My students are your "everyday" middle school students.They look like everyone else, but they don't feel like it. They're in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, in a public school setting, in North Carolina. These students find it nearly impossible to learn in a regular classroom. They have academic and/or behavioral and/or social-emotional issues that keep them from learning. Their misbehavior is a direct result of their lack of knowledge and poor self-esteem. They've fallen farther and farther behind each school year. No one has been able to meet their needs as of yet. They're not "bad kids." They just need to be dealt with creatively.
That's one reason it's so important for them to play team sports.
They need to be able to be a part of a group that will instill in them a sense of respect and a healthy dose of self-esteem. They get this by playing team sports here at school. Through playing on a team, they earn respect and find value.
My Project
By having new soccer shorts, socks, balls and pinnies my students will be able to hold their heads high and finally be proud to play for their school. Because of the ongoing budget deficit in our school system and the non-existent athletic department budget, our girl's soccer team hasn't had new shorts, socks, balls, pinnies or anything else for that matter, in 5 years. That's a long time! To be able to run out on the field with (almost) a whole new uniform, excited and proud to be playing soccer for our school, will boost these young ladies self-confidence to another level.
Team sports are a great way to build self-esteem and self-respect.
These are 2 things of which my students need a "biggie sized" portion. They have great athletic ability and are very motivated to do well in order to be able to participate. However, we don't have up-to-date equipment for them to use. We need several things in order to help these young people succeed. Participating on our school soccer team will dramatically change the lives of my students. They need to be seen as leaders and winners - of which they are - but they have a hard time showing it in their classes. With a little help, these young people can learn life lessons that will carry them through the rest of their lives.
By donating to my project, you'll give my students a heightened sense of school pride, self-confidence and a desire to be a leader. They will be able to act like a leader both on and off the field. People will look up to them and listen to them because of their awesome abilities. Please help me help my students!
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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. Kirkland and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.