This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I teach physical education at a high needs school that has 2 beautiful tennis courts. It is in an urban area in which 72% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Tennis is not readily available to many of my students.
Due to financial constraints, I currently do not have a budget to purchase needed supplies.
This fall I was able to secure a donated tennis net for school. As a first year teacher, I do not have a budget. I personally purchased tennis balls for my classes. I went to a second hand store and found 20-24 used tennis racquets.
The students will benefit through improved conditioning, fun, introduction to a new sport, and higher self-esteem.
My tennis unit is designed to introduce tennis basics in the fall and a more advanced instruction in the spring. My ultimate goal is to begin a competitive program in the summer and intramurals in the fall of 2009.
I anticipate having an accomplished tennis player seeking to volunteer this spring. Thus, the tennis program will be able to totally utilize the two courts if we have a second tennis net.
In order for my students to experience the sport of tennis and all the benefits it brings, I will need a net for the tennis court and a supply of tennis balls. It will make it possible for the students to develop the life-long, healthy skill of tennis. It will also build pride in their community, self-confidence, and an alternative to gangs and violence after school.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. VALENTINE and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.