I teach at a Title 1 school where 100% of my students are on the free and reduced lunch program. Forty-eight percent of my students are English language learners and most come to the United States as refugees from their homeland.
Many of the children and their families have never experienced a formal education, using school supplies, or creating art.
My students do not have exposure at home to many of the enrichment materials and experiences more affluent children are provided.
My Project
Strong arts programs in the schools can improve motivation, concentration, confidence, teamwork and help close the gap between students in poverty and their more affluent peers.
Four years ago the Art, Music, Physical Education and Library program was cut from all elementary schools in the district.
Knowing that involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skills I was not willing to let these valuable programs be swept under the rug. The other first grade teachers and I devised a plan for each of us to specialize in one of these areas and we could rotate the children one day a week so that they could still receive quality education in the arts.
I chose to teach art. The first three years I worked with the supplies we had left in the building. However there is nothing left and no budget to replace supplies. Please consider donating to my cause and help my classroom purchase art supplies so we can color the future bright.
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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. Renny and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.