholars can benefit. We extend our greatest thanks to you!!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. T. Jones
Bridging the Gap with Technology
Funded Oct 24, 2014My students were so excited when we received our new technology. They could not believe that they could take the iPads and use them to read in the reading corner. I have never heard so many, "Oohs and aahs". My students thought that the technology was a loan, but when I expressed to them that there were people out there who cared enough to provide us with resources, they were speechless. We were all standing there with smiles on our faces when we first received the resources.
My scholars are now able to do research at their seats. We don't have to try and wait for a computer lab rotation. Research for our essays can happen in the moment. We recently used the iPads to do research for our persuasive essays. They could look up facts immediately, and then include them in their papers. They were able to come up with some interesting questions that they could answer and include in their writing. My reading elective class uses the technology to go onto a reading program for individualized instruction. We are also able to use the media player for our novels so my scholars have extra reading assistance if needed.
This project enabled my scholars to become more independent in their work. They don't guess anymore. The technology enables them to check facts and to use the resource as a reader. We have all enjoyed being able to pick up the new iPads, and the computers from last year, to become independent thinkers and researchers. They no longer have to ask me what to do. They have embraced having options. I am delighted to see them begin to take control of their environment, and this is the greatest joy for a teacher.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. T. Jones
ESL- Climbing Rigor Mountain
Funded Oct 11, 2013Let me start off by saying that there are no words that could adequately express how much your donations have meant to me and my students. We have used your donations to obtain two laptops and two reference desk sets to make a mini computer station. This enables my students to get access to technology on a rotational basis. This may not sound like much, but for my students, it means the world!!! They literally get to put their hands on a computer every month. They believe that we have the best advocate class in the school because they have something that no other classroom has. They are also very protective about the technology and make sure that I lock it up every day so the computers do not get stolen. My students are taking ownership of the resources. I also have managers who are in charge of setting up the stations and making sure that the laptops are charged. They aid anyone who gets lost in searching or in the ESL program that we use. These jobs have given the students a big sense of responsibility. They do their jobs without having to be told, and they can now problem solve without me. I love it when my students learn how not to need me.
My computer station works on a rotational basis so every day 2 students get to use the computer during our morning advocacy (homeroom) time. This is their dedicated time and it is independent of behavior or any other criteria. Their names get pulled and it is their turn. We have two programs that our students can use. One is an ESL reading program and the other covers a multitude of subjects including language and Math (our two weakest areas). They take a placement test and then the programs cater to their needs so it is definitely differentiating the curriculum. I can also utilize the computers throughout the day with my ESL English classes as a tool of remediation or advancement. I can put individual students on the computer to either help them in areas where they struggle or let them go on to new areas to stretch their learning.
I have seen very positive results in my students with regards to them now being able to use a computer on a more consistent basis. The programs that we use track their progress so that I can see how my students are growing academically. English is a big beast to conquer when you are learning it as a second language, so it helps students to have the constant practice with the skills that have been leveled to each student's skill set. I only wish that I could get more students on more computers, but I am working on that. As long as there are people and companies out there willing to donate and assist my efforts, then I am sure that I will climb this mountain and get my students what they need.
Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you. My students and I thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. T. Jones
This classroom project was brought to life by Southeast Area Kia Retailers and 2 other donors.Accelerating Accelerated Reader
Funded Oct 23, 2007Thank you so much for your donation. My students will have a chance to improve their reading skills. This is a much needed computer that will give them some autonomy in the classroom and will allow them to challenge themselves. I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. We look forward to what your gift will bring. Once again, thank you”
With gratitude,
Mrs. T. Jones