This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
My students’ reading level does not reflect their intelligence. For a variety of reasons, many of my 6th and 7th grade students come to me reading at a grade school level. Whether it is an unstable home environment, their first year speaking English, poverty, or a high-risk lifestyle, these students have not had the education they deserve. With a high immigrant population, many students are thrust into grade level material speaking little to no English. 83% of our students qualify for a free or reduced lunch program, which is a good indicator the socio-economic problems that plague our community.
For my students, school is a refuge, a safe place where they are protected, loved, and appreciated.
However, when they begin their classwork it is also a place filled with anxiety and self-doubt. No matter how naturally gifted and driven these students are, 70% are functioning below grade level which is a constant discouragement. My students are so much more than their reading level and they deserve every chance to overcome their obstacles and succeed in life.
My Project
I will never forget the look on my students' faces when they received the books from our last DonorsChoose project. They could not believe that total strangers cared so much about their education. By the end of the day, all but 4 of the books had been checked out and our bookshelf was bare again. Sadly, I have realized I still cannot meet the demand for books in my classroom. My students have even resorted to playing rock, paper, scissors when deciding who gets to read a book next.
For my students, books are both an educational tool and a much-needed escape.
Research has shown that reading for pleasure is one of the most beneficial activities a student can partake in. However, my students can't do this unless they have books they are actually interested in. A small thing like a new book means the world to them. By donating to this project you are showing my students that their education and success matters.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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. Glomstead and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
