The cost of books for classroom libraries is $1318, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
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.
Students attending this inner city, 99 percent African American Chicago public high school have heard and read that the school is experiencing an influx of new students. One element of the school that has yet to realize an \"influx\" is the classroom library.
Let me explain. Chicago Public Schools is closing down some neighboring schools and 300-400 new students will call Harlan Community Academy High School (HCAHS) home. Many of these students--and current HCAHS students--are reluctant readers. The standardized test scores (ACT, etc.) prove this point. Finally, this school is considered a \"probationary\" school due to its low English, reading and math scores on statewide tests.
Furthermore, the city of Chicago is blessed with some of the very finest libraries in the nation, but this school in particular has \"antiques,\" to put it nicely. This proposal will bring the novels, collection of short stories and much more to the students in the classroom.
Chicago Public Schools has a mandate that requires teachers to make classroom libraries available for students, but the mandate comes with no financial backing. Teachers in this building buy their own resources including pencils, pens, paper and posters. Funding for this proposal will free up teachers to purchase necessary materials for students with little or no money.
Students will benefit by improving reading skills, understanding the various genres available in literature and excited about reading. When a book is within reach, a student is more likely to pick it up and enjoy the journey.
These book sets will be divided and placed in the 10+ classrooms around the building that are used for grades 7-12. While students in the fall will benefit from having crisp, new books that will crack at the spine when they open the books for the first time, students for years will benefit from having exciting novels within arms\' reach.
As well, the school is instituting a silent reading time on Fridays, but reading material is old, outdated or nonexistent in many of the rooms. Students will be introduced to the love of reading right in their English classroom. Over 1,350 students will benefit directly from your assistance.
This proposal is borne out of one experience I had recently. A student--nonreader, special education, etc., etc.--found a book on my shelf about the monarchies of England. Since then, he has been inspired to read about kings, queens, history and beyond.
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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 Mr. Z. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.