"Help me support 9 amazing, inner-city students who voluntarily stay after school two days a week for 7 months for a robotics club. During that time they work as a team to solve complex problems, research complicated topics, and bring all of their work together to compete against more than 50 teams ...
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"Help me support 9 amazing, inner-city students who voluntarily stay after school two days a week for 7 months for a robotics club. During that time they work as a team to solve complex problems, research complicated topics, and bring all of their work together to compete against more than 50 teams (mostly middle school) in the region in a First Lego League robotics competition.
I teach 5th grade in the inner city. The public school is located in the middle of one of the poorest zip codes in our state. My students are faced with difficult circumstances every day. At school we strive to provide a safe and encouraging place to help each and every student rise above the unimaginable influences so many of them face.
For this particular project, 9 students have already demonstrated the commitment and the effort. Parents and myself have contributed snacks for them as we can, but it will be difficult to sustain for the full, 7-month season. The students demonstrate an inspiring tenacity to rise above their circumstances when they stay and hour and a half after school. During this time they work to build and program a robot as well as do additional research about a problem they notice in the community and solutions for that problem. In order to participate, they have to maintain their grades at an A-average and they cannot fall behind in homework or home responsibilities.
By the time we finish the regular school day it is 4 PM and they stay until 5:30. The snacks I have requested would motivate them and provide the necessary sustenance for their minds and bodies. It is more than snacks and drinks, though, as the gift from someone on the outside will definitely inspire them by showing them that someone beyond their parents and teachers believes in their work. Don't underestimate your influence. The gift of snacks will help them stay focused and to complete the necessary research and computer programming that is required. But more than these things, it will demonstrate to them that others have high expectations for what they can and will accomplish. Thank you so much for you time, consideration, and support - it goes a long way.
My afterschool students need juice and snacks.
The cost of this proposal is $535, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment  ."
HIDE
Mr. P. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Oct 21, 2009
Dear Lesley, Susan, Victoria, Sarah, Nicole, Jael, Alexandra, Arrianna, charmaine, M. Giant and M. Edium, Tracy, Kate and Anonymous Donor,
Thank you!!! The impact of this project being fully funded is two-fold and long reaching. First, because the project will provide healthy snacks for them every day when they are staying after school to work, it will provide for an immediate need. They will be working on full stomachs and will therefore be more productive and learn more. Second, it is letting them know that people from all over the country are literally helping them achieve their goals and that people are wanting them to be successful. I didn't fully realize this until I started telling them that people were donating money so that they could learn more. The neighborhood surrounding the school is littered with trash and graffiti and run-down houses. These things provide strong societal expectations for them - and expectations are powerful. I work hard to maintain high expectations in everything we do, but your donations have provided something I could not; the students feel that people "out there" expect success from them as well. Why else would you be compelled to donate?! This project will provide for the immediate need of food and drinks for some awesome students who have already demonstrated the commitment to hard work. It also will serve to encourage all of us, including the students, to keep working hard and to attain their goals. Thank you, thank you, thank you. With gratitude,
Mr. P.
Photos coming soon!
Region:
Kansas
Where is the classroom located?
Submitted:
Sep 09, 2009
| Expires:
Oct 30, 2009
Additional Details
Level:
Grades 3-5
Teacher's funded projects:
1
Thank-you punctuality:
N/A
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Christine V. (volunteer)
on Sep 10, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested resources and posted this project.
Ryan G. (associate)
on Sep 10, 2009
"I'll help fill the children's tummies if you keep filling their minds. Bet Red!"
"It's not easy learning on an empty stomach! I hope everyone has fun at the robotics club."
"Thank you for the support! The "robots" are definitely encouraged by your support. Thanks again!"
The teacher Mr. P.
on Oct 19, 2009
"We donated because M. Edium (age 5) believes no one should go hungry."
M. Giant and M. Edium
from Minneapolis, MN
gave
in support of Bet Red: Tomato Nation Contest '09
on Oct 20, 2009
"A Tomato Nation Donation! Because unlike robots, students need food for thought."
"What a wonderful project for your students, enjoy your robots and the snacks while working with them. Bet Red with TomatoNation!"
"I donated because the project will bring important learning opportunities to the classroom."
"I helped because I know how much this program does for the kids and how much a well-timed snack does to keep students learning."
"Another Tomato Nation giver!"
"I donated because I want to support kids in Kansas."
"Thank you all! It is humbling and encouraging to receive your donations - it makes a difference."
The teacher Mr. P.
on Oct 20, 2009
"Thank you, thank you! It makes a difference!"
The teacher Mr. P.
on Oct 20, 2009
"Asirda speaks: Much like my green-tinged relative, my heart grew THREE sizes today. Bet Red!"
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Oct 21, 2009
The teacher Mr. P.
on Oct 21, 2009
Purchased the resources for Mr. P.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member)
on Oct 21, 2009
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