When faced with a challenge we look for resources. I teach my students that their resource is a figurative toolbox and together we will put the tools in that they need to succeed in school and in life. However, most of my students come to school without the basic tools to start the school year.
I don't yet have a picture to post because the school year hasn't yet started, but the students in my school population remains the same.
I teach in a 5th grade 12:1:1 self contained special education classroom for emotionally disturbed students. My entire school is a self contained special education school. I work with some of the most difficult students in my city's school system. Eleven out of 12 of my students are boys. The majority of our students are eligible for free lunch. They come from some pretty tough circumstances but have the most amazing hearts and such a desire to succeed. Some may say my students are disadvantaged, but with a caring teacher like myself, my school community and donors like you these children cannot fail.
My Project
Starting the school year without supplies already put my students at a disadvantage when the school year hasn't even begun. Just having the basic supply of a notebook gives students a much needed sense of confidence. Its like a fresh new start. In the past I supplied the notebooks myself but recently Staples has changed their teacher discount policy making it difficult for me to purchase the notebooks on my own. The best thank you is the smile on the face of a student when you hand them something as simple as a fresh notebook. It lets them know someone cares.
It's pretty amazing how something as simple as a notebook can have such a huge impact the success of my students.
The first page of a notebook is like a fresh new start and September represents a new beginning with new possibilities for change.
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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 Mrs. Caputo and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.