Past projects 25
Catch 'Em All: Encouraging Reading With Pokémon
Funded Jul 26, 2024I can't thank you enough for helping bring Pokémon into our classroom! The Pokémon books and manga have completely captured my students' attention. They're racing to check them out during independent reading time, sharing their favorite parts with friends, and even asking to take them home to keep reading after school. For my reluctant readers, the 24" Pikachu plush has been an incredible motivator—having Pikachu by their side while reading makes the experience more fun and less intimidating. It's been so rewarding to see them choosing books with excitement instead of hesitation.
One of the best moments so far has been watching small groups of students sit together and chat about the stories they're reading, comparing their favorite Pokémon and sharing what they've learned. The protective card sleeves have been just as important. The kids love earning Pokémon cards as rewards, and now they take even more pride in keeping their collections safe and organized. It's a little thing, but it's made a big difference in how they value and care for what they've worked hard to earn.
This project has made reading feel like an adventure. My students are more motivated, more engaged, and more confident in their abilities. Thanks to your support, you've helped create a classroom where reading is fun, collaborative, and something everyone looks forward to. You've truly made a lasting impact on their learning journey, and we're so grateful!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
Digital Dreams: Powering Creativity with the Apple Mac Mini
Funded May 11, 2024The addition of the Apple Mac Mini to our classroom has been nothing short of transformative. My students were absolutely thrilled when they saw the new technology and couldn't wait to dive in. It has quickly become a centerpiece of our classroom activities, allowing them to explore video editing and digital design like never before. From creating engaging presentations to producing short films and public service announcements, this tool has opened doors to creativity and collaboration that weren't possible before.
One of the most exciting moments so far was watching a group of students use the Mac Mini to create a video project for a book report. They worked together to film, edit, and add effects to a short film that brought the book to life. The pride they felt in showcasing their final product to the class was incredible. For many, this was their first experience with professional-level editing tools, and it sparked conversations about careers in media, design, and technology.
This Mac Mini has also been an equalizer in our classroom, giving all students access to high-quality technology regardless of their circumstances at home. It's fostering not only technical skills but also creativity, confidence, and teamwork. Thanks to your support, my students are building the skills they'll need for the future while learning to express themselves in new and exciting ways. You've helped make their digital dreams a reality, and we couldn't be more grateful!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon on CBS and 6 other donors.Empowering Minds: Providing Laptop Chargers for 5th Grade Learners
Funded May 6, 2024I can't thank you enough for your support! These laptop chargers have already made such a huge difference in our classroom. Before, it wasn't uncommon to see students scrambling to find a working charger or, worse, missing out on activities because their laptops were dead. Now, that stress is gone, and my students can stay focused and engaged without worrying about their devices running out of power.
One moment that really stood out was during a recent writing session. One of my students, who often had to stop mid-work to deal with a dead laptop, finally had everything he needed to stay in the zone. He poured his heart into a personal narrative and didn't lose momentum once. When he finished, he was so proud to share his work with the class—and seeing that confidence in him was priceless.
These chargers aren't just tools—they're game-changers. They've made it possible for every student to have equal access to their laptops, and that's huge. Whether it's diving into a research project, collaborating with classmates, or publishing their writing, my students now have what they need to shine. Thank you for being a part of this and for helping me give my students the tools they need to succeed. You've made a bigger impact than you know!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and one other donor.Fantastic Beasts for Our Classroom!
Funded Feb 27, 2023I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, Fantastic Beasts for Our Classroom. Thanks to you, our classroom has transformed into a welcoming, imaginative space where students can explore new worlds, build their love for reading, and feel more supported in their learning.
When the materials arrived, my students were ecstatic! Their eyes lit up as they saw the stuffed animals, from the cuddly axolotl to the adorable dodo and sloth. These items have already become an essential part of our classroom environment. Students use the weighted plushies during independent reading time or when they need a moment to calm their minds and refocus. For some of my students who experience anxiety or sensory challenges, these plushies have been a game-changer, allowing them to stay engaged in their learning while feeling safe and supported.
The books have been just as impactful. My students dived into Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Unicorn Rescue Society series with enthusiasm. We've been using these books as a springboard for creative writing projects where students design their own magical creatures, complete with habitats, diets, and unique abilities. The stories have sparked curiosity and deep discussions about imagination, storytelling, and even the real-life inspirations behind mythical creatures.
