My students need pencils to mark notes and a quick way to sharpen them; 60 thumb rests to prevent cramping; and music posters to provide easy reference and room decor.
"My pencil broke, may I sharpen it?" Sorry, I left my sharper in the other building. "I can't remember these notes, where's the poster?" Sorry, I forgot to bring it back to this building.
Teaching in two buildings separated by a few blocks always presents a few challenges of not enough stuff.
My students are bright and charming students ranging from advanced placement curriculum students to students with learning disabilities.
Since music is a team activity, they must work together as one regardless of backgrounds or grade level in order to succeed. They are a diverse group of city kids. They come from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, China, Puerto Rico, and Vietnam. They are all funny, sweet, generous, and engaging.
My Project
Having a school that is split into two buildings that are several blocks apart poses just a few challenges. The posters we have a severely worn and have holes from all the putting on the wall, taking off the wall, and walking with them through the harsh weather outside. The current posters move at least every week, but sometimes they are transported daily and were in poor condition when I started. The posters will help students identify notes and instruments, which will make learning new songs and music concepts easier.
The pencils and pencil sharpers will help us learn notes and mark any corrections needed. Students tend to go through pencils quickly or 'accidentally' leave with one only for it to never be returned. The electric pencil sharpers will ensure that every student has a sharpened pencil.
Finally, the clarinet thumb rests will help our clarinetists play with a little more comfort. Right now, we use bandaids to help relieve the thumb mark left from the instrument.
This project will make sure that all students have a pencil and an easy way to sharpen them.
The posters will help enhance classroom learning by having a set in both buildings. Thumb rests will help students play longer and more comfortably. I want them to know that learning matters and they have an important job to do. Music is important as it helps forge friendships, utilizes teamwork, and helps with academic, behavior, and social success. This project will help them reach for the stars!
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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 Mr. Babecka and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.