My school is a true melting pot of cultures, economic statuses, homes, and families. This school is considered high poverty with over 60% of our students economically disadvantaged, and our school has now qualified for free lunch and breakfast for all our students.
We have over 10 different cultural backgrounds in our classroom with such diversity as Alaska Native, Samoan, Russian, and American Indian.
Recently, while studying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., my students answered the question "What do you think Dr. King would say about our classroom?"
One answered, "He would say that our class is his dream come true." This is exactly right. We are such a wonderful mix of people.
My Project
Our playground was set on fire this past summer just before school started. We will not be able to replace the equipment before next summer. My students need balls to play with at recess. They are having a great time learning football and basketball.
The boys and girls are out on the court and field playing together, but they are sharing one small basketball given to me by the Harlem Globetrotters.
We have three basketball hoops for the students to play basketball. We have a kickball backstop but no balls to play kickball. And we have a huge field which could have both a football and a soccer game going on at the same time.
The students need the release of playing, but, as they get older, they become too cool to just play at recess. They need some sports equipment that they can play with.
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
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