I am a fourth-grade teacher at a Title I school in Virginia. We are a Pre-K through 8th-grade building. Nearly 900 students call our school their "home." This year instead of switching classes, I have the pleasure of having one class of 24 students all day. This is a true pleasure as I really get to know the students better the more time I spend with them. Of the 24, there are students receiving special education services, English language learners, French students, and gifted learners.
For many of our students, school is more than just a place to learn, but a source of consistency and love.
Some of our students have been through more in their young lives than most adults. Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world. Many of our families are part of the military, which means that many of our students have to deal with one, or even both of their parents, being on deployment for long periods of time.
My hope is to provide the students with a safe and fun place to learn!
My Project
I am currently teaching 100% virtually to classroom full of amazing 4th graders! We don't know when we will return and my district provided laptop is on its last leg. I am extremely limited to what I can do with this laptop. I can not show any videos, PowerPoints, shorts movies, etc. I cannot share my screen in any way. If I do, it will shut down my Zoom.
Computers are the lifeline between teachers, students and parents during virtual teaching and the HP Laptop in this project will allow me to have a reliable device to hold our daily Zoom meetings and give my kiddos and their families the year of education they deserve.
My students excel when they are shown exemplary work and examples of what is expected. They also benefit when work is completed alongside with them. As we enter an even longer period of online learning, many of my families are stressed and worried about how to help their child succeed. I would like to lesson their anxiety and mine. The technology will allow me to teach my students virtually as I would in the classroom. I will be able to write on virtual worksheets and graphic organizers so that the students understand the work better. I can record reading stories aloud and I can record math activities, teaching the students how to read a clock, or count money. I can show them experiments on how to make clouds, or teach the layers of the Earth, using clay. Learning with technology is exciting for my students, and it should be for their families too. Thank you for helping my kiddos have a better learning experience!
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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Withrow and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.