"We focus so much on our differences, and that is creating, I think, a lot of chaos, negativity and bullying in the world. I think if everybody focused on what we all have in common - which is - we all want to be happy." Ellen DeGeneres has hit the nail on its head.
My students live in a village in rural western Alaska.
Where they live can only be accessed by small planes when the weather is good. Many have tough lives, trying to live in a way that most people can only imagine. Some don't have running water or plumbing, most only have an outfit or two that they will wear until it falls off of them, and many have problems at home. For my students coming to school is like an escape.
My Project
Our desks have been written and carved on all over. Students are constantly pointing out the bad things to me. The problem is the desks are probably from the 70's. I have no way of determining what is new, and what was already there before I got here. These old desks are also very bulky and heavy, making them hard to move. When we try to move the desks they either break, or a nail comes loose and students cut themselves on the nails. I am always worried that a student is going to get hurt more seriously. Because we can't move the desks my middle school students have to do their yoga experiment around them, and this can be a challenge. (We are doing 5 minutes of yoga, then students journal about it. We are doing an ongoing science experiment to see if yoga really is calming and helps the students to focus better in class. So far it really seems to be doing just that.)
These new desks could help my students to be able to move more freely, and to help stop some of the bullying.
I know some students are very hurt by the words others have written, and this breaks my heart. I know this project is very expensive, so this project will be up as long as the Donors Choose website allows. Thanks for reading and donating to help my students have a new classroom and helping to make their learning environment a place where they feel like they belong.
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 Ms. Lucas and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.