My students need unique art materials like clay, clay tools, tagboard and oil pastels to inspire them to create change within themselves and their community.
In a typical week, 16 classes of 20-33 students filter through my classroom. We need supplies to inspire each and every one.
My students are fighters.
They have the odds pitted against them and they continue to fight to succeed. They dream big! Their dreams vary from becoming a teacher or veterinarian to rapper, NBA superstar, or fashion mogul. However, they also are realistic. Most of my students know that the chance of a college education is not stacked in their favor. Most students strive just to finish 8th grade and move on to high school. My school is full of promising young people waiting for a chance and the opportunity to bloom.
My Project
Last year, 7th grade had the opportunity to work with some artists from the Mosaic Society of Philadelphia on a mural that was then donated to our school. This experience allowed many of the students to see art used in a real-world way. I want to replicate that experience for all other grades. The nature of these unique materials will open up a world of possibilities for my students. They will be able to build, create, and express themselves in ways they have not been able to before. The clay, clay tools, tagboard and oil pastels will be essential for the younger students to help them in developing their fine motor skills. It will lend itself to collaborative projects in the upper grades. It will also provide an interesting sensory experience for the emotional support classes. Students of all grade levels will be able to explore the world of 3-D art and sculpture through the use of the clay and modeling wire.
Your donation will improve my classroom in countless ways.
Students will be engaged by these new materials. Many of my students have never worked with 3-D materials before, so a new world with new ways of expressions will be opened up to them. Reaching each student and showing them the opportunities that lay ahead of them is invaluable. With your donation and the use of these materials, we may be able to do just that.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. O'Grady and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.