My students do not have out of school experiences when it comes to technology. Most do not have computers, internet, or hand held learning devices at home. We need to keep school materials in great condition so they are operational for years to come!
We have one of the highest transient rates in our district at forty percent.
Combating a rough neighborhood where kids are not the priority, our school ensures a safe, highly intense learning environment. Many students love to stay after school to assist teachers with cleaning up or preparing for the next day because they know here they are loved and appreciated.
These kids do not have dressers to keep their clothes in, but laundry baskets in the bottom of a closet. Technology is not existent in their homes, aside from the occasional gaming system. Our kids are behind in the curve of technology.
These children know disappointment and heartache in ways the staff cannot begin to imagine. Yet, as deprived as they may be, these children are resilient, loving and hard workers. They meet our high expectations daily, often surprising themselves with their own accomplishments.
My Project
My principal purchased a set of 20 iPod Touches after hearing how other schools use them to improve reading and writing. The idea is to provide a way for kids to record each other to evaluate writing and work on fluency of reading. Successful in a middle school setting, we knew the possibilities would be endless in our school. Now that we have the equipment, we HAVE to protect it. Otterbox has the best case for protecting our investment. The funds used to purchase the iPods were a one time grant so we have to protect them for years to come.
If this was a set being used only by older kids, the cases may not be as important. In the hands of Kindergarteners through fifth graders, these will be THE learning tool for our schools reading, writing and math interventions. As an example, kids will be able to record and play back their own writing that will improve fluency. Emerging writers can dictate their ideas. They will have tools others have been using for years.
When you purchase the cases for iPods, we will be able to use them for years to come.
Without the cases, the set of 20 will not last. Instead of limiting the iPods to older students, we want all classes to share and use them. Technology is an integral part of everyday life and it is our job to prepare these students for a very real future. These iPods will assist teachers at my school in all content areas and better prepare our students with the technology that many people use daily.
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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 Mrs. Massey and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.