To see the look on the faces of my students when they flip a pancake or eat a grilled cheese sandwich they just made is priceless. The sense of pride and accomplishment is overwhelming. My students need to know they can do things and be independent in their lives.
I work in District 75 school for the NYC DOE.
D75 schools are for students who are severely disabled, either physically or intellectually. It is a high school/ occupational training center which is solely geared toward post-graduation (21 years old). All of my students are classified as having autism, some more severe than others. But I see potential in every one of them. They have their own personalities and idiosyncrasies as any other human being. I do my best to bring out the best in each one.
My Project
This project, and requested materials, is a continuation of 2 earlier fully funded projects, "Now You're Cooking With Fire: Or Not"-1 and 2. The materials received from those projects, funded in half by FEED USA and half by other generous donors,has led me to ask for more appliances to enhance the cooking curriculum I will continue for the entire school year. As with my earlier projects,these tools and the skills learned to use them, will create a great foundation in their goal towards independence.
As of today, my class, along with another special needs class, prepare meals at least 3 days a week. As part of a "Charitable Causes" theme in place at the school, we make sandwiches, cookies and muffins for a local homeless shelter. These students not only feel the accomplishment of making these foods but pride and gratification as they give the items to people in need. I am asking FEED USA, as well as ABC Family, to help fund the latest addition to our cause-Help yourself and help others.
My initial project, which was founded on the idea of cooking for independence, has blossomed into giving back to the community while learning and reinforcing basic self help skills.
I again ask FEED USA and ABC Family to help me keep this idea moving forward by giving my students other means of gaining knowledge and skills to take care of themselves.
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. Levy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
