I serve at-risk students from 7th through 12th grade. We are a Community Day School in Paradise, CA. Most of my students are either expelled, homeless, or have been referred to us for poor attendance. Every single one of my students deals with adversities outside of school that threaten their chances of academic success.
Every day I am amazed at the resilience demonstrated by my students.
They are motivated to make their situation better by focusing on their educational goals. My students work hard every day to become better people by following our motto: Be Honorable, Be Reliable, Be Available!
My Project
Every day while my students complete their daily math warm-up, I walk around the classroom and play my guitar. Finally, one of my students asked if I could teach him to play a simple song. I was overjoyed, as I've often tried to encourage students to take up music as a hobby. I brought the student up to the front of the class and showed him how to play a chord. He had the biggest smile I have ever seen.
I believe that everyone can find happiness through music.
If this project gets funded I will have the ability to provide a musical foundation to all of my students. After that one student was able to play a chord, every student in my class wanted to do the same thing. We have an elective period that allows me the time to teach music to every student; all we need now is the instruments, the Starter Acoustic Guitars.
Please donate to this project and help my students enrich their lives. Musical ability is a gift that stays with us for a lifetime. Seven simple chords can change a student's outlook on life!
More than three‑quarters of 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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