My singers come from diverse backgrounds and attend a large urban high school of more than 3,800 students. More than 60 percent of our students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Approximately 30% of our school are English language learners (ESL), including a large refugee population.
Approximately 25% of my students have special needs with an individual instruction plan. Many students are not able to pay choir fees or provide their own supplies due to finances. As teachers, we strive to provide almost everything that the choir students will need for performances, so that all 425 singers can participate with pride.
Many of the students have language barriers, making it hard to communicate with parents regarding costume needs. Although we have great parent support, it is not possible for parents to pay or donate all the funds needed to train and equip a choral program with more than 425 singers.
Our choirs provide a community and global connection for students. My students are very proud of their performances and want to look and sound their best on stage.
My Project
My singers perform at many sporting events for our school and community as well as outdoor festivals and fairs. Because we start school the end of July, it is often very hot. Students do not have proper hydration or attire to sit or stand outside for long periods of time when they perform. Additionally it wastes funds and adds to trash and landfills when I purchase a case of one-time use water bottles for the group. This grant will provide a choir set of 24 oz water bottles that are safe and high quality that students can label with their name. I will also purchase a class set of comfortable red cotton t-shirts that we an have at school and wash after our events and use for many events. We won't have students getting over-heated by wearing sweatshirts or sweaters to sing at outdoor events during hot, humid weather.
Not only will my singers be comfortable and hydrated, but they will also be conserving and preserving our precious resources of our environment as well as saving our limited choir funds.
We will also save their parents time and money as water will be free and the shirt will be provided.
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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. C. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
