Tools for our Math Scholars (Classroom Project at DonorsChoose.org)

Tools for our Math Scholars

Classroom project requested by Ms. M. on Nov 24, 2008

High Poverty

California (North)

Where is the classroom located?

"I teach Algebra1 and Advanced Algebra at an under-resourced high school. Our school is a small public high school serving underprivileged kids. I work with about 75 students, some of whom have extremely low math skills but are working whole-heartedly to engage in the Algebra curriculum.

For my stud..." more»

For my students, algebra is a gate-keeper that determines whether they graduate high school. In addition, students need to succeed in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 to be eligible for University of California schools in the state of California. Some of my students have very low math skills and have been under educated in their previous math courses. Due to this reason, they face a serious anxiety toward higher levels of math, and at times can be overwhelmed by advanced mathematical concepts. Although the year has gotten off to a great start and the students are very motivated to conquer Algebra, we need your help to keep our momentum going!

My students could greatly benefit from your contributions toward some much needed classroom supplies, that would make our math classes more engaging and effective. I want my students to understand and experience Math with hands-on games and manipulatives. Often times, the students are able to overcome their fear of challenging math concepts when they are provided in the form of games or competitions. Therefore, the set of dice, which will be used to play math games, would be instrumental in making our classroom fun and exciting. In addition, we will use the markers and graphing boards for quick paced activities in which students will compete with each other. By finding an access point to interact with higher level of mathematical skills, my students will be eligible to attend college when they graduate high school.

Please help us get these materials to enhance student learning and understanding of Math!

Your help will ensure that my students have the opportunity to learn in a meaningful and effective manner, and to fulfill the crucial college eligibility requirements! hide»

My students need a set of Sharpie markers, 10 calculators, 30 write and wipe graphing boards, dice sets, and algebra games and cards. details»

Jul 2, 2009 Gabriela T a volunteer at donorschoose.org

Packaged the thank-you letters written by Ms. M.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).

Jun 24, 2009 Ms. M. the Teacher

Bigger Photos

Reply to the classroom

Dear Jill, Dan, James, Joyce, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Anonymous Donor,

My students and I are grateful for your generous contribution. It provided us with some much needed math supplies and has made a lot of activities in our classroom all the more fun and engaging! We regularly play games to practice various algebra skills and use the materials provided.

In addition, my students are also touched by knowledge that strangers who don't know them and might not be from their community are interested in their success and contributing money for the supplies they need. Many of them are inspired to hear about your kindness. Often times, youth in Oakland can feel like they are ignored or even hated by society. So your act of generosity goes miles toward diminishing this negative sentiment. Thanks again for your support and kindness!

With gratitude,
Ms. M.

Reply to the classroom

Feb 24, 2009 Jenni D a staff member at donorschoose.org

Purchased the supplies for Ms. M.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.

Feb 24, 2009 Ms. M. the Teacher

Dear Jill, Dan, James, Joyce, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Anonymous Donor,

My students and I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your support and generosity. Your contribution will fund much needed supplies in our classroom such as calculators and graphing boards. In addition, we will also receive materials that help make our math lessons fun, engaging and challenging. We will use your contributions with care and diligence. Your kindness will really help my students to enhance their mathematical proficiency and prepare for college and a successful future.

With gratitude,
Ms. M.

Reply to the classroom

Feb 23, 2009 DonorsChoose.org

Good news: Project fully funded!

Feb 23, 2009 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

"We provided DonorsChoose.org with matching funds for projects that improve college readiness. We believe that when all people in the United States have the opportunity to develop their talents, our society thrives."

Feb 23, 2009 Joyce from Long Beach, CA

"You may not believe this - but math can be fun!"

Feb 23, 2009 Dan

"I gave to this project because I believe in you kids. All the best!"

Feb 23, 2009 Jill

"I gave to this project because...I can't think of anything more important than properly resourcing our students to set them up for success."

Feb 23, 2009 A donor gave

Feb 15, 2009 James from Alameda, CA

"Math is so critically important for life success. Good luck!"

Feb 5, 2009 John C an associate at donorschoose.org

Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.

Feb 3, 2009 Meghan D a volunteer at donorschoose.org

Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.

Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.

Nov 24, 2008Ms. M. - Teacher

Project Details

Materials	Vendor	Price	#	Total
STUDENT CALC-U-VUE ST/10 BX	ABC School Supply, Inc.	$74.99	1	$74.99
KIT DICE SET	ABC School Supply, Inc.	$12.99	1	$12.99
MARKER FINE SHARPIE SET OF 8	ABC School Supply, Inc.	$9.99	1	$9.99
GS304 - Giant Soft Dice - Set of 6	Lakeshore Learning	$14.99	1	$14.99
RA629 - Math Dice Tub	Lakeshore Learning	$19.95	1	$19.95
GT279 - Write & Wipe Graphing Boards with X-Y Axis - Set of 30	Lakeshore Learning	$29.95	1	$29.95
Nasco s I Have Who Has Algebra Game	Nasco	$9.50	1	$9.50
Nasco s Advanced Algebra Placemats & Matching Cards	Nasco	$19.95	1	$19.95
A Graphing Matter	Nasco	$14.75	1	$14.75

Vendor Shipping Charges				$20.71
State Sales Tax				$15.01
3rd Party Payment Processing Fee				$5.18
Fulfillment Labor & Materials				$17.00
Project Cost Excluding Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$265.00
Optional Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$58.17
Project Cost Including Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$323.17
Partner Funding Offer				-$156.00
5 Donors				-$167.17
To Go				$0.00