I teach an inclusion third grade class at a diverse, Title I school in southwest Florida. Sixty-five percent of our students receive free or reduced-price lunch. Our students come from numerous cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through a lot of hard work, our school continues to help our students succeed. In fact, we have been an "A" school for all but one year of our existence! My students come from a wide variety of family dynamics and diverse households as well. I have students who are faced with several challenges due to their disabilities both in and out of the classroom. These things may prevent them from getting ahead early in life and may not provide them with the life experiences many of us see as "typical".
Despite the many challenges these students face, I am looking to keep things simple and provide my students with creative and meaningful learning experiences.
From the minute they walk in the door of my classroom, I focus on their potential and growth while they are with me. Having snacks available for all students means less stress on them and more meaningful learning. I want to foster a happy, safe, classroom community of caring children.
My Project
Many students have their "main" meal of the day at school during lunch, because of our high rate of free and reduced lunch. Our lunchtime is late in the day and it's a lengthy morning for my students (some of whom do not eat breakfast, even though it is offered at school). I encourage my students to bring a nutritious snack each day, but many do not bring anything, or bring sugary snacks, such as doughnuts, to serve as their breakfast.
Growing minds require fuel!
For this project, I am requesting non-perishable snacks such as nuts, energy bars, fruit snacks, and just a couple student favorites. I want to provide my students with nutritious snacks so they have the energy needed to focus on completing their work each school day. By providing a variety of snacks for those students who do not bring one from home, ALL of my students will be able to enjoy a snack. I also hope that showing examples of healthy options will encourage those students who DO bring a snack from home to bring healthier items.
These snacks will be welcomed by my students who are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Irma. Families have been displaced and many parents have bigger concerns to worry about besides what their child might bring to school for a snack.
Thank you for helping my students have a healthy and energetic school day!
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