Do you remember your middle school library? Was it an inviting, fun, relaxing environment? Or was it too quiet and uncomfortable with a crabby librarian yelling all of the time? My students want the fun, relaxing, welcoming version, and I'd like to do everything in my power to give it to them.
I absolutely love our population of students.
I am incredibly fortunate to have the most diverse 1100 students in the entire district. We not only represent many different nationalities and socio-economic statuses, including ELL, but we also house the district's Communicative Disorders Program, which includes children with such challenges as Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and those with incredibly low IQs.
Our school community is very tight. The students and teachers have an incredible amount of school spirit - our administrators are very good leaders and foster a positive attitude throughout the school.
My Project
I took over the school library at the beginning of this year. When I did, I purchased a couch and loveseat on Craigslist. That couch and loveseat have become the most popular spot in the school, and students constantly mention how grateful they are for them. The problem is that there are 1100 students and five places to sit.
From the beginning of the day until the final bell, there is no room on the couches. Ten bean bag chairs would give more students the opportunity to find a quiet place to sit, relax, and read in a safe and welcoming environment. The bean bag chairs could be moved to anywhere in the library so that students could make a space for themselves anywhere.
My students understand that the library is a place where anyone is welcome - we do not tolerate anything that would stand in the way of that message.
Over the course of the year, I have noticed that those students who are considered "problem" students especially appreciate our open and inviting atmosphere. We are just a very small library, and seating is sparse. I'd really like to be able to seat more students without sending them to the floor.
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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 Mrs. Weber and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.