My students need four tablets and accessories to access electronic information and explore the world wide web as they prepare to meet the demands of a digital age.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
There's a theory that claims that there are six degrees of separation between each person on the planet; however, for the poor, homeless, and foster care children in our school the chasm between themselves and the outside world can sometimes seem insurmountable.
Many of my students live in tenements and government housing.
Others live in crowded foster homes and a few are homeless. Some students walk 10-15 blocks in the rain or burning South Florida sun; others take public or school transportation and leave their homes before daybreak to be in school on time. Neither adversity, nor distance, nor time stops them from striving for a better life for themselves. Almost 80% of our student population receives free or reduced lunch and 95% are minorities.
Our school is often the only place where students get a hot meal and are accepted despite their differences. Three years ago our high school was considered one of the lowest in our county; however, last year we received an above average grade, which means that our graduation rate improved, our state assessment scores went up, and daily student attendance increased. Our students are proud of their achievements in a way they never have before and, for many, this is a place where dreams do come true.
My Project
I have no computers in my class. Four tablets in my classroom would open the world to my students. I plan to create a reading and research corner where students will have online access to reference resources in order to work collaboratively to create and produce.
In three years, my students will be applying for college, technical schools, or jobs where they will be expected to be familiar with current technology. Having tablets will provide that experience and give them the self-confidence that could make all the difference. So often we think of teenagers as having unlimited access to social media and the Internet, but the sad fact is that in many communities digital access is limited or non-existent. Help me to provide a window to the world for my students. Help them bring their dreams of a better future a little closer to reality.
The world is really a very small place and sometimes the things that separate us may seem insignificant to an adult, but to a teenager those differences can create a tremendous gap and leave an ineradicable mark.
My students are motivated and eager to learn about their world and contribute to the future; let's make it happen for them.
More than half of 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 Ms. Sanchez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
