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Completed: Art in Action

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"Where have all the easels gone!?! I teach kindergarten in an impoverished urban area. As much as I try to provide an inspiring environment for my students, something is missing!

With all of the budget cuts our school has been facing, my requests for art supplies have been repeatedly denied. It se... " MORE

"Where have all the easels gone!?! I teach kindergarten in an impoverished urban area. As much as I try to provide an inspiring environment for my students, something is missing!

With all of the budget cuts our school has been facing, my requests for art supplies have been repeatedly denied. It seems shameful to have a kindergarten classroom without finger paints and playdough! My students get so excited when I take out the meager supply of paint and the old paint brushes from the closet. They don't mind only painting with blue and brown (the only colors I have left). The other day, some students caught a glimpse of my bucket of cookie cutters in my closet. I hated to disappoint them, but I don't have any playdough left. Most of my students have very difficult home lives, in an environment where they have to grow up fast. Then they come to a school where play is slowly being squeezed out by rigorous academics. There is plenty of time in their school career for rigorous academics. Kindergarten should be a place to explore all kinds of learning, where kids can be kids.

I would like to offer my students some creative options during choice time. If they choose the art center, they should have a variety of mediums from which to choose. How empowering it would be for these young students to see their masterpieces displayed throughout the classroom. And when the artwork goes home, hopefully it will take its rightful place on the refrigerator, to be admired by all!

You can make this possible! By supplying us with art supplies, you will give the students a chance to explore art and use their imaginations. I get so excited when I think about the joy on their faces as they proudly display their artwork. That is what an early childhood classroom should be like!

My students need 17 different art supplies, such as finger paint, water color paints, and playdough. The cost of this proposal is $485, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ?."

HIDE

Mrs. M. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Nov 8, 2009
Dear Connie, RYON, Wendy, Judd, ken, GOGOPEDRO, Ryan, Monika, Karin, Jennifer, Jessica, vickie, Tiffany and Anonymous Donors, 
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for my students and how thankful I am to you for your donations. It is wonderful to see that you share my vision of providing students with opportunities for artistic expression.

The tools that you have funded will enable students to choose from a variety of mediums as they experience art. That is so incredible! I will also be able to use the materials during more than just playtime. As we practice sight words in reading, I can have students spelling them with playdough. In math, we can use the stampers to show quantities and write addition sentences. I have so many ideas, I can't wait to get started!

Please rest assured knowing that your donation will be put to good use. You have just directly impacted the education of an entire classroom of children. I am so touched by your generosity.

With gratitude,
Mrs. M.

Photos coming soon!

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Gina A. (volunteer) on Sep 14, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
John C. (associate) on Sep 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because I think every child should be able to explore their creativity. Hello form Canada!"
vickie from gave in support of Apartment Therapy Challenge 2009 on Oct 21, 2009
"Thank you for your support, Vickie! I am excited at the possibilities this project will create for my students, and am thrilled that you are willing to support me in my efforts! Thanks again!!"
The teacher Mrs. M. on Oct 21, 2009
A donor gave in support of Apartment Therapy Challenge 2009 on Oct 22, 2009
"I cannot thank you enough for your generous support of my classroom project!"
The teacher Mrs. M. on Oct 23, 2009
Karin gave on Oct 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because little kids should paint things!"
A donor gave in support of Apartment Therapy Challenge 2009 on Oct 27, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in education."
Monika from Palo Alto, CA gave in support of Apartment Therapy Challenge 2009 on Oct 27, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Visual Arts education."
Jessica from Rhode Island gave in support of Apartment Therapy Challenge 2009 on Oct 28, 2009
"Thank you all for your support! My students are very creative this year, and would be thrilled with the addition of "real" art supplies in our art center!!"
The teacher Mrs. M. on Oct 28, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Visual Arts education."
Wendy from Illinois gave in support of Apartment Therapy Challenge 2009 on Oct 28, 2009
"Thank you so much!"
The teacher Mrs. M. on Oct 29, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Visual Arts education."
A donor gave in support of Apartment Therapy Challenge 2009 on Oct 29, 2009
"I started art as a kid and it has led me through my entire life, giving me more opportunities to excel in nearly all aspects of life, even putting me through college. I couldn't imagine life without the expression of art. I hope you all get the opportunity to become great, beginning with your artistic individuality. "
Ryan from St. Marys, PA gave on Oct 29, 2009
"Thank you! I have several children who already show much artistic ability. I definitely want to give them the chance to explore that talent."
The teacher Mrs. M. on Oct 30, 2009
"I gave to this project because reading, art, and exercise are important!"
Jennifer from California gave in support of Apartment Therapy Challenge 2009 on Nov 1, 2009
ken from gave in support of Dr. Fuzzenstein's (Nick Giardina) Donation Page on Nov 3, 2009
"I gave to this project because I care about children having the opportunites to learn and grow."
Judd from Maryland gave in support of Dr. Fuzzenstein's (Nick Giardina) Donation Page on Nov 3, 2009
"I gave to this project because they need to know that we're behind them 100%!"
RYON from Virginia gave in support of Dr. Fuzzenstein's (Nick Giardina) Donation Page on Nov 3, 2009
"Thank you all so much! It is so motivating to know that so many people are supporting me as try to give my students an incredible opportunity to explore their creativity. This is an experience that I could never provide to my students on my own, so thank you, thank you, thank you!!"
The teacher Mrs. M. on Nov 5, 2009
"I donated because the project will bring important learning opportunities to the classroom."
GOGOPEDRO from NEW YORK, NY gave in support of PEDRO DELGADO's Mustache--o9'-- The BEARCAT on Nov 6, 2009
"I gave to this project because everyone should have the opportunity to make art, and because my old classmate, Jonathan brought your story to my attention."
Tiffany from Brooklyn, NY gave in support of Jonathan Lewis's Mustache on Nov 6, 2009
"This is so exciting! I know we can reach our goal- we are so close! I can't wait to see the students' faces as they see their new supplies. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!"
The teacher Mrs. M. on Nov 6, 2009
"Fun Fun Fun! The youngest kids should have fun in school so they will want to come back!"
Connie from Seattle, WA gave on Nov 7, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Nov 7, 2009
The teacher Mrs. M. on Nov 8, 2009
"Connie, thank you so much! I agree with you completely. School should be fun and kindergartners should be able to act like the 5-year olds they are!"
The teacher Mrs. M. on Nov 8, 2009
Purchased the supplies for Mrs. M.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member) on Nov 9, 2009
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Funded!
Meet the Donors (below)

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From Mrs. M.'s Classroom:
$312 Needed

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