As you walk through the hallways at our amazing elementary school, you'll be met with smiles and enthusiasm. Our hallways are decorated with student made projects and work. The students are excited to come to school because we are a part of their family and they enjoy their time here. Our families work with our school community to make the children's time here magical.
I work in a Title 1 school where resources are limited but creativity is limitless.
The community is diverse with students from all walks of life. We have a large immigrant population with many students from Latin America. Our community works together to create welcoming and memorable days for our students using what is available to us.
My students are actually disappointed when the bell rings for dismissal and ask to stay after school and come in early for tutoring. They get excited to work on projects and guide a lot of what I do in my class by being vocal with their suggestions. My wish is to have more resources to continue to instill that sense of ownership over their education and keep that excitement alive.
My Project
Every month, a newsletter is sent out with all the happenings at our school. Pictures are black and white and all the information is targeted to our parents and written by adults. We want to change that!
Our fifth graders want to create a school newspaper for kids by kids!
Academic writing is a big focus in 5th grade and by the end of the year, we are writing developed essays about all kinds of topics. However, the topics are on set prompts with set goals they must reach. Sometimes the prompts do not interest the children and it's like pulling teeth to get them through an assignment. A school newspaper would be a great way to get the students excited to write and at the same time, practice the writing skills being taught in class.
If the project gets funded, the technology included will help the kids really own their work. I would like to coach them through the entire process, from brainstorming ideas, to electing an editor to look over articles and pictures, to publishing and delivering the latest issue to their peers without relying on limited school resources to do so. The materials requested will last over 10 monthly issues (more than one school year!) and will reach over 500 students and their families! Please help us increase school spirit, student engagement, and the love of reading and writing by funding our project!
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 Mrs. Matos and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
