When people ask me what grade I teach, and I say 7th, the response is, "oh my god, that's the worst!" That couldn't be further from the truth. My students are the reason I love my job. Their boisterous personalities light up my classroom with an energy that is unparalleled in any other grade level, and they challenge me to be the best version of myself. However, when it comes to academics a large proportion of my students are disengaged.
In my own classroom, 18% of my students are not passing.
Out of 109 students, 10 have a D and 10 have an F. Additionally, 13.8% are in danger of dropping from a C to a D. As of December 12th, 17.6% of students have been absent 5 or more times, with 12.1% absent 8 to 12 times. 28.9% of students are missing 6-12 out of the 17 assignments.
Rippowam has more than 700 students enrolled and is Stamford’s largest middle school. The school community at Rippowam is a reflection of Stamford’s diverse population both ethnically and socio-economically. A predominant percentage of students come from low – mid income families as 60% of the student population is on free/reduced lunch.
My Project
The idea behind this project is to create a classroom environment that is inviting, comfortable, and inspires student collaboration and discourse in order to build positive relationships.
Imagine walking into a class and all of the small, uncomfortable, isolated desks you've grown so used to in school are nowhere to be seen.
Imagine the pure shock and disbelief to be standing within a classroom that feels as comfortable as your living room, that is assuming you are a student fortunate to have a comfortable living room at home. Imagine being able to move freely around the room and choose where you think you will be able to work best. Is it at the couch with a clip board? A stand up desk? What about a clover table with a group? Perhaps, it is at the kidney desk with the teacher so you can get a little extra help.
We want school to mimic the real world, it's purpose, in fact, is to prepare conscientious and able citizens that will participate in society. Why then are classrooms not modeled after the most elite company offices? Look at progressive and highly competitive companies such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. Their offices are inviting and their employees are happy to be there. The idea behind it is flexible seating, they don't have confining cubicles.
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. M. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.