This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
"The time is always right to do what's right" - Martin Luther King, Jr. My students see this quote when they sit down in my class every day. I am a first-year 7th grade math teacher. Unfortunately, my classroom is lacking many of the basic tools that are crucial for my students' success.
My students are amazing kids.
They are bright, passionate and ready to learn. Unfortunately, they do not have access to the same resources as students in many other parts of the country. This is my first year in the community here in Mississippi. Students hold a lot of pride in their hometown's rich cultural diversity -- we're Hot Tamale Capital, USA! My students love basketball, football, fishing and riding their bikes together in the summer. There are frequent shuffles to the administration and faculty at our school, so students are accustomed to change. This year, the middle school is becoming a Magnet School. Our student body is 99% black and 1% white, while the community at large is around 78% black and 20% white - clear evidence that de facto segregation still exists in our country.
My Project
The requested resources will equip our classroom with the necessary tools for success. School begins next week and the unfortunate reality is that my students will be walking into a somewhat empty classroom. My students will work together this year to achieve their goals and continue on a college-bound path, but not without the necessary tools. The most basic of resources are often the most important - paper, pencils and a stapler. These are the foundational tools for a 7th grade math class. I am also requesting several larger items: a volume kit where students can find the volume of real world objects, a capacity kit where students can measure and compare the the capacity of real world objects, and a large poster pad for students to work with shapes in small groups. These tools will go a long way.
Starting the year off with these tools means starting the year off right for my students.
Growing up in a low-income community can make students feel like no one on the outside cares. Your donation to this project gives them direct evidence that they ARE cared about. Starting the year off with these resources will directly affect their success this year and in the future. They will make learning possible. Thanks so much for your time and consideration!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Christensen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
