My students are an eager group of eighth graders that are hungry for knowledge. They are inquisitive and do not blindly accept what someone says to them. They want proof and they want the answers to make sense.
Although they come from varying backgrounds; culturally and ethnically, they share the commonalities of poverty, illiteracy and alliteracy.
All of the students qualify for free lunch and the food that is provided may be the only balanced meal they have of the day.
Unfortunately, the experience of poverty correlates to low level literacy, which is no fault of their own. On average, the eighth grade class is reading on a fourth grade level. However; if given the tools to succeed, hard work and effort; there is a great opportunity to change their literacy and lives.
My Project
Self-esteem and self-efficacy are very important to the worth of a student. When a student feels good about his appearance and hygiene, he feels good. Good feelings about self worth relate to higher self-esteem, which often result in better behavior in school. These good feelings release endorphins that will ultimately help the student academically and socially. Unfortunately, most of the students in my classes live below the poverty line and can't afford the essentials for proper hygiene. They know that they may be the target of ridicule, therefore they try to act out in order to throw other students off. We are asking for deodorant, mouthwash, toothpaste, cleansing wipes and other hygiene basics to keep in the class for student use.
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. Johnson-Miller and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
