"We need our kids to read more and want to grab their interest and attention with a school-wide reading initiative!
I have been teaching at an inner city charter high school in Chicago going on 5 years now. We have only been in existence for 6 years so we are somewhat new, but have definitely grow...
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"We need our kids to read more and want to grab their interest and attention with a school-wide reading initiative!
I have been teaching at an inner city charter high school in Chicago going on 5 years now. We have only been in existence for 6 years so we are somewhat new, but have definitely grown leaps and bounds. Our focus is architecture, construction, and engineering. I will be teaching American Lit to juniors this year, but have taught all levels with the exception of seniors. Because we are a charter school, we do not receive the same funding as the other public schools. We've [the English dept] also began looking at data such as test scores and reading levels and know that we as teachers need to do something to end these negative trends. However, the initial idea actually grew out of a discussion with a student who expressed his desire that everybody in the school should "read a really good book"; one that they could relate to and talk to each other about because if they had a voice in picking a book, they might want to read it more. So now we are in need of supplying the book, A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines, for EVERY student at our school [500 to be exact]. The English dept. has a desire to see more connectivity between different levels of students and across content areas through reading. This summer, the entire English dept. will be attending a curriculum and learning community workshop where as a team we will all work on unit plans that incorporate this one book. However, the unit plan will vary depending on grade level and writing skills of that group.
One thing that will remain consistent is the focus of reading strategies. During that unit, all classes will learn to incorporate certain reading strategies into understanding the book. These are universal strategies that can be applied across all content areas. During this unit, we will also be putting our first grammar and writing diagnostic results into play. Students will have been tested just before we implement this unit. After we finish the unit, we will test students again using the same measurements and judge how much movement they've made on the targeted areas. We hear this time and time again..."I hate reading!" However, with this school-wide reading initiative and your generous help, our hope is that students will feel invested as this was the book they voted for, they will actually read it and begin to appreciate reading more, we will begin a positive trend in our classrooms right from the get-go in September, and finally we will see an increase in those test scores to make everyone happy!
Thank you in advance for reading this proposal and considering to fund this project!
My students need 500 copies of "A Lesson Before Dying" by Ernest Gaines.
The cost of this proposal is $7,687, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ."
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All donors get photos and a thank-you from the teacher.

If you complete this project, you'll also get personal thank-you's from the students!

Region:
Illinois (Chicago)
Where is the classroom located? 
Submitted:
Jul 14, 2009
| Expires:
Dec 20, 2009
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Emily M. (volunteer)
on Jul 16, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Jul 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because I loved this book so much when I first read it, and think it's a great choice for a school-wide initiative. "
Lindsay
from Evanston, IL
gave
on Aug 10, 2009
"Thank you so much for your generosity! I am looking forward to teaching this amazing book and I hope my students will love it as well. Once again your donation is greatly appreciated and I look forward to giving you an update on the future success of our school-wide reading initiative soon!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Aug 10, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Fleming
from Iowa City, IA
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 9, 2009
"Thank you so much for your generous contribution! We appreciate your support for our reading initiative and I am looking forward to teaching this amazing book."
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 9, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
A donor
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 14, 2009
"I gave to this project because my daughter in law is a devoted teacher in a Charter School in Chicago and I believe in education as a key to unlocking great adventures. psj"
Patricia
from Wooster, OH
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 14, 2009
"I love the amazing generosity of so many wonderful people! Our teachers and students thank you!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 14, 2009
"I gave to this project because my daughter is an English teacher at this school. I am a strong believer in Literacy education and would like to see the literacy standards in CPS raised. "
Theresa
from Illinois
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 14, 2009
"Thank you so much for your generous support! We love having your daughter at our school and she loves teaching these amazing kids. Your donation makes us one step closer to helping our kids and their academic future!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 14, 2009
"I gave to this project because I am a strong believer in Literacy education and a lover of the written word. Exposure to the arts is a critical tool to understanding people with different backgrounds and viewpoints from our own."
Jennifer F
from Winston Salem, NC
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 15, 2009
"Thank you for support of our students and school! We are looking forward to teaching this amazing book and getting our kids to appreciate reading more."
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 15, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Richard J. Pitello CPA
from Illinois
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 15, 2009
"I gave to this project because ACE is great and so is Ms. Stefl!"
Scott Goldner
from Illinois
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 15, 2009
"This is why I love teaching...All the generosity and those that believe in education and helping out kids! Thank you all so much!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 15, 2009
"I agree that Ms. S. is a great teacher!"
