" I teach art students from grades Kindergarten through fifth at a Title 1 school. These students include three classes of Emotional Behavior Disorder, English as a second language, Students Targeted Against Retention, low economic, and a high population of minority students. According to admin...
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" I teach art students from grades Kindergarten through fifth at a Title 1 school. These students include three classes of Emotional Behavior Disorder, English as a second language, Students Targeted Against Retention, low economic, and a high population of minority students. According to administration we are the lowest economic elementary school in our county. Approximately 93% of our students are on free or reduced lunch prices. Many of our students come from homes with multiple siblings, single parent, or foster care environments.
When it comes to participating in special classroom projects our student’s families are unable to spare a monetary donation. It has been my goal to increase student’s pride in our school and themselves. I have been focusing specifically on the most at risk student groups. I hope to create an artist’s garden with these student groups.
Not only will the students create artworks for this special garden they will gain horticulture/earth science experience. This garden experience will have a long lasting effect as they will be able to take pride in their art, continue to see it grow, have follow up experience with plant care, and use the space for outdoor/nature drawing activities.
I am requesting aid for the materials to create stepping-stones for this garden. The stepping-stone art activity has a high success rate that will enable every child to feel the sense of accomplishment I am hoping for. One can imagine how proud our students will be when showing friends and siblings their work. This special project is something I could not afford on my budget nor, as previously stated, could my students afford to donate for.
Your donation is the only means for us to create this artwork. Through your generosity some of the most deserving at risk students will have a once in a lifetime experience, which will create a positive connection with school and learning.
My students need the necessary materials to create mosaic stepping stones: stone molds, cement, and glass tiles, as part of an art garden experience.
See Ms. J.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Jan 4, 2010
Dear Mary, Nadine and Henry, Jenny, Irene, Dad, Valerie, JANE, Chad, Kokila, Kandi Phillips, Joshua and Anonymous Donor,
It was very busy and exciting before the winter break. Often students have difficulty staying focused on class work during this particular time of the year. I strategically placed the stepping stone lesson the final weeks of school, before break, in hopes that it would generate interest in doing their work. It was a fantastic success!
As promised I focused this project on special classes of students with behavior disorder and/or retention risks. They were honored to be gifted such a special experience and worked hard on the project. We made it through this project with zero disciplinary issues.
The students look forward to seeing their stepping stone in the garden. Your donation has given them an enriching experience that has encouraged positive views on school and themselves. They now know that special people like you care about their success.
With gratitude, Ms. J.
Ms. J. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Aug 7, 2009
Dear Mary, Nadine and Henry, Jenny, Irene, Dad, Valerie, JANE, Chad, Kokila, Kandi Phillips, Joshua and Anonymous Donor,
I am bubbling with excitement for the new school year and I'm filled with gratitude for your donation to the project.It is so reassuring that there is support in our communities for the arts.Often during difficult economic times the arts become a luxury item. I am pleased to see that you agree the arts are an essential element of our lives and the lives of my students.
The disadvantaged students I work with would not have an opportunity to create such a project without your help.They will feel much pride in their work as other students "ooh" and "awww" at the stepping stones in the garden we are creating.My hope is that they will come away with such a positive experience that they improve their views on school.This art project, I hope, will be a stepping stone for so much more, that students may see more opportunities for success.
I look forward to working with the students on this project and improving the school grounds and moral.Thank you so much for your generosity.I am sure the pictures taken during the project will show the intensity and joy on the students' faces.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Karen A. (volunteer)
on Mar 29, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Mar 29, 2009
"Their teacher Elizabeth Johnson."
Gma Butterfly
from Florida
gave
in honor of Chad
on Jun 18, 2009
"I gave to this project because...art can always make your day better. Enjoy making the stepping stones for your garden and enjoy them for years to come. I used to make art with students like you. Hug your teacher for me."
JANE
from Michigan
gave
on Jun 18, 2009
"Teachers with creative ideas and enthusiasm that inspire students to see the possibilities!"
Dad
from Michigan
gave
on Jun 18, 2009
"Thank you all for your generosity. The students will really enjoy this special project."
The teacher Ms. J.
on Jun 19, 2009
"I gave to this project because...this wiil allow the students to be creative and give them a sense of pride for what they have done for their school. Also, Mrs. J is a fabulous teacher!"
Valerie
from Florida
gave
on Jun 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I am going to be in 2nd grade and I like Gardens that make the world a pretty place!"
Joshua
from New York
gave
on Jun 30, 2009
Irene
from Massachusetts
gave
on Jun 30, 2009
"Thank you so much for your support. I am really looking forward to the excitement the students will have during this project. Special projects are fun for both students and teachers. I hope we make you proud!"
The teacher Ms. J.
on Jul 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because... I'm glad to have the chance to support your school (my daughter works there)."
Irene
from Massachusetts
gave
on Jul 8, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I believe in equal education to our communities. "
Jenny
from Pennsylvania
gave
on Jul 10, 2009
"I gave to this project because I feel passionate that each child should be given the opportunity to learn regardless of their own financial situation. "
Kandi Phillips
from Florida
gave
in support of Awaken Your Space
on Jul 12, 2009
"I gave to this project because art is important to kids!"
Kokila
from Ohio
gave
on Jul 15, 2009
"Thank you for helping my students. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope that we can reach our funding goal. The students will be thrilled!"
The teacher Ms. J.
on Jul 21, 2009
"Good Luck!!"
A donor
gave
on Jul 22, 2009
Nadine and Henry
from Texas
gave
on Jul 30, 2009
Mary
from Cedar Rapids, IA
gave
on Aug 3, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Aug 3, 2009
"Yea!!! I was thrilled to find that we were fully funded today. I am gearing up for the new school year with meetings starting this week. What a motivational tool. I am so excited to begin the year on a positive note and I look forward to teaching this lesson to our students. Truly I am elated!"
"Dear Ms J and artists,
Thank you so much for the beautiful cards! We loved them all and are impressed with your artistry.
Have a wonderful,creative new year!
Mary"
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Karen A. (volunteer)
on Mar 29, 2009
