Past projects 6
Back to School Basics!
Funded Aug 2, 2023Thank you for contributing back to school basics to our students. It is in the everyday materials and the consistent routines overtime that help students grow. We are about two months into school and our students are building strong habits, working hard, and making progress.
It is a relief to have the materials we need on hand every day. Your generosity improves our ability to cultivate compassion, creativity, and a growth mindset in our students each day through reading, writing, social-emotional learning and project-based learning. Thank you for your support!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dibble
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.Student Gardens to Grow!
Funded Aug 1, 2023It was a joy to see the students make their Zen Gardens and plant their spider plants. They have been caring for their individual spider plants and the other plants in the room. I haven't had to water a plant yet this year because of their diligence and responsibility!
We also took the students to the Hudson River so they could choose their own rocks to add to their Zen gardens. It was beautiful to see them experience the beauty and history of the Hudson River.
The rocks they choose and the plants they planted have contributed to their understanding and connection to our natural world.
Thank you for helping students and plants grow and thrive!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dibble
Health & Hygiene Help Student Well-Being
Funded Aug 1, 2023Being a teenager can be challenging enough for many. Because of your donations, some of our students have one or two less things to worry about. We keep the supplies on hand in the classroom so students can discretely ask and be given what they need to take care of their hygiene.
Our middle school boys have been especially appreciative of the deodorant. Many of them carry it with them in their backpacks so they can use it after gym class or playing outside. Our high school girls have benefitted from the peace of mind knowing that they can retrieve sanitary products when needed each month.
Thank you for supporting the health and well-being of our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dibble
Building Social Skills through Games
Funded Nov 30, 2022It has been wonderful to be able to use games to engage students in a different way, strengthen skills, and observe previously unnoticed strengths.
I have enjoyed using the games to connect to other ideas we have been learning in class. For example, when we played Dixit, students were able to connect images with storytelling and find common themes. The game, Wildcraft, helped students in my science class to practice observation skills by identifying the types of plants necessary to help them overcome challenges presented to them in the game.
The game Blockus and Buildzi have been great for helping students strengthen their visual spatial perception. Also, many of the games have motivated students to develop the ability to plan ahead and strategize before making a decision. They also have had opportunities to collaborate and work together.
The best part of the games is getting an opportunity to see other strengths my students have. For example, one of my hardest working students struggles the most with reading. He is motivated to make progress everyday. While we play games, we are able to see his other strengths. He is particularly gifted in resourceful problem solving and encouraging teamwork with his peers.
Thank you all for making learning come alive in my classroom through games.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dibble
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 5 other donors.Build Students' Executive Functioning Skills
Funded Jul 25, 2022Dozens of boxes were waiting for me when I arrived to my classroom at the end of the summer in preparation for the school year ahead. Those boxes were loaded with the resources that are currently nourishing students' growth.
It has been wonderful seeing students utilize the materials your donations helped to purchase. They have especially enjoyed using the whiteboard/clipboards to generate ideas and respond to questions.
I have enjoyed seeing how the materials have transformed students' abilities to organize themselves and build responsibility. Your support is deeply appreciated. Thank you all for contributing to my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dibble
Bulbs for students to Grow!
Funded Apr 19, 2022All of the elephant ear plant bulbs have been planted! While skeptical at first of getting their hands dirty, students (with gloves!) dove in and planted their bulbs! It was wonderful to see them make observations and care for their plants each day after planting. Many bulbs have already started to grow!
At our 8th grade moving up day ceremony, we placed each students' plants under their chairs. At the end of the ceremony, we shared the following words with them with instructions for further care:
Today is a true celebration of what you have accomplished, and the progress that you have made since you began your middle school experience. Growth is not always easy, and growth is not always quick, but growth is the result of meeting obstacles head on, persevering through challenges, and cultivating better habits. As you prepare to leave, pick up your elephant ear plant bulb, and take a look at it. It is a symbol of your growth, and your potential. Be mindful of nurturing both your plant, and yourself, as you continue walking on your life's journey.
You transformed an idea in to action because of your donation. Thank you so much for contributing to our students' growth.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Dibble
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous partner and 5 other donors.