"Dictionaries are the macaroni to the cheese of a high school classroom. I teach sophomore reading and junior English students. We have a high low-income rate at our school and about 10% of my students are special education. Our school does not have the money to fund classroom sets of dictionaries...
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"Dictionaries are the macaroni to the cheese of a high school classroom. I teach sophomore reading and junior English students. We have a high low-income rate at our school and about 10% of my students are special education. Our school does not have the money to fund classroom sets of dictionaries, however, I want each and every one of my students to leave my room with broader vocabularies and working knowledge of how to use dictionaries.
We do not have the money in our department to fund classroom sets of dictionaries. I've been saving my change for the last 3 years to buy high interest books for my classroom library. Now I'm buying college level dictionaries. My students are excited to at least see 3 dictionaries in the room. I feel limited in the activities that my students can do related to words, which breaks my heart as a language lover.
We need 30 dictionaries for my classroom. My students will be able to widen their vocabulary which is exceedingly important when preparing them for high stakes testing such as the ACT and SAT. My students have already shown an interest in taking the time to look up words; the class set will make their possibilities endless. I would create more lesson plans centered around them, so the students have constant experiences with words and language.
You will make it possible for my students to have academic opportunities that other schools take for granted. Most of my students have claimed that they have never touched a dictionary before. This breaks my heart. I hope that you will decide to expose them to more than they could imagine with just a little book.
My students need a class set of 30 college level dictionaries.
See Ms. E.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Nov 27, 2009
Dear Lance, Barbara, Teryn, Amy, Jennifer, Zia, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Anonymous Donors,
This is just a small note to express gratitude for your donations. We have used the 30 dictionaries for countless classroom activities including learning new words, studying etymology, writing poems, completing homework and studying for exams. My special education students have benefited from the dictionaries the most, they are no longer hindered by their lack of spelling skills. They have blossomed into stronger students. Our school is currently going through a budget crisis and is already a low-income district. Without your help, my students would have never been exposed to dictionaries. Thank you so much for your generosity and dedication to education. My students and I greatly appreciate your selflessness!
With gratitude, Ms. E.
Ms. E. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Oct 20, 2009
Dear Lance, Barbara, Teryn, Amy, Jennifer, Zia, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Anonymous Donors,
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for your donation. The dictionary is one of the most essential books that a student can have access to, and now you have provided my pupils with this invaluable tool.
My lessons will center around the dictionaries, thus enrichening my curriculum and my students' education. Vocabulary is such an important area to develop in high school. My students are no longer restricted in their exposure to the wonder of words. Being a low income school no longer is a hindrance to my English and Reading Strategies students. Thank you so much!
"Thank you Jennifer! The dictionary is one of my favorite books as well!"
The teacher Ms. E.
on Oct 15, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
A donor
gave
on Oct 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because when i was in school i had to use a dictionary every day to pick a word, learn the meaning, learn to spell it, and use it in a sentence. and today i can thank mrs bruno for my strong vocabulary."
A donor
gave
on Oct 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because Dictionaries should play a big part of a childs' education."
Zia
from
gave
on Oct 20, 2009
"Using a dictionary should come as naturally as eating and breathing. I also helped because I'm a strong believer in Applied Sciences education."
Barbara
from Ankeny, IA
gave
on Oct 20, 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."
"You're so welcome. Learning new words, expanding your vocabulary, gives one the feeling of power. The pics are beautiful."
Barbara
from Ankeny, IA
on Nov 27, 2009
Packaged the thank-you letters written by Ms. E.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).
Briani B. (intern)
on Dec 7, 2009
"I received the thank-you letters today. You are all very welcome. They were thoughtful and gracious, and I am enjoying reading and rereading them. Have a nice Holiday season!"
Barbara
from Ankeny, IA
on Dec 14, 2009
"Barbara, thank you again. I'm glad you like the letters. The kids really were honest (sometimes a little too much). We are really really grateful for your donations. Have a wonderful Holiday as well and again thank you!"
The teacher Ms. E.
on Dec 14, 2009
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Gina A. (volunteer)
on Sep 7, 2009
