My students need a water bottle for each of them so that they can hydrate after outside play times and therefore get right back to their work, refreshed and focused.
I teach in a very low income neighborhood. Something as simple as a water bottle is not something my students and their families have extra money to buy. Dismissing kids to the water fountain at the end of the long hall is way too disruptive to their learning and a loss or precious learning time.
I have a wonderfully diverse class of students, where 7 different languages are spoken.
They lack the basic school supplies many of us take for granted when preparing for the new year. Another generous donor has given each student a backpack with supplies. The neighborhood is what many would consider unsafe. It is full of drug dealings and drug use and other unsavory behavior. Our school is a sanctuary for these kids. Despite their many challenges, my students are hardworking and thoughtful kids. Their smile lights up any room. I try to provide for them a safe, friendly environment where they are able to be kids and learn to their potential. They deserve nothing less.
My Project
I know, it sounds so simple, a water bottle. That is what I would like to provide for each of my students. A water bottle. A water bottle that is free of dangerous DPA chemicals. A water bottle that is sturdy and will last all year. A water bottle that students can use to wet their whistle when they are thirsty and working. A water bottle that will allow them to simply drink from at their desk and continue working. Currently, my students return from recess and lunch and we have to walk and wait at the drinking fountain at the end of the hall. This is a task that takes 10 minutes of our precious learning time. That is 50 minutes over the course of a week. I can think of at least ten more meaningful activities that they can be engaged in that would deepen their understanding of math, language, science. Sometimes it is the simple things that make a big difference.
I hope that you will see how a water bottle will allow students to stay in class and learn more.
I hope you can see how a water bottle allows all students to feel safe and taken care of for the 6 hours they are in my class, their basic needs being met, so that we can get to their academic needs. My class of all English Language Learners have much to learn in their academics, in addition to learning English. They cannot afford to waste any time on something as simple as getting a drink of water.
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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 Ms. Huizar and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.