In the fall of 2000, I entered my classroom full of high hopes for my new teaching career. I was lucky enough to inherit some basic supplies to help get me started... but now, thirteen years later, while my hopes are just as high, many of these materials are broken or completely worn out.
My students are an extremely diverse group, in terms of ethnic background, socioeconomic status, native language, and special education needs.
They all come together at our small public elementary school in New York. I'll be starting with a brand-new group of 3rd graders this fall, and will stay with them for all academic subjects for two years. My new class will have a high proportion of special-needs kids who struggle with reading, writing, and math, as well as social and behavioral issues.
My Project
When kids enter a new classroom--especially one where they'll spend not one, but two crucial years of elementary school--they deserve a clean, well-organized space that is designed to encourage and enhance their learning. Right now, in spite of my and my past students' best efforts to maintain such an environment, the inevitable wear and tear caused by hundreds of children over the years has led to a rather dreary set of worn-out supplies. New book bins, caddies, math materials, and bean bag chairs will create an inviting habitat for academic and social learning. The kids will see that they are respected, that they are worthy of well-made and child-friendly materials.
I can't wait to welcome my new class in September with new materials that they will use throughout their two years with me.
These supplies will revitalize a wilting classroom and energize our work together every day.
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. Sicherman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
