Brad Rackow's Mustache

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My students are having an outstanding time using the various maps. They are learning about different parts of the country and the world. They are learning about the states and capitols just from using the map activities. It is so amazing to see them flourish through their map usage. They are remembering states' names and are able to point them out. They are learning direction using the compass rose on the maps and learning about legends and their purpose on a map.

We've had a couple of students transfer to other states; they were able to have an understanding about the distance from state to state which helped in explaining why the student had to transfer. I was able to pair the maps with books about the United States and the Continents. It has been a fun, exciting learning experience. I am grateful that you supported our projected that is aiding my students in concrete learning. We are on a wonderful whirlwind of learning.

I'm excited in knowing from this project a geographical foundation is being established. They are embarking on lifelong learning cross-curriculum strategies. It is really fun and a joy to see them learn in such a manner. The math skills, vocabulary skills, research skills, etc., are reinforced that their foundation can only stand [and not fall] over long periods of time.

I really do thank you whole heartily for providing an opportunity for me to equip my students with geographical skills and enhance all of their other capabilities. You are one of a kind, thanks! ”

With gratitude,

Ms. Brawner

I want you know how grateful I am for your generous contribution to sustain music education at our school. The implementation of the program has been tremendous. In strengthening student understanding of music and its relationship with the spoken word, we have integrated the instruments in cultural appreciation, accompanying student creative writing, and measures to be creative as a meditative retreat. The impact has been worthwhile.

Having worked in this school for a few years, I have seen the general progression to include musical education in our classrooms. As a community charter school, our resources are nearly 50% of the average classroom in our geographic region. Because of these short comings, we often have to prioritize spending to pay for basic materials. The students come attend the school with challenges, but the school should not be challenged in meeting their interests, academic needs, and diversity of instruction.

We appreciate your impact in providing an enriching environment for our students.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Sokacich

Battle of the Books is an extraordinary event. We competed this past Saturday April 17, 2010. Over 100 Chicago Public Schools competed this year. This is our school's fifth year participating in the city-wide Battle of the Books. Each of these five years generous donors, like yourselves have provided us with the books that have allowed our teams to get that early edge in the competition. Each year our teams have done very well. Our first year, we did not place, but in every other year our teams have placed either first, second or third. I can't tell you how powerful winning can be for a child...winning by reading is even more powerful.Our students read 21 books this school year to compete in the Battle of the Books...that's in addition to all the other reading, class and home work that is required of them. It is no simple feat to be a winner. In addition, the students are exposed to award winning literature, both fiction and nonfiction, and all the genres. Many of our team members are fourth grade students who only recently began to read chapter books and eight graders on their way to high school. As you can see from the photos, our teams consisted of boys and girls. So, we can toss out the notion that boys won't read.

After the battle, each team member is allowed to keep a copy of each book for their own personal libraries. All of the extra copies are place in the school library collection so all of the other students can check them out. The Battle of the Books titles are hot commodities in the school and are some of the most frequently read books in the library. Often there are enough copies of each title available, that teachers are able to use them for small reading groups or literature circles. Many of the titles have sequels or are sequels, thus the students are eager to continue reading beyond the battle and enriching their lives and informing their worlds. Many of the students are already asking about 2011 Battle of the Books.

”

With gratitude,

Ms. Hicks

Thank you so much for your generosity! The Elmo Machine you donated will come in very handy! Everyday my students will be able to reap many benefits from this teaching tool. Learning will happen in more ways that I imagined!

Currently my class is unable to use the Elmo machine because I also need an LCD projector. I showed my class the awesome gift. They are so excited to use it! They ask each day when we will be able to use it!

Donors like you, help teachers make learning even more possible!! ”

With gratitude,

Mrs. BeVier

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to our classroom. Your gift came at the best possible time. The new pillows, rug, and beanbag chairs have been just what we needed to make our room extra cozy for the long days spent inside this winter.

One of my primary goals as a kindergarten teacher is to instill a love of reading in my students that will hopefully last a lifetime. It is so much easier for the children to get interested in reading when they have comfortable, cozy places to relax with a book and a friend. It is really touching to see two children squished together on a beanbag chair laughing their way through a book together. It also makes me smile to see four or five kids crowded onto pillows as they squeeze together to share one copy of a favorite classroom book.

The new rug has completely revitalized our ABC center. The games we have there used to be at a table, which was a formal and not particularly fun setting. The day we got the rug, the ABC center became a new favorite spot in the classroom, thanks to how welcoming it looks and feels now!

The materials we received with your donation have made our classroom so cozy, that about half of the class regularly asks to stay in from recess. Kids this age are usually jumping to get outside and run around, but ever since our new influx of beanbag chairs and pillows, many of them would rather stay in to lounge and read! Although we do need to get outside for the fresh air and exercise, there is nothing better for me as a teacher than to see just how much my students enjoy reading.

It is only with your donation that I was able to take my room to the next level of coziness. The help of generous donors like you is what allows teachers to create the welcoming environments in which children deserve to spend their days. Thank you! ”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Residori