No Limit Learners

My Students

Do you know what it's like to be destined to become a product of a negative environment? My students are faced with so many challenges on a daily basis that education is like a "second thought." I would like for them to be exposed to as many positive role models as possible, through books.

My students live in a low income area with extremely high unemployment.

They are usually one, two, or sometimes three grades behind upon their arrival to third grade. Although the school they attend is only a few years old, the community itself is struggling to maintain its stability. There is little or no funding for anything. It is difficult for my students to obtain some of the most basic things they need for school, due to their financial situations. They have few if any opportunities to explore things outside of the community. Still, with all that they face, my students are motivated to push themselves to the limit. They work hard everyday and are learning to take responsibility for their education, with my help. My students deserve to achieve all of their goals in life, whatever they may be. They should not be limited by race, lack of opportunities, lack of resources, or money.

My Project

The items I requested are directly related to promoting a positive learning environment for my students. First, the pencil sharpener may seem insignificant to my classroom, but it is important. We use pencils all day, everyday. My students may purchase the mini hand held sharpeners that could last for a week at the most. Then it's a constant battle to maintain sharpened pencils for the rest of the school year. While I've previously purchased an electric pencil sharpener myself, I cannot afford to purchase a long term sharpener. Next, we struggle with multiplication facts. I believe if I can make learning the facts exciting, my students will embrace and master them. Finally, the books are priceless. Reading the biographies of others will encourage and motivate my students. My hope is for them to see what others before them overcame, and realize they can overcome their circumstances as well. I just want them to work on believing in themselves, and not worry about supplies.

Positive role models are essential to my students.

My students are surrounded by poverty, crime, drugs, and depression. School is like an escape. Books are a way to travel anywhere they want, or live any way they want through imagination. Sometimes, the only adventure they have is the one they read about. The impact is the realization that there is a whole world out there for them to explore. The goal is for them to learn without limits. Let's open their eyes to all that they're missing.