Richard J. Pitello CPA
from Illinois
on Sep 15, 2009
"We gave to this project because our organization has received so much love and support, we wanted to give back, and if this means something to Michelle Stefl, it means something to us! GOOD LUCK IN REACHING YOUR GOAL!!"
EricsHope.org
from Michigan
gave
in honor of Eric's Hope
in support of Illinois
on Sep 15, 2009
"I'm so touched by this donation! I know how much Eric needs right now and your generosity means so much to these kids! Thank you, and my thoughts and prayers are with Eric the rest of my amazing family! Love you guys!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 15, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Sharon
from Illinois
gave
on Sep 16, 2009
"Thanks for your support of our students! We are just one step closer to reaching our goal!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 17, 2009
"Every child deserves a good education no matter what there income level or where they live. Ms. Stefl is a wonderful example of a teacher that cares very much for all her students no matter what their life style. She treats each and every one of them as individual with respect and admiration. As her parent she makes me very proud."
Sharon
from Illinois
on Sep 17, 2009
"Every child deserves an education no matter their income level or where they live. Ms. Stefl treats all her students with respect and they admire her for this. I know that this cause is very important to Ms. Stefl and I was happy to help in a small way to achieve her goal. Good Luck in reaching your goal Michele!"
Sharon
from Illinois
on Sep 17, 2009
"I gave to this project because such a large group reading effort would be great to see within the hallways of a school. More encouragement for reading!"
A donor
gave
on Sep 19, 2009
"Good luck to the teachers and students in this very worthwhile project.. Illiteracy is at an all time high. Your school is doing something about it. I congratulate you for that."
Mike
from Burbank, IL
gave
on Sep 19, 2009
"Thanks to everyone for their kind words and generous donations!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 20, 2009
"I gave to this project because Ms. Stefl is truly one of the best teachers in the entire city of Chicago. When educators like Ms. S are equipped with the resources they deserve, they can create change better than anyone else in the reform movement."
Jeff
from Illinois
gave
on Sep 20, 2009
"Thank you for truly making a difference in the educational futures of our students!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Sep 20, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Pam
from Illinois
gave
on Sep 21, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Victor
from Illinois
gave
on Sep 28, 2009
"I gave to this project because I have a son who teaches in the Chicago schools and I know how important it is for students to have access to books they love."
Faith
from Illinois
gave
on Oct 21, 2009
"I donated because I want to support children and their teachers who care."
Ross
from Casa Grande, AZ
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
Curt
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
elizabeth
from buffalo grove, IL
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
Shamusideen
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
Laura
from San Jose, CA
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
Maya
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
Thomas
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
Mrs. D
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
I.S. 7th Grade Teaching Staff
from Staten Island, NY
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
chandrabhan pradhan
from
gave
on Oct 22, 2009
"Thank you for your generosity!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Oct 22, 2009
"Thank you for your support!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Oct 22, 2009
"I gave to this project because it only took a little from me to give those two classes a lot."
Sarah
from San Francisco, CA
gave
on Oct 23, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
A donor
gave
on Oct 23, 2009
"Thanks for making our school initiative a reality for our students!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Oct 23, 2009
Lawrence Berman
from New York
gave
on Oct 23, 2009
"I read this book last year and really enjoyed it. I think this will be a great book to read and discuss with all of your students! I hope that you all enjoy this school-wide project."
Jo
from Efland, NC
gave
on Oct 26, 2009
"I am looking forward to teaching this amazing book. Thanks for your generosity and support!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Oct 26, 2009
"I gave to this project to honor the work done by my Spring 2009 NYU Marketing Communications class. In their honor, this donation is made because they wanted to make a difference."
A donor
gave
on Oct 26, 2009
"I gave to this project because reading has always sparked my imagination. It allows me to dream about different times, different types of people, and completely different worlds. I want everyone to have the opportunity to do the same."
Karen
from Norwood, NJ
gave
on Oct 27, 2009
"Thanks for your support and trying to make a difference in my students' lives!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Oct 27, 2009
"Thanks for making a difference!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Oct 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because my sister-in-law is a teacher and I strongly believe in the power of education."
Stephanie
from Arlington, VA
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
"I gave to this project because I love the idea of children reading and discussing meaningful topics. I love that the idea was motivated by the students themselves. I also chose it because the donation would be doubled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation..."
Katherine
from New York
gave
on Oct 30, 2009
"Thanks for your support and your generosity!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Oct 30, 2009
"I donated because this teacher cares enough to find new ways to find the materials students need."
