The students in my school are very diverse. I have students who have grown up all over the country, and I have other students who have never left our state. Students speak multiple languages at home, and some students are still learning English.
One thing all of my students have in common is that their high school diploma will open doors to the future—doors that may not have been available to their parents and grandparents.
One of the biggest hurdles for students is the fact that Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and a fourth year of math, are requirements for graduation.
Our students are kind citizens. Instead of a senior prank, our senior class participates in 'Prank it Forward,' where they pay it forward and raise money for a community member in need. Whether it's a fellow classmate battling cancer, an elementary school student with an undiagnosed medical ailment, or a family who has experienced a tragedy, our students believe in kindness and inclusion. These are the role models that my freshmen look up to, and as they get their turn as seniors, those are the shoes they have to fill.
My Project
As students enter Algebra 1 in high school, the abstract concepts we study often present quite a challenge for our students. One of the ways I help to engage my students while also strengthening their study skills is to use interactive notebooks in the classroom.
Colored copy paper helps my students, especially those who struggle with math and/or organization, to refer back to their notes and to keep them on track.
Too often students are overwhelmed when looking back at their notes, and when I can refer them back to a specific graphic organizer/colored piece of paper, it helps to guide their thinking and helps them to use their notes more effectively.
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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. Furman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
