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"Have you ever wanted to jump right off the couch and into the pages of a fantastic book? Maybe the desire for you has diminished, but here's your opportunity to help a group of deserving students leap right out of their classroom and into a storybook adventure of their own in New York City. I reli...
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"Have you ever wanted to jump right off the couch and into the pages of a fantastic book? Maybe the desire for you has diminished, but here's your opportunity to help a group of deserving students leap right out of their classroom and into a storybook adventure of their own in New York City. I relish in the fact that I teach a diverse group of second grade students. They have varied academic abilities, temperaments, and socioeconomic status, but the one thing that they have in common is their love of a good book.
We recently launched a landmark unit in social studies and began with NYC landmarks via Kathy Jacobsen's book MY NEW YORK. The illustrations alone stole my students' gazes. Each time I turned the page and discussed a different landmark, the students' excitement continued to grow. When we finished the book, and shared facts about our favorite landmarks, I kept hearing my students say, "I wish I could go...here or there," or..."Maybe one day my mom will take me..." Our landmark question/answer session went on for a long time--their curiosity and excitement was brimming over the top. So I simply asked for a show of hands of how many kids had been to New York City, or to any of the landmarks mentioned? Only a couple hands flung in the air. I was quite shocked, considering my school's proximity to New York City. It was from that moment forward, that I knew that I wanted to give my whole class the experience of going beyond the page and straight into the heart of to New York City. However, I quickly realized that my desire to do so might be unfathomable. New York City admission prices to landmarks, and bus costs, are sky high...so I put the idea on the back burner and continued on... With the onset of November, my class took on an "Act of Kindness" initiative. Our goal is to perform 100 acts of kindness by Thanksgiving. My students have taken on this mission with a vengeance. Since then, I've overheard the kids complimenting each other on hard work, rather than outfits; I saw students playing with new friends at recess; I saw people picking up and returning money. And as a class, we just finished our first of 9 visits to our local senior center where we bonded, created art and shared stories with our senior buddies. Three days in, our tally count is 37. I am very impressed by my class--the whole atmosphere has changed--we are in this together, and dedicated to making others smile. Each act of kindness received, is placed on a heart and posted on the wall--a simple reminder of how little it takes to change the course of someone's day. One student asked me, "What happens when we get to 100" Another student responded, "you do 101." They're getting it. However, in return, I would like to give my students something they don't expect...something Spectacular. I would love to take my students to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular & Rockefeller Center. This trip will benefit my students in the following ways: educationally they will be able to tour and learn firsthand about Radio City and Rockefeller Center; emotionally they will bond even more as a team, and be whisked into the holiday magic of NYC, thereby creating an indelible memory; but most importantly they will learn the true value of pay it forward. Perhaps after reading this, you will be inspired by the kind acts that my students are doing, and in turn pay it forward. My students don't expect anything for their kind acts...just that feeling they get in their heart. But perhaps you can embrace the power of giving that exists within your heart to help me provide something magical, unfathomable and spectacular for my students...and don't worry, I will definitely pay it forward. My students need 30 tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Manhattan
The cost of this proposal is $1,014, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment Live Updates
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Laura L. (staff member)
on Nov 4, 2009
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National Leadership Partners
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National Partners
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