Our school has approximately 437 students, so we are an average-sized school. My class sizes this year range from 15 to 25 students per class. 89% of my students are Caucasian and the remaining 11% are Hispanic, Asian or African American. The majority of my kids are middle class. 30% of the school population receives free or reduced lunches.
I teach 7th and 8th grade, but tend to have more 7th graders.
They are growing and learning in a small community and tight knit school. I have a mix of high performers and low performers in all my classes. My students tend to perform better with project type assignments rather than traditional book work or worksheets. They are normally very excited to come to class and want to know what we are going to do that day. They are learning academic skills, technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners! I am committed to helping all my students prepare for bright futures after high school.
My Project
I teach FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) a Career Tech Program. A program that teaches students skills that will make them more employable in the future. Work industries are telling us that one of the main soft skills graduates are missing is TeamWork. A company’s success is rarely dependent on one person doing something all by him/herself. Students who can collaborate well with co-workers will strengthen the quality of their work.
Round tables provide a forum for open interaction, idea sharing and experience sharing.
There is no beginning, end, top, bottom or middle at a round table. Everyone is equal, which allows students to be comfortable, to express their opinions, share their experiences, and to be themselves. The tables will provide an avenue for my students to begin connecting with students at their table as a TEAM and begin acquiring the soft skills needed in the workforce.
In addition to using the tables for collaboration on team projects, the tables would also allow for students to learn hard skills, such as waiting tables. Students would be able to design and prepare tablescapes for their assigned table. Students could also prepare and serve a meal for family, friends or teachers. Round Tables would enhance and add many possibilities to my classroom activities.
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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. Beverly and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.