These resources have created a ripple effect in our classroom, fostering both academic growth and emotional well-being. As we move forward, I'm excited to see how the students continue to use these tools to grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. Thank you for believing in us and for making such a meaningful impact on our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
Unlocking Adventure with Avatar: The Last Airbender Complete Series!
Funded Jan 23, 2025I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in bringing my vision for The Avatar book series project to life. Your support means more than just materials for my classroom—it’s an investment in creativity, imagination, and a love of storytelling that my students will carry with them far beyond this year.
With your help, my students will dive into an immersive reading adventure, exploring themes of courage, identity, and balance, while connecting deeply with characters and ideas that mirror their own lives. I’m beyond excited to see their faces light up as we journey through these books together.
You’ve made a lasting impact not only on their learning but also on the memories we’ll create together as a class. Thank you for believing in us and for inspiring these young readers to dream big.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
Secret Society of Readers: Award-Winning Books for 5th Graders
Funded May 9, 2023I am thrilled to share the profound impact your generous contribution has made on our classroom through the "Secret Society of Readers: Award-Winning Books for 5th Graders" project. The arrival of these exceptional books has transformed our reading sessions, igniting a newfound enthusiasm among my students.
Each book has opened doors to diverse worlds and perspectives, fostering critical thinking and empathy. Our "Secret Society Book Club" has become a cherished part of our routine, where students eagerly discuss narratives, share insights, and deepen their love for reading.
Your support has not only enriched our curriculum but has also empowered my students to become more confident and engaged learners. Witnessing their growth and excitement is a testament to the difference your kindness has made.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping cultivate a vibrant, literate community within our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
Dungeons, Dragons, & Wild Imaginations!
Funded Nov 30, 2022I am thrilled to share with you the incredible impact that your donations have had on my students. Thanks to your generosity, we now have access to weighted and regular stuffed animals, as well as the books "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and "Unicorn Rescue Society."
We have been using these new resources in a variety of ways to support our learning and development. One of my favorite moments was when we used the stuffed animals as a tool for mindfulness and self-regulation. Students selected a stuffed animal of their choice and practiced deep breathing while holding it. This allowed them to focus their attention and calm their bodies, creating a more conducive environment for learning.
When my students first saw the new materials, their reactions were priceless. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they flipped through the new books and selected their favorite stuffed animals. It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and gratitude for these new resources.
Moving forward, we are using the books to inspire creative writing and critical thinking skills. These new resources have opened up a world of possibilities for my students, and I am so grateful for your role in making that happen.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. Your donations have made a tangible difference in the lives of my students, and I will be forever grateful for your generosity and kindness.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and one other donor.Enchanting Classroom Library
Funded Jun 4, 2022First, thank you so much! The addition of fun lights into my classroom have boosted my students' engagement tremendously!
Earlier this school year, when we read a story that was set in the forest, I was able to use the Govee bulbs to create a "forest scene!" The addition of my costume and nature sounds in the background had every student glued to the story! These lights have created a learning environment that my students can't get enough of.
Additionally, the motion lights and fairy lights around our classroom library bring a new excitement to selecting books to read. It helps make the books stand out and appear more appealing to my students.
The items in this project are used every single day in our reading class and have made a great impact. I think that we often underestimate the power of a positive learning environment, but my students have shown tremendous growth in reading already this school year, and I know that this project was a huge contributing factor.
Thank you so much!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
A Colored Printer Brings Learning to Life!
Funded Feb 12, 2022This printer has made teaching and learning so much better! I'm now able to print beautiful colorful materials for my students to make lessons more engaging.
I also create game cards (similar to Pokemon Cards) for students to earn. They've been SO excited to earn new cards that grant them privileges in our class. Earning an "invisibility cloak" or an "infinity stone" item gets the kids motivated to do their best on classwork and assessments.
This has made a huge difference this school year! Thank you so much!!!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
Books About Me! (Diverse Books for Diverse Learners!)
Funded Jan 1, 2022It has been so amazing to see my students devour the books from this project this school year. The first time that I read some of the titles and showed the covers, students immediately started adding books to their "To Be Read" Lists.
During class, my students spend a good bit of time reading independently and are able to choose books based on their own interests. Every child deserves to read books where they will feel represented, and this project made that possible for a lot more students.
Thank you SO much for all that you provided to our class this year. I am super proud of our reading growth this year. As a result of the amount of reading that they've done, we've more than doubled the typical growth of a 5th grade class this year. I know that the biggest contributing factor was providing them with books that they actually wanted to read!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Bussey
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and 11 other donors.