Parker's Giving Page, Peter Parker That Is - Supporting Schools in California

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I can't thank you enough for your contributions to my Donor's Choose Project, Fiesta! The kids had such a wonderful time learning about Spanish California. The thing that surprised them the most, was how different, and how much harder life was back then, and how hard it was to decide was going to rule California. They loved every minute of it. When I was a student I dreaded Social Studies, because I never felt a connection to it. Through projects like the Fiesta, they have understood their importance in history and how decisions can affect an outcome. I am so grateful to you, and all the donors that make projects like this possible in a time where many schools can't afford to make these types of learning happen. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Brouns

I want to convey my thanks for your contribution to my students' education, but "thank you" doesn't fully express my gratitude. My goal is to help my students achieve success every day, and your contribution of dry-erase markers helps them to do just that! A dry-erase marker is one of the materials required in each of my 3 math classes, however many of the kids in my school cannot afford the necessary supplies. Having markers in the classroom for students to borrow allows us to move through the learning process more easily. After presenting a concept, I check for understanding by having them write on the whiteboards that are in their desks. They hold up their boards so that I can see if they're ready to move on, or if they need me to present a concept in a different way. Often, they are unable to express where their confusion started. With each student's work clearly displayed on white boards, I can see for myself.

Allowing a student to respond by writing on a white board integrates many learning modalities, while making learning more fun. They feel empowered when writing on the board, but are often not willing to come to the front of the class. Your contribution of markers helped me to make learning math more effective, and more fun! We are just marking time. We're learning math! Thank you!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Bickley

I cannot thank you enough for your generous donation of our new overhead projector. We use it every day, in every class. The clarity provided by this new projector is in stark but pleasant contrast to the broken, fuzzy projector I have used for the past 2 years. For some students, math can seem confusing; blurred images only compound the problem. Because of your donation, my students are able to clearly see the examples and explanations I write. Additionally, because the glass is not broken, as with our previous projector, students are able to come up to the front of the class and proudly demonstrate their understanding of the concepts.

I am grateful for your contribution, which has made a significant difference in the way my students view math!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Bickley

Reading a classic novel opens doors to other times in history and sometimes even the future. It opens doors to settings not often found in the third grade anthologies most schools use. It also opens doors to different ways of thinking. At the age of eight or nine you are just starting to recognize that the world may not always have been as you see it and in historical times people may have had a very different way of thinking. The classic novels are also a literature base for comparison to other novels as well as stepping stones to reading these classics in high school or later in life. The novels reflect life, for the most part, realistically. Characters from all walks of life face challenges and navigate life. It isn't always pretty. There isn't always a happy ending. One student expresses his feelings well. "Ï really didn't know, Mrs. M, that life was so hard back then. But still, they were happy." In short, the classics connect all of us. They give us comfort, provoke our thinking, and then invite us to share our thoughts with others.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Miller

Thank you to everyone who so generously donated to my project. My students and I were so excited the day our new rug was delivered. It is absolutely beautiful, colorful, clean and fun! Thanks to you I can truly say, "What a way to start my day and new school year!"

My Kindergarteners now have a new rug to sit on to listen to stories, for small group time, and playtime. Each child now has his/her own space to enjoy stories and learning time while at the same time learning the alphabet and shapes. Thanks to all of you who generously shared and supported my vision for helping children. Because of budget cuts to education this never would have happened without your support. Thank you again! ”

With gratitude,

Ms. Gracia

Chemistry is a notoriously difficult subject. When students get to work with technology during labs the enthusiasm is palpable! "Doing" chemistry with lab activities makes the topics understandable. But doing lab activities with electronic probes makes a lasting, positive impression and prepares my students for a better future in this technological world we live in.

Many of my students use graphing calculators for their math classes, but really don't understand why they are so expensive or what they can do. Performing lab activities allows them to realize the full capabilities of these integrated units. Seeing their data graphing while their experiment is underway makes for a more engaging activity. Utilizing the pressure, pH and light sensors expands their learning experience and prepares them for work in their college chem classes. With the additional equipment we are able to form smaller groups and ensure greater understanding and learning by more students!

Thank you again for your generous gifts supporting science and our future doctors, engineers, etc. The impact of your giving reaches far beyond my students' high school years. Your generous donations ensure that my students have more experiences that will prepare them for college and their careers. ”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Skutches

Thank you all for funding this project for reading journals. I am so excited to use them this year so my students can expand their reading skills beyond learning the mechanics of reading.

A big part of first grade is learning how to decode words. Decoding is essential but just one part of learning to read. I would like my students to grow in a different direction in reading by focusing on the reading elements like setting, character and plot. I have been having my students doing this through homework assignments, whole class discussion, and now with the journals you have donated.

The journals you donated will help us expand our learning of the story elements. Students will use the journals to compare and contrast, do book reviews, and much more. Students will be thinking and discussing the story and not repeating simple facts which will help them improve their reading comprehension skills.

Thank you for your generous contribution. I know my students will benefit greatly from these books”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Azevedo