I am the library-media specialist at a rural, racially diverse middle school. Students here come from a range of economic backgrounds, with over half of our students qualifying for free or reduced lunches.
Our student population is divided nearly evenly between African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics.
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program serves a little less than 10% of the students and we have additional supports for students from migrant families.
Our students are accepting and supportive of one another. They are also generous, always willing to help each other and the greater community in any way they can.
My Project
Our Library-Media Center space is currently quite drab. Off-white cinder block walls and basic, dark, wood grain furniture make up the main color scheme. Even the signs labeling the various sections of the Media Center are plain-black and white banners on a construction-paper-blue background. It's no wonder so many of our students aren't drawn to the library or reading!
With your help, though, our Spring 2018 art classes will be taking the first step in giving our Media Center new life!
During their art classes with Mrs. Gallagher, the students are going to be using these art supplies to replace the old, boring signs with new ones incorporating color, shape, and creativity.
This will be a multi-stage project. They will first plan out the design of their new signs in pencil sketches on the cardstock. Then, acting as their "customer," I will meet with the classes to give them feedback on their design plans. In the last stage of the project, they will be using the utility knives, (under careful direction/supervision, of course!) tape, and paint, along with recycled cardboard, to turn their finalized plans into reality!
This project, possible only through your donations allowing us to get the needed supplies, will have a two-fold benefit for our students:
1. The art students will have an authentic experience of the process of creating a "commissioned" piece of art for a customer and a real audience for their finished project. They will also get an increased feeling of ownership of the Library-Media Center.
2. After the project is completed, our entire school will get to enjoy the more interesting and welcoming space.
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 Ms. McFate and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
