This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
When students first come to me in 7th grade, most of them have not ever swung a baseball bat or even know what hand they throw/catch with. Three years ago I started a pick-up baseball league at our school so that students would have something to do after school. I bought used equipment from a local play it again sports, and eventually we found some other school teams to scrimmage us.
Last year the demand of students wanting to play was so large that we had enough to field 2 full teams (all of us wouldn't fit in one dug out).
I would love to continue giving students this opportunity to do something after school giving less time for them to be on the streets of our rural community susceptible to gang culture.
The demand is so high that I can no longer provide enough equipment/uniforms myself, but I do want everyone who wants to play and is willing to show dedication, team work, and discipline to be able to be part of this team without having to share essential equipment.
My Project
Baseball provides our students with a safe after school outlet. Many of our students get involved with negative after school activities, sometimes purely because of lack of options.
Baseball provides our young student athletes with a place to go after school with focus on health, team work, and self-discipline.
We have had so much interest in the past two years that I can no longer afford all of the equipment out of pocket. My students need more gloves so that they do not need to share a practice, as well as a bat that is legal in high school competition.
I look forward to bringing this positive experience to many more students in the future. The team has already grown from about 6 boys playing catch to 2 full teams (JV and Varsity)!
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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. Henderson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
