One of the most important (and most intimidating) steps of high school is learning to become more independent. It is essential that students have the materials they need in order to work towards becoming independent, self-directed learners. In September, my ninth grade students will begin their high school experience at a large (2,000+ students) public school in New York. I teach ninth and tenth grade English classes at the school. Last year, many of my students spent more than one hour on the subway, bus, or both in order to get to school on time. 85% of the student population is eligible for free or reduced price lunches. Our school is struggling in the category of "student performance." My students are very aware of our school's graduation rate (nearly 35% of students graduate in four years).
While my students are aware of the reality of those statistics, they are also aware that they are capable of graduating in four years. It is that goal that I hope to help make a reality for my students. Since all of my students' commutes involves walking long distances or squeezing onto crowded subway cars and buses, it is understandable that they are not eager to load their book bags with heavy materials. Individual student binders, used inside the classroom, have become my solution to this dilemma. Unfortunately, the binders I usually purchase for the students do not withstand a year's worth of daily use.
I am asking for 100 durable plastic binders to keep inside the classroom for each of my students. Students would use the binders daily and organize them according to units of study: class novels, vocabulary, grammar, writing assignments. As needed, the students will take home individual sheets of paper. When they return to class they will be able to add their work to the appropriate section (divided by Post-It Index Dividers). This system not only promotes independence, organization, and responsibility, but also makes the structures and routines of class more manageable.
With your help, my students will have a durable binder to keep their work for the entire year. These binders will send the message that my students' work is valuable and worth keeping neat and organized. Ninth grade is an important first year to establish good habits. Please help make this a reality for my students.
More than three‑quarters 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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