"We are a 50 year old school in a high poverty area with low parent involvement, in a county commission unwilling to fund needed materials.
The condition of my classroom is shameful. There are holes in the walls and the furniture is mismatched, broken, and VERY old. I have requested new or gently ...
"
MORE
"We are a 50 year old school in a high poverty area with low parent involvement, in a county commission unwilling to fund needed materials.
The condition of my classroom is shameful. There are holes in the walls and the furniture is mismatched, broken, and VERY old. I have requested new or gently used furniture for several years to better accommodate cooperative group work. What I finally got last year was a bunch of old tables that do not match.
I need new student furniture in my classroom so my students will see a clean and comfortable working environment that they deserve. They have seen all the resources that other schools in our district have. They look around our school and feel that they are not worthy of the things that the other kids have. I want my classroom to empower them and make them feel worthy of a nice environment. I want them to take pride in themselves and our school. Providing them with a classroom they can be proud of will help student achievement.
So many of my students have very little pride in themselves and in our school. Because of their socioeconomic positions in the community, no one cares that they are doing without basic materials needed to learn. These tables would be a fantastic beginning towards lifting the spirits of my students.
My students need seven round activity tables conducive to cooperative learning.
The cost of this proposal is $1,058, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ."
Mrs. R. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Dec 23, 2008
Dear Justin Robertson, Danalyn, Michele, Jaya, Courtney, Becky, Mike and Mona, Elizabeth, Zef, Ana, Stacey, Ladybug Landscaping, Verena, Lori Heddinger, Patricia, Sandra, Liz, Hoover, Allison, Sara, Kristin, Lee and Miguel, Stephen, Jill, OliviaV, Hillary, Ted, Jessica, rachel, cynthia, Andrea, Judith, Nathaniel, natalia, The Yipit Team, Jonna and Anonymous Donors,
What a wonderful Christmas gift for the students in my classroom! Thank you so very much for providing the much needed new tables for my students. I know having decent furniture in our classroom will help instill a sense of pride in everything we do. So many of my kids feel that they are not worthy of nice things. I can't wait until my students return after the Christmas holiday so I can tell them the wonderful news... that they are worth it!
Thank you again,
Nikki
On Mar 30, 2009, Mrs. R. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.
"As someone who went to public schools in one of the poorest areas of the country, I know it's not easy for teachers to get the tools they need to help their students. Kids need a good environment to focus and learn, and I hope this project will help the teacher accomplish her goals."
"I gave to this project because... I believe in DonorsChoose.org and what they do to help teachers and students in need. And I've been following ApartmentTherapy.com since 2004, so when I saw the request to help, how could I not?"
"Please know that people across the United States know and care about you. You guys are not alone. I hope this helps to make your class a great place to learn in; learn, be strong, be proud and grow!
"
"I have been a public school teacher for 11 years. I recently made the heart breaking decision to leave public education. I understand the underfunded and under- appreciated job so much. Working with kids whoever they are has been a joy in my life. I hope this donation will make these kids know they are important. "
"As a parent and former SD of Philadelphia employee, I know how important it is for kids to learn in a clean, cheerful and well-designed space. Hope this donation helps! All the best!!!!"
"I really believe that the school's environment can play a huge role in how well students can concentrate and learn. A good school and a community who cares, really can help with a students realization of their importance and the importance of community involvement."
Email
Facebook
Twitter
John C. (associate)
on Aug 7, 2008
