"I am a new first grade teacher in a newly formed classroom. Our school is a city school in an older neighborhood in California.
We love art. I firmly believe that it's what makes us human. Even though studies show that creating art helps in both reading and math skills, our district is faced with h...
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"I am a new first grade teacher in a newly formed classroom. Our school is a city school in an older neighborhood in California.
We love art. I firmly believe that it's what makes us human. Even though studies show that creating art helps in both reading and math skills, our district is faced with huge budget cuts both this year and next. We barely have money for pencils. When this happens the first cuts always seem to be the arts. Now we are being asked to take a cut in pay so the money I might have been able to devote to my classroom is going to be tight.
In first grade we study the color wheel, primary and secondary colors. We learn about portrait, landscape, abstract, collage, and three dimensional art. In order to support these wonderful lessons we need supplies. I am requesting tempera and water color paint and brushes, clay and construction paper in order to complete 3 projects for the remainder of the year.
Unlike older, established classrooms we do not have a lot of backup supplies. I have been relying on my pocketbook and the kindness of my colleagues. This limits the number of projects I can prepare for the children. It would be wonderful to be able to support more projects in my classroom. Thank you!
My students need tempera and water color paint and brushes, clay, and construction paper in order to complete 3 projects for the remainder of the year.
See Ms. A.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
May 13, 2009
Dear Cynthia, Derek, earlene, Sadie, Kim, Mardee, Mrs. Scott Morgan, Melissa and Angela,
Thank you so much to all of you for helping to fund this project. The minute the art supplies came we opened them and began to use them. We were able to finish our projects in visual art. It was like a party. The kids were Christmas-day happy and eager to get it there and use their new tools.
We painted still life with the tempera and water colors, made puppets for Where the Wild Things Are with the construction paper, and made animals with the air-dry clay (a big, big hit). We even painted our animals. They wanted to paint everything!
We are winding down our school year so I wanted this year's group to use the new supplies. Thanks to your generosity and dedication to the arts I have supplies for next year as well.
I can't say thank you enough.
With gratitude, Ms. A.
Ms. A. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Apr 23, 2009
Dear Cynthia, Derek, earlene, Sadie, Kim, Mardee, Mrs. Scott Morgan, Melissa and Angela,
Once again I want to thank all of you who help fund this wonderful project. I can't tell you how much these supplies will enhance the learning experiences of my children. I agree with all research that supports the connection of art to both literacy and math. As a matter of fact, our school in involved in a study that addresses just that issue. So often when budget cuts occur, art is the first thing to go and I'd like to be able to show how wrong this policy is and how it hurts our children. Art is what makes us human. I am looking forward to the hours of creative fun my students will enjoy because of your generosity. We couldn't have done it without out.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Jennifer P. (volunteer)
on Mar 15, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
Scott C. (associate)
on Mar 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I believe that art education is important. It will enhance the lives of these wonderful young students in so many ways! "
Cynthia
from Toluca Lake, CA
gave
on Apr 7, 2009
"Cynthia from Toluca Lake, thank you very much for your donation. I agree - and research backs us up. Yet, any time there is a budget crunch - art is the firs to go. It's been a battle. Thank you again, I hope to reach other art-supporters."
The teacher Ms. A.
on Apr 7, 2009
Angela
gave
on Apr 8, 2009
"Angela, Thank you so much. We appreciate your donation more than you can imagine. I was going to be so sad to have to water down my art program because of budget cuts. I'll post a picture so you can see what wonderful artist we have in my class. They are truly artists in the making and without help from generous people like you they would never realize their potential. Thank you."
The teacher Ms. A.
on Apr 9, 2009
Elana
from California
gave
in honor of Sadie
on Apr 10, 2009
"Thank you Elana, I appreciate your contribution so much. My kids are incredible little artists and it would be such a shame for us not to be able to create. Thank you and I will send pictures."
The teacher Ms. A.
on Apr 10, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe that art make the world a better place."
Melissa
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
Mrs. Scott Morgan
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
Mardee
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because.art is one of the first things that is cut in school and is so important in the development of minds! Thank you for asking for art supplies. As an architect and artist I appreciate this request!"
earlene
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
Kim
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because...art is very special to kids....and everyone in school should be able to have an art class."
Derek
from Westport, CT
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Apr 16, 2009
"Oh my! I am so excited! I just got home from our Spring Open House. The parents who attended were so impressed by the art we had finished. I can't wait to tell them we are funded for the remainder of the year! And thanks to Melissa, Mrs. Scott Morgan, Mardee, Earlene, Kim and Derek who all make donations tonight - enough to get us to our goal. I am thankful to you all and all the wonderful people who were so generous."
Packaged the thank-you letters written by Ms. A.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).
Eric S. (intern)
on Nov 12, 2009
"I was delighted to receive the thank-you cards written and drawn by the students! They are adorable and literally brought tears to my eyes. To think that such a small donation could bring such joy to those kids -- makes it so worthwhile to participate in a DonorsChoose project!"
Cynthia
from Toluca Lake, CA
on Dec 13, 2009
"I'm so glad you received them. The project was funded right at the end of last term so not only did my first graders from last year have the pleasure of creating with them but this year as well. The thank-you's were from both classes. Thank you again for taking the time to donate."
The teacher Ms. A.
on Dec 14, 2009
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Jennifer P. (volunteer)
on Mar 15, 2009
