Our new middle school serves approximately 600 amazing students in grades 6-8. The students joined us from two existing middle schools in our district. The transition has been particularly challenging for the students who aren't convinced of their abilities to pursue their dreams. Many deal with challenging family and socioeconomic situations, others are missing academic elements which often seem insurmountable. A single factor can be devastating to a student's confidence, but many students face a combination of them.
I set high expectations for my students and believe, that with determination and support, they can become successful college students; they simply might not know it yet.
My Project
I understand that learning is the key to opening many doors for my students. My students are capable of pursuing college, but many don't envision themselves as our community's future academic leaders-yet. Many would be the first in their families to pursue post-secondary education. I am passionate about helping them see the career and life opportunities they can pursue with a college degree. I firmly believe that visually displaying college pennants and string backpacks throughout the school will remind students that I believe their potential is limitless.
The college pennants will spawn conversations about what to consider in prospective institutions of higher learning.
Throughout the building, university string backpacks will dangle from the ceiling and appeal to our middle school students' sense of style. More importantly, they will enable our tweens to imagine themselves proudly strutting across campus with Latin, Calculus, and Microbiology textbooks strapped to their backs.
When the time comes for students to decide what they will do after they graduate, they will have the images of colleges and universities across the country etched in their memories. Undoubtedly, this will contribute to their belief in themselves.
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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. King and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.