Daniel Miodonski'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

Looking back it seems that a simple thank you is not enough to truly express our feelings of gratitude for what you have provided to me and my students. You have given us an experience that will surely last forever in my mind and undoubtedly the minds of my students.

We were able to spend four activity-filled days in Gainesville and experience a college life that few will ever get to have.

We were dressed in scrubs and given a tour of Shands Hospital at UF, we were able to hold live, baby alligators, we had lunch with the President of UF himself, we got to tour the Presidential suite at the football stadium and even have the most college experience of all, eating in the dining hall.

I was constantly having to remind myself that all this was actually happening and i know my students were doing the same. This is an experience that will undoubtedly have an impact on the lives of my students and could mean the difference between them attending college and not and it is all thanks to your generous donations.

Thanks again.

Go Gators and Go Education!”

With gratitude,

Mr. Robinson

I can't thank you enough for funding my project, " A Journey Through Time and Space".  My students are so engaged in the learning process.  I can just see the difference as they are learning so many different ways of thinking creatively and problem solving.

We began the projects by dividing into groups.  The groups wrote a story, made a story board, movie poster and backdrops.  After this writing and 2-D work was finished, the students created puppets, clay figures, and props.  When the 3-D work was done, I handed them the video cameras, and that is when they could see all of their efforts coming together.  We are in the process of filming their movies, entering the data on our computers and doing some preliminary editing in iMovie. 

Without your support this activity could never have been realized.  My students have been able to experience tools that are relevant to a multi-media art making experience.  This has been a challenging and rewarding project for all of us.  I am particularly pleased that they have had to learn to work productively as a team to accomplish their movies.  Another extremely positive outcome is that they are learning art making skills in the service of their creative ideas.  They must gain mastery over their materials, in order to see their art realized. 

Using the video cameras, with the excellent camera bags and memory cards, created a very high level of motivation and  means for my students to synthesize their ideas. 

Thank you so much for your kind and generous support. 

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With gratitude,

Ms. Schwartz

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 so much for your donations. My students love the science centers. They are fun and engaging. Like I said in my proposal, these centers really helped my students review facts learned in previous years.

There is a very popular center called the Science Quiz Show. Most of the students love to play that game. I have three classes, and it became very popular around our school. Other teachers have come to see the famous science centers.

I just want to let you know that we appreciate you donations very much. My students review and learned new science facts. Can you believe that some of the questions from the centers were in the science standardized test?

Once again, thank you for taking the time and effort to help teachers and students like us. We are very thankful.

”

With gratitude,

Mrs. V.

Well, our chart stand and its accessories have been in our classroom for a couple of months now and, I want to let you know what an impact it has made on the daily learning activities for my special needs students. It's hard to imagine how we worked without it before!

The chart stand has made a great impact on our small group lessons by making materials easier for everyone to see. We are able to attach learning charts to the stand to work on so many different concepts. One of the students' favorites is to use the 100's chart. They all love taking a turn to "be teacher". And you should hear them...they are counting by 1's, 2's, 5's, and 10's! I believe that the visual presentation the chart stand allows has made a difference in their interest in this activity and has promoted mastery of these skills.

On a daily basis, a morning story is developed by my students and I and is written on the chart stand paper. The students' next job is to copy the story onto primary paper, practicing a skill that is common in the general education classroom environment. With inclusion into the general education program a primary educational goal for my students, this is a vital skill for them to develop. Without blackboard space, we had been unable to practice this skill. What a difference I have seen in the attention of the students as they focus on copying our story! They have become more aware of writing within the lined parameters of the primary paper. They have become more aware of how to write a daily story. And, it doesn't stop there...my students who are not yet able to copy and write practice matching letters and spelling words with magnetic letters on the chart stand. And who knew??? The chart stand even has a big book rack that makes storytime easier!

I truly appreciate you commitment to making an impact on learning through your generous donation. I thank you for recognizing the need for the materials that I requested for my students. You certainly have made a difference!!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Matthew-Kuehn

This is just a small token of my gratitude for your generous donations to my classroom. The new workbooks we received are great. We use them every day!! They have bright colors and pictures and are really motivating for the students. They even go out of their way to ask for them! The workbooks are not only fun and motivating, but I really notice that my students are learning new academic skills from them as well.

Our school is currently facing budget shortfalls, so without your help, receiving these vital materials would not have been possible. Without donors like you, thousands of classrooms in the United States would go without.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Deloya

Thank you for your generous donation an LCD projector to my classroom. Initially, I was sharing an LCD projector with the entire building. Often, I had to reschedule lessons, or postpone instruction that required the use of a LCD projector. NO MORE! NO MORE! I have been able to be more effective and encouraged a continued growth in student's writing scores.

I teach seventh and eighth grade writing which causes for me to model effective writing strategies to students in a classroom with limited space. Teaching from my laptop to an LCD projector will abate me in effective writing instruction to my students. The laptop, speakers and printer (and ink) used in my classroom currently were purchased out of my personal funds.

It is my overall vision to prepare all students for the diverse world community through a constantly evolving, multicultural, technology-based core curriculum that stresses academic achievement, performance in the arts, and training in vocational and technical occupations.

Data has prove, especially with the challenges of today, we are teaching a Malti-media student. Malti-media students- meaning students whose learning is stimulated from visual and audio type devices such as television, radio, cell phone, colors, sounds, etc. In the near future every child will have a laptop or some portable device that will be a giver and a receiver of information. These aforementioned devices will replace books, pens, and create classrooms into a paperless society. The Epson LCD projector I received has begun my process from leaving the "stone age" and closer to the 21st Century.

You are a valued supporter of and your participation in this initiative is further evidence of that support. The assistance of individuals, like you, has enabled our school to accomplish far more than it otherwise could have. We look forward continuing to partner with you in educating our future.

On behalf of the parents, students, and staff I, thank you again. ”

With gratitude,

Ms. Lewis

Thank you so much for allowing my students to read a novel they want to read. I have never seen my students so excited to read anything. My kids are already talking about Push and every day they ask when we are going to start reading it. Students who have never come to class on time are suddenly showing up before the tardy bell. Remarkable!

Today we answered questions for an anticipation guide and had a class discussion about some of the themes in Push. Everyone was engaged and ready to participate. I had male students who never contribute to class discussions raising their hands and wanting to share their thoughts.

I am feeling extremely energized and enthusiastic about this project. As a teacher, it can be easy to get discouraged and feel like I'm not doing anything particularly meaningful with my students. With Push, I can see that this is something that is going to get my students' attention, and I truly believe this is going to be a powerful experience. I cannot thank you enough for helping to make this experience possible.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Fujimoto