Beach to Bicycle...I Mean Tricycle! (Classroom Project at DonorsChoose.org)

Beach to Bicycle...I Mean Tricycle!

Classroom project requested by Ms. G. on Apr 9, 2010

High Poverty

Los Angeles Elementary School
Los Angeles, California (South)

My Students: Remember when we used to ride our bicycles everywhere and just had to be in by dark? My students are challenged with the heavy traffic and the safety issues of living in the c...

My Students: Remember when we used to ride our bicycles everywhere and just had to be in by dark? My students are challenged with the heavy traffic and the safety issues of living in the city. Their parents will not let them go outside to play or exercise due to higher crime rates, accidents and gangs.

My adorable students are precocious and loving, energetic and physical. They attend a public school in one of the largest U.S. cities. They are in the school readiness language development program for four-year-old children which requires the parents to volunteer, attend parenting classes and workshops given by a certificated, elementary school teacher. Almost all of my students qualify for the Federal Lunch Program.

My Project: These tricycles will help the students develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Many of my students have never ridden a tricycle and will learn how to ride in pre-Kindergarten. The students will develop their gross motor skills and large muscles while riding. However, the benefits of exercise are far reaching. Brain research links physical activity with increased neural connections and studies show that exercise is also linked to increased intellectual development. Stress levels decrease with exercise and endorphin levels rise. Students will learn how to share, take turns and play fairly when using the tricycles. They will develop positive self-esteem.

Presently, we share one tricycle with eight Kindergarten classes and two pre-kindergarten classes. Our school is unable to purchase additional equipment due to budget deficits, however, student needs still exist. I believe that my students will appreciate learning how ride a tricycle and will benefit from the exercise. They will have fun too! hide»

My students need 3 tricycles to maximize their physical, social and intellectual development. details»

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Aug 31 Jenni D a staff member at donorschoose.org

Packaged the thank-you letters written by Ms. G.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).

Aug 31 Jenni D a staff member at donorschoose.org

Purchased the resources for Ms. G.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.

Aug 31 Ms. G. the Teacher

Dear Claire Giannini Fund,

What a wonderful surprise for my students this year! Many of them have never ridden a tricycle or even have the opportunity to play outdoors. My students live in one of the largest cities in the country, and they often have to stay indoors while their parents work. Many only have exposure to digital and technological games. Last year my class went to a children's museum and sadly, they were the only children who did not know how to ride the tricycles. These tricycles will not only help my students development physically, but also socially and emotionally as they take turns sharing them. This energizing and fun activity will in turn optimize their intellectual development and boost their academic achievement.
Thank you so much for the generous donation for this class and the many pre-kindergarten students to come. Maybe after a few months of training, we can even ride to the beach!
With smiles and much gratitude from our team to yours,
With gratitude,
Ms. G.

Reply to the classroom

On Aug 31, 2010, Ms. G. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.

Aug 30 DonorsChoose.org

Good news: Project fully funded!

Aug 30 Claire Giannini Fund

"The Claire Giannini Fund believes strongly in the importance of investing in the education, training, and welfare of children and wants to recognize and reward teachers and students in California for their imagination and drive in the pursuit of learning. Learn, so you may serve; serve, so you may flourish!"

Apr 12 Ryan G an associate at donorschoose.org

Verified the cost of the requested resources and posted this project.

Apr 11 Theresa H a volunteer at donorschoose.org

Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.

Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.

Apr 9, 2010Ms. G. - Teacher

Project Details

Materials	Vendor	Price	#	Total
LA164 - Firefighter School Trike (3-6 years)	Lakeshore Learning	$199.00	1	$199.00
LA157 - Easy-Ride Taxi-Trike (3-7 years)	Lakeshore Learning	$299.00	1	$299.00
LA169 - Police Officer School Trike (3-6 years)	Lakeshore Learning	$199.00	1	$199.00

Vendor Shipping Charges				$0.00
State Sales Tax				$63.78
3rd Party Payment Processing Fee				$10.46
Fulfillment Labor & Materials				$35.00
Project Cost Excluding Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$806.24
Optional Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$120.47
Project Cost Including Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$926.71
Given				-$926.71
To Go				$0.00