My students are inquisitive, motivated, and excited about learning. They work hard and are dedicated to their education and their teachers.
They are members of a Title I school in Maine with over 30% of them being from refugee Somali families.
We have English Language Learners that range in status from Newcomer to Level 3, fully integrated into the general education classroom. Because of their low socioeconomic statuses, all students receive free lunch and fresh fruit and vegetable snacks while some bring home bags of food for their families on the weekend.
In order to bridge the gap, our school has employed multiple guidance counselors and social workers to meet the needs of our students. We have also implemented an Extended Day and Extended School Year Program where students have access to further learning with regard to social/emotional needs as well as enrichment and STEM activities. Teachers with no classroom budget spend money out of pocket to provide students with essentials like winter coats, hats, mittens, and school supplies that their families can't afford. In our school we definitely live by the motto "It takes a village" to raise our children.
My Project
Due to financial resources our class has to scrimp and save for not so stellar book storage solutions. Our bins are too small and oddly shaped and often bend or rip our books to a point where they can't be repaired.
Students try storing books in the class bins but often have a hard time fitting them and end up just leaving them in various spots around the room.
I have purchased as many book bins as I can find with my own money but resources are limited and books are often displayed in ways that students can't easily find them. Please help us to store our books safely and in ways that make them easy to access with these new book baskets!
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. Derouche and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
