This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Bright smiles, warm hugs, and a cup of delightful memories, are just a few of our favorite things. We want to create a collaborative experience for parents, students, and staff where conversation and ideas are welcomed and shared freely. Lets upgrade our Bear Chats into café time.
"Demography doesn't determine destiny!" I teach at an urban elementary school, which sits directly in the center of 2 housing developments.
Our urban school receives federal funding for programs that provide free breakfast and lunch for every student and Title I reading and math services to economically disadvantaged boys and girls. We are a mixed class which includes gifted students, a few ESL students, special needs, and tech savvy. Our students are very energetic and pushed to learn. Even with parental support, I would love to say that our students have everything that they need to be successful. However, they do not. As a result, we work very diligently to prepare our students for college, the workforce, and the world beyond.
My Project
Our dynamic school team is always looking for ways to promote collaboration among and between students, teachers, and parents. Our Bear Chats provide opportunities for parents to be a part of their child's learning environment and our school community as a whole. This is where the Cafe' comes in. We would like to create a warm, inviting experience that promotes collaboration and community. We are hoping to receive a Keurig brewing system to replace the old coffee pot that we currently use. The new equipment will allow us to meet the needs of all parents and students in a way that will make them feel special and appreciated. We will also need an assortment of coffee and tea pods to provide a mixture of drinks for our guests.
The Cafe' will benefit parents, students, and staff as we collaborate on how to best meet the needs of our learners.
Students are often called upon and invited to participate in our chats. Students share in the collaborative efforts describing how we can provide additional support at school and home.
In addition, teachers will be able to start their mornings in a positive way by purchasing a nice warm beverage from the chat café ran by students. The students will be in charge of the operational activities of the café during morning intake. Students will be able to practice and develop 'real-life' social skills while receiving early vocational training for the future. I will purchase additional start-up supplies however, we need a little help getting our community business started. The Bear Chat Cafe' will support a positive school climate that will extend to and include our parents.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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 Ms. MEANS and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
