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, 33% of my students are not passing.
Out of 125 students, 41 have a D or an F. 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
Since many of my students' families struggle to provide basic necessities such as food and clothing, back to school supply shopping is a stressful time of the year for them.
I would like to ensure that I have the basics in my classroom for students who cannot afford to purchase the two things we use the most in class, please help me close the achievement gap by donating for composition notebooks and a dry-erase markers.
I see this time and time again, a student will come to school on the first day and look around at their classmates with their shiny new supplies while they sit with nothing.
With this project I can elevate this stress for families. I already have a supply of hundreds of pencils, pens, folders, and highlighters from previous projects. These two things are the only ones I am lacking in my classroom's school supply closet. I never want a student's socio-economic status to impact their ability to achieve their best in my classroom.
Lastly, I would also like to fund-raise for a standing desk for myself. I find it very hard to interact with students while constantly have to go to my desk, sit down, use the computer to update a grade or start a lesson, and so on. A standing desk will allow me to constantly be moving throughout my classroom fluidly. I will be able to complete administrative tasks necessary during my day quickly and then be able to walk quickly back to instruction or the projects we are working on. I am not a sit-down teacher, I am constantly on my feet conferencing with different students and moving throughout the room. This will help me immensely do what I love without hiding behind the screen of my computer.
Mead Composition Book Wide Ruled, 100 sheets, COLOR MAY VARY, 6 Pack
• Amazon Business
$15.32
10
$153.20
GreenForest Standing Desk Height Adjustable Sit to Stand Computer Desk with Gas Spring Riser Converter, No Assembly Needed, Black
• Amazon Business
$61.89
1
$61.89
40 Pack of Dry Erase Markers (ALL BLACK) - Thick Barrel Design - Perfect Pens For Writing on Whiteboards, Dry-Erase Boards, Mirrors, Windows, All White Board Surfaces
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
Materials cost
$227.08
Vendor shipping charges
$15.99
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.41
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$276.48
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$48.79
Total project goal
$325.27
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$325.27
3 Donors
-$325.27
Donations toward project cost
-$276.48
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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.