I teach at a small continuation high school in the bay area. We are a diverse population packed onto a compact campus. The diversity is composed of socio-economic differences and ethnicities, gender, as well as exceptional adults with a variety of disabilities. Despite the many challenges facing our population, I am always surprised and impressed by the empathy that students exhibit toward one another, especially considering the crowded quarters.
Getting kids to show up to school and preparing them for life after school is part of our mission.
Most of our kids will not attend four year colleges and need to develop transition plans for after graduating high school. Exposing them to career options, modeling important soft skills and developing those skills needed in the workplace are goals we are working on. Many of our students are spirited, hands-on learners, who have difficulty sitting still. They need guidance and instruction that keeps their attention, yet is framed in a way that encourages exploration, self-discipline and perseverance.
My Project
My class is an art/woodshop /maker space. The depth and breath of our projects is hampered by outdated equipment. A new bandsaw will enable us to build projects safely and with more control and variety. It will also enable us to split larger logs and consequently turn bigger more interesting bowls on the wood lathes. We will be able to make more elaborate and creative wood boxes as well as to re-saw thick basswood for customized wood carving blanks. I think the larger saw capacity will increase motivation and provide deeper challenges for students to wrestle with, as well as further ingrain the habits of attention, perseverance and patience.
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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 Mr. Falick and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.