"I currently teach mixed classes of mostly 10th-12th grade English in an alternative high school in Utah. My school serves a variety of students including young mothers (we provide daycare), students with special needs, students who are sent to us for issues such as excessive truancies, safe school violations, major credit deficiencies, drug and alcohol abuse, and more. Some students elect to come, too, because of our more individualized programs and flexibility. All students we serve are given a second chance and the opportunity to succeed in an arena in which many have failed in the past.
As a teacher who chooses to work with "alternative" students, I spend hours each week preparing lessons I feel will engage students and challenge them to reach new heights. However, even with all of my careful planning, success cannot occur if students lack the supplies needed to engage in learning. Some simply cannot afford supplies. Regardless of their situation, my goal is for them to learn.
My classes need basic school supplies to be used throughout the year, supplies that will erase all excuses for why students cannot work. We need the following: paper, pens, pencils, scissors, construction paper, and post-its to name the basics. The next time I hear students say, "I don't have paper or I don't have a pen," I will reply, "the paper is in the drawer and there are pencils on my desk. Now, let's keep moving forward!"
Your contribution--big or small--will be a huge contribution towards my students' present and future lives. School is all about moving forward and improving our lives; it should not be about standing still. Let's not allow the lack of basic supplies for some to stand in the way. Thank you so much.
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 Mrs. C. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.