My school is a true melting pot of cultures, economic statuses, homes, and families. This school is considered high poverty, over 60% of our students are economically disadvantaged, and our school has now qualified for free lunch and breakfast for our students. We have over 10 different cultural backgrounds in our classroom with such diversity as Alaska Native, Samoan, Russian, and American Indian. Recently while studying Dr. M. L. King Jr., my students answered the question "What do you think Dr. King would say about our classroom?"
One answered, "He would say that our class is his dream come true." Which is exactly right.
We are such a wonderful mix of persons.
My Project
This next school year, we will have a push to focus more and more on English Language Arts and Mathematics. This will leave less and less time for science and social studies. Alaska is a rich environment with many types of life dependent on one another. Anchorage and our school is situated on a vibrant and living watershed.
Aquaponics teaches in a very hands-on visual manner the interdependence environments have.
The fish require the plants and the plants need the fish to survive.
An added benefit would be the ability for the students to grow their own food in the classroom. We live in Alaska where fresh vegetables can be a struggle to add to our diets as they can be very cost prohibitive. Growing our own greens and possibly other vegetables will be an exciting adventure, maybe having salads once a month grown from our own vegetables!
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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 Ms. Helgeson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