Andrea
from Port Washington, NY
gave
on Oct 30, 2009
"I gave to this project because I want you to have all the opportunities to learn that you possibly can!"
A donor
gave
on Oct 31, 2009
"Thanks for your generous donation!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 1, 2009
""I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago), As I was born and raised there". "
A donor
gave
on Nov 2, 2009
"Your home town thanks you for your generous support!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 3, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Shanté
from San Leandro, CA
gave
on Nov 3, 2009
"I donated because the project will bring important learning opportunities to the classroom."
robbie
from California
gave
on Nov 4, 2009
albert
from
gave
on Nov 4, 2009
"I gave to this project because many people helped me get an education. Family, teachers, friends and strangers. I wanted to return the favor. Someday I hope these students will do the same for someone else. "
Tracy
from Westerville, OH
gave
on Nov 5, 2009
"I gave to this project because I want to encourage children to read. "
Margaret
from New York
gave
in support of George Nicholson's Mustache
on Nov 6, 2009
martin
from Connecticut
gave
on Nov 7, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
A donor
gave
on Nov 8, 2009
Barrie
from Chapel Hill, NC
gave
on Nov 8, 2009
"Thanks for your support!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 8, 2009
Sara
from Washington, DC
gave
on Nov 8, 2009
"I donated because I want to support young students and their teachers who care."
Ross
from Casa Grande, AZ
gave
on Nov 8, 2009
"Thanks for your amazing generosity!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 9, 2009
"I gave to this project because I want to give students a chance to succeed to become out future leaders, scientists, teachers or whatever career inspires them."
Dr. Cue
from Ledyard, CT
gave
on Nov 10, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe in all of you and all that you can do when you have the right tools and support."
A donor
gave
in support of Dave Olsen's Mustache
on Nov 10, 2009
"We appreciate your support! Thanks for your generosity!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 10, 2009
"Reading has changed my life. I am so thankful to have the ability to pass on this gift. "
Joanne
from Montclair, NJ
gave
on Nov 10, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Dave
from New York
gave
in support of Dave Olsen's Mustache
on Nov 11, 2009
"Thank you so much for supporting my students and literacy education! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 11, 2009
"I gave to this project because this seems like a really good way to get them to read."
A donor
gave
on Nov 11, 2009
"I am very excited to teach this is amazing book. Thanks for your support!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 11, 2009
"I donated because I want to support young students and their teachers who care."
Ross
from Casa Grande, AZ
gave
on Nov 12, 2009
"I donated because the project will bring important learning opportunities to the classroom."
John
from Massachusetts
gave
on Nov 12, 2009
"We gave to this project because we believe their are inequities in educational funding and we support teachers in all classrooms "
Bill & Denise
from Amherst, IL
gave
in support of Benjamin Drucker's Mustache
on Nov 12, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Dave
from New York
gave
in support of Dave Olsen's Mustache
on Nov 12, 2009
"I gave to this project because I want to see our public schools succeed. To this dedicated teacher and all the students, I say: You rock!"
Christine
from Pueblo West, CO
gave
on Nov 12, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Craig
from North Carolina
gave
on Nov 12, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
rhina
from West Virginia
gave
in support of George Nicholson's Mustache
on Nov 12, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
John
from New York
gave
in support of Mustachioed Charity
on Nov 12, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Mike
from California
gave
in support of Dave Olsen's Mustache
on Nov 12, 2009
"All of these contributions make me so proud and hopeful as a teacher! You are truly making an impact in the lives on my kids!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 12, 2009
"Words cannot express the appreciation I feel towards amazing people like you who believe in education and giving back!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 12, 2009
"I gave to this project because there is no better investment than education of our children. "
David Klipp
from Fairfield, CT
gave
on Nov 12, 2009
"All children deserve the opportunity to succeed!"
Kate
from Salem, VA
gave
on Nov 13, 2009
"I gave to this project because you deserve it"
Dan
from Illinois
gave
in support of Dave Olsen's Mustache
on Nov 13, 2009
"I donated because the project will bring important learning opportunities to the classroom."
Karen
from New York
gave
in support of Dave Olsen's Mustache
on Nov 13, 2009
"Thanks for your generous support! It's great to know that there are such amazing people in the world that believe in literacy education!"
The teacher Ms. S.
on Nov 13, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Joanne
from San Antonio, TX
gave
on Nov 13, 2009
"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."

gave
on Nov 13, 2009
"Yeah! We got funded! Thanks to EVERYONE who helped make this possible. You are all wonderful people to give to our students! Teachers can't wait to start planning and teaching this book."
The teacher Ms. S.
7 days ago
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