Coalition for Equitable Schools in District 15 - www.d15schools.org - is a network of parents, teachers, and school groups united to promote greater equity within and between our public schools.
Reading No Ashes in the Fire had such a strong impact on our students. They were engaged with so many aspects of the memoir--the exploration of sexuality, the social context, and the political implications. Many students were inspired by how the author overcame the struggles of his youth, including attending run-down schools and being the target of bullying, to becoming a college graduate and an influential social activist.
We taught the memoir as part of a book-club unit, and many students chose the book after watching the author's charismatic TV interviews. Now students are writing their senior literary analysis papers, and many of them have chosen No Ashes in the Fire to re-read and write about. It is gratifying to see the connections they are making to other texts, themselves and the world.
At Brooklyn Collaborative we engage in social-justice pedagogy and foster open-mindedness among our students. Seniors enthusiastically read the experiences of Darnell L. Moore, and I think as a result felt more pride in themselves and developed more courage to express who they are and advocate for the rights of all.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Boorstyn
This classroom project was brought to life by CRUNCH and 3 other donors.
I cannot tell you how delighted the students from Kindergarten through to Fifth Grade are so very excited when they receive their very own ART PORTFOLIO ( your generous gift of beautiful folders .) The students become their very own Art Curators where they collect all their original artwork and it is organized into the pocketed portfolio! It does not stop there ~ they start with selecting the type of lettering they will create; block lettering, 3 dimensional lettering ( for the upper grades) or creative swag lettering ( the Fifth graders love this font type!) They are creating their name design for their logo for the front of their art portfolio; so not there is more confidence, enthusiasm and ownership of their artist folder! It is a wonderful time to see their transformation of owning their own portfolio and taking them home with their yearly original works of art to treasure because of your generous hearts! Thank you so very much we at P.S. 1 appreciate your kindness, caring for our students and Happy”
With gratitude,
Ms. A.
This classroom project was brought to life by PLUS1 and Beast Coast and 2 other donors.
Thank you again for your generous donation to our classroom. Our students are using the notebooks every single day. Some students are already up to their second notebook of the year. We deeply appreciate your generous gift.
I think my students are finally starting to realize how important it is to have an organized notebook. We do notebook checks in our classroom periodically and students are able to easily find what they're looking for whenever we need to review a lesson that we have done before. Thank you for allowing me to help my students practice organization skills that are essential to their academic success before they enter high school.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lam
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon on CBS and 4 other donors.
I would like to thank you so much for your donation! The second the rug came in the kids were eyeing it wanting me to put it out right away so that they can see. Once the rug was out and they sat down, they all automatically later down on it like a bed. Their reaction was 'oh this rug is so soft and fluffy like my bed.' Before, when it was reading time in class they stayed at their tables. Now, they go straight to the rug and lay down with a good book and a pillow as if they'd be home and I couldn't love it more! They also love playing their math and literacy games on the rug being able to move and lay around freely as they desire.
This has been an amazing addition to our classroom and I truly appreciate the help you gave with the donation.”
Thank you so much for the headphones. For those of you who have not been in a classroom in the more recent past (3 years), you may be surprised to observe how much more personalized the individual learning experience in the classroom has become, thanks to technology. My students are especially diverse in their learning needs, reading and writing levels, and preferences for engaging with material. Technology has provided me with new ways to ensure all students have choice and access to different ways of learning science. Furthermore, the headphones ensure that I can always have prepared multiple sources for engaging with the content at different paces, and at varying levels of depth. Not only have the headphones been helpful with remediation and additional support, but they have been helpful for my most advanced learners eager to push forward in their learning.
Thank you again for your generosity and concern for ensuring that our most diverse classrooms are being supported.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shon
This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon and 12 other donors.
Thank you so much for funding our project "The Power of Reading". My students were delighted to receive the amazing reading books for our bilingual library. Everyday they enjoy book shopping for new books and filling up their book baggies with books of their interest. All my students have been enjoyed reading the books independently and in partnership. Their reading interest have increased over the past few months and their reading levels have improved as well. Not only have the students enjoyed the books but as well their parents. Students cannot wait to book shop everyday and share their favorite books with fellow classmates and family. My students and I are forever grateful for your donation to our classroom library.”
We are truly thankful for our awesome hollow blocks, ramps, and wooden spheres. When K-106 found out our donation was funded, they were very excited. When they saw the delivery boxes placed in our room, they already knew what it was! Our Hollow block center is extremely popular, and I couldn't be more happy that my students are exposed each day to this amazing center.
Everyday, not only are my children playing with blocks; they are learning through blocks. I see them sharing, comparing, measuring, building, compromising, role playing, and exploring with our blocks in different ways. Through our hollow blocks I have seen extended growth and development, from building, bridges, tunnels, tsunamis, to using chairs and tables to create the biggest ramp possible.
Seeing my children engaged, learning, and having fun is priceless! Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Castano
This classroom project was brought to life by Anonymous Supporter and 6 other donors.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have touched myself and my students with your kindness and generosity. I cannot begin to express how convenient and more easy your gifts have made the daily operations of our classroom better. As you will read in the letters my students have written, they definitely appreciate the new additions to their classroom. They tell me that we needed an upgrade. They tell me a lot of things. Most times I listen, this time I did, and I am happy that you listened and understood that we really needed the items requested. It makes me so happy when the students show interest, grab a stool and sit closer to me during the lessons that I give. It makes me know that what I am teaching is of importance. Again, thank you. You are truly appreciated.”
I so appreciate your very rich donation of these books.
They have allowed me to time read alouds perfecty. For example, the week of Thanksgiving we read Maddi's Fridge. My second graders were in awe and a very powerful conversation took place on the importance of being sensitive and kind to others.
Mixed was another great read aloud that the children enjoyed. I am so grateful to have these books in my classroom that can teach such powerful lessons and allow for open and important conversations.”
I cannot thank you enough for your generous donations. I wish I had pictures of my students' initial reactions upon receiving these books, book baggies, and seating. They were literally jumping for joy. My students do not have books at home, and most of their parents do not have time to take them to the public library. So to have a place in our classroom with all of their favorite books, characters and topics is unbelievably exciting.
Each day, I read aloud one book from a book series in order to introduce students to the characters and themes in the book. We discussed whether we liked the book (usually this question was met with an enthusiastic "yes!") and would we like to read more from the series.
Ultimately, I want my students to develop strong identities as readers. I want them to understand what books they like to read and be able to explain why. By providing them with a large variety within our classroom library, you have provided my students with the gift of choice. You have given them the opportunity to really connect with a
character or story that they will love and remember their entire lives.
Thank you again! Your kindness has had such a great impact on my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Chubak
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 2 other donors.
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