I teach/coach at a low income school, with 90% free and reduced lunch. Last year was the first year I coached the cheer team.
They are a bunch of self-motivated and hard working girls.
We competed in 3 different competitions last year. In the first competition we placed 4th out of 4. With hard work and determination, these girls ended their season winning first place at our last competition. This was the first time in 10 years that this school had take home a first place in cheerleading.
Even though the girls are dedicated and talented, without proper equipment, it is unsafe for the girls to perform and practice their routine. The mats that we currently have are old, small and slide when the girls are tumbling. Our parents can not afford to have the girls attend a real gymnastic gym. In order to perform our routine full out we have to rent a close by gym for each practice.
My Project
Most families in this low-income school/community can not afford to take gymnastic classes. I can offer my time and experiences, but I can't safely spot train the girls/boys in gymnastic/cheer skills without mats.
Having mats and equipment will allow them to practice new skills safely.
Belonging on a team helps motivate and build confident for the students who are struggling in school. It also teaches the students responsibility, teamwork, and dedication.
Having this opportunity is a huge deal for a lot of these girls, since their parents will not be able to afford outside leagues and private dance/gymnastic classes. Being able to start early at the elementary level, it will give them chance to tryout later in the upper grades where they'll have to compete with kids who are well off.
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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. Nakata and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.