My students need these survival tools to prepare them for their learning adventures: pencil; papers; erasers; markers; tape; and wheasel for small group instruction.
I teach in Englewood, an impoverished area in the inner city of Chicago, Illinois. Many of our parents are not working and receive assistance from the government. It is a hardship for parents to equip their children with the essential school supplies and an adequate amount of uniform clothing.
Our school is not only located in an economically challenged area, but also a gang and drug infested area.
There have been many incidences when our school has been on "lock down" due to gang wars involving shootings and fights on the school's campus. But despite this all, our students have a high attendance rate and have been achieving their local and state goals, particularly in the area of math.
With the efforts of Donor Choose Sponsors and community stakeholders, I can provide students with essential supplies that will aid in their daily task. I have witnessed for the past three years how students are less concern with whether or not they will be penalized for not being prepared for their classes, and are more concerned with meeting the expectations of their teachers!
My Project
Before closing out the school year, I have students to reflect upon what practices attributed to their success. Many students stated the use of their Interactive Notebooks. These notebooks are self developed reference books that require students to cut, measure, highlight, shade, write (sometimes correct mistakes), and color. Because this is a daily practice, I must ensure that instructional time is not wasted reprimanding students for not coming to my classroom without their pencils, erasers, rulers and highlighters, etc. By having these supplies at their disposal, I create an environment where learners are not reminded of their economical hardships and do not have to feel self conscious about not having their supplies. They can continue focusing on learning science, mathematical concepts, and working cooperatively in their groups.
Students who aren't given the necessary school supplies can become frustrated and have a difficult time in class.
Readily available school supplies let students and teachers focus on what's really important: learning.
By donating to this project not only are you equipping students with essentials tools needed to achieve their daily task, but you are also teaching them an invaluable lesson about generosity. "IT IS GOOD TO BE BLESSED. IT IS BETTER TO BE A BLESSING".
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Sanks and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.