I teach at a school where over 80% of our students come from low-income families and receive free or reduced-price lunches. Approximately, 45% are African American, 45% are Hispanic, and 20% are English language learners. They come from very diverse households.
Our students want to learn and do well, even when the statistics are not in their favor.
We, as a school, want to provide an environment where our students want to come and learn with us.
My Project
I have implemented a classroom economy system as part of our PBIS system. Students are able to earn class cash through holding class jobs, acts of kindness, and assignment completion. Each week they are able to use their class cash to purchase items in our class store. We have various flexible seating options, school supplies, and a prize box full of various trinkets and toys. Many students have been working hard these first few weeks of school to save up for the higher ticket items.
Having snack items for rewards for students are always a hit!
Our 6th graders have the last lunch period of the day at our school, and they get hungry for a snack before then. I will allow them to purchase a snack item with their earned rewards to help curb that lunch hunger. Plus, at the end of the day for some of my students it'll be a while before they will have a meal at home, so having the opportunity for a snack before leaving school or a snack to take home is a great benefit for them. I have even had students ask to "purchase" with their rewards extra snacks for siblings. Keeping our students well fed will help them be able to focus in the classroom and worry less about one less thing at home too.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Escoto and